Nathan Peterman is now Pitt’s starting quarterback
Add Pitt to the list of teams making a change at quarterback.
Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi said Wednesday on the ACC coaches teleconference that Nathan Peterman will start for the Panthers when ACC play begins on Oct. 3 at Virginia Tech.
Chad Voytik started the first two games of the season, but Peterman – a Tennessee transfer – was given the nod over Voytik last week at Iowa. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Narduzzi said Voytik will continue to see some time in a “specialized package,” but it’s Peterman’s job for the time being.
“We’ll continue to go forward with (Peterman) as the starting quarterback here,” Narduzzi said. “I think he’s earned that. I think Chad will continue to battle back.”
Voytik started every game last season but his playing time faded quickly in year one under Narduzzi. Peterman played most of the Panthers’ week two win over Akron and Voytik saw just two first half series last weekend against Iowa – both of which went three-and-out.
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Narduzzi said the two would continue to challenge one another for the starting role as the season progresses.
“Don’t count (Chad) out now. He ain’t one to quit,” Narduzzi said. “I’m telling you, he’s the best competitor we have on this football team. He’s going to make Nathan better, I think Nathan’s made him better. I know it’s a high-profile position, but football’s football, and competition is competition. Chad understands that.”
Through three games, Peterman has thrown for 428 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 34-of-50 attempts while Voytik is 16-of-24 for 112 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Peterman, a redshirt junior, joined the Pitt program as a graduate transfer in the offseason. He redshirted in 2012 and played in a combined 11 games (two starts) for Tennessee in 2013 and 2014.
Voytik, a junior, threw for 2,233 yards, 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions while rushing for 466 yards and three more scores in 2014.
Pitt is 2-1 after last weekend’s last-second loss to Iowa.
For more Pittsburgh news, visit Panther-lair.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
