PITTSBURGH — Pitt junior running back, A.J. Davis has been named the starter for the Panthers on Saturday against Miami.
Davis was listed as the only starter at running back this week, for the first time since Pitt’s loss against Virginia in Week One of this season.
With injuries forcing him to sit out against Delaware and Duke, Davis came back last week against Syracuse and rushed for 103 yards on 16 carries and scored a touchdown.
After the Syracuse win, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi confirmed that Davis will be the starter, going forward.
“He’s our starter,” Narduzzi said following Davis’ performace at Syracuse.
At Narduzzi’s press conference on Monday, Davis was the only name highlighted as a starter for this coming week. The last several weeks, Pitt has had all four names — A.J. Davis, Vincent Davis, Todd Sibley Jr. and V’Lique Carter — highlighted because of the unknown status of the backs.
With Pitt’s improved passing attack, the running game has been the missing piece in what could be a dynamic attack.
“Do I want to be balanced?” Narduzzi said. “Yes, I think we have to be in order to win a championship and having a chance to talk in those terms.”
Pitt won’t have an easy task this week, in gaining more momentum off of Davis’ rushing performance last week.
Miami has allowed 576 rushing yards this season, which is the fewest in the ACC conference. They have guys upfront on their defense who are exceptionally talented at their position.
Davis made it known after his performance at Syracuse, that it isn’t all on his shoulders to turn around the Panthers running game.
“Everybody in the (running back) room can make a play.” Davis said Saturday. “But when it’s my turn to go out there, I’ll be ready.”
