Wednesday, October 08, 2003

By Paul Zeise, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Pitt dominated Notre Dame in just about every statistical category when the Panthers and Fighting Irish played at Notre Dame Stadium last year.

The Panthers outgained the Irish, 402 yards to 185, had more than twice as many first downs (21 to 10) and won the time-of-possession battle, 32:26 to 27:34.

About the only category Pitt did not win that day was the only one that mattered -- the score. The Irish took advantage of a number of turnovers and key mistakes by the Panthers, and in particular quarterback Rod Rutherford, to win the game, 14-6.

Rutherford will look for some redemption Saturday as the 15th-ranked Panthers (3-1) play host to the Irish (1-3) at Heinz Field in a nationally televised game. He said most of his mistakes were a result of trying to do too much.

Rutherford said he still remembers the key play from that game as if it happened yesterday. Pitt trailed, 7-6, with about nine minutes to play and had the ball deep in its own territory when Rutherford ran out of the pocket and toward the first-down marker.

But he didn't secure the ball with two hands and fumbled when he was hit by Notre Dame safety Glenn Earl. The Irish recovered at the Panthers' 12, and four plays later, Ryan Grant scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Irish a 14-6 lead.

Pitt had a chance to tie the score, but its threat ended when a pass by Rutherford was intercepted on the sideline by defensive back Preston Jackson.

"That [fumble] was definitely me trying to do too much," Rutherford said. "I tried to use the referee as a pick and it didn't happen and I got surprised. I should have just went downfield, got what I could get and then went down. This year, I am a better quarterback and I am a lot more informed about the game. I'm smarter when it comes to certain situations.

"All four losses [last year] were due to turnovers, and this year I just have to do a better job of protecting the ball."

Rutherford rebounded from that game, leading Pitt to a 19-16 overtime victory against Boston College the next week. He scored three touchdowns a week later in the Panthers' 28-21 upset of Virginia Tech.

In the 10 games since Pitt lost to Notre Dame, Rutherford has thrown 27 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions. This season, he has become the top-rated passer in the country.

Pitt coach Walt Harris said the Notre Dame game was a turning point for Rutherford because he realized how close he was to becoming a top quarterback. He threw two interceptions and fumbled in that game, but he also had 352 yards of total offense, including 313 passing, and barely missed making some big plays.

"We moved the ball up and down the field, we just couldn't get it into the end zone," Harris said. "One of the things that happened after the game is Rod decided he could do this. I think it gave him confidence and he thought 'If I put more into it, I can get better and compete at a higher level.' And he went out and he did it and we won nine games."

Rutherford said the Irish will again present a challenge to the Panthers' offense because their defense is talented and experienced. He said one key this year will be to finish drives early in the game. Last year, the Panthers failed to capitalize on several early scoring chances.

"Nothing is different about their defense, they have eight returning starters and it is one of the top defenses in the country," Rutherford said. "They come to play hard every game. You have to respect them, but we have to remember that last year we pretty much dominated the game. They did a good job when it counted, in the red zone, and we can't let that happen again. We need to play Pitt football and we'll be fine.

One development he said will favor the Panthers is that the offensive line has come together. Rutherford finally has a center, senior Jon Schall, with whom he will work with the rest of the season after months of trying to adjust to different people snapping the ball.

"We're starting to jell up front and that's very important," Rutherford said. "Give Schall credit, he has come a long way snapping the ball, from stubbing my fingers to making the nice loud sound that lets you know it is a perfect snap."

NOTES -- Harris said redshirt sophomore linebacker Joe Dipre has quit the team. Dipre was a promising prospect from Erie Cathedral Prep and was expected to be the primary backup to Lewis Moore at middle linebacker this year. But he was passed on the depth chart by true freshman Clint Session, so coaches asked him to move to defensive end. ... The week off has helped the Panthers get healthy as all of the injured key players have returned to practice. ... Members of the Pitt men's and women's basketball teams will have an autograph session at Heinz Field before the game Saturday. ... Pitt is asking all fans attending the game to wear gold and arrive early as the game is a sellout.

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