Offensive line still in flux for Pitt heading into the season opener against Youngstown State

Pitt's first game against Youngstown State is just a few days away but that doesn't mean things are all sorted out just yet. In general, pieces have fallen into place but one unit that is still being sorted out to a degree is offensive line.

The starters appear set if healthy. The first unit when everyone was available in camp seemed to be Adam Bisnowaty and Alex Bookser at tackle, Dorian Johnson and Alex Officer at guard, and Artie Rowell at center. But Rowell has been limited battling through some injury issues and that has thrown a wrench into the operation somewhat.

If Rowell is out, presumably, Officer would start at center, Bookser would go to guard, and Brian O'Neill would start at tackle. That's actually the way things are lined up in the team's first two-deep depth chart, which was released yesterday. Pat Narduzzi expects some changes during the game.

"You're going to see a little bit of everything," said the head coach. "We're going to rotate guys in, and try to give some guys different looks. We're going to see what they can do. I think you can see something like that as well."

The line being stable largely depends on Rowell's health. So, is he going to play? Narduzzi thinks so.

"I feel like Artie is going to be ready. We'll see. He's been out at practice with a little bit of precaution, a little bit of just making sure. He came out and started with a bang early. I thought, "Holy cow!" I thought he was going to be rusty and [Mark] Scarpinato. Neither one of them were. So we know that already. We're just going to be careful with him."

It's great to hear that a lot of missing practice time has been precautionary stuff. But until he gets in a game (and stays there), the questions are going to be asked.

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