in Pitt Football, Players, Statistics 1,657 Words

Pitt vs OSU Prediction Thread

In the past when Pitt was coming off a big win it meant we had to wonder about our habit for blowing the next games – no matter what quality level the next opponent was it seemed.  That was part of the old Same Old Pitt that we fans hated so much.

But today, Friday, and just a day away from playing the Big 12’s Oklahoma State Cowboys, I really don’t have that nagging feeling any longer.  Maybe it’s because I was wondering if Narduzzi was going to be able to get the kids up and playing strong right out of the tunnel last Saturday after that tepid game against Villanova the week before.

Well, we saw what happen then with the Panthers building a commanding 28-7 lead at one point in the 1st half and then holding on to beat the Nitters 42-39.  So that made me feel better about what I was concerned Pat Narduzzi could do in the big games – especially since that aspect of his coaching was lacking in his first year. (Hey, all you have to do is watch the video attached below to see how he gets these kids going this year!)

But isn’t that what experience in a job brings – the luxury to draw on your past performances, good and bad, to better your abilities?  That sure seems to be the case with our head coach this season.  And it will be needed because we are in the midst of four consecutive tough games in our schedule and winning tomorrow, after logging our first two wins, gets us ready for the more important ACC conference games – starting in Chapel Hill next week.

We do have this game to play first and because we are on the cusp of breaking into the Top 25 by dint of being on the ‘others receiving votes’ listing this week when we gathered 39 AP votes this game holds some importance to the program.  ap-pollYou’ll see that the team that lucked out and beat OSU last week on a referees’ error, Central Michigan, got votes also which to me signals that these polls are certainly popularity contests.

Our opponent next week, North Carolina, is in there also and is currently sitting at 1-1 due to a close loss to Georgia in their first week of play.  If we both win today then our game with them on Sept will most probably be nationally televised also and would make it three weeks in a row Pitt has had national exposure… which is what programs need to really expand their recruiting base.

But for that to happen we have to win tomorrow’s game. 

We had a “Know The Enemy” article up yesterday on here where I previewed the Cowboys’ team and its strengths and weaknesses.  I think they are a better team than their 1-1 record they are even if their two opponents don’t strike fear in the hearts of opposing coaches. That’s the thing about college ball – it is pretty much unpredictable week to week.

As of 8:30 am this morning here are the latest odds on this game:

money-line

You can see that Pitt is a 4.5 point underdog (that could change by game time) and most probably three of those points are the home field advantage OSU holds tomorrow.  So in essence the bookmakers are saying this game is pretty much a toss-up.  Look at the over/under 0f 60.5 points (combined) though – I think that might be low given that our offense started clicking last week.

But the funny thing is even with Pitt getting points almost everywhere I look the pundits are calling for a Pitt win.  I’d say 70% – 80% are thinking the visitors pull it out.  Here is the latest ESPN picks – you can see that most of them are close to that over/under also:

espn-predictions

My thoughts? I think we keep up the team momentum we started with the great win over Penn State – although I don’t think we beat a particularly good team last week – it was ‘great‘ because of the history between the program and because of the exciting finish to the match – not so much that PSU was a great team.  But who really knows?  I do think OSU is better than them though.

OK – predictions now.  I’ll give a few instances that I think will happen and then my winner by score and you guys follow suit.

֍ Pitt’s running game will control the day again but we won’t see the total dominance with it like we did this last week.  After all 330+ yards is hard to duplicate and the Cowboy’s do have a very good run defense going for them.  I’ll say we get between 175-225 yards rushing but our red zone run game will be particularly effective.  Count on three TDs on the ground.

֍  Henderson will grab another big chunk of yardage which will set one of the above TDs in motion.

֍  Our OC will open up the passing game and will stretch the field more than in the previous two games… unless we are getting 6+ yards on every carry like we were doing against PSU.  If that happens early and often then we may see the same approach to surgical strike passing again.  But my gut tells me we’ll see Peterman throw the ball more, between 20-25 times, and get another two TDs to make it seven on the season for him.

֍  We’ll get at least one FG because unless he has a really bad case of the yips Blewitt is going to succeed on an attempt sooner or later.

Three rushing TDs = 21 points. Two passing TDs = 14 points and a FG = three points which gives us 38 points on the day.

֍  Now with that said our defense gave up a bunch of valid points last week also – no cheap TDs there really so the opponent earned their 39 points.  I worry about our pass defense against a good Cowboy QB in Mason Rudolph and think they will move the ball on us through the air.

