Pitt loses starting center, Artie Rowell, for the season.
Artie Rowell went down with an injury in Pitt's 30-20 win against Boston College, and many thought it would not be a serious diagnosis. However, it was announced today that Rowell is out for the season with an ACL tear. Paul Chryst gave some words on the matter about losing his starting center. "I know I speak for our entire team in saying we are very disappointed for Artie. I'm certain he will attack his rehabilitation with everything he has to get himself ready for next season."
Artie Rowell was having a very good season through two games as he helped Pitt to huge rushing numbers against Delaware and Boston College. He was named to the Rimington watch list in the off-season, as the award goes to the nation's top center. Rowell started every game last season as a redshirt sophomore, and was one of the leading forces for the line already this season. The center was a three-star recruit out of Central Dauphin High School in Harrisburg, and stuck around to play for Paul Chryst after Todd Graham left for Arizona State.
Obviously you feel for Rowell, as he was a guy that really worked to be the team's starting Center by winning the job over Gabe Roberts last off-season. It will be Gabe Roberts to replace Rowell for the reminder of the season. He played well on Friday night, and should be able to keep the Panther running game moving forward, but depth is what takes a hit. Pitt broke camp with 15 linemen, and now they are down to 14. Pitt's line depth is better than what it was when Chryst got here, but it may now put a true freshman or two into playing time.
It is football - injuries happen, and that is why you are given 85 scholarships to fill a team. Artie Rowell was supposedto be a big part of this team, and losing him hurts in many ways. Pitt has some linemen that are good players that aren't in the starting lineup like Jaryd Jones-Smith, Alex Bookser, and Gabe Roberts. Pitt should be able to adapt, but another injury would make things really interesting.
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