One thing about springs games is, you don't really want one side of the ball to dominate. Because then you worry more about the side that got pushed around than you praise the side that controlled the action.
That was the case Saturday at Pitt, where the defense won 62-24 in a modified scoring system. The offense scored only one touchdown, a 9-yard run by quarterback Tino Sunseri. Dion Lewis had a 52-yard run, but he totaled just 74 yards on five carries. As a team, the Panthers managed just 119 yards on 38 carries.
Pitt's players said they kept things very basic because the game was broadcast on the NFL Network and they didn't want to give opponents a lot of scouting material. Still, the lack of a strong running game raises questions about the offensive line, which needs to find answers at center and right guard before the season begins.
Then again, perhaps it's just time to credit the defense.
"Defensively, it was a solid performance," Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. "The defensive linemen -- [Tyler] Tkach, Nate Nix and Shayne Hale -- all fulfilled the backup roles that they needed to. They really came through and showed up today. The linebackers played really well."
Wannstedt also announced winners of the Ed Conway Award, which is annually given to the most improved players in the spring from each side of the ball. This year's winners were senior receiver Greg Cross, a former quarterback, and junior cornerback Antwuan Reed, who has put himself in position to be a starter this season.