These are the fun articles to write because we Pitt fans get clear answers to our questions and prediction choices in a bit more than 24 hours.
This, to me, if the real “Big Game” on the schedule and that’s not taking anything away from our PSU win. That still makes me smile thinking about it. But the stated goal of every season we are in the ACC is to first win the ACC Coastal division and then the ACC conference championship.
That is why we play these conference games and starting off with a team that is possibly the best, or second best, team in the conference this early in the season is a real test as to where we are as a football team so far this 2016 season.
We have two wins against one loss and that’s fine… but I still have a hard time trying to determine just how good we really are given that we have played three different quality level schools. The 28-7 Villanova win was expected and they really aren’t at our level of program.
Penn State is though and that 42-38 win was great… yet I wonder just how good PSU is this season. I called for a Pitt loss there and was wrong but the game could have gone either way at the end. However, I think we outplayed them pretty well all told so that is heartening.
The last game, against another Power Five school with the Big 12’s Oklahoma State, was another close one but we ended up on the short end of a 45-38 score. That game is the one I can’t really get a handle on but the thing that jumps out, and did so also in the PSU game, is just how very poor our defensive backs have played.
I’m not saying anything new here but it is a problem that no matter how many angles I look at it I just don’t see a real solution. That doesn’t mean we can’t find a solution, just that I can’t figure one given the personnel we have back there.
The good thing here however is that I am wrong about aspects of Pitt football a lot of the time. And that’s the thing about college ball – in the NFL teams usually play to their strengths and weaknesses in a consistent manner. In college though weird stuff happens all the time and comes unexpectedly week to week.
Let’s hope that happens with our pass defense because if we can get straightened out, even if our DBs just play average ball, I’d feel a whole lot better about how the rest of the season will play out.
OK then – North Carolina tomorrow down in Chapel Hill. What can we expect to happen?
^^ Here are the latest odds-makers thoughts on the game… The betting line has risen from Pitt getting 7 points immediately after the OSU game to this morning where Pitt is standing at +7.5 or +7 points with most sites. One has us getting +6.5 which means some money is flowing toward a Pitt win. Here are some other bits of info about this meeting and that the Pros think is the final score will be NC 40 – Pitt 30.
What do we Pitt fans think though is the real question. For me there are two main points to consider – the first I mentioned above and that’s our pass defense – it has been terrible and if they replicate that tomorrow the NC QB is going to get a lot of yards in the air and put a lot of points on the board. 
The second is our own passing game. It was practically non-existent last week when it came to producing yards when needed the most.
Peterman put up a decent number with his stats against OSU but the bottom line is that it wasn’t happening when we needed it to primarily on 3rd down tries where we were a dismal 4 of 18. Another bad thing is that we held a 20-10 minute TOP margin in that 2nd half.
Here is what we did with both passing and rushing attempts on critical 3rd down plays in the second half of play:
* 3rd and 9 at PITT 36
(2:00 – 3rd) PITTSBURGH Penalty, False Start (-5 Yards) to the Pitt 31
* 3rd and 14 at PITT 31
(1:30 – 3rd) James Conner run for 7 yds to the Pitt 38
* 3rd and 3 at PITT 37
(13:03 – 4th) Nathan Peterman pass incomplete to Scott Orndoff
* 3rd and 14 at PITT 16
(10:36 – 4th) Nathan Peterman pass incomplete
* 3rd and 13 at PITT 7
(8:15 – 4th) Nathan Peterman pass complete to Scott Orndoff for 5 yds to the Pitt 12
* 3rd and 4 at PITT 48
(3:45 – 4th) James Conner run for a loss of 5 yards to the Pitt 43
* 3rd and 4 at PITT 26
(0:40 – 4th) Nathan Peterman pass incomplete to Scott Orndoff
* 2nd and 10 at OKST 45
(0:15 – 4th) Nathan Peterman pass intercepted Ramon Richards return for 3 yds to the OKSt 29
That is seven (or six maybe as the top two play were in sequence) blown 3rd down tries in a row and then the game-ending INT which closed out our 45-38 loss. The real tragedy there is that our defense held OSU to pretty much the same offensive ineptitude as we were locked at 38-38 most of the time. They only scored one more TD as we were shooting ourselves in the foot and that was the damn 86 yard pass down to our 1 yard line.
There are some real bright spots to our play over three games though – our running game has done extremely well in averaging 239 yards per game and seven TDs – although you’d think there would be more with all those yards we rack up.
