Pittsburgh Football: Breaking down the Panthers’ 2017 QB battle
By Jacob Wilson
Predictions
If the content to this point hasn’t tipped it off already, it is pretty clear that this battle has a front-runner. Nonetheless, it is still a battle. Any assortment of complications could happen to either player, blowing the controversy wide open. Below are reasons why each player could find himself starting for the Panthers come mid-season.
Browne proves everyone wrong (or right?)
Coming into college as a five-star quarterback always attracts both supporters and critics. Browne, despite falling out of the spotlight for the most part, still has plenty of both. At this point, however, Browne may have accrued more critics than supporters as he failed to leave his mark over three seasons at USC.
More: Pittsburgh Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
This is likely the last year for Browne to prove himself as there are multiple signal-callers behind him gunning for his spot should he falter. Of course, a strong season for the Panthers likely casts more eyes on the highly-regarded prospect, some eyes belonging to those who stuck with Browne as one of the nation’s most prolific passers despite his struggles.
DiNucci takes advantage of a downtrodden Browne
At this point, one of the only things standing in front of Browne is himself. Should he trip over past failures at USC, DiNucci will not hesitate to take his spot. DiNucci has what it takes to be a starter in the ACC, but much like Browne, will only go as far as his confidence will take him.
Should DiNucci take hold of the job, expect him to do all he can with an unexpected opportunity. Should he be able to put a poor bowl game performance behind him, DiNucci should fit in nicely to a pro-style scheme typically implemented by the Panthers.
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Expect this to be a hard fought battle on both ends with Pitt enjoying a healthy competition that only betters the team as a whole. Regardless of who comes out on top, expect either player to be ready to go when their respective names get called.