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Pitt Panthers Looking For Ways To Replace Injured Center Artie Rowell

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - The Pitt Panthers continued preparations for Saturday's game against the FIU Panthers in Miami.

Redshirt sophomore Gabe Roberts and redshirt freshman Alex Officer divided time at center, and Offensive Coordinator Joe Rudolph suggested both will play in place Artie Rowell, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Boston College game.

Rudolph said rotating centers is,"a real possibility, and we wouldn't be against it."

"Obviously, you don't want to lose Artie. He's a big part of what we do, but those guys need to step up and do a great job, and we believe they will," Rudolph said.

Joe Rudolph

(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

It was Roberts, who took over for Rowell against Boston College. He admitted he was nervous coming off the bench.

"It was pretty nuts. I was just out there, adrenaline flowing, butterflies, pretty nervous. But there was no time to get yourself calmed down, it was just time to go," Roberts said.

Gabe Roberts

(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, quarterback Chad Voytik believes Rowell's absence will affect him a little bit, but said he's working on gaining a comfort level with both centers in practice.

Chad Voytik

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