Five things to know about Pitt

STILLWATER — The numbers hardly seem to match up.

Oklahoma State quarterback’s Mason Rudolph’s school-record 540 passing yards, James Washington’s 296 receiving yards, and a seven-point victory.

But last year’s Pittsburgh team had more fight in it than what showed in one ill-fated matchup between receiver and defensive back, and that’s why the Panthers were able to hang so close on the Cowboys’ home turf.

What about this year, when the ninth-ranked Pokes visit Pitt at 11 a.m. Saturday at Heinz Field?

Can this Pitt team keep it close with Oklahoma State?

Here are five things to know about Pitt heading into Saturday’s game:

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi is on his third offensive coordinator in three years at the helm, but Shawn Watson — who most notably to Big 12 followers worked as the offensive coordinator at Texas in 2014-15 — didn’t toss out the scheme.

Instead, Watson adapted to the offense that already was in place. Of course, quarterback Nathan Peterman, who caused some fits for OSU last season, is gone to the NFL, replaced by USC graduate transfer Max Browne.

Exactly one year ago, Browne was USC’s starting quarterback, but got benched after a 1-2 start in favor of rising star Sam Darnold.

Browne has been underwhelming in his first two starts for Pitt, yet to reach 150 passing yards in either game. And the Panthers have struggled to protect him, something that could be a factor with OSU’s improved defensive line play.

James Conner, Pitt’s running back a year ago, is in the NFL now, too. But the Panthers are still stocked there, with Qadree Ollison leading the way. Quadree Henderson is also a big-play threat in a more unique fashion, with his touches coming on sweeps and pass plays.

2. Motion offense

As soon as the Pitt offense gets lined up, someone will start moving. Tight ends switching sides. Receivers in motion across the backfield. Pre-snap motion is more than an alignment tool for the Pitt offense. It’s one of the weapons in its arsenal to get a defense misaligned or looking in the wrong place.

Some of the motion is necessary for the play that is called. Some of it is just to keep defenders thinking.

“They have a reason for trying to gain a gap, an advantage in a down scheme,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said. “If you don’t adjust, they can find a weakness.”

Henderson and other receivers will take handoffs on a jet sweep coming across the backfield. Or Browne will fake to the receiver and give it to the running back bursting up the middle. Or he’ll fake to both and look to throw.

It’s all about misdirection, overloading the defenders’ minds and revealing areas to attack.