But what is really happening is that we are breaking off huge runs on jet-sweeps, end-around etc… and thus getting down close enough for Peterman to toss six TD passes of his own.
Our run defense has been stout also – except when it comes to the red zone. Overall we are holding teams to 76 ypg but again that is shadowed by what happens in real life during the game. our opponents have use their 330 yards per game in the air against us to get into the red zone then they run the ball in for TDs.
We sit tied for last place in the 105th spot – in red zone defense where the other teams have scored 8 out of the 8 times they have been there (7 rushing,0 passing and 1 FGs). A good example of that was against PSU where McSorley passed them downfield and Barkley, with only 85 yards on the day, scored four red zone rushing TDs.
All this adds up to just more questions on how good of a team we really are. That is why I think tomorrows game is so really important – even setting aside the fact that it kicks off our ACC schedule.
If we play unbalanced football as we have been doing and lose, then I think the rest of the season will play out in a way we won’t be terribly happy with – probably seven wins.
But if the coaching staff has been able to look pragmatically at our shown strengths and weaknesses – both on the part of the players and as importantly their own decision-making, then I think we’ll see a win and it will launch us forward.
So – as much as I look at this staff and program and see problems, I also look and see real promise. My gut tells me we may lose but I’m going with my belief that we can learn from past mistakes and fix, or at least minimize, the problems we do have… and my heart tells me:
Pitt 35 – NC 31
pittpov.com 
We need to play all 4 quarters like we did in the 1st against PSU. Anything less will be a lose. Need to play at the top of our game. Still I say NC 35- Pitt 28.
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While I think it will be very difficult to win this game, I am predicting a Pitt victory 45-42 in a game very similar to Penn State. This, all because of the talent we faced last week. NC is good but no way are the in the same class with OK ST. After the Cowboys NC will seem like they are “walking” to our shellshocked secondary.
NC is a huge drop in class for Pitt. Go get em Panthers! Mistake free football wins this for Pitt.
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I am praying Pitt wins to spare me another week of SOP fan negativity, LOL.
Pitt 41-38
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Appreciate your heart-felt positive prediction… but as I have stated before… if a Pitt team w/ TD and a Pitt team w/ Hugh Green/Marino couldn’t win @UNC… most certainly this flawed team can’t.
UNC 37
Pitt 31
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What the last two games tell me is that the team that makes the most big plays will win. Tomlin calls them “splash” plays and we have seen many on both sides of the ball by us and our opponents.
This is apparently the biggest change in Pitt Football. No more three yards and a cloud of dust.
This will obviously carry forward this week.
Each of the last two games came down to the last big play won the game.
Both teams have the weapons on offense to make big plays. Obviously the team that makes the most will win.
I think UNC is better than PSU or OK ST with fewer weaknesses than either.
Since it is a conference game much more at stake.
Pitt will have to play a much better game than the last two to win this one. It sets the table for the rest of the year.
If the offensive line finally plays up to its abilities for four quarters and Peterman has a good game, Pitt can win.
Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening yet.
Pitt loses another heartbreaker 38-35.
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Three most critical ACC games are Clemson, Miami and NC. We need to win 2 to have a chance to win the Coastal. H2P
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Pitt’s limited play calling offense added to Pitt’s limited ability to defend the pass equals NC 42 PITT 21.
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I was going to go with the “over” but I now see Carolina keeping 11 defenders within 7-8 yards from the LOS.. Our jet sweep option is far less effective … Duzz reverts to his 2nd half defense that we saw vs OSU to throttle the Heels explosiveness…much lower score than most expect in this era .. 2 of the best return men in the nation on display in Switzer and Henderson .. Heels 28 -Pitt 24 ..
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What I would really like to see is Peterman and the O-line with a final winning drive for a field goal or TD as time runs out. Until that happens, I don’t see us taking the next step.
To be a leader in the ACC, Pitt needs to win 2 of 3 vs UNC, Miami, and Clemson.
Otherwise we return to middle of the pack.
They are all on the road, so what are the chances?
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I think that we dominate from the start. Our run game continues to be great. Our defensive line gets to the UNC QB repeatedly. We win 42 — 16
H2P
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On the season predictions I had Pitt going 9-3 (with loses to OSU, Clemson, and “one more”). I think NC will be the “one more”. We are clear underdogs (-6), away game, coming off of the OSU lose which clearly showed all of our weaknesses. Will take more than 6 days to get them all ironed out.
