Pitt vs. Duke: Breaking Down the Two-Deep

QB - 1. Nathan Peterman 2. Manny Stocker

Nate Peterman played the best game by a Pitt quarterback, since perhaps Tyler Palko’s five touchdown game at Notre Dame back in 2004. Peterman was excellent, and received national recognition by being named the Walter Camp offensive player of the week. Peterman gashed the gaudy Clemson defense for 308 passing yards and five touchdowns and no interceptions.

RB - 1. James Conner 2. Chawntez Moss OR Darrin Hall OR Qadree Ollison

James Conner had a phenomenal game against the Clemson Tigers. He rushed 20 times for 132 yards and a highlight reel touchdown run, with perhaps the stiff-arm of the year. He also caught three passes for 57 yards, including a 46 yard touchdown pass. Conner showed up big on a national stage, and proved he’s one of the best running backs in the country.

Chawntez Moss hurt himself on a special teams play, but is still listed on the depth chart. After weeks of not seeing much action, Darrin Hall has been getting a few touches. He had three carries for 9 yards.

FB - 1. George Aston 2. Jaymar Parrish

George Aston caught four passes for 29 yards including two touchdown receptions. Is there a better fullback in the country than George Aston?

WR - 1. Jester Weah Quadree Henderson 2. Aaron Mathews OR Maurice Ffrench Dontez Ford 3. Rafael Araujo-Lopes

It’s hard to imagine Pitt beat Clemson and Quadree Henderson was a non-factor mostly. He’s been so good this year, and Pitt managed to win without a big play from the sophomore play maker. Jester Weah and Dontez Ford each came down with two catches. Weah’s one-handed catch down the sideline was an amazing play, and one of the biggest of Weah’s season. Mathews caught a screen for negative yardage, and it is the fourth reception of his career.

TE - 1. Scott Orndoff 2. Jaymar Parrish

Scott Orndoff had nine catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Orndoff was one of the heroes of the win for his play. He came down with so many big plays, and I would have to imagine he put himself into the conversation for drafted. Let’s also not forget, Jaymar Parrish had a 44 yard catch early in the game on the first scoring drive. Who counted on that happening?

LT - 1. Adam Bisnowaty 2. Aaron Reese

LG - 1. Dorian Johnson 2. Carson Baker

C - 1. Alex Officer 2. Connor Dintino

RG - 1. Alex Bookser 2. John Guy

RT - 1. Brian O’Neill 2. Jaryd Jones-Smith

Pitt’s offense scored 43 points against one of the best defenses in the country on the road. Enough said. The Clemson front seven is very good, and Pitt’s offensive line was able to protect Peterman and open holes for Conner all game long.

DE - 1. Ejuan Price Rori Blair OR Allen Edwards 2. James Folston Rashad Weaver

Ejuan Price did not show up in the box score, but he did force some pressure and contributed on some big stops. Price is still having a really good season, and could be poised for a big game this Saturday. Allen Edwards earned the start last week, and rotated with Blair. Folston, and converted tight end Devon Edwards.

DT - 1. Shakir Soto OR Amir Watts 2. Shane Roy

Amir Watts earned his first career start against Clemson, but did leave the game with an injury. He’s still listed as a co-starter this week. Soto played through an injury and likely will have to do the same this week. Pitt’s interior line depth has been tested lately, and likely will continue these next two games.

NT - 1. Tyrique Jarrett OR Jeremiah Taleni 2. Mike Herndon

Tyrique Jarrett did not play against Clemson, but he may see some action this week. Taleni stepped up in a big way last week with a huge game. The junior from Hawaii posted 4 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. He was involved on the fourth and one stop that propelled the team to a win.

Money LB - 1. Mike Caprara 2. Saleem Brightwell

Saleem Brightwell perhaps made the biggest of all defensive plays with a 70 yard interception at the goal line. A Clemson score there would have assured a victory for the home team, but the redshirt freshman showed up in a big way.

Mike LB - 1. Matt Galambos 2. Quintin Wirginis

Matt Galambos had one of his finest games of his career last week. The senior was named co-ACC linebacker of the week for his efforts. He finished with 12 stops against the Tigers.

Star LB - 1. Seun Idowu 2. Bam Bradley

Idowu posted 11 stops last week, and it was a quiet 11 stops. He didn’t seem to stick out, but he did give them some production. Against a spread team like Duke, I look for Bam Bradley to get some more reps on Saturday.

CB - 1. Avonte Maddox Ryan Lewis OR Dane Jackson OR Damar Hamlin

It’s clear Avonte Maddox is starting at the one spot, but the other spot has three co-starters. Lewis, Hamlin, and Jackson all saw time against Clemson, and that will likely be the case again on Saturday. It seems like the hot hand will play.

SS - 1. Reggie Mitchell 2. Dennis Briggs

Jordan Whitehead is out for the year, so Reggie Mitchell will take his place in the starting lineup.

FS - 1. Terrish Webb OR Reggie Mitchell 2. Jay Stocker

Jay Stocker makes his season debut on the two-deep depth chart. He is a redshirt freshman that was a well regarded three-star recruit out of high school. Terrish Webb will likely see most, if not all the snaps here.

K - Chris Blewitt P - Ryan Winslow LS - Pat Quirin

I like Chris Blewitt.

KR/PR - 1. Quadree Henderson 2. Avonte Maddox

Henderson wasn’t really a factor in the return game, Clemson kept it away from him.