Bell’s offense could ultimately help defense prepare

After nearly three weeks of summer camp and with the first game upcoming Aug. 31 against Kent State, outside linebacker Kyle Louis said the new offense is helping prepare the defense for anything opponents might try.

“It’s definitely challenging our coverages, our pacing, our conditioning,” he said. “The first week of camp, we all were loafing. We all were moving around sluggish. Now, the defense is definitely moving around faster. We still have a couple guys loafing, but it definitely wasn’t as bad as the first day. I feel like this offense is going to prepare us way more than any offense we had before.

“I’m excited to see what we do the first day. I know against Kent State, against Cincy, against West V (the first three opponents), we’re going to have a way easier time against them than what we’re doing now.

“As soon as they get a play in, you try to look for a call. As soon as you turn around, the offense is already lined up. We already got used to that. If we got used to that, imagine what we can get used to against the other opponents.”

The idea behind offensive coordinator Kade Bell’s system is to put doubt in the heads of the defensive players. Thus, you’ll see plenty of run-pass option plays.

“I can’t name one play that’s not an RPO,” Louis said. “That’s the new offense.”

Chopping it up with Boswell

One of the advantages Pitt players enjoy at the South Side practice facility is the opportunity to build a relationship with Steelers players.

Kicker Ben Sauls said he has had conversations with the Steelers’ Chris Boswell, but the conversation steered away from football and kicking.

“The last time I chatted with him, it was just about life,” Sauls said. “We chatted once or twice about (kicking at Acrisure Stadium). Most of my advice came from (Alex) Kessman, who did chat a lot with (Boswell).”

Kessman, who preceded Sauls as Pitt’s kicker, holds the collegiate record for the longest field goal at Acrisure (55 yards against Syracuse in 2018). Boswell holds the overall stadium record (59). The school record is 58, set by Kessman at Boston College in 2020.

So far at camp this summer, Sauls hit from 58 in a live situation but also has been successful from 57 and 56.

“I’d say we could back it up a little bit, probably 62, 63, somewhere around there. That’s comfortable.”

His longest in a game is 51 against Duke at Acrisure in 2022. It’s his only successful attempt from 50 yards and beyond in five tries. Overall, he is 31 of 40 over the past two seasons, including 20 of 24 two years ago. A struggling offense limited him to 11 of 16 last season.

Kickoff Luncheon set for Friday

The highlight of the final week of training camp will be the annual Kickoff Luncheon on Friday at Acrisure Stadium.

Former Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko, a West Allegheny graduate who started 35 consecutive games from 2004-06, will be the keynote speaker.

Coach Pat Narduzzi and athletic director Heather Lyke will join the football team’s senior class at the luncheon.