I think the late start to Pitt’s season is starting to take its toll on the beat writers. Both have a pair of similar pieces. You have the story that backup QB, Joe Flacco, will get in the game. Specifically, early — like the second possession — in the game, then like Palko in 2002 and Getsy in 2003, we will probably barely see Flacco again barring injury. This early chance to play is important to Coach Harris, because after all,

“Those who have been here a while know that I usually do that with the backup quarterback because he’s one play away from being the starting quarterback, and I think it would be unfair to Joe if he would have to be the starter without letting him have some playing time,” Harris said.

I can only shake my head a bit at this. One of the reasons it was so unclear who would be the starter, is no one ever saw Palko or Getsy in games the last couple years. Harris had Rutherford playing (except for his, uh, 1st quarter suspension) just about every down. Even in blowouts. It was like some bizarre overcompensation for the Priestly-Turman yo-yo-ing.

The notebook stories are also similar pieces. Palko was back at practice, declaring himself recovered from the flu. He’s excited to play this Saturday. In the O-line depth issue, starting right guard John Simonitis will not play in the game because of his ankle. Matt Maiers will start. In some rare good news, Rob Frederick will be available to play. He will be second on the depth chart. Cornerback Josh Lay is apparently healthy enough to play now, but will not start. He has been passed on the depth chart by Freshmen Darrelle Revis and Mike Phillips. Redshirt Junior Dave Williams appears to have won the starting right tackle position.

The Trib does a piece profiling Ohio QB, Ryan Hawk. Obligatory mention of him originally playing at Miami of Ohio with Roethlisberger.

Good piece from Joe Starkey, on calling out Getsy’s transfer. Not for transferring, but the tantrum he seemed to have thrown over the whole thing.

Harris owed him nothing, and nothing is what Getsy will get.
…
No player during Harris’ tenure has been granted a release from a scholarship to play for another Division I school. Harris refuses to set the precedent.

It’s not personal.

Getsy doesn’t deserve criticism for wanting out, either. It’s the way he went that leaves a sour taste.

After losing a close competition to Palko, Getsy told Harris he was considering a transfer. This, after Getsy had been quoted two weeks earlier as saying he would not leave under any circumstances, no matter how the competition unfolded, because his teammates were so important to him.

Other than for selfish reasons, no one was really begrudging Getsy’s transfer. Taking shots on the way out the door, was punk and useless.

Final item, Ohio University has its game notes ( split in 2 PDF files).