֍  Here’s what he has done this season so far:

osu-qb

֍  Last season he had 21 TDs and 3,770 yards in averaging 290 ypg.  He also was sixth among Power 5 quarterbacks last year with 59 completions of 20+ yards. That’s an average of 4.5 per game. Yikes!  So he knows how to throw the ball and complete passes and we do give up big yardage plays through the air. 

֍I think he’ll be a problem for us and that we have to be able to pressure him as much as we did our first two opposing QBs.  He’s been sacked five times in two games so we should be able to get to him to disrupt his timing.

֍  We won’t give up 332 yards passing like last week but we may give up over 250 again.  It feels like they will score points on us this week so I think they get:

Two TDs passing = 14 points. Two rushing TDs= 14 points and a FG = three points for 31 points.

Pitt 38 – OSU 31

Here is a quick-look Game Notes for tomorrow:

PITT (2-0, 0-0 ACC) vs. OKLAHOMA STATE (1-1, 0-0 BIG 12)

September 17, 2016 • 3:30 p.m., ET
Boone Pickens Stadium (60,218/AstroTurf) • Stillwater, Okla.

ESPN • Pitt IMG Sports Radio Network

PittsburghPanthers.com • @Pitt_FB • #PITTvsOKState

LINK (PDF): Pitt Game Notes (vs. Oklahoma State)

 GAME STORYLINES

  • Coming off a stirring 42-39 victory over historic rival Penn State, Pitt takes a 2-0 record on the road for its first-ever meeting with Oklahoma State. A win in Stillwater would give the Panthers a 3-0 start for just the fourth time since 2000.
  • A win at Oklahoma State would also boost Pitt’s Top 25 credentials. The Panthers are receiving votes in both polls, earning 39 in the Associated Press poll (31st) and 25 in the coaches poll (34th).
  • The Cowboys, expected to be a top contender for this year’s Big 12 title, are 1-1 following a bizarre 30-27 loss to Central Michigan. The Chippewas, mistakenly given an untimed down when the game should have been over, completed a desperation pass and lateral for the winning touchdown.
  • This is the first of a two-game scheduling agreement with Oklahoma State. The Cowboys will visit Heinz Field next season on Sept. 16, 2017.
  • James Conner, who overcame both a knee injury and Hodgkin lymphoma during the past 12 months, continues to amaze in his comeback season. The senior tailback rushed for 117 yards and scored two touchdowns in the Penn State win. He joined the legendary Tony Dorsett as the only players in Pitt history to score 40 career TDs.
  • Sophomore Quadree Henderson is quickly establishing himself as one of college football’s most dangerous kick returners. Henderson leads the country with an incredible 53.5-yard return average. He had a 96-yard return for a TD in the opener against Villanova and a crucial 84-yard return against Penn State.
  • Pitt’s ability to force turnovers has keyed its 2-0 start. The Panthers have forced six turnovers (four fumbles and two interceptions) to rank sixth in the nation and second in the ACC. In 13 games last season, Pitt only mustered 16 turnovers (six fumbles and 10 picks).   

 SERIES NOTES
This marks the first contest between Pitt and Oklahoma State…in addition to this season’s game, the Panthers will host the Cowboys at Heinz Field on Sept. 16, 2017…Pitt has not played a game in the state of Oklahoma in 26 years…the Panthers played the Oklahoma Sooners in 1990, losing that contest, 52-10…Oklahoma State is one of three Big 12 programs that Pitt has never played…the others are Kansas State and Texas Tech.

BROADCAST INFORMATION                                   

Television • ESPN

Jason Benetti, play-by-play

Kelly Stouffer, analyst

Paul Carcaterra, reporter

 Pitt Radio • 93.7 The Fan & the Pitt IMG Sports Network

Bill Hillgrove, play-by-play

Bill Osborn, analyst

Larry Richert, reporter

 SiriusXM Satellite Radio

Internet Channel 968

WPTS Radio (Pitt Student Station) • 92.1 FM

Pitt IMG Sports Network Online Audio Options

PittsburghPanthers.com via CSLive

Pitt Gameday LIVE App

TuneIn (free live and on-demand content)

 

 

 

113 thoughts on “Pitt vs OSU Prediction Thread”

