By Mike Kovak, Staff writer

mkovak@observer-reporter.com

Eastern Michigan and Grambling provide Pitt's untested passing offense with two opportunities to build continuity before heading to Michigan State in three weeks.

And it should give quarterback Bill Stull, four days from his first collegiate start, a couple chances to gain confidence in a group of receivers that suffered a major setback during training camp when Derek Kinder was lost for the year with a knee injury.

Last year, Kinder led Pitt with 57 receptions and 847 receiving yards.

When Pitt opens play Saturday against Mid-American Conference opponent Eastern Michigan at Heinz Field, sophomore Oderick Turner will be the starting split end and junior Marcel Pestano will line up at flanker.

"Our top three receivers from last year were Derek Kinder, Oderick Turner and Marcel Pestano," Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. "And, in all honesty, the receiver who had the best camp is Pestano. He's a junior who has great speed."

Kinder developed a reputation as a hard-working, possession receiver, though he had touchdown catches of 80, 78 and 55 yards a year ago. Pestano will be counted on to fill that role, and he might be the group's best combination of speed and athleticism.

The Lehigh Acres, Fla. native established career highs in 2006 with 28 catches for 424 yards (15.1 average) and two touchdowns. His best game was a six-catch, 70-yard performance against Louisville.

"I'm real happy where we're at with our receivers," Wannstedt said.

Turner emerged last year as a big-play threat.

He started all 12 games and finished with 44 catches for 660 yards. His eight touchdowns tied for the most in the Big East Conference.

"Last year, we were wondering, 'Is Oderick Turner the type of player we can count on?', and the guy steps up and has a great year," Wannstedt said. "It's great to see the development."

Sophomores T.J. Porter and Cedric McGee will be the backups. Porter will also return kickoffs.

Simply Devine

West Virginia might have college football's best tailback in Steve Slaton. When it comes to backups, the Mountaineers might have the best one too as freshman Noel Devine appears primed to make a major contribution.

Already No. 2 on the depth chart as No. 3 West Virginia readies for Saturday's opener against Western Michigan, Devine was a highly-touted player from North Fort Myers (Fla.) High School, where he rushed for 6,842 yards and 92 touchdowns.

"He's done pretty well. For a freshman, there's a steep learning curve, but he's worked real hard," West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez said. "I've been real pleased with his progress."

In addition to his running back duties, Devine may also see time on special teams.

Big East bits and pieces

Wannstedt named Adam Gunn and Shane Murray as starting outside linebackers. Backups Dorin Dickerson and Nate Nix could see equal playing time. ... The Big East went 5-0 in 2006 bowl games, becoming just the third conference to accomplish an unbeaten record in as many games. The SEC went 5-0 in 1996, as did the Big Ten in 1998. ... Thursday marks the debut for coach Steve Kragthorpe at No. 10 Louisville. The Cardinals host Murray State. ... Louisville has won 18 straight home games. Only Southern California (33 straight) has won more. ... Pitt is 24-2 all-time against teams from the MAC, including 7-0 in season openers.

Home