It is only the first day in pads and, as most coaches say "the defense is always going to be ahead of the offense early" (a line used by Dave Wannstedt today, but the defensive line absolutely dominated the offensive line in this morning session. And it wasn't even a close battle.) That's not a good sign, but it is early. And as if watching the defensive line run past the offensive line and blow up just about every play the offense tried to run wasn't bad enough, the offense's problems were compounded by the fact they had far too many fumbled snaps.

One of the highlights, however, was a ridiculously athletic play made by defensive end Greg Romeus. The offense tried to run a reverse to Marcel Pestano, but Romeus chased him down, caught him before he could make the turn and get to the corner and made the play. I asked Wannstedt what his thoughts were about that play and he said, "we need to recruit a lot more guys who can do that."

Q: True or false -- Pitt will go only as far as their lines will take them.

Jim Raible

Hershey, Pa.

Zeise: True, although the same could be said about just about every other team in the country. And like I wrote in my opening (and what I'll be writing about for tomorrow's paper) -- the offensive line really needs to get together here. There is far too much skill on this offense for it to be wasted because the Panthers can't block anyone -- which is an old story with this team. I think the pieces are in place for the offensive line to be fairly good, but that remains to be seen. As for the defensive line -- I don't think I can recall seeing a Pitt defensive line that looked as deep and athletic as this one, so I expect it to be better. Romeus and Tommie Duhart are both going to be welcome additions.

Q: What are the key position battles this year?

Shawn Kunes

Cranberry Township

Zeise: Linebacker was supposed to be but I think Shane Murray and Scott McKillop have all but locked up two positions and it seems as if Dorin Dickerson is going to win the third job, with Nate Nix being the top reserve. Those four seem to be the most in the mix right now. Center is a key position but it is tough to really gauge much of anything on the offensive line with Mike McGlynn still hurt. And that's what is interesting about this team -- it is young and has a number of inexperienced players, but many of the starting jobs are already very close to being decided. Most of the positioning now is for the two-deep spots. Also, the defensive line will be a battle until the end and it will be very fun to watch unfold.

Q: Isn't this Pat Bostick situation just a case of a spoiled star leaving because he realized he'd have to work and battle for the starting job as opposed to it just being handed to him?

Tony DeFife

Canonsburg

Zeise: No, not at all. That's not an accurate assessment of the situation at all. He has a legitimate reason to not be at camp and, as his dad said yesterday, he'll be back soon. And ultimately if he redshirts it might be the best thing for both him and Pitt in the long run.