  2. To me this is a hard one to pick. Pitt has shown that we can grind out a win. OSU has shown that they can air it out with great success. Their rush defense is better than our pass defense and they can score quickly. Vegas says we are 4.5 – 5 point underdogs. Last week we were favored at home by 5 and won by 3. Tomorrow we are the visitors and the underdogs. I had this game on the season prediction as an “L”.
    So, in summary my logic tells me we will lose this game.
    Hence, my prediction: :>)
    Pitt 34
    OSU: 31

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  4. here is an excerpt from a Rival’s article from Mike Farrell: (read the final sentence at least)

    If there is one major defensive injury that could impact the national title race, its Derwin James’ knee injury this past Saturday. Arguably the best defensive player in college football, James is the heart and soul of FSU’s defense and without him, it could struggle shutting down teams like Louisville and Clemson. James will miss the game against the Cardinals this weekend. I was very much looking forward to watching him battle Louisville QB Lamar Jackson. Clemson is in seven weeks or so, and he is expected to be recovered by then, but will he be 100 percent? Few injuries have bummed me out more, because he’s so much fun to watch. The last player I enjoyed watching as much on defense was Hugh Green from Pitt, which shows how old I am and how great James is.

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  5. Best case scenario: Pitt opens up its passing game early, gets a lead and then pounds them with its running game … and Pitt wins by a TD

    Worst case: Pitt falls behinds early, throws some INTs … and loses by 13

    splitting the difference — OSU by 7 (hope like hell I’m wrong)

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  6. I haven’t been close so far in my predictions this season..

    I’ve got a good feeling about this game. I know that OSU can score quickly, but I think that Pitt can hang in until the end and will have a chance to win it.. Pitt 38 OSU 35

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  7. Narduzzi and Co. are going to blow into Ok like a twister.

    SOP cloud lifts and lets the sun shine through!

    PITT 42
    OSU 14

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  9. Thanks wwb, If anyone is old enough to have watched Hugh Green play they will never forget him. Back in those days PITT would hold the opposing teams to negative yards rushing all the time. (QB sacks) Then there was the Zeke Gadson explosion, this kid was a lot of fun as well. Aaron Donald just may have as good as Green though. His trophy collection will be hard to top.

    It’s hard to put a pulse in this game. I mean PITT has been all over the place in the first two games. How do we know anything about this team other than the fact that we believe in Pat. Nate is better then most think as well imo. So I think PITT will be successful passing against a defense which I really don’t think is all that good. but what about PITT defense? psu did have a couple of short fields to work with last week so PITT better correct that against OSU.

    PITT–37
    OSU–27

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  11. Reed…double check your math. 21+14+3=38

    As for tomorrow, I worry about our pass defense. Seems like we are predicated on getting to the QB and our CB’s allow yardage. That plays into OSU’s favor if the line can block. WIll have to diversify blitz packages if we struggle to get to Rudolph.

    Offensively, keep pounding the rock and using short passes to move the chains, and if you get a lead, don’t let up. Keep the peddle down.

    Key for me is who wins the turnover battle. As your stats show, OSU and Pitt have both forced 6 turnovers (t-6th in the country), so if we win that battle, we win the game.

    Conner held in check, but Darren Hall has a monster game with 2TD’s. Peterman throws for 3 TD’s, including a post route to Orndoff to win the game on the final drive. Pitt 35-OSU 31.

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  12. ike, there are more awards to win now than back in 1980 but in addition to the following, note that Green finished 2ND in the Heisman, which is the highest ever by a DL and only Woodson who was a DB and returner, finished higher:

    Walter Camp Award (1980)
    Maxwell Award (1980)
    Lombardi Award (1980)
    TSN Player of the Year (1980)
    UPI Player of the Year (1980)
    3× All-America (1978–1980)
    Second-team All-America (1977)
    4× All-East (1977–1980)

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  13. While I feel a Pitt upset coming on my logic goes the other way. The Debbie Downer in me points out that this is a road game against a very good coach who will have his team ready to play. I have a hard time seeing Okla St 0-3. We have already lost 3 starters to season-ending injuries which while giving an opportunity to younger players there must be an adjustment to them getting more playing time. Maddox will be going against another tall receiver with talent. Okla State is a better team than Ped State – which does not take away from last weeks accomplishment. Ok State 38 Pitt 31.
    HAIL TO PITT.

