TaseredPanther: Paul, somebody told me that the Pitt hoops coaches are doing a lot of recruiting with Pryor...how do you think the Levance Fields Affair affects that situation?

Paul Zeise: I don't think it has anything to do with or will have no affect on the pryor situation. And yes the basketball coaches are still recruiting Pryor but it is longer than a long shot that Pitt gets him so I think it is time for Pitt fans to move past Pryor and look to some of the guys Pitt still has a chance at, like a Jonathan Baldwin

BallSkills: Are the fans & the media giving up on Kevan Smith too soon? It's been a long time since Pitt has had to rely this much on a redshirt freshman QB. A bad game was inevitable. Rutherford and Palko both had rough games early in their tenures that contributed to a Pitt loss (Texas A&M and Nebraska) an they were a junior and sophomore respectively. They also had the advantage of playing their games at home not in a hostile environment.

Paul Zeise: I don't think anyone is giving up on Kevan Smith and he'll be starting again Saturday and have another chance to prove he can get the job done. The problem he has is this team absolutely must win all of these early home games in order to have any chance of making a bowl game, so there is a greater sense of urgency. That's all. If he isn't good again Saturday, this team doesn't have the luxury of waiting a bunch of weeks for him to get it together. It has to win now so the hook has to be a little quicker than normal.

Ian: What is the status of Joe Thomas?

Paul Zeise: He's just working through some sophomore slump-like issues, that's all,. Coaches still believe he is going to be a big time player but he struggled a little early in the season and coaches pushed him back to the second team. That's all. He very well could start this week if Jason Pinkston can't go and I would think given Pinkston's dicey shoulder situation, we'll see a lot of Thomas anyway as Mike McGlynn will need to move out to right tackle for Pinkston.

BallSkills: Scott McKillop had 17 stops last week, and it seemed to me that quite a few were around the line of scrimmage. How good was his performance compared to what HB did that past couple years?

Paul Zeise: I said before the season that McKillop would be as productive as HB Blades and it is holding true. He is a smart player, he knows how to get to the ball and put himself in position to make plays and like Blades, when he gets to the play, he usually makes the tackle. He is a good player.

Wildcat: Do you really think using McCoy at quarterback was a better option than Pat Bostick?

Paul Zeise: Yes, I do, particularly given the game situation. I don't think Pat Bostick is anywhere close to being ready to be thrown into a game on the road in a hostile enviroment where his team is trailing, yet still in the game and the pressure is on his shoulders to try and pull it out. Perhaps there will be some situations that present themselves where he can be put in a position where he has a chance to succeed, but last Saturday afternoon in East Lansing was not one of them.

TaseredPanther: Paul, somebody told me that LeSean McCoy discovered the cure for cancer when he was taking direct snaps out of the Wildcat package...your thoughts?

Paul Zeise: point well taken -- LeSean McCoy has indeed been a very good player and that Wildcat thing was fun to watch, but he is still a freshman who has only played three games so let's not put him in the hall of fame yet or declare him a savior of anything. And for all the hype of the Wildcat it didn't produce a touchdown.

BallSkills: I thought Dorin Dickerson looked much better on Saturday. Has the light turned on for him?

Paul Zeise: Slowly it is, he is just trying to learn the position and the only way to do that is to play it and get the experience. Each week he has been a little more active, made a few more plays and seems to be more disciplined in his assignments and isn't over running so many plays any more. He just needs to keep working and learning and he'll be an excellent player in the near future.

Wildcat: Why does Pitt always seem to make the key mistakes to lose close games?

Paul Zeise: Good question, but it needs to get solved. It is the mark of losing teams and programs not being able to win close games because of silly penalties, mistakes in assignments and an overall lack of discipline. Three years into this program, Pitt shouldn't still be losing games because they kill themselves with penalties, turnovers and blown assignments, regardless of who the quarterback is.

Wildcat: What are your thoughts about the offense in general this year?

Paul Zeise: Outside of McCoy it has been very disappointing. And this speaks to the lack of production from quarterback and offensive line but there is way too much talent at receiver and tight end for this offense to struggle so much.

BallSkills: I really love the unbalanced line aspect of the Wildcat package by moving Otah to the right side of the line beside Pinkston. There was one play where CJ Davis pulled and our entire OL was on the right side of the Center which is crazy. Does Arkansas do this as well or was this Pitt's wrinkle to the formation?

Paul Zeise: Arkansas does a little bit of that stuff, but Pitt's coaches have molded this offense to fit the Panthers personnel. Jeff Otah has been a bright spot on the offensive line, thus far.

TaseredPanther: Paul, somebody told me that war metaphors are always appropriate, so here goes...if you were stuck behind enemy lines, would you rather have Matt Cavanaugh design a way for you to get out or Paul Dunn design a blocking scheme to push the enemy away from you?

Paul Zeise: Wow, that's a tough question but I'm always going to look to get out of harm's way so I wouldn't be sitting still. I would just hope that if safety was a mile a way, Matt Cavanaugh would design an escape route that didn't end at the 3/4 mile pole ...

BallSkills: By my count, our 4 interior D-lineman had 3.5 sacks and a blocked FG not to mention a number of good run stops. When was the last time that happened at Pitt? What a great performance.

