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Abby Schnable's Pitt football chat: 08.19.25
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G Money
1:00
I'm a huge Pitt fan,  But not so much a Nard fan.  I think he's been avg at best.  He's never getting national respect.  He's supposed to be a defensive guru but his defenses collapse in big games.  His bow record is embarrassing.  He runs a clean program but the winning is avg because his game day coaching is below average.  What is your assessment of coach Narduzzi
Abby Schnable
1:02
This should be prefaced with this is really my first time working with Narduzzi. I was around a bit the past couple of seasons, but not nearly enough to have an opinion.

Now that I’ve spent the past three weeks talking to him just about every day, his players obviously trust him — that wouldn’t happen if he wasn’t at least somewhat good at his job. You don’t keep players like Kyle Louis on the defensive end if they don’t have faith in the system. The defense as a whole has talked a lot about finishing in those big moments you mentioned, so I’d like to think there will be some improvement there.
danny mac
1:03
revamping of the OL and adding depth has been reported to be an upgrade but three starters return that were part of one of the worst offensive lines in the country.  so is this just rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic or do you see a group that can actually keep eli upright and give des some room to run?
Abby Schnable
1:05
I don’t necessarily think we’re just arranging chairs on the Titanic (fantastic analogy by the way). Yes, BJ Williams, Lyndon Cooper and Ryan Baer are back, but you have to remember that last season it was almost impossible to maintain chemistry because of the constant shuffling. Baer also wasn’t playing his normal position of right tackle.

When you add the trio of Jeff Persi, Keith Gouveia and Kendall Stanley, it gives you trustworthy options. The entire O-line room knows they need to protect the QBs better and create more room to run. It’s been talked about ad nauseum in training camp. It makes it hard for me to believe that there won’t be some sort of step up from last season.
Mr Ed
1:06
Who else carries the ball besides Reid this year? He’s a diminutive guy that got beat up last year. Is there a legit threat back there to take some of the load off him?
Abby Schnable
1:08
Behind Desmond Reid is redshirt freshman Juelz Goff. He looks really solid. Goff has gotten a lot of reps with the 1s because they’ve been giving Reid a lot of rest in anticipation for the season. After the two of them, is where things get dicey. True freshman Ja’Kyrian Turner is probably the No. 3, however, he’s been “banged up” and missed a ton of camp. After that, is Justin Cook who hasn’t played RB until January. He switched from WR to RB when he transferred to Pitt. Everyone behind Reid is a bit untested. (Check out my column on RB depth for more of my thoughts on this).
Bruce
1:12
Hi Abby, how does the quarterback situation look behind Holstein?
Abby Schnable
1:12
It’s pretty deep in that quarterback room. Cole Gonzales didn’t come until May, but worked with Kade Bell and Desmond Reid at Western Carolina. So, he’s very comfortable in this offense. He’s looked good in the bits of practice we’ve seen, too. The coaching staff is also really hot on true freshman Mason Heintschel. He was arguably the best performing QB in the spring game and has continued to look good in training camp.
Bruce
1:12
And do we expect any changes in Kade Bell's offense?
Abby Schnable
1:14
There haven't been any changes discussed and I can't see anything drastic happening. I got the vibe from various coaches and players that year two in Bell's system is all about settling in after so much change.
Bruce
1:15
That's good to hear. I hated to see Duggar leave. He showed a lot of potential in the bowl game.
Abby Schnable
1:17
I agree. With him being local, too, a lot of fans we're excited about him. I think the coaches were, as well. Mason Heintschel made quite the impression in the spring and I wouldn't be surprised if Dugger thought he slid down the depth chart a bit.
Bruce
1:17
How about kicker
Abby Schnable
1:21
Replacing Ben Sauls is quite the task. Currently the main contenders still are Sam Carpenter and Murray State transfer James London. I'd argue Carpenter has a bit more of an edge with his returner status and with London not having a great performance in the spring game. Both look good in the reps we have been able to see. Whoever ends up starting, has a solid backup in the other.
Bruce
1:25
That's good to hear. Sauls was arguably the MVP last year. I don't expect the Steelers to keep him, but he is definitely an  NFL talent
Abby Schnable
1:26
I know during Pitt pro day, he was essentially the main event. A ton of scouts wanted to see him kick. He definitely has a high-upside. The fact that he has proven success in what is considered one of the hardest NFL stadiums to play in definitely helps.
Bruce
1:28
Is there any chatter about playing Duquesne? I actually think it's pretty cool. Most of my family are Duquesne alums and they are pretty psyched
Abby Schnable
1:30
We actually asked Narduzzi about this today and whether or not they've started prepping for the Dukes. They're still focused on themselves, so Narduzzi didn't have much to say. I do plan on asking more about it next week.
Bruce
1:36
The Dukes are actually a pretty good FCS program. We can't sleep on them. They've played some really good programs.
Abby Schnable
1:38
I was saying this the other day. The past two Duquesne squads — which are the ones I've been in Pittsburgh for — could definitely give an FBS program a run for its money. It should be a fun game for Pitt to open with.
Mr Ed
1:39
Narduzzi really always has been very reluctant to give out injury information during game weeks but I understand there is more of a requirement this year for coaches to do so?
Abby Schnable
1:41
Yes. The ACC is mandating schools to categorize players as "available," "questionable," "doubtful" or "out." And that'll be released the day before and then updated two hours before. Narduzzi also said he'll be giving the media an injury update later this week. So stay tuned for that.
BILL-FROM THE HILL
1:41
Does Pitt have any. big backs this yr to pick up short yardage  & goal line situations.To many times they were stopped for no Gaines or a loss.
Abby Schnable
1:44
Juelz Goff is about an inch taller and 20 pounds bigger than Des Reid. So, he's technically a bigger back compared to read. I actually wouldn't be surprised if the utilize the TEs in a bit more of those short yardage and goal line situations. The three we've heard the most about — Jake Overman, Malachi Thomas and Justin Holmes — have been praised for their physicality. And they are definitely bigger than the current RBs.
Mr Ed
1:44
If I may throw in a BB question, hearing anything more on Pitt’s attempt to get Damian Dunn another year of eligibility?
Abby Schnable
1:46
I don't mind a basketball questionable at all. Damian Dunn signed a contract with Finnish pro team Korbat Lapua over the weekend. His waiver is still technically up in the air, so I guess it's possible he could come back if approved. I don't see that being likely, though.
Bruce
1:48
This is kind of a stupid question, but are there going to be any "alternate uniform
Abby Schnable
1:49
We have not been told one way or the other. I'd assume, yes as that has been the tradition in previous seasons.
Bruce
1:53
Thanks for the chat, Abby! Will it be every Tuesday going forward?
Abby Schnable
1:55
Yep! Stephen or I will do a Pitt chat every Tuesday at 1 p.m. probably though basketball season. Right now, they're billed as football centric, but will open up to basketball as the season gets closer. And I'd be happy to take some VB questions if that interests anyone.
Alright, that's all from me. Thanks so much for coming today. We will be back. Same place, same time.
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