Pitt Ready For First Look At Christian Veilleux
PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers' introduced a new starting quarterback this week and he has exuded serenity both in a mid-week meeting with the local media and on the practice field at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
But that is inherently friendly territory. This weekend the lights will get brighter, the snaps more serious and the situations more volatile. Christian Veilleux will step into the ring for the first time as the Pitt starter against No. 14 Louisville and that's where he'll be truly tested. His head coach's advice? Don't shy away from the pressure.
“No, no but it’s not Saturday yet, is it?" Pat Narduzzi said when asked if he's seen nerves from Veilleux. "He will be nervous. We talk about pressure and all those things and anxiety and all that, but when you’re prepared you’re going to have nerves. But it’s always good when you’re prepared and he’s prepared."
Veilleux has insisted that his preparation remains the same. He still takes diligent notes and watches film extensively. All that's changed is a few more reps on the field in team drills and some post-practice throws with the first-team offense. But there is no avoiding it - preparing "like" a starter and preparing "as" the starter are two very different things.
He has the benefit of a bye week to get some extra work in and become more familiar with his new role. But the best teacher is experience and Veilleux is short on that for now.
Still, Narduzzi says there's no reason to hold back or simplify things for Veilleux's sake. He's smart enough and knowledgable of the offense enough to run the same system with all of, if not more of the same wrinkles that Phil Jurkovec did.
"There’s no reason to simplify it," Narduzzi said. "We can do just as much or more with Christian. He’s very smart and he knows football.”
Just as Veilleux will feel some anxiety before his first start, Narduzzi is eager to watch the beginning of a new chapter for this team. The Panthers, looking for a spark, will get their first look at their future under the lights against a marquee opponent.
“I’m excited to watch him," Narduzzi said. "I’m sure you guys are too. Excited to see what we have and you’re not going to find out on Tuesday or Wednesday, you’re going to find out on gameday.”
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