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Camp is officially over and there were very few surprises in terms of starting positions. In fact, the only position I'd keep an eye on is right tackle where Joe Thomas is being pushed hard by freshman Lucas Nix. That could be an interesting development if Thomas doesn't start to play more consistently.

Also, losing linebacker Shane Murray (knee) for an extend period could be a big blow because I don't think there is anyone really ready to step in and play his position with the consistency and competency that Murray has played it. Tristan Roberts will likely be the player who starts against Bowling Green if Murray isn't ready by next Saturday and he's a redshirt freshmen who was much better in the spring than he has been in the fall.

All in all I think the team had a good camp, I think there is clearly a lot of very athletic and speedy players -- the only thing we don't know is how it will show up on game day.

Q: Will we see LeSean McCoy and LaRod Stephens-Howling in the same backfield at times this year? If so, will it be in a traditional two-back set, or in the Wildcat formation?

Mark Morabito, New Cumberland, Pa.

ZEISE: Yes, they will be in the same backfield and not necessarily just in Wildcat formations. There are a lot of different ways that coaches will use these two together. It should be fun to watch to be honest -- especially when they are joined in the backfield by Greg Cross at quarterback.

Q: What is your evaluation of Pitt's kickers, and does this freshman from Mentor have a chance of being the team's No. 1 kicker on opening day?

Richard Harmen, Darian, Conn.

ZEISE: Conor Lee will handle the field goals again and he should be one of the best in the nation, at least percentage wise. He was very accurate last year and has been very accurate during camp. Dave Brytus will punt again and I'd expect him to be more consistent than he was last year. As for kick-offs --- the kid you are talking about from Mentor (Ohio) is Kevin Harper and it looks like he's headed for a redshirt -- Brytus handled them last year but it seems like a three-way competition right now between Brytus, Lee and walk-on Luke Briggs. I really think the kickers will be a team strength this year.

Q: Has Shayne Hale from Gateway been turning heads at camp?

Derek Kassimer, North Huntingdon

ZEISE: No, he is sort of struggling with consistency right now like a lot of freshmen do as they are learning and struggling to adjust to college football. Hale will clearly redshirt this year as he is at least the third-string (maybe even fourth-string) middle linebacker and hasn't really distinguished himself in training camp yet. He is going to be a good player, he's just not really ready right now to make a big contribution.

Q: Has Kevan Smith progressed to the level where the coaches have confidence in him to handle the load if Stull were to get injured? It seems like the backup QB job is still a mystery at this point. On the same note, has the team's confidence increased in Bostick?

Steve Blahovec, Shadyside

ZEISE: Kevan Smith has been much, much better this year and he is more poised than he was last year. Physically, he looks great and he stilll has the best arm on the team. He will certainly be given some opportunities early in the season if Pitt gets a big lead -- you know, because, Kevan Smith needs some work -- and he will be the backup so Pat Bostick can redshirt. But my gut feeling is this -- Smith will be the back-up and play in the spot duty situations as long as Stull is healthy. However, if Stull went down for the long-term with another major injury the starting job would likely go to Bostick, just because of his experience. The players have more confidence in both players, no doubt about that, but Bostick is just a little more polished than Smith.