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  14. Definitely like the over…What surprises will the coaches have in store for us this week?? Maybe the present under wraps is Jester taking a bomb to the end-zone and the Jester and the Q-man breaking a couple of intermediate tosses into TDs..Just keep it coming coaches- I like the gradual unveiling of our 2016 PITT Panthers.
    D does enough to control but again are susceptible in their aggressive coverage but wins the turn-over game which is key in the 45-37 Panther victory…da..da..da..da…da Fight PITT Fight …da..da..da..da….da Penn State Sucks V>>I>>C>>T>>O>>R>>Y…Fight on for dear old Pittsburgh and for the glory of the game..tell our worthy Poke that the Panthers on go… Pitt will win Saturday.Rah Rah Rah

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  15. Thanks again wwb, don’t get me wrong Green is my all-time PITT favorite and is only a few steps behind Roberto for all-time Pittsburgh.

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  16. My likely Mt Rushmore of Pgh athletes: Clemente, Lemiuex, Green and Josh Gibson (Homestead native voted as best Negro League player of all time — should mean something)

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  17. I think I will feel good even if Pitt loses a hard fought down to the wire game. Don’t want to see Pitt down 21 – 3 right off the bat and then the final score looks closer than it really was ala UNC and Miami game last year. I just don’t see a team of Ok States level losing 2 in a row at home. I am calling for OSU 34 – Pitt 27 with a late game tying Pitt drive stopped on downs deep in OSU territory. If Pitt competes and has a chance at the end I will be satisfied. I wonder if OSU was 2-0 right now how much people’s predictions would change?

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  18. 5 TDs and a FG is 38 points not 37. Unless you’re saying Blewitt finally stops teasing us with his barely getting the extra point inside the uprights and misses one 🙂

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  19. One of my treasures in the game room? A Josh Gibson bobble-head. The MLB wanted him to be first African-American to play but thought he might be too volatile?

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  21. I don’t think we’ve reached the point yet (talent-wise on the field and emotion-wise among fans) where Pitt can win TWO big games in a row – but I do think we are progressing to that point.

    So, I’m thinking that OSU wins this one 41-27, (but I sure hope I’m wrong about who wins).

    Go Pitt.

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  22. I can’t get passed our inexperienced WR’s to have much faith in Pitt have an effective passing game. We will have to dominate with the running game and time of possession. I can’t see that succeeding week in and week out with the opposition putting 8 and 9 in the box and daring us to pass the ball. OSU 31 PITT 17

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  24. gc, Green left the university with 460 tackles and 53 career sacks in his college career. According to USC and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach John McKay, “Hugh Green is the most productive player at his position I have ever seen in college”

    Plus, I am all about defense in FB.

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  25. Question is can PITT win three big games in a row?

    It’s Pitt’s proven running game against Okie State’s passing attach. Hopefully Pitt does not have to pass to win. Let that be a surprise for NoCar. (Like the running/short pass game against Psu
    left them unprepared.)

    PITT 34 – Okie St. 24

    And the answer to the question is a resounding YES

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  26. Tomorrow’s fashion report: all white unis with blue matte helmets

    Honorary captain: Tyler Palko (who now resides in B12 country)

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  27. OSU 37 Good Guys 17. OSU passing kills us, we have a couple turnovers early and run into a buzz saw! Too many things in play in this game.

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  29. This is the most talented OLine I’ve seen in my time following Pitt – probably the most talented going back to 1980 when Covert, Grimm, and May all lined up together. They’ve got talent, pedigree, experience – and after rolling up 341 yards rushing on PSU, I’d imagine they’re not lacking confidence.

    Dominant Olines travel well. Dangerous, deep rushing attacks travel well. Senior QBs tend to travel well. Ultimately – Pitt is traveling with enough to make up for the inexperience at WR.

    I like Pitt to dominate time of possession. I like Pitt to have an efficient offensive performance, with a high percentage of their drives resulting in points. I think the Pokes score – but also turn it over a couple of times, and in the end, they come up short on time, possessions, and points.

    41-34

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  30. Glad to see we will be wearing white in the heat and humidity of Stillwater. I was feeling OK about the game until I read this post and saw even Reed is picking Pitt. I am refraining from picking a winner as I have no clue based on previous predictions. Hope we play a lot of three down lineman defense on 2nd and 3rd down.

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  32. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Pitt improving from week to week. apparently we’ve only run a fraction of the play book thus far, so I expect more fireworks and surprises this week. I’ll be surprised if we pass very much. I think PN is saving that part of the playbook for ACC. We need to pressure the QB all game long, and hit him hard every chance we get – and I think we do. Running game and special teams win this one for us. I think we win TOP big time, AND field position – I’m expecting a breakout kicking game. Really over due.

