Weekend scrimmage to serve as measuring stick for Pitt individually, as team

Though Pitt’s opening depth chart has yet to be released, it is actively in the making.

Friday marked the Panthers’ eighth fall camp practice, with a live scrimmage looming Saturday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side.

For coach Pat Narduzzi and his assistants, it will soon become time to start organizing players into starter and reserve categories by position group.

But what exactly entails separation in Narduzzi’s eyes? Does it simply come down to making the fewest mistakes?

Partially.

“It comes down to mistakes and, we like to say, doing things right,” Narduzzi said. “Hopefully there’s not many mistakes, but we know there’s going to be. There’s 11 guys out there and probably every play, there’s someone, two guys out of place. Sometimes it hurts you, sometimes it doesn’t.”

But playing mistake-free is only one element of the separation equation.

A player knowing the playbook and knowing his role also is weighed.

“It comes down to execution, doing the right thing, making sure you know where you’re supposed to be and fitting in place offensively and defensively,” Narduzzi said. “Whether it’s spacing in a pass route or just being in the right spot in a run fit.”

The final component he laid out had to do with splash plays.

“It comes down to making plays, too,” Narduzzi said. “If you’re that guy out on the field doing everything right but you never make a play — the elite guys make plays. Not just making a tackle, but getting the ball out. Sacks are great, but we like strips with them.

“Who’s making those big plays? Who’s catching the ball and flailing down and who’s catching the ball and running with it? It was a 10-yard pass, and you got 10 yards. How about doing something with that after? All those things. Everything’s taken into account.”

So far into camp, Narduzzi has been able to see his fair share of players making plays.

Wide receiver Blue Hicks, a transfer from Louisville, has been named often in that regard, with Narduzzi relating an 80-yard touchdown Hicks reeled in earlier during camp.

Or safety Cruce Brookins, who sported multiple takeaway stickers on his helmet after only a handful of practices.

Heading into Saturday’s scrimmage, Narduzzi’s excitement to see his team in action is matched by players’ desire to showcase what they can do and get one step closer to the season opener Aug. 30 vs. Duquesne.

Not to mention, the offense vs. defense competitive element is brewing strong.

“We’re coming to attack the ball,” linebacker Braylan Lovelace said. “That’s been our thing the whole offseason, is attacking the ball, finishing with the ball in our hands. Hopefully tomorrow — when the ball’s in the air, it’s ours. Even when the ball-carrier has it, we’re going to punch it out.”

Added center Lyndon Cooper:

“If we face adversity, how will we respond? That’s the main thing we’re looking for tomorrow and to see how consistent we can be as an O-line and as an offense. … A good winning day for us as an O-line is protection and being (strong) in the run game.”

Narduzzi will be monitoring the Panthers in all three phases Saturday.

“Specifically, as a head coach, I’m looking at offense, defense, special teams — you want to see it all,” Narduzzi said. “It comes down to turnovers, emotion and enthusiasm. Whoever has that wins the scrimmage. So that’s what I’m looking for. … I’m looking for guys to have fun out here.”