Aug 25, 2003 3 min read

PITTSBURGH (AP) – As training camp came to a close with the second intrasquad scrimmage Sunday afternoon at the UPMC Sports Complex, the University of Pittsburgh’s offense appeared to be catching up with the defense. Quarterback Rod Rutherford looked sharper, the line worked together and the offense appeared to be gelling for the No. 10 Panthers.

“I think the offense did better (Sunday) than it had been,” Pitt coach Walt Harris said. “We still had too many turnovers, but I thought they competed better and we were more airtight on our execution of what we have to do in order to have a chance to be good on offense.

Harris rested tailback Brandon Miree on Sunday, but Jawan Walker ran 12 times for 66 yards, including a dazzling 33-yard touchdown run. Walker Kirkley had 35 yards on 14 carries. Tim Murphy added 25 yards on 10 runs.

Rutherford completed just 6 of 14 passes, but threw for 111 yards and two touchdowns. He hit junior wideout Joe Stephens for a 52-yard completion for a score and added an eight-yard TD pass to senior Yogi Roth.

With Larry Fitzgerald held out for precautionary reasons, Princell Brockenbrough and freshmen Greg Lee and Terrell Allen started in the three-wideout set.

“I think Princell’s playing very well, so (offensive coordinator J.D.) Brookhart’s going to have a tough decision to make,” Rutherford said. “Definitely, Joe had a nice scrimmage, too.”

On defense, Lewis Moore made four tackles, including three solo, and a 50-yard interception return for a score. He picked off Rutherford in the flat and was untouched on his way to the end zone.

“Lewis looks like a typical middle linebacker at the next level,” Rutherford said. “He’s strong, fast, and he can run. He’s going to demand a lot of respect this year at that position.”

Brian Bennett and Malcolm Postell have secured the outside linebacker spots around Moore, while freshmen H.B. Blades and Clint Session and redshirt sophomore Joe Dipre are backups.

“I think Brian and Malcolm are doing a good job of maturing, and guys like H.B. and Clint are really stepping up as well,” Moore said. “Joe Dipre, he’s played pretty well, too, so it’s looking good for our linebackers.”

In the secondary, sophomore Bernard “Josh” Lay again started ahead of senior William “Tutu” Ferguson.

NOTES: Tyler Palko was 4-for-5 for 34 yards, and Luke Getsy was 3-for-8 for 37 while sharing time at the No. 2 quarterback spot. … Palko ran for a 12-yard score. … DE Malcolm Pinder, TE Erik Gill and CB Marcus Furman all sat out with injuries that are not believed to be serious. … Pitt is off Monday and begins its regular once-daily afternoon workouts to prepare for the opener against Kent State on Sept. 6 at Heinz Field.