    We get a couple turnovers deep in their territory to neutralize their passing attack, and we see speed, speed, speed on the ground. 41-24, the good guys in white. The Cowpokes get bucked – this rodeo is over!!

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  33. Again, I haven’t heard how PITT and HCPN is conducting his practices this week? Are they open or a little more open what’s the scoop?

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  35. This has me concerned somewhat. On the road and in a close game, this has got to change.

    Pitt Net Punting – 33.91 (104th)
    Oklahoma State Punt Returns – 24.0 (7th)

    Winslow has been horrible so far. Our kicking game has been pretty bad all around.

    That has got to get better……starting tomorrow !! Punch a Poke

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  37. I agree and thought I may have been wrong about Winslow but his kicks were low and returnable. Between a big return and Conner’s fumble psu had decent field position at times.

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  38. Blewit makes his first two FG’s in Stillwater and gets primed for the ACC championship run.

    Crush the cowgirls – Pitt 41 OKieDokies 35

    HTP!

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  41. Our Secondary is very bad. This is an experienced QB with good WR’s.

    Our LB’s are slow and will be gassed and we have some injuries and weak WR’s.

    They shut down the run to make us pass and Peterman will be hit hard and often.

    If Narduzzi wins this game I will be a believer but this is exactly when SOP of the past usually shows it’s ugly head.

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  42. Pitt 34

    OSwho? 35

    I hope I’m wrong, Pitt covers the point spread, loses on a missed extra point.

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  43. pitt 35
    ok st 31

    this game depends on the defensive line and what new wrinkles canada rolls out for the offense and if they work

    if price has his motor going and the other dline guys actually do things like they did against PSU pitt definitely has a chance. the LBs also played fast and smart in the first half and it paid off though they faded in the second half. they need to do that again and sustain it.

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  45. Here’s the thing I’ve been pondering all week – would I rather they lose this game or the one against NC. And I keep thinking I’d rather they just win both!
    So……..Pitt 34 Okie St 33.5

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  48. wwb, I loved Hugh Green, best defender I have ever seen at Pitt, even if he isn’t even the greatest
    Greene to play in Pittsburgh. I place more emphasis on Championships. Tony won one, Joe Greene won four. Unfortunately Hugh Green came up one game short, twice, or he probably would have won that Heisman.

    I think we need at least room for six on Pittsburgh’s Mt Rushmore with space for a couple more.

    Roethlisberger and Crosby?

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  51. Just don’t like the matchup, the only good thing ever to come out of Oklahoma was Mantle, Upitt has it right, Reed is a contra indicator .. and most of all we come back real nasty and beat NC in their house for a 3-1 start! That will actually be Nard’s first big win not the feel good beating of the irrelevant pedos.

    41-17 OSU

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  53. Joe Greene’s 1st year, the Steelers were 1 and 13 … so don’t give e crap about championships. These teams were loaded with HOFers

    Lemieus, Gibson and Honus Wagner are all better candidates

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  54. Pitt has not played a game in the state of Oklahoma in 26 years…the Panthers played the Oklahoma Sooners in 1990, losing that contest, 52-10… I remember that game, A sweltering hot, humid day. My grandparents were there and were shown on national TV sitting in the stands looking totally disgusted. The announcer remarked “There’s a couple of fans who aren’t having a good day”. An understatement, to say the least. Let’s hope tomorrows’ game goes better then that day.

    I expect a high scoring game. I’m worried that Blewitt will cost us a game and this could be the one. I think Pitt loses 42-41 as a field goal attempt sails wide right in the waning moments of the game. I hope I’m wrong.

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  57. We catch the Cowpokes still trying to figure out why they let a MAC team beat them. Pitt ends up being the team that’s angry and comes into Stillwater with the attitude of “we saw what we can do, let’s do it again”. I agree, white unis, but the helmets will be white also.

    Pitt wins the toss and takes the ball, just like last week, they control the LOS early, scoring on their first possession. OSU doesn’t lay down though and we’re in for another high scoring, back and forth game. Pitt’s defense wins the day for the Panthers with constant pressure on the QB. Another multiple QB sacks day for the Panthers, I think four, and Allen Edwards get his first sack as one of those.

    Pitt’s run game bests it’s passing game, our secondary gets burned for all of the Cowboys three TDs.