Paul Zeise: Absolutely, they have come to play this year but this is just something they should build on. For all the good feelings about the way the defense played, the fact is they still lost the game.

BallSkills: Could you breakdown the passing abilities of Shady and LaRod based on what you saw in training camp? Is one more proficient than the other?

Paul Zeise: I think if we have to start breaking down the passing abilities of Pitt's two tailbacks it is time to end the season now. If either throws a pass in a game, other than some gimmicky half-back option type nonsense which requires not much more than being able to shotput the ball 25 yards down field to an open receiver, it will be a surprise.

TaseredPanther: Paul, somebody told me that the Wildcat/Arkansas offense is really a recruiting tool to attract Terrelle Pryor...your thoughts?

Paul Zeise: Yes, I think you are on to something --- everything Pitt is doing is a ploy to lure Terrelle Pryor. Forget trying to win, forget trying to do what's best for this team, forget the fact that LeSean McCoy is the team's best player and thus coaches wanted him touching the ball on every play -- it is all about trying to land a Class AA football player who already told them he is not interested and, for all the hype, did not even lead his team to the state championship, which you would think he would have done by now given that he is being talked about as if he is can't-miss, NFL hall of famer.......

TaseredPanther: Paul, somebody told me that Matt Cavanaugh is on the hot seat and if he goes, DW will hire Rick Mirer...your thoughts?

Paul Zeise: Well Pitt doesn't have any first-round picks to trade for Mirer like the Bears did. And Matt Cavanaugh isn't going anywhere as long as Wannstedt is the coach and if you remember it wasn't that long ago -- like last year -- that this offense averaged 33 points per game. It is hard to call plays when you aren't sure which ones won't result in a one-hopper from your quarterback to the receiver ...

Wildcat: Do you think the wildcat offense will be used a lot this weekend?

Paul Zeise: I would think at least some. Wannstedt keeps saying no they won't use it but it would seem odd that they brought it out last week and aren't at least going to use it some this week and every week from here on in. If it is used as a change of pace like it is supposed to be, it will be effective. If it becomes the primary offense then there could be a problem.

ECW-Las_Vegas: How would you rate Dorin's progress at the LB position? He reminds me of Session a bit in the way he over pursues.

Paul Zeise: That is the last thing he needs to really work on -- his angles --- but you'd figure that will come with experience. If he is still doing that as much at the end of the season then it might not be a good sign, but he has only played three career games at linebacker so he needs some more time.

pittfan: Will OD Turner bounce back from his less than stellar performance last week?

Paul Zeise: You'd hope and Pitt needs him to. That drop was such a killer because Pitt had struggled so much in the passing game from the quarterback's end and when he finally gets one to where it needed to be and it was dropped. Oderick Turner is too good and he is too talented to have games like this.

shady4prez: How is Bill Stull's rehab progressing? did he get his stitches out? is the Navy game a possibility?

Paul Zeise: He is progressing but coaches aren't putting a time table on it because they just aren't sure. The Navy game would be about five or six weeks from the injury so it could be possible, but it seems like the Cincy game is the one which coaches believe is the more realistic one he could return for.

pittfan: What does DW mean when he says the defense or the dline in particular played hard describing the difference from last year's MSU game to this one? Did they not play hard last year?

Paul Zeise: They quit last year and they quit against Connecticut and against South Florida- - and some of the team leaders acknolweged as much -- this team was mentally weak last year and all he was saying was this year's team is far tougher and far more willing to fight. He doesn't expect these guys to quit when it gets hard.

ECW-Las_Vegas: Wanny says that Larod is still a starter? Is he just saving face?

Paul Zeise: No, he is just giving a guy who has been a very good player his spot back since he didn't lose it except he got injured. And who cares who starts the game? McCoy will get the most carries and will be the featured back and he'll finish the game and that's what matters.

booby1: Paul, I really enjoy your work. Do you think that the as yet to be named athletic director will have any effect on the football program?

Paul Zeise: Yes, I'm sure football will be a major factor in who is hired.

pittfan: How does UCONN QB Lorenzen compare to MSU QB Brian Hoyer? Better, the same, worse? Hoyer was average imo.

Paul Zeise: Hoyer was the best quarterback on the field in East Lansing Saturday.....but not by much. He isn't very good and I would expect Lorenzen is going to be much, much better and far more of a challenge. That Hoyer couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from 10 yards away that day, Lorenzen will be much more accurate,

KevanSmithforheisman: What is going on with Aaron Berry? I thought he was supposed to start at corner?

Paul Zeise: He fell behind because of some ankle stuff and he got himself into the doghouse for some of his off-field antics and then Ricky Gary played well enough to warrant continuing to be the starter. Berry is working himself back into the lineup and is seeing more and more time each week, he just needs to stay focused on football.

BrunoDC: Paul, who is the freshman that is redshirting right now, that has made the most progress that we are not hearing about?

Paul Zeise: it is way too early for that, but if I had to say one it would be Greg Williams who has emerged as the third running back.

booby1: I'll bet Terrelle Pryor would come to Pitt if they brought back the "Script Pitt" and played in a new stadium in Panther Hollow....

