Sept. 2, 2007

   PITTSBURGH--University of Pittsburgh junior quarterback Bill Stull will undergo surgery on the thumb of his right (throwing) hand today to repair an injury sustained during last night's game against Eastern Michigan.

   Stull (Pittsburgh, Pa./Seton-LaSalle) left the game in the third quarter due to the injury and did not return. Prior to the injury, he had completed 14-of-20 passes for 177 yards and a 21-yard touchdown in the Panthers' 27-3 victory.

   Stull will be out for an indefinite period following the surgery. Pitt hosts Grambling State at Heinz Field this Saturday, Sept. 8, at noon.

   "We feel very disappointed for Billy," Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt said. "He worked incredibly hard during the offseason to earn the starting job and those efforts showed in his strong play last night. Knowing Billy, he will be very diligent in his rehabilitation and be back as soon as possible.

   "We will work this week to get Kevan Smith and Pat Bostick ready to play against Grambling. Their performances at practice this week will determine our starter for Saturday."

   Smith (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley), a redshirt freshman, came on in relief of Stull and completed 2-of-4 passes for 18 yards in his first career action. Bostick (Lancaster, Pa./Manhein Township), a true freshman, did not play against Eastern Michigan.