    Pitt wins 31-21

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  58. @ notrocketscience….you’d really put Paul Chryst on the worst ever at Pitt? Look at the talent he recruited, and he certainly wasn’t the worst.

    I would put Matt House ahead of him, by a long shot.

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  59. NRS: why Chryst? He was a good guy, fair coach. Why not the chancellor (AD?) back in the 30s or 40s who put an end to our dominance. He should be lead man on the mountain. If not for him, joeknew would have competed with the MAC for players, and Sandusky would never have soiled Pa ground.

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  60. Hugh Green had a few HOF players on his team as well.

    Honus Wagner a good pick.

    To me Fitz and Donald although great players, played on poor teams.

    Most of the others mentioned were the greatest on teams loaded with great players.

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  63. I think the teams are reasonably well-matched, but agree with UPitt’s about their QB vs our DBs. Pitt will need to get to him early and often if we are to win. He will need to feel hurried and confused. Not sure we have that just yet. Edge to OSU.

    On the other hand, we have James Conner! The other kids are feeding off of him. Henderson is dangerous and the Cowboys will have to keep an eye on him. Whitehead can be brought into the mix as well. (BTW – I wonder when we will see Ibrahim? He had good outside speed before his injury.) Edge to Pitt.

    Although HCPN appears to be transitioning well to the HC role, Gundy has a well-established track record of success – and he knows how to get fired up as well as anyone. Edge to Gundy.

    As always, emotion plays a big role in deciding the game. I think there is a risk that despite the best efforts of the staff and the fact its OSU, the players come out a bit flat. The post-PSU celebrations extended past Sat afternoon and the kids are being reminded everywhere they go outside of the Southside complex film room about the great win. Edge to OSU.

    If Pitt wins the turnover battle, they can win in a squeaker. Otherwise, I think OSU wins at home by 10 points. 30-20. And I hope I’m wrong.

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  64. notrocket – you must be young. Paul Hackett goes on that list way before Chryst.

    Let me suggest this instead:

    John Gabbert Bowman, Ed Bozik, Steve Pederson, & Todd Graham

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  66. Roberto – Dorsett – Joe Greene – Paul Wagner… my top four.

    Chryst did great things for our program – you won’t find one person at Pitt who doesn’t speak of him in very positive terms… he just didn’t have more than one winning season. But look at who we have playing really well this season – almost all Chryst recruits save Peterman & Henderson.

    Conner, Ollison, Aston, the whole offensive line, Orndoff – all Chryst recruits. Blair, Jarrett, Soto, Galambos, Whitehead (verballed to Chryst in Nov.), Caprara, etc…

    A large part of Narduzzi’s success is due to who he inherited on the roster.

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  68. Bowman would be front and center. Pitt was in 4 Rose Bowls before that clown pulled the plug on the football program, from which it really never fully recovered. So my Mt. Sh*tsmore would be.

    Bowman, Ed the Bozo Bozik, Oval Jaynes(totally out of his league) and Cornhole (mainly for the destruction of Pitt Stadium)

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  69. Don’t like this match up at all. Have visions of Webb and Maddox getting torched repeatedly. They will bounce back and beat the Heels.

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  70. Roberto, no question he is the #1 sports figure to ever play in Pittsburgh
    Joe Greene, single handily changed the Steelers attitude and winning.
    Tony Dorsett, 165lbs and ran like wild NCAA and NFL.
    Hugh Green, maybe more dominating than Dorsett? Unbelievable
    Honus Wagner, Honus not Paul. On par with Ty Cobb in his days.
    Mario Lemieux, not a big hockey fan but he did save the sport in Pittsburgh
    Josh Gibson, Born in Georgia and died here at 35. Known as one of the best

    Go PITT!!!

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  71. Paulie should always be remembered for helping…… usher out Cornhole.

    2 duds with one stone that day.

    A great day indeed in Pitt football history.

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  74. Really…..you sure it’s not Paula.

    Well you know, as does everyone, whom I’m referring to. 🙂 Cheesehead Paulie

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  76. Maybe not Pittsburgh’s Mt. Rushmore, but I’d find a place for him on mine.

    Dick Groat. Always been a bit under-appreciated and under the radar.

    World Series champion. MVP. Batting Average Champion. One of best DP combo’s with Maz.

    Two time all-american in hoops at Duke.

    He didn’t just play two sports, he excelled at both.

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  77. I should say, maybe not under-appreciated by people that know what he did.

