Miree might miss game vs. Rutgers

Tuesday, October 14, 2003

By Paul Zeise, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Pitt starting tailback Brandon Miree may not be ready for the Panthers' game against Rutgers Saturday because the bruised bone in his calf is not responding to treatment.

Miree was injured in the Panthers' 35-31 loss at Toledo on Sept. 20 when a helmet was driven into his calf. An MRI showed that there was a deep bruise, both in and above the bone but there was no fracture, so he was optimistic that he would have been able to return for the Notre Dame game.

But Miree wasn't able to practice throughout the week and the condition did not improve. So sophomore Jawan Walker started for the second consecutive game and may have to make his third start this week unless Miree's health improves.

Pitt coach Walt Harris said the Panthers need Miree because of his physical running style, his experience and the fact that their running game could use a spark.

"Not to say that [Walker] didn't do a good job," Harris said. "But Brandon Miree is our starter and he is our best running back, he is the most mature running back and he is very shifty, but he is hurt, so you can't cry over that. So he would help our running game. He has just not responded. In talking to him, sometimes being on his feet tires him out, even though he is not practicing.

"We believe he is doing everything he can to get it healthy, it is just a deep problem that he can't seem to shake."

Starting defensive end Claude Harriott was listed as a co-starter at defensive end along with sophomore Azzie Beagnyam. Harriott has been hampered by a high ankle sprain and Beagnyam has played well in relief.

Rutgers improving

Harris said Rutgers (3-3, 0-2 Big East) is slowly becoming a solid program under the direction of third-year coach Greg Schiano. Pitt plays at Rutgers Saturday.

Harris said the Scarlet Knights' talent level has improved each year.

"Rutgers played extremely well against West Virginia last week," he said. "I like their quarterback [Ryan Hart]. I think he is a good player. He has good poise, good accuracy and they have a lot of skill and their linemen are getting better."

One reason for the Scarlet Knights' improvement in talent is Schiano, who is a former Miami assistant and recruited heavily in Florida. Rutgers has 24 players on its roster from Florida as compared to only six from Pennsylvania.

Short snaps

The Panthers game against Syracuse Oct. 25 at Heinz Field is set for a noon kickoff. It will be an ESPN regional telecast, which means it will be seen locally on WTAE. ... Senior "Tutu" Ferguson was named the Panthers player of the game for the Notre Dame game by the coaches for his work at defensive back. Ordinarily the coaches select an offensive and special teams player as well, but none apparently merited it this week, as Ferguson was the only player to receive the award. ... Pitt has beaten Rutgers in 17 of 20 meetings. The most recent time the Scarlet Knights beat Pitt was in 1998.

Paul Zeise can be reached at pzeise@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1720.

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