The offense committed only one turnover among about 130 plays.

Backup quarterback Julian Dugger ran 69 yards for a touchdown.

Wide receivers Deuce Spann and Zion Fowler-El made big plays in the passing game.

The running game was “solid,” according to Pat Narduzzi.

The coach’s overall assessment of Pitt’s closed scrimmage last Saturday: “It made a head coach happy,” he said, “made me have a better Sunday. Good competition. Good teaching.”

If this was September — better yet, November — there would be cause for optimism inside Pitt’s South Side headquarters. But it’s only April, still 11 days before the Blue-Gold spring game and five months before the 2025 games start to count.

More than anything, spring ball sets a foundation for summer training camp more than it can be viewed as an indicator what’s to come.

“We have a long way to go. We always do. I’m going to say that in mid-August,” Narduzzi said after practice Tuesday. “I’m giving you the highlights. I’m not giving you any lowlights.

“But I like the way guys are working. If one thing is a weakness one day, they come out the next day and it becomes a strength. There’s always good and bad out of any day.”

During his chat with reporters Tuesday, Narduzzi was asked about and spoke extensively about the athletic ability of quarterbacks Eli Holstein, Dugger and freshman Mason Heintschel.

Dugger’s run was one example.

“He made a couple guys miss and he can run,” the coach said of the Penn Hills graduate. “He has those long strides. He glides. He can go.”

It should be noted, however, that quarterbacks wear red jerseys and are protected from contact in practice.

Narduzzi also recited a Holstein statistic from the 2024 season that he thought was impressive.

“Do you know what he averaged per scramble last year?” Narduzzi said, remarking he recently watched a video of 38 Holstein scrambles. “He averaged 8.5 yards per scramble. That’s pretty darn good.

“It’s a good play. Don’t think you have to throw it every time. If it’s not there, tuck it and go. Coach (Kade) Bell’s emphasized that.”

He added that scrambling is not a case of Holstein leaving the pocket too soon.

“Coach Bell does a great job going through their progressions. Just be smart with the ball,” Narduzzi said. “If there’s pressure and you don’t feel like you can get it off , then get out (and run).

“That’s why it’s so important to have quarterbacks who can make plays with (their) feet. The protection is not always going to be perfect. That’s what we lacked near at the end of the year last year. We couldn’t create in the pocket and make something happen and you’re taking sacks, negative plays, putting you behind the sticks.”

Asked about Heintschel’s progress, Narduzzi said, “Mason has been really good, getting most of the reps against the 3s (third-team defense) and some 2 snaps to get him looks with different receivers. Mason’s done as good as you can as a freshman quarterback right now.”

Narduzzi said the offense won the scrimmage, 57-43, according to his scoring system.

Defense has its day

When the team reported back to practice Tuesday, the defense recorded four interceptions, Narduzzi reported.

He said these turnovers were “takeaways … big-time plays made by the defense,” compared to the “giveaways” the offense committed in a previous scrimmage.

With wide receivers C.J. Lee and Poppi Williams injured and probably out until summer camp, Spann, a sixth-year senior transfer who has spent time at Illinois and Florida State, is getting opportunities to earn playing time.

At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Spann has the body and athleticism to eventually become a producer in the passing game.

“He’s learning the offense. He can run,” Narduzzi said. “He can separate and catch the ball in the deep part of the field.”

Spann said he is more comfortable in Pitt’s offense than at any time in his career.

“They’re finally letting me show my skill set, let me play free, do what I want,” he said.

Narduzzi said the wide receivers are competing to be included among six “starters.”

Among the top contenders now and in the summer are Kenny Johnson, Blue Hicks, Andy Jean, Fowler-El, Lee, Williams and Spann.

Don’t live downstairs from him

Punter Caleb Junko, who has been with the team since 2021, said he hit some of his best balls Saturday, a few with 5.4 seconds of hang time (considered a good boot).

Given the nature of what they do, punters can’t practice anytime, anywhere. So, Junko walks through his apartment practicing his drops. “I annoy my neighbors when I drop it on the floor,” he said.

Junko also has inherited the holder’s job from Cam Guess, but he doesn’t expect to try many fakes. He tried one last season against SMU that gained 3 yards.

“Three yards is about my range,” he said, with a smile.

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