Nate Yarnell Turns Heads in Pitt Win

Nate Yarnell received ringing endorsements following the Pitt Panthers' win over Boston College.

PITTSBURGH -- After helping lead Pitt to a win over Boston College, it's safe to say Nate Yarnell left a lasting impression on his coaches and teammates alike. 

“My impression of him: he’s a wonderful quarterback," Donovan McMillon said. "He dotted us up during camp, during spring ball, during everything. All I know is that, you know, all of our quarterbacks are amazing players, and Nate came down and played really well today. I trust in him and I can’t wait to see what he does next week.”

In his first start of the year, Yarnell went 11-for-19 through the air with 207 yards and a touchdown as he engineered Pitt's offense in one of the unit's better performances of the season. 

Yarnell also showcased impressive athleticism and rushing ability to the tune of five carries for 24 yards and a touchdown. 

"We had the quarterback runs early, but he did a good job reading what the defense was giving you," Pat Narduzzi said. "If their ends are chasing, he is keeping it, and he had a nice touchdown run. He had a great pass to Bub. That was a big-time throw. I'm just happy for Nate and the offense and the defense and special teams and for especially all those seniors.

After working through two prior options in Phil Jurkovec and Christian Veilleux, the Panthers would appear desperate for any kind of stability at the quarterback position as the season comes to a close. 

Narduzzi values Yarnell's ability to protect the ball and minimize mistakes, which led to him being named the starter after Pitt's loss to Syracuse. 

"Just protecting the ball," Narduzzi said. "Again, we still have a lot of confidence in Christian. He will be ready to go, and he is going to learn from his mistakes. Sunday, we said we were going with Nate, and Nate took all the snaps with the ones all week. We just felt like he would go in and make really good decision, which he does today. He protected the ball and gives you a chance to win a football game."

When asked if Yarnell would remain the starter for the team's last game of the season against Duke, Narduzzi also left little doubt regarding his status.

"I guess we'll see; right?" Narduzzi said. "I would say probably; right? It's pretty simple. Protect the ball, and you have a chance to win."

Yarnell's demeanor and confidence rubbed off on his teammates as he prepared and geared up for the moment. 

"He was very confident," Rodney Hammond Jr. said. "The whole week, it just seemed like he knew what was going on. He knew he was gonna go out there and win this game for us like he did."

The offense also appeared to be more varied in its sets and looks, which is a product of Yarnell's adaptability and "smarts" within the game. 

"Nate, he's one of the smartest guys on our football team," Narduzzi said. "The playbook was wide open. It's funny. Earlier in the week I said, you think about it, when we played in that Western Michigan game -- in high school he never took a snap under center. I don't think he ever went under center at Western Michigan, but he can operate in the gun. He can operate under center. So the playbook is wide open when he's in the game."

Yarnell stated that his preparation and mindset all season long allowed him to be in the right place for this opportunity whenever it arose. 

“It’s my job, doesn’t matter if I’m third, fourth, fifth string, to be ready to go in the game," Yarnell said. "All season I made sure I was prepared for this moment, so when my number was called I would be ready.”

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