With the news that starting quarterback Kenny Pickett is electing to sit out the Peach Bowl in preparation for the 2022 NFL Draft, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi has named his replacement.

Narduzzi is giving the nod under center to junior Nick Patti:

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Patti has completed 12 of his 14 passes for 140 yards this season. The New Jersey native has totaled 458 yards, 3 touchdowns and an interception during his college career.

Pitt is 11-2 and defeated Wake Forest 45-21 to capture the ACC title. The Panthers’ lone loss in ACC play came vs. Miami on Oct. 30.

Pitt will square off with Michigan State in the Peach Bowl. The Spartans have a 10-2 record and finished third place in the B1G East. Mel Tucker’s squad is dealing with its own key opt-out with Kenneth Walker III getting ready for the NFL Draft.

Michigan State leads the all-time series 6-0-1 and won the last two meetings in 2006-07.