As Pitt prepares to play in its 27th consecutive BBVA Compass Bowl, they’ll do so without a starting member of the offensive line.
Via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the school announced that guard Arthur Doakes (pictured) has been suspended for Saturday’s bowl game by head coach Paul Chryst for violation unspecified team rules. The confirmation also noted that Doakes was suspended for at least one game, meaning the punitive measure could extend into the 2013 season as well.
After replacing Ryan Schlieper, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in late October, the redshirt sophomore went on to start the final four games of the regular season.
Fellow redshirt sophomore Shane Johnson is listed as Doakes’ backup on the depth chart. Johnson has yet to start a game with the Panthers, and Chryst has not yet divulged how he will replace Doakes in the starting lineup.