Jurkovec’s mobility concerns Mountaineers as Pitt quarterback looks to get right in Morgantown

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As West Virginia looks to right a pass defense that’s endured struggles over the first two games, the Mountaineers do so preparing to face one of the more experienced quarterbacks in college football during Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. Backyard Brawl inside Milan Puskar Stadium.

Pitt quarterback Phil Jurkovec is in his sixth season, though he’s only two games into his Panthers’ tenure, which will mark the signal-caller’s final collegiate campaign.

A native of Pittsburgh who played at Pine-Richland High School, Jurkovec has one of the bigger statures of any quarterback at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds.

Whereas most quarterbacks similar in size are primarily pocket passers, West Virginia head coach Neal Brown says Jurkovec offers more.

“The thing that strikes you is how big he is,” Brown said. “He’s a big man and sometimes those big guys are just standers in the pocket. He’s not. He moves well. It’s a good mix of under center, some pro style looks and shotgun. They have him read and when he pulls the ball, he’s effective as a runner.”

Jurkovec spent his first two seasons at Notre Dame, but attempted only 17 passes. He moved on to Boston College for three years, two of which he was under the guidance of then-BC and current Pitt offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr. Jurkovec battled numerous injuries with the Eagles, including one early in the 2021 season that limited him to 96 passing attempts that year after BC finished 6-4 in his 10 starts a season earlier.

The 2020 season was the most productive of Jurkovec’s career as he threw for 2,558 yards and 17 touchdowns with only five interceptions. 

Thus far at Pitt, Jurkovec has thrown four touchdowns without an interception, but completed only 27-of-55 passes for 393 yards.

He struggled in last week’s 27-21 loss to Cincinnati despite throwing for all three Panther touchdowns. Outside of his three touchdowns, Jurkovec completed 7-of-29 passes against the Bearcats.  

“I don’t think they did anything special to get whatever those numbers were,” WVU defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley said in regards to Cincinnati’s defense. 

A week earlier in a runaway win over Wofford, Jurkovec was far more efficient and completed 17-of-23 attempts.

“He has a strong arm and throws the deep ball. I’m sure they were disappointed they didn’t connect on as many against Cincinnati. They did against Wofford,” Brown said. “You can tell he’s cerebral and checking plays for those guys. The scary thing for me is when he breaks contain and gets out on the perimeter. He has the ability to run and he’s a lot bigger than most defensive backs. He has the arm talent when he gets out of the pocket, whether it’s left or right, to throw the ball down the field, so that’s something we have to be prepared for. 

“He’s won a bunch of games. He took BC to a bowl game when he was real young and Jeff [Halfley] was a first-year head coach there. I’m sure he grew up in this rivalry, too, so this is a game that’s going to mean a lot to him.”

Jurkovec has been mired in controversy this week. After his poor showing against UC, which included incompletions on all 11 of wide receiver Bub Means’ targets, the redshirt senior was asked for his thoughts on audible boos from the home crowd at Acrisure Stadium.

“If you’re a grown ass man booing in that stadium, you have to look at things yourself,” Jurkovec said. “I think that’s pathetic. But we didn’t play well enough. We’re going to be better.”

Jurkovec accepted blame for the performance, citing his poor footwork at times and a lack of rhythm. It left him ahead of only five FBS quarterbacks in completion percentage entering this week.

Jurkovec now hopes to bounce back in his first meeting with the Mountaineers.

West Virginia ranks 111th among 133 FBS teams allowing 281.5 passing yards on average, and has too often plagued by coverage busts that have led to gains through the air.

The Mountaineers are expected to tweak personnel on the back end as Jurkovec is eagerly awaits the opportunity to get right away from home.

“I’ve always liked to play on the road,” Jurkovec said, “and after [the Cincinnati game], I’m excited to play on the road.”