Even though Dion Lewis appears to be the starter going into the season, Paul Zeise makes the case for Ray Graham to get some carries. And why not after garnering over 150 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns:
Graham, a 5-foot-9, 185-pound freshman tailback from Elizabeth, N.J., put on a show by picking up 152 all-purpose yards and scoring two touchdowns in Pitt's second scrimmage of training camp Saturday.
"I'm real excited with what Graham did," Wannstedt said. "Now, will he know what to do? Will he hold onto the ball and do all the other things to trust him in a football game? That is still up for evaluation, but the statement he made today is: 'I have the ability to make guys miss.'
"He did some Shady moves out there today."
With Graham having that kind of day coupled with Dion Lewis' mediocre 30 yards on 10 carries, it really shows you just how important it was for Lewis to get a head start, coming in in the Spring. Not saying that Graham is better at this point - either has yet to even play in a real game yet. But I think Lewis' early arrival really helped him get the jump on the other freshmen. I'm expecting to see boh used pretty frequently this season...at least early on.
He seems to be a home run hitter of sorts as he broke a long one in the first scrimmage, too.
Don't forget, this guy had a monster senior year in high school.
You forgot to mention Stull's stellar passing numbers; 2 of 7 for 3 yards!!
ReplyDeleteUnless we find a real QB that can read defenses and actually throw the ball close to our WR's, we will have problems because the defense will play the run exclusively and force us to pass.
I really think this offense is going to struggle because of inept QB play.
Just something to look at, from ESPN insider:
ReplyDeletePitt's been plagued by inefficient quarterback play the past two years. But that's not a new problem for Dave Wannstedt. He's been a head coach for 15 years -- four at Pitt and 11 in the NFL. With those 15 teams, Wannstedt's quarterbacks threw 259 touchdowns and a whopping 240 interceptions. Unfortunately for Pitt fans, the past two years have been the worst stretch in Wannstedt's career. Since 2007, senior Bill Stull and junior Pat Bostick, Wannstedt's top two quarterbacks entering this season, have thrown one touchdown for every 1.4 interceptions.
Yeah I saw that article. Scary.
ReplyDeleteSurprised?
ReplyDeleteJosh,
ReplyDeleteThe mental thought process that goes on in Wanny’s head is something that we will never understand. I cannot see this team going anywhere with Bill Stull.
Like I've said before, I think that Wannstedt sees this year as a golden opportunity to seize the conference. Even though Stull has shown next to nothing (according to the reports - I haven't been there) in the scrimmages, I think Wannstedt is worried about a train wreck with a QB who has no experience.
ReplyDeleteI know - he practically gotten nothing from Stull in the bowl game. I'm not saying I agree with Wanny, I just think that's his thought process.
Pitt should win the first game regardless of who plays. The Buffalo game, however, is another story. I think if you see Stull struggle immediately in the first game, you'll see Sunseri by the 2nd half. If he plays well, I think he could start the Buffalo game. I really think the leash is that short...but I could be wrong.