There isn’t too much out of the ordinary with Pitt’s travel roster — Virginia edition — but there are still some takeaways.
As Pat Narduzzi said earlier this week, the trio of Sam Vander Haar, Cam Guess and Caleb Junko made the trip to Virginia. Narduzzi said that Junko would be making his first collegiate start, but it wouldn’t be a shock if all three saw the field once again this week.
Vander Haar is the only scholarship punter on the roster, so he should be expected to see the field if Junko struggles. Guess is the holder on Ben Sauls’ kicks, so he had to make the trip too.
Dayon Hayes didn’t make the trip to Charlottesville, Virginia, but that’s not a surprise given his recent legal situation. That situation remains one to monitor going forward as his status is updated.
Gabe Houy also didn’t make the trip to Virginia, after he made his first start of the season last week against Syracuse and seemingly hit that threshold to retain his starter status. It’s an opportunity for Branson Taylor to cement himself as a starting tackle but also for Ryan Baer to see his first collegiate action this week.
After all, Baer has four games to be used and still retain his redshirt status. Virginia could be an opportunity.
True freshmen joining Baer in Virginia include Ryland Gandy, Samuel Okunlola, Kyle Louis and the aforementioned Vander Haar.
