The next 24 to 48 hours could be eventful for Pitt in terms of identifying who’ll lead their offense next season.
Since his decision to leave Boston College, all eyes have been on Phil Jurkovec.
The obvious connection is because of his relationship with current Pitt offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr., along with him having the opportunity to come back and play in his hometown for his final season of college football.
The question is how realistic is this?
The answer to that is very realistic and things could come together quickly.
Pittsburgh Sports Now is told that all of this hinges on Kedon Slovis and whether or not he chooses to return to Pitt.
We’re led to believe that Jurkovec is monitoring that situation closely and could be waiting on Slovis. If Slovis decides to leave, I believe things could come together between Pitt and Jurkovec fairly quickly.
The biggest factor in this could very well be what direction Cignetti and Pat Narduzzi want to move in. If they both believe that Jurkovec would be a better fit, this will no doubt be conveyed to the Slovis camp in some manner. However, if they would like him to return for a second season, that recruiting is no doubt happening as we speak.
I would expect something to happen very soon because Pitt will not be the only program trying to bring in Jurkovec, so I’m guessing they’re pressing Slovis for an answer.
One team to keep an eye on with Slovis if he decides to leave is Missouri.
Who do you think is better ?
I believe they are essentially equally talented. Jurkovec is probably better suited for Cignetti’s system. Jurkovic is the better runner and leader.
Relationships are nice. Performance grade is another story. If Phil didn’t perform well for BC when Cignetti was there, better off either going with Slovis or Nate.
Comparing the stats of Slovis and Jurkovec while coached by Cignetti:
Jurkovec: 8 YPA, 24/9 TD/INT ratio, 60 percent completion, rushed for 472 yards and 8 TDs.
Slovis: 7.6 YPA, 10/9 TD INT ratio, 58 percent completion, rushed for negative yards and 0 TDs.
I hope this succinctly answers your question
Have to complement your use of the word “succinctly”. I’m an 80 year old PITT grad who only recently discovered the word. By the way, of course Jurkovec would be much better for PITT.
I’d rather have Armstrong …
Tony Elliott ruined him. I wouldn’t touch him in any capacity.
Jurkovec had his chance twice…..stick with Slovis.
Phil seems to be injured and miss significant time every season. Stick with Slovis.
Also a reply to Don above, Slovis is gone! Thank goodness. Hope Patti gets to show some of his stuff.
Phil can be no worse than Slovis
Pump the Brakes on Jurkovec for a one and done (Tom Savage style).
If the program is about Wins-Losses recruit a Dual Threat and stop worrying about the NFL upside QB.
Better find a new OC first, because that ain’t happening with Cignetti.
Go with Yarnell. Jurkovec —-3rd school? Nah. He’d be a headache . Keep him away. Slovis —-is what he is. That’s why USC went away from him. Give Nate a chance. Patti can back him up. Honestly Cignetti’s offense isn’t going to draw any real stud QB’s.
Slovis wouldn’t be leaving if Pitt’s coaching staff had not informed him transfer(s) qb’s were coming in. No way Slovis wanted to compete against Cignetti’s guy from B.C.. , although, I will say that Slovis was certainly improving and had potential to lead Pitt to a better season next year. Slovis was under a new coordinator and was working with all new receivers. A pass game on a power 5 level is more difficult to develop than most fans realize. This portal situation is just something we all have to acclimate to. In the end, Pitt will receive it’s share… Read more »
I think PITT will do well with the portal scheme. It is the future.