Hoping we win/Expecting to lose:
NC: 42
Pitt: 38
Pittman4ever
#H2P
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For tomorrow: Blue helmet. White jersey. Blue pants.
Hope I’m wrong: Tar Heels 38 Panthers 28
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UNC 38 PITT 35, hope to be wrong again.
H2P
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Hold on, just level setting.
Did Pitt really play four solid quarters against Penn State? They were outscored 25-14 in the second half. Penn State dropped a touchdown pass and later literally threw away an opportunity for a winning TD or tying FG on their final drive.
UNC has one loss on the season. It was to now 11th ranked Georgia at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. UNC lost by 9. Georgia pulled the game out in the fourth quarter by scoring 10 unanswered. OSU lost to Central Michigan at home. UNC soundly beat Illinois (B1G) on the road and James Madison (FCS) at home. On that basis I don’t see how UNC is a huge step down from OSU.
Pitt loses 38-31.
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GC had that, change to UNC 41 Pitt 35
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Barvo if u are talking to me I said the 1st quarter of the PSU game..They needed to play all 4 quarters like they did in the 1st of the PSU game.
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Kids like those matte blue helmets ..
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How about some blue pants to match those non shiny helmets that the kids like, instead of all PSU white?
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Not sure which way this one will go. NC has another good QB that can pass and run. They have a real good RB and a couple of decent WRs. It will be hot; looking like 90 degrees at game time. The game is away. NC had an easier game last week and so may be a bit more rested. But, I’m picking Pitt in a close one: Pitt 35 NC 31
Note that I was wrong on both PSU and OK St. so bet the opposite of me.
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Prediction: Pitt fans Meltdown Alert
UNC 30 Pitt 28 – Pitt clinging to a 28 – 27 lead late in the 4th quarter will give the ball to Ollison to ice the game, who will promptly fumble at midfield leading to a short drive and a long field to win the game. Pitt fans who pleaded all week to give him the ball will do a 180 and say Canada/Narduzzi need to be held accountable for that decision (collective heads on this blog will explode from the absurdity). Further prediction…despite the loss and complete fan meltdown Pitt will gather themselves and not lose another game until Clemson. H2P!!
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Pitt 21
UNC 35
UNC is the best team Pitt has faced all season and the defensive scheme problem remains the same due to a lack of a execution?
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Pitt 38
UNC 33
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Pitt needs someone other than Price to put pressure on the quarterback. If we’re able to do that, we win. Prediction: Pitt 31 – 24
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I am going with the upset. Pitt 42 UNC 38. Conner has two TD’s one rushing and one receiving. Orndorf gets a receiving and Ollison gets 2. Blewett gets two field goals. We hold UNC two 2 rushing and the rest receiving, one field goal.
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I have just received the “prizes” in the mail so this game prediction thread is for somting wonderful… and I’ll send them to the first three winners also.
I may have to ask for home addresses. ..
Lots of interesting and honest picks so far.
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I know no one will believe this but I almost typed in my prediction last week that the game would end in a tie due to being stopped by weather/lightning. While that didn’t hold true, it was darn close. And while I don’t think any hurricanes are in play this week, I think our chance of winning rests greatly on our ability to come out fast and smack them in the mouth and knock them down like a hurricane would – and then continue to pour it on while they’re down. If we don’t and get behind early, I think it’s over.
BUT…..
Pitt 34
UNC 32
Hall or Moss score a TD.
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UNC 34
Pitt 24
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Unfortunately, we don’t win these games. Until we do, I’m sadly going:
UNC 45 Pitt 31
Bonus pick:
Michigan 38 PSU 10
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Pitt wins by a late Blewitt 40+ yard FG. 41-38.
Oh, I love the uniform combo this week. It’s the combo I’ve looked forward to most just above gold helmet, white jersey and blue pants.
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The last 3 games vs UNC have all been close loses, this time we get a close win. New Tarheel QB from Northeast Ohio will make a Browns-like mistake in the 4th quarter-Maddox redeems himself with game winning pick-and we hang on to a 31-27 victory.
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Listened to XM84 College FB and Lou Holtz was on and and stressed what a great advantage it was for OSU last week being the home team during the long delay. Familiarity, better locker room, more access to the facilities and even having a meal brought in were all things he mentioned.
