? Middle linebacker Adam Gunn (ankle) remains a game-time decision for Saturday's game at N.C. State. Regardless of Gunn's status, freshman Dan Mason, the reigning Big East Defensive Player of the Week, will see increased playing time.
"If Adam starts, Danny will definitely get a lot more playing time," coach Dave Wannstedt said. "We feel comfortable doing that and we need to do that."
? The Panthers will leave town about one hour earlier than normal as a result of possible delays caused by the G-20 economic summit. Pitt will depart Pittsburgh International Airport at about 3 p.m., one hour ahead of schedule.
"Generally, we leave at 4," Wannstedt said. "We'll be wheels up at 3."
? Redshirt freshman wide receiver Mike Shanahan has practiced the past two days and is cleared to play.
? One year ago, Pitt played well in a victory against Navy, only to revert and allow six touchdown passes in a 54-34 loss to Rutgers the following week. "Believe me," defensive coordinator Phil Bennett said, "They (the players) have been reminded of that. I've been reminded of it."
? Due to injuries and illness (including the swine flu), N.C. State will start its fourth different offensive line and fourth different secondary in as many weeks. Left guard Julian Williams returns after missing last week's game while battling the effects of the H1N1 virus.
"We have to play a great football game," N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien said. "It's going to be a hard-fought, slug it out and hit them in the mouth game. It's not touch football."
? A big challenge for Pitt will be containing North Carolina State's taller receivers. Three of their four top wideouts are 6-3 or taller. Pitt's starting cornerbacks, Aaron Berry and Jovani Chappel, are 5-11 and 5-9.
"We're somewhat between midgets and smurfs," Bennett said, "but we're good players."
"If Adam starts, Danny will definitely get a lot more playing time," coach Dave Wannstedt said. "We feel comfortable doing that and we need to do that."
? The Panthers will leave town about one hour earlier than normal as a result of possible delays caused by the G-20 economic summit. Pitt will depart Pittsburgh International Airport at about 3 p.m., one hour ahead of schedule.
"Generally, we leave at 4," Wannstedt said. "We'll be wheels up at 3."
? Redshirt freshman wide receiver Mike Shanahan has practiced the past two days and is cleared to play.
? One year ago, Pitt played well in a victory against Navy, only to revert and allow six touchdown passes in a 54-34 loss to Rutgers the following week. "Believe me," defensive coordinator Phil Bennett said, "They (the players) have been reminded of that. I've been reminded of it."
? Due to injuries and illness (including the swine flu), N.C. State will start its fourth different offensive line and fourth different secondary in as many weeks. Left guard Julian Williams returns after missing last week's game while battling the effects of the H1N1 virus.
"We have to play a great football game," N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien said. "It's going to be a hard-fought, slug it out and hit them in the mouth game. It's not touch football."
? A big challenge for Pitt will be containing North Carolina State's taller receivers. Three of their four top wideouts are 6-3 or taller. Pitt's starting cornerbacks, Aaron Berry and Jovani Chappel, are 5-11 and 5-9.
"We're somewhat between midgets and smurfs," Bennett said, "but we're good players."
