In a significant shift for Pitt’s football team, Nate Yarnell is set to start as quarterback against Boston College, marking his first start of the 2023 season. This decision comes after Yarnell took the majority of reps in warmups, as first reported by AP News. Coach Pat Narduzzi had earlier indicated uncertainty about the starting quarterback position, which has now been clarified.
Yarnell’s start represents the third quarterback change for Pitt this season, following the performances of Veilleux and Phil Jurkovec, who each started five games. This change is part of the coaching staff’s effort to assess the quarterback position for the upcoming 2024 season.
The move follows a challenging game against Syracuse, where Veilleux, despite completing 13 of 22 passes for 161 yards with a touchdown and an interception, struggled in the second half. Yarnell was brought in late in the game, completing 3 of 5 passes for 48 yards.
Pitt’s offense has faced difficulties this season, ranking low in points per game and total offense in college football. The team has struggled with both passing and running, raising questions about the effectiveness of their current strategy under Frank Cignetti Jr.’s offense. Narduzzi acknowledges the need for better positioning of players to enhance performance.
Veilleux’s season performance has been a mix, with initial success followed by three challenging games. Yarnell, who has played in only two games this season, has shown promise in his limited appearances. His performance against Boston College is eagerly anticipated, as it may determine if he is a viable option for Pitt’s quarterback in the 2024 season.
The game against Boston College is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m., where Yarnell will have his chance to demonstrate his capabilities in a more extended play.