A week before, we gave up a lot of yardage to a 1st year starter, last week we gave up a lot of yardage to a senior QB, but since we lost last week, the world came to an end.
I’m calling the upset here because I’m biased 28-26
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If I’m not mistaken, this is the first ACC match with Carolina that does not feature Williams at QB for the Tar Heels, no?
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He may’ve had a voodoo Panther somewhere. So long as he didn’t pass it along to the new starter, I think Pitt’s in the clear. They got this one.
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Reed, not sure I understand the stat towards the end of you article above that we have been scored on 37 of 38 times in the red zone. Over what period of time?
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Sept 15 1973, Nov15 1975, Oct 20 1979 and Dec 1 2007 are the dates of previous statement games that indicated Pitt was for real in moving to the next level. This Tarhole game has the same smell as those games. Last week I predicted a loss at OSU and a signature win vs the Tarholes. I’m sticking with that ..Pitt 24-20. All streaks come to an end eventually. We gain some fresh animosity and a new rival. Dairy princesses .. irrelevant.
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PS While I think this game proves we are a level above our previous mid tier ACC capabilities we still only go 1-2 in the NC, Clemson, Miami big games this year.
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UNC 34, Pitt 31, I hope I’m wrong.
H2P
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Pitt 28
Unc 20
Hoping the secondary gets a pick six this one.
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Make sure you fill up your tank before you get to Chapel Hill… There has been a gasoline shortage in the area due to the broken gas line down south…
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So while Narduzzi has had some nice wins, GT, Duke, Louisville, PSU, he is yet to have a signature win.
This would be one against one of the favorites in the Coastal standing in the way of a Coastal Championship, if there is such a thing.
The type of win you need to get over the next hump.
Would be an upset, not a great big one, but meaningful to Pitt Fans and the ACC.
A loss puts us at 2-2 and makes an 8 win season much more difficult, and the Coastal near impossible.
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UNC 45 Pitt 30
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Pitt’s overall play improves, but costly turnovers seal it for UNC: UNC wins 31-21.
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Hope I’m wrong.
UNC 38
Pitt. 28
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Reed – you just jinxed us with your pick 🙂
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45-21
UNC.
Have we played a good game all year? A complete game?
hope I am wrong.
H2P
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Pitt41 North Carolina35 We are due We are going to win We are getting whitehead and Henderson big plays Orndoff TD and one on defense. Big win start to roll to ACC CHAMPIOnSHIp
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We’re 128 in red zone defense,thats incredible. Matt House did better. Whats up Duzz and Conklin.
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A lower scoring game than most predict: 28-17 Pitt.
Maddox, an up and down player, is up this week and gets a pick deep in UNC territory.
Orndoff has 5 catches and 1 TD.
Ollison gets the rock about 10 times and has a TD.
Henderson scores on a jet sweep following a big kickoff return.
Connor runs for 125yds and a TD
Peterman goes 12-17 no picks and a TD.
Trubisky gets sacked 6 times, fumbling twice.
Hood gets 75 yards, most of it in garbage time.
My obnoxious UNC buddies eat Fedora’s fedora.
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NC 42-Good Guys 24. And it won’t be close.
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If anyone cares…..Hornibrook now the starting QB for Badgers. Hmmmmm
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Going a little lower scoring just to balance out the season averages. Pitt 20 NC 17
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Sean, watch the game tomorrow??
Give me a call…
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Love to see these surprise plays. Peterman rolls out to the right with the line and some receivers going to the right. Orndoff as TE goes out to the left and is wide open for a pass and a TD. Famous Syracuse play used against us in times past. Another one used by Boyd at least once. Sweep by Whitehead going right and a short pass by him to wide open Connor or Orndoff or a FB in the end zone. Could work at least once. Will need something to outdo UNC. Sacks of Trubisky will not be easy. He can run away from a pass rush. Like Switzer in WVA he (a first team All Ohio in the big school division} can be a game breaker.
Prediction, with my heart: Pitt 33, UNC 31.
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I’m taking the over in the No D Bowl. We run like crazy; they throw like crazy. But, the Tar Heels are a classless bunch ( they still don’t have to study!), and, hence are well rested. They pack the box to stop our run.
