Pitt HC Pat Narduzzi Reveals New Spring Game Format
PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers will be testing out a new format for their annual Blue and Gold game, the regular conclusion of spring practices. Head coach Pat Narduzzi was looking to remedy some of the uneven matchups that came out of the player-led draft, which had typically determined the opposing sides for the Spring Game, so he decided to make the event look more like one of Pitt's regular scrimmages.
Narduzzi had teased the new format earlier in the week and gave some more complete details following the Panthers' final practice of the spring. He said the Spring Game will pit offense against defense, with points awarded for touchdowns, sacks, first downs, turnovers and other big plays. The Panthers should have no problem figuring out the scoring system, as it's similar to what they used during scrimmages throughout the spring.
"We’re just going to play the game, offense vs defense … and we’ll play ball," Narduzzi said. "I’m excited to try something different. It’ll be different from what we’ve seen.”
There are plenty of advantages created by the fact that the offense will face the defense under this new format. Across the board, Narduzzi, the coaching staff and the fans will get to see something more closely resembling what the opening day lineup will look like. Because the unit relies so heavily on chemistry and communication, Narduzzi took special care to keep the offensive line groupings together.
"It’s nice to have that offensive line playing together," Narduzzi said. "Defense doesn’t care because they have guys coming in and out. To have our offense line play with the one’s together and the two’s together protecting the quarterback is primary.”
Narduzzi said he'll miss the draft but think this is a more productive use of the Panthers' time this weekend. It will lack the organization of a normal game with two full teams on opposite sidelines but he believes more even matchups will create an atmosphere that is just as, if not more fun than previous years for players and fans alike.
"I love the draft," Narduzzi said. I like seeing guys all come in here and the kids pick, but mainly for the matchups and keeping units together where it’s not all over the place."
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