Paul Zeise: No

BrunoDC: Is Paul Dunn on the hot seat if they continue to struggle? Seems like all of the lineman have the physical tools ...

Paul Zeise: I would hope that at some point if the line doesn't get better, this head coach doesn't make the same mistake the last head coach made, which was to allow his loyalty and friendship to his offensive line coach accelerate his exit. Obviously there is a lot at work and Paul Dunn still needs more time to work with these guys and get some of the younger talent physically mature enough to truly see his impact but at some point, if there isn't progress made at a certain position something has to change and as they say, you can't fire all the players.

BallSkills: Do you have any injury updates on the DL? I know Mick Williams and Raswhad Duncan got dinged up last game. Are they good to go this week?

Paul Zeise: Both are good to go.

fiddler: Do you think Pitt can and should win the next 3 games?

Paul Zeise: I don't think any team with an offense this bad can start marking down wins against anyone. However, all three of these games (Conn., Navy and Virginia) are there to be won if Pitt can play well.

booby1: If the "Wildcat" was so surprising, why not use the single wing? Jock Sutherland had alot of success with it.

Paul Zeise: I don't think 1930's football is the answer, though some concepts from the single wing certainly are used in the wildcat.

ECW_Las_Vegas: Duhart looked pretty solid when he was in, when do you think he can crack the starting lineup?

Paul Zeise: Perhaps as soon as this week. He still has a lot to learn, he still needs experience, but his raw physical skills are impressive, he works hard and he is a productive player so his time will increase each week.

laker44: What to do you see as Pitt's greatest needs for recruiting this year?

Paul Zeise: linebackers, quarterback, linemen and perhaps a few defensive backs

ECW_Las_Vegas: Speaking of Cincy, they could end up 2nd in the Big East this year...any thoughts?

Paul Zeise: Yes, that team is scary with that new offense. And their defense flies around the field and plays at a faster speed than most. I like them, they are well coached and they play with a lot of passion. Second might be a tad high, but they are very good.

philb7: What are your thoughts on the secondary? I think Gary and Berry might make us forget about Revis sooner then we thought.

Paul Zeise: Gary and Berry have been OK, but let's not get crazy. Those two guys are very young so their upside is very high and that's a good thing. But they both have a long way to go to start talking about being in Revis's category.

pittfan: Did frosh RB Greg Williams really pass Shariff Harris on the depth chart? What are you early thoughts on both young rb prospects?

Paul Zeise: Yes, but that's not a big deal unless Stephens-Howling or McCoy goes down. And I think both kids have a lot of talent and both are going to be excellent players.

PT_Pitt_Fan: Have you had a chance to see both QBs practice this week? If so, any insight on how Smith has rebounded from the MSU game? Has Bostick any closer to being ready?

Paul Zeise: Not much but in talking to people around the team, it will be Smith starting and Bostick still has a ways to go. That's not to say if Smith struggles this week Bostick wouldn't get put in, but coaches are hoping not to have to make that choice.

shady4prez: With our line playing so awful what are the prospects for next year when they lose 3 seniors to graduation?

Paul Zeise: It is a scary thought only if you are convinced the younger guys who will replace them are not more talented and thus have a higher upside.

KevanSmithforheisman: The offensive line seems to be juggled every week. Do you think this will hurt it in the long run because they wont be able to come together as a unit?

Paul Zeise: It could but some of it has to do with injuries, which you can't control. You'd hope they could settle in on one linuep and stick with it but if a guy gets hurt it requires some juggling.

KevanSmithforheisman: Paul, I want to hear your guess ... Who is the Pitt starting quarterback for the season opener 2008?

Paul Zeise: Bill Stull

booby1: Paul, What is the status of Jason Pinkston? He looked like he was suffering with the shoulder on Saturday.

Paul Zeise: He hurt his shoulder and it has been a recurring thing that will likely need fixed in the offseason. He'll play Saturday but coaches will have to monitor him every week.

TaseredPanther: Paul, somebody told me that the idea of any player being a savior of Pitt's program is ridiculous because no player can overcome the coaching...your thoughts?

Paul Zeise: Um, why would you try and put me on the spot like that.

shady4prez: Are my questions not getting through? Ball Skills and Tasered Panther are monoplizing the chat?

Paul Zeise: Yes, they are and I answer in the order they appear. There is no shutting out of shady4prez going on.

laker44: Based on what I've seen in the first three games, I expect Pitt to get blown out by the big four in the conference. What do you think?

Paul Zeise: I don't know, I can see them pulling at least one upset because I happen to think the big four are all vulnerable this year. I think WVU game is likely the one they have the least chance in but Louisville's defense is terrible, South Florida kills itself with dumb plays, mistakes and penalties and Rutgers is so one-dimensional and really has played nobody so I'm not sold they are unbeatable either.

booby1: Do you think that Pitt would ever look into using more option? It seems that they could do a bit more with deception than they could with a power (?) running game.

Paul Zeise: Stay tuned, I'm sure the option is an option in this Wildcat offense......... And on that note, I must say good-bye. Thanks for all the great questions and we will do it again next week.