If PN doesnt let NP air it out tomorrow, he never will. I think he does…..enough to make the 2nd half running game successful. Scott, Tre, The Jester, and Jordan (yes, they have some patterns for him to run!) catch TD passes in the 20-30 yard range. Our D lets them score 5-6 times – what’s new? They (Pitt D) still has 4 sacks, and an INT. But the good guys in white find pay dirt often, and in a variety of ways. We Win! Cats: 55. TarNation: 38. (As in, “What in Tarnation Jes’ Happened??”)
Send dem tar babies back to de Briar Patch!
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UNC 41-20 over Pitt. UNC is substantially better than Oklahoma State. Fedora and DC are way better coaches than Narduzzi and FIU Conklin.
90’s and humid and these guys who had no speed or energy after lightning in OK will be gassed.
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All you guys saying hope I’m wrong … will be. Pitt 34 -28 run game will control tempo and game clock. Duzz will back out of press/ man coverage and go more zone like last week and the defense will be much better. This starts 4 game win streak.
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Pitt wins 38-31
Conner with 2 TD’s,150 yards rushing and 75 yards receiving
Orndoff with 10 catches for 100 yards and 1 TD
Hall carries the 4 times for 12 yards, 0 TD’s and gives up a QB sack (all in the 1st half)
Ollison sees limited 1st half action, but Powell adjusts at halftime – (10) 2nd half carries for 75 yards and a 30 yard TD
Q.Henderson has 200 APY’s and 1 receiving TD.
Blewitt is 1 for 1 in FG’s as HCPN limits his chances by going for (2) 4th down short yardage plays, thus passing on (2) FG’s
NP is 19 for 25 for 225 yards, 2 TD’s and 0 INT’s
Price and Blair record 2 sacks each
Whitehead and Maddox both snag INT’s
unc QB’s are hurried ALL game long by an aggressive Pitt D
Player of the game : Punter Winslow with his high, booming kicks away from PR Switzer.
In otherwords, the entire team plays well. The equipment manager is accused of deflating the game balls by Fedora and HCPN laughs through another post-game press conference.
HTP!
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Further prediction – half of us predict a Pitt loss – UPittl will be the one called out for being negative.
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wbb – that was last season’s numbers. This year is actually worse as we are 8/8 (100%) by our opponents in the Red Zone – 7 TDs and a FG. The NCAA website link I have sometimes takes me to 2015 and I assume its 2016. Thanks for pointing it out.
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Pitt 35 UNC 24
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—> * 0-4 * against the North Carolina Tar Heels is very, very bad!!
We just gotta go 1-3 against them….and I have to admit, now that the penn state game is gone, I finally see the light @Reed: I So-Badly want to finally spank our fellow Coastal Division 🙂 RIVALS 🙂 , the darn Tar Heels.
P.S. — after a few weeks have now passed since the penn state game, does anyone else kinda, not care about them anymore?? Just another Big 10 country school like Indiana, Illinois, Purdue….(LOL!!) or Rutgers or Maryland lol……
Our ACC is all top-level schools in absolute recruiting hotspots and I care so-much that Our Panthers *DOMINATE The Coastal” (lol — how bout the whole Mid-Atlantic and Atlantic Coast — not just the Keystone State lol) now, all in the hottest, most-fertile recruiting beds in the Nation (including Georgia — Atlanta no-less, Miami – South Florida, North Carolina, Prime-Time Virginia and D.C., and more (!! 🙂 ) — *ALL in our very-own Coastal Conference!!!) !!!
North Carolina KEY — “Wow, again??” We’re Gonna be discussing this All Season — “How Does Pitt’s Quarterback Nathan Peterman play, and does he Step-Up to the Big Leagues under the brightest spotlights?”
My prediction for tomorrow—–> Nathan Peterman watched the final drive of the Okie State game on repeat —- as well, Nate P. replays his missed opportunity to be a Hero on that play-action miss to Jester Weah over-and-over-and-over again —- tomorrow Nathan Peterman comes-out and plays like he wants the NFL Scouts to notice, and Peterman gets himself on prime-time Sportscenter coverage with a Big-Time performance in leading PITT to a Victory ( 🙂 *Overall Just NEED a Pitt win to be get that first- “W” against the dang-Heels! 🙂 )
I just can’t live in a world where Pitt is 0-4 and Against the dang North Carolina Baby-Blues !
So: Pitt 44, NC 42 !!! Chris Blewitt, last-second, time-expiring, 54 yard field goal DRILLED — and we all love Chris Blewitt again!! 🙂 lol —- Chris Blewitt is just on-fire the rest of the season, kicking the all so powerfully the seams-rip.
