Pitt will conclude spring drills Saturday with the Blue-Gold game, but the same questions that dogged the Panthers all spring -- quarterback and offensive line -- will follow them into the summer.

In the case of the offensive line, the Panthers don't appear to have made much progress toward identifying a unit that is capable of giving them a chance to compete at the level they believe they are ready to.

And, while much has been made about the fact that the defensive line is playing well and that there are two starters -- left guard C.J. Davis and left tackle Jason Pinkston -- sitting out, the bottom line is the unit that is left has a long way to go.

As things stand, the right tackle spot will be manned by either junior Joe Thomas or redshirt freshman Jordan Gibbs. While both have had some good moments, they also have struggled in trying to handle the Panthers' speedy defensive ends. Center Robb Houser has been consistent, but the revolving door at left guard -- Davis' spot -- has not spoken well of the Panthers' depth.

The one positive development has been the smooth transition of junior John Malecki from defensive tackle to offensive guard. He clearly has been one of the most consistent performers on the line this spring.

The quarterback situation is a little different because the players who are competing for the starting job -- redshirt junior Bill Stull, redshirt sophomore Kevan Smith and sophomore Pat Bostick -- all have shown the ability to lead the team in stretches and junior college transfer Greg Cross has proven to be a nice change of pace.

Still, none of the three experienced quarterbacks have distinguished themselves enough to make it an easy decision for coaches. Despite a wealth of talent at wide receiver the number of big plays have been low during the spring.

Not surprisingly, those two areas and how they are resolved will hold the key to the Panthers' season.

Linebacker depth and speed was a concern coming into the spring -- the play of redshirt freshmen Tristan Roberts, Greg Williams and Brandon Lindsey have helped ease that concern. Starting middle linebacker Scott McKillop still is without a capable backup, but redshirt junior Steve Dell and redshirt freshman Max Gruder have progressed.

Junior Dorin Dickerson and redshirt freshman Aaron Smith also have been two exciting developments. Dickerson, a West Allegheny graduate, came to Pitt with a lot of hype. But he got hurt during his first camp and played sparingly, then was switched from running back to receiver to linebacker before moving to tight end this spring. He has been a playmaker.

Smith, who is from Gateway, has steadily made progress almost every practice and had an excellent day Saturday in the Panthers' scrimmage. He made three catches for 49 yards and had a touchdown reception of 8 yards. Another receiver who has made a lot of noise this spring is sophomore Maurice Williams, who has been a big-play guy but is now becoming a little more consistent at making the routine plays.

Another player who continues to impress is redshirt freshman tailback Shariff Harris, who is a good combination of power and speed and who has been very consistent throughout the spring.

If there is an area that is loaded with talent but still needs some clarity in the depth chart it is in the secondary.

Aaron Berry will start at one corner but the battle between redshirt freshman Buddy Jackson and junior Jovani Chappel at the other corner will likely not be resolved until deep into training camp.

At strong safety, sophomore Dom DeCicco appears to be ahead of redshirt sophomore Elijah Fields, but both players will get to play extensively regardless of who is the starter.

The Blue-Gold game will kick off at 6 p.m. Saturday at Heinz Field -- admission is free -- but the university has activities planned starting with an autograph session for players and coaches at 4 p.m.

The game will be televised by the NFL Network and WNPA-TV.