Pitt Football Notebook: Lineup changes possible

[bullwark]

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt hinted that there could be some changes in the Panthers' lineup if things don't improve. That is not surprising given the Panthers' 1-4 record and their performance Friday in a 37-29 loss at Rutgers.

"We're not good enough in a few phases right now and there are no easy solutions," Wannstedt said. "We'll keep them going. The guys who want to play and get better and win football games and build a football program, they'll get going. That will not be a problem. We have guys lined up that want an opportunity to play football."

Although some players are likely to be held accountable for the Panthers' loss, Wannstedt did not skirt his part in the Panthers' struggles and took full responsibility.

"I'm the head coach and we've got to do a better job as well. We've got to keep coaching them better. I know what we are and where we have to get better," he said.

"These guys want to win, that's what's so frustrating because they are working hard. You just would like to see progress at a faster pace, not for me, but for these kids, that's who I feel for."

Revis outstanding

Wannstedt praised the play of tight end Darrell Strong and cornerback Darrelle Revis, and said several others, most notably quarterback Tyler Palko, showed the kind of mental and physical toughness he is looking for. Revis was especially good, finishing with 41/2 tackles, an interception, two pass breakups and four punts returns for 116 yards, including a career long of 45.

"Darrelle Revis is a great player. That guy is amazing, whatever he does, he just makes it happen," Wannstedt said. "He is something special."

Quick outs

The Panthers had several key injuries, most notably to weakside linebacker Brian Bennett, who appeared to have his knee injured. ... Pitt attempted a fake punt late in the game, but punter Adam Graessle's pass to Revis was knocked down by a host of Rutgers defenders. The play would have worked had Graessle thrown a better pass. "That play was there," Wannstedt said. "They didn't even have a returner back when we ran that. You have to throw that into the end zone.". ... Palko was 35 of 58 -- both career highs -- against Rutgers for a season-high 371 yards and four touchdowns in the game. His favorite target was Derek Kinder, who caught 10 passes for 78 yards. Also, Greg Lee caught nine passes for 130 yards.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05275/581260.stm

[bulls96go]

pitt was a good team before ole wanny got there