Article Narduzzi sticking with Browne at QB

[Chris Peak]

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - In the immediate aftermath of Pitt’s 33-14 loss to Penn State at Beaver Stadium Saturday, Pat Narduzzi had a disconnect with social media - and not because the cell reception was lousy in the post-game press conference room.

Rather, Narduzzi and Twitter disagreed on the future of Pitt’s quarterback position.

The fans want redshirt sophomore Ben DiNucci. Narduzzi said he’s sticking with redshirt senior Max Browne.

https://pittsburgh.rivals.com/news/narduzzi-sticking-with-browne-at-qb

 

[RHS14]

The fans want redshirt sophomore Ben DiNucci. Narduzzi said he’s sticking with redshirt senior Max Browne.

I think it's just a feeling of soaking-in Max Browne enough to say:

 

[Jeffburgh]

This feels a bit like the Voytik-Peterman thing a few years ago.

It is too small of a sample size to know for sure, and they kind of have a commitment to give Browne his shot.

I tend to side with those who see more in DiNucci, but it probably has to play out one or two more games.

Browne was marginally better yesterday, we just have to see how it looks next week. But, unless he completely unravels against OSU, I think the breaking point may be GT, if he is scrapping around at that point Nards might have to pull the plug.

 

[RHS14]

The thing I will absolutely say for DiNucci, is that Pitt fans may want to see what he can do with one full-on week of Practice, Game-Planning, and Offensive Meetings with him as the #1 QB getting all the live-reps and prep-time.

Pitt is incredibly scrappy, and I love the attitude Narduzzi has helped instill on this program.

But after psu, I am ready to see DiNucci prep a full week as the starter, with the whole game plan built for him and all the reps.

Browne is GONE after this year, and he was the Football equivalent of making a huge One-Off bet, hoping that maybe you win big. But since he has lost the faith of most people, it's time to move on because he is (Football Wise, not Human-Wise of course lol) totally REDUNDANT because he's not leading this team to anything / or anywhere this season.

I would not be shocked one-bit if DiNucci / or heck even MacVittie or some combination, get the full week of prep going into the Rice game.

Problem is Narduzzi isn't gonna say anything -- none of us wil ever know until we see who trots-out there on gameday.

 

[thebadby2]

This feels a bit like the Voytik-Peterman thing a few years ago.

It is too small of a sample size to know for sure, and they kind of have a commitment to give Browne his shot.

I tend to side with those who see more in DiNucci, but it probably has to play out one or two more games.

Browne was marginally better yesterday, we just have to see how it looks next week. But, unless he completely unravels against OSU, I think the breaking point may be GT, if he is scrapping around at that point Nards might have to pull the plug.

Jeff I would be surprised if we didn't start to see some situational platooning at QB starting with OkSU. Browne makes us way too one dimensional in short yardage and close red zone situations. At the same time I think DiNucci isn't much of a thrower-but he can be a playmaker in the red zone. He adds an extra element that the D has to account for. I think situational QB platooning would give us the best chance, while at the same time bolstering DiNucci's confidence and not destroying Browne's confidence,

 

[rpost3]

Browne might be the right choice if Pitt's pass protection was better and if the options at WR and TE were better.

Unfortunately for him though, the only mid-range 3rd down specialist at WR is out for the season (Tipton), the deep threat is dropping passes (Weah), the transfer TE's are dropping passes, and the right side of the OL and the RB's struggle with pass protection.

The offense can excel at deception in the running game using multiple ball carriers and run-pass options. I understand Browne came 3,000 mi to play here, but the offensive personnel he has to work with isn't a good fit for his skill set. Narduzzi will continue trying to fit a square peg into a round hole b/c he committed to him, but he'll eventually realize DiNucci's skill set fits the offensive personnel better after the Georgia Tech game.

 

[Jeffburgh]

Jeff I would be surprised if we didn't start to see some situational platooning at QB starting with OkSU. Browne makes us way too one dimensional in short yardage and close red zone situations. At the same time I think DiNucci isn't much of a thrower-but he can be a playmaker in the red zone. He adds an extra element that the D has to account for. I think situational QB platooning would give us the best chance, while at the same time bolstering DiNucci's confidence and not destroying Browne's confidence,

Possible.