    Not enough people know what he did, especially the younger.

    When I’ve told younger generations what he did, they are always amazed and say “holy sh*t, no kidding, wow”.

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  80. My to my dismay, I think we get torched tomorrow.
    Our defensive backs were terrible last week.
    38 points to a lousy team.
    And while Ryan Lewis was the hero, he was scorched all day.

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  81. groat still only 200 points behind being in the top 10 all time for duke basketball scoring

    for a verrrrrrrrrrrry long time he was number 1

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  82. Oh Canada comes out with some new plays tomorrow, Pitt wins 38 – 30

    Got to be some reason Central Michigan won last week. 😉

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  84. “Conner, Ollison, Aston, the whole offensive line, Orndoff – all Chryst recruits. Blair, Jarrett, Soto, Galambos, Whitehead (verballed to Chryst in Nov.), Caprara, etc…

    A large part of Narduzzi’s success is due to who he inherited on the roster.”

    ooooooookaaaaaaay????? lol

    I guess, as in Pat Narduzzi didn’t inherit a team full-of “Marty’s” (“Not Another Teen Movie” — No? haven’t seen it? — he’s a really, really-bad player to make the point lol) :

    Yeah, dunno about Pat Narduzzi’s success being based on inheriting talent lol. 😦 😦 😦 😦 Dunno about that whole-idea.

    I think last year, and right now and this entire 2016 season, Pat Narduzzi is squeezing all of the darn capability and energy possible from His Staff, and his Pitt Players.

    Just…….look at the defense, minus Jordan Whitehead…….Do we need to name-names, and really judge how physically fast and talented all these players really are?

    — Also: Nathan Peterman = Pat Narduzzi. Chad Voytik= losing season. (i.e. Paul Chryst recruiting — could not judge talent NOR speed AT ALL)

    Paul Chryst is a genuinely kind man who did his absolute best to do right-by The University of Pittsburgh the football program, and *WE WILL ALWAYS BE INDEBTED TO HIM for really encouraging Chancellor Patrick Gallagher to FIRE STEVE PEDERSON’S WORTHLESS A$$ 🙂 🙂 🙂 hahaha

    —–> but Pat Narduzzi>>>>>>>>> + >>>>>> Paul Chryst lol.

    #HailToPitt 🙂 Pitt Football’s Future is blindingly-bright!! 🙂 🙂

    Pitt 38 – Okie State 37 (late desperation 2 point conversions / maybe a safety for Okie State’s weird-score lol)

    Pat Narduzzi and #DuzzArmy win an Edge-of-your-seat, NAIL-BITER!!!

    Mike Gundy Cries in his press conference, and says, “I feel like a little boy….I’m forty but I feel 10….” lol

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  85. Gasman you are absolutely right. Lewis made a great catch on the ridiculous play ordered up by Penn State’s OC. But looked bad on some other plays.

    Pitt was lucky last Saturday. Let’s see if it continues tomorrow

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  87. Emel – re: the video. I could spot myself at the 10 on the visitors side enjoying a cold one pre-game. One could feel the electricity start to climb when the horns blared… and then again with the drums. What you cannot see so well is the student section which, aside from the upper deck, was packed to the gills before the band entered. And the entire student section, all the way up to the top was filled. In the past, I’d get in for the kick-off but miss everything else because the allure of the tailgate was too much. Three cheers to the ADSB and the Chancellor for making that move.

    Was really nice to see the players and students stick around for the alma mater post-game as well. Light years of improvement. And the students attending the game now get it – at least the ones I talked to. A Pitt football game can really be something special and the fans have a huge role to play.

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  89. Pitt 35 Okst 38. Pitt secondary gets torched especially Webb but Pitt fights back gamely with TOP great running game. Blewitt kills us by missing a 38 TD Fg to tie at the gun.

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  90. In a move to save all sporting contests in NC, the legislature passed an emergency bill that all bathrooms would be located on the 50 yard line of football stadiums and at half court for basketball contests to assist those that aren’t sure which side of the line they identify with.

    Okay, back to the game. This game and most every game is won in the trenches. Two of the great Mt. Pittsmore candidates mentioned by y esteemed colleagues are Joe and Hugh Green(e), winners of trench wars! Win the trenches, win the game. I think our OL is better than their DL and I think that their OL is not as good as our DL. Controlled, Contained, Penetration wins. Keep their QB in the box. Did anyone notice that Narduzzi was very relaxed at his presser? Is this a trap game for him too? I say NOT!! Just a weird presser. I think he is confident and believes he has this one.

