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Q: It seems to me that Max Gruder is struggling to make tackles and when he does, he seems to be overmatched by the ball carrier or receiver. What happened to the thought of putting Adam Gunn at weakside and Dan Mason in the middle? Max is an adequate linebacker but Mason is a stud in the middle.

Jack Rodgers, Moon Twp.

ZEISE: The N.C. State game happened. Pretty much that game exposed the linebackers in coverage and it also showed coaches that as good as Mason is and will be, he is so young and inexperienced it is a lot to ask of him to play that middle linebacker spot because there is so much required of that position, particularly in pass coverage. Now, that being said -- if you look at the depth chart for the Syracuse game, Mason has been moved to weakside linebacker behind Gruder and will play some this week so it is clear they want to get him in the mix. As for Gruder, he is fine, he is still learning. He'll get better with experience and with another year in the weight room and coaches understand the process and growing pains so they'll continue to coach him up and bring him along.

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Q: I really like when Pitt goes to the nickel defense and has Elijah Fields out there as a linebacker but I was wondering why they leave Max Gruder in there and take Greg Williams out. I'd rather see Greg Williams stay in the game than Gruder, what are your thoughts?

Tony Elkins, White Oak

ZEISE: It has a lot to do with coverage and while Williams is a better athlete than Gruder, he doesn't cover as well. The entire concept of this defense falls apart if two things don't happen -- the defensive line doesn't generate pressure and the secondary and/or linebacker can't cover. Pitt was exposed by N.C. State and that's why there has been such an effort to get the nickel package right because having a guy like Fields gives the coaches the luxury of taking a linebacker off the field without losing size or a physical presence with regards to run support. It is a good package for Pitt, one I'd expect to see a lot in the final four games.

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Q: How do you think the offensive coaching staff will keep the freshman running backs happy with touches next year? They are redshirting Jason Douglas from Florida who is very fast and they have Chris Burns and two nice recruits who are listed as running backs. There are typically 35 running plays per game and another five passes to running backs for a total of 40 opportunities. Considering this do you see any running backs transferring?

Joe Lascola, Wexford

ZEISE: A transfer is always a possibility, especially with a position that crowded that looks like it will be under wraps for the next three years. I don't expect Ray Graham to leave, though, because he told me he loves it at Pitt, loves what he's been able to do this year and works well with Dion Lewis. He said he'll get some opportunities and he's just trying to work hard and improve. And given the history of running backs and durability there is no reason to believe he won't get some chances to play and he'll clearly be a part of the game plan as they move forward through their careers. I suppose Burns would be a candidate to transfer but I haven't heard any of that yet. As for Douglas, it will be interesting to see what role they can develop for him. He clearly is fast but he is so small it is hard to imagine he'll be an every down back at this level.