    Pitt will be 1-0 on Saturday. The freshman carry the load (Moss & Mathews). Vision beats speed. I think Moss has Dion Lewis vision that is extremely effective against fast defenders (that is why he has done so well in the nfl). Mathews and Orndorff attack the seem. Overtime. Best defensive play will be made by the goal post that rejects the other OSU field goal attempt in OT. 3 point victory 31-27. Sorry, Reed and I had the same math teacher. Pitt 31-Other State University 28. We are fans, not bookies! Support the team!

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  95. It’s really kind of stunning to see optimism about Pitt’s chances, but it is infectious. I correctly called a 3 point win last week but had it 38-35. If it’s a well played game, 3 points should be the difference again, and I’ll go with 38-35 once more 2 ground 2 ari and one int or kick return, FG wins it

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  96. If we wear all white, the national TV viewing audience will think Pitt travels well. Since the Okie’s are urging their fans to wear white in half of Slim Pickens Stadium.

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  97. Where would the 70’s Steelers be without Terry Bradshaw??? Maybe the toughest,hard nosed, strongest armed QB to ever play the game. Hard to leave him off of the mount. Maybe we need a 10 headed mountain side? :>)

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  98. The game has already been decided, the winner is a 6 year old boy from Oklahoma who is fighting cancer for the 2nd time in his young life.
    He and his family learned about James Conner and his story in the last few weeks. Even though his parents graduated from OSU, he thought James was amazing. His mom asked this proud Pitt alum, I think half jokingly, if I could help their son meet James. I simply reached out to our amazing football staff, including E.J. Borghetti and they are making it happen!
    So after the game, a little boy fighting for his life will get to meet a real live hero in James Conner, and regardless of what the scoreboard says, they’ll both be the true winners.
    H2P, I couldn’t be prouder of our school!

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  100. 31 OSU – 24 Pitt

    I live 2 hours away from the stadium, have had this date circled for over a year when I moved to OK, the week before the game I get pulled to overnight shifts and can’t make it…..

    Its a cruel world boys. My pessimism leaked into my prediction. A receiver will break the 100-yard mark for the first time though… Matthews gets his first catch as he sees more routes because of Ford’s absence.

    H2MFP

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  101. I thought about Bradshaw also – he was the last NFL QB to call his own plays in the huddle and he did that for all four superbowl wins.

    Dark – a HC can’t win without talented players. Even if you just count the OL, Ollison and Conner that’s a handful of talent right there and is why we won last Saturday.

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  102. 35-31 PITT . I’m on the road and may try to take in at least part of the game at the PITT game watch party in Erie.

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  103. @ JoeL, if you are a college student and if you are a football fan then the Saturdays that you witness your team playing for YOU remain as special memories for the rest of your life.

    These current Panther Pit & Oakland Zoo participants have the ability to sway games by their actions in the stands. The players on the field (& court) are energized by the students in the stands, no doubt about it. Together go out there and make some more Pitt Football history. The memories will last a lifetime, for both players & fans!

    Hail to Pitt! The Pursuit!

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  105. OK, Coach Duzz, time to make Upittbaseball a “Believer”. Please deliver him from the Dark Side & expose him to the glory of Panther Pride lost for decades. Enjoy that ride to recapture that Pride! Let’s Go Pitt!

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  107. I can’t put Bradshaw on the mountain the way he snubbed Pittsburgh for so long after he retired. Maybe put his picture up down at the comedy club on the southside.

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  109. Ike,
    Several years back Bradshaw sincerely apologized to the city of Pittsburgh for his absence. He then openly shared his struggle with depression and other emotional issues he has suffered with for many years. Time to bury the hatchet.

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  111. Wow Damage!! Your story made my day while at the same time making me a little misty. Makes me proud to be a Pitt Panther. Great job making it happen. I think we will have some new Pitt fans in Oklahoma. Due to the great karma that Damage initiated I am reversing my prediction…Blewitt makes the kick and Pitt wins 45-42 in OT.

    H2P!!!

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  113. I remember when he came back, I think he brought his daughter with him to buffer the reaction but it was very positive anyways? I have always liked TB (his shingle commercial is funny as heck) and I harbor little resentment but my mountain is getting very full.

    I wouldn’t put Franco on my mountain if you held a gun to my head. They just don’t make guns that big. sory

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