—- No one else feels that “competitive irritation” (i.e., at the minimum, “rivalry-type feelings” haha) towards the fellow Coastal ACC teams?? I certainly do :). They’re all in recruiting gold-mine locations, and we’ve lost at least-once to all of them already + they’re as close to Pitt in as great of locations as Us Panther-fans could ever have hoped for in a Conference 😉 !!!
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If they lose this game the Coastal is gone…toast…HCPN…better get his recruiting going or we will be in for another long two years.
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Erie Express @ 8:02
I love it … but I think you might check your math .. if all that happens maybe we hang 70 on the holes.
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Pitt 31
UNC 27
Duzz fixes some things on the defensive side…Peterman manages better in the end.
Tre Tipton and QH key inn the win.
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Hoping I’m wrong but NC seems to have our number…. (isn’t it time for Switzer to graduate ! )…NC wins 35-31 in another nailbiter .
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Pitt wins ONLY if UNC turns the ball over via fumbles (ala the Pedos) or interceptions. However don’t know if anyone in our secondary can catch and has the ability to jump a route and get the pic.
If we don’t get the turnovers, we lose in Chapel Hell.
Cheaters seem to winning in society these days, so I will go with the Cheatin Tarholes 45-31. Really hate doing that since I despise UNC and everything they represent. Almost as much as the Pedos.
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Oh I see someone else chose UNC 45-31. Ok I’ll throw in another FG for the good guys. UNC 45-34
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~ Ghost of BIlly Gaines.
Is that something you’re wishing ….just to prove a point. Sort of like the coaches with Ollie. :0
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Got a question for you. Why would a supposed Pitt person…want to revisit the Billy Gaines tragedy. For those younger true Pitt ppl, this was a real heartbreaking thing.
http://old.post-gazette.com/sports/pitt/20030620pittfallspitt1.asp
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Changing to Pitt 31
UNC 28
John had my first score above.
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Pitt will continue to search for a defense, and though they show some flashes with 4 sacks and a turnover, UNC still gets a lot of yards and points today.
In the offensive gameplan this week, Canada gives us some new wirinkles, Ibrahim makes an appearance, and Conner and Chawntez Moss team up in the backfield. Moss makes a statement with his speed and 140 yds and 3 TD’s in the first half using Conner as a decoy. UNC sells out completely to stop the run and Aaron Matthews makes them pay with 2 long touchdowns, and Tre Tipton and Weah each get one. Pitt runs wild: Pitt 52 UNC 37
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—- Lol Don’t care about ” Race / Creed / Religion / Other Stuff / lol” —- But we all care about #HailToPitt !!!
Pitt’s building a Rail-Road here: And Pitt has Our Own John Henry in Pat Narduzzi leading the-way, albeit with some certain ‘trepidation’ at the moment from many Pitt-Lovers + Fans + Supporters who 🙂 deservedly 🙂 need to “$ee the Money 🙂 ….Not to mention (all-around $trong in both Academics, Public-Relations, THEN Sports lol) an Awe$ome Chancellor in Patrick Gallagher leading-the-way for The University of Pittsburgh all-around!! 🙂
…But Pitt Football (and we Pray Basketball!), yes, **** soon **** not only gets to the National-Elite, but sets-the-tone for “the rest” to follow :).
Love the on-point High-Expectations of @Reed and the many posters here!!! 🙂
#HailToPitt !!!!!
#BigGameTomorrow !!!!!
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YOU KNOW WHAT’S GONNA BE A HUGE GAME???
—- When Surging Pitt Football first takes-on Michigan State (in a bowl game lol) — and Pat Narduzzi Smacks his Old Team Around —- 🙂
But I hope Our Panthers get an SEC team in a bowl game this year ( 😦 ummm…..$orry, this year’s Pitt team probably wont’ quite-make the Playoffs, haha) —- maybe Georgia (? with Jim Chaney, who probably has not lost weight down-there lol) and Pitt $mashes them 🙂 .
P.S. — Quadree Ollison is hurt — in fact, I think all the running backs besides true-freshman Moss have “nagging-injuries”. Pat Narduzzi is the man who saw Quadree Ollison play all last year, and he would Never pull “favoritism” to keep out a better player for some silly-sake. But Ollison will be back, and he’ll be a beast when he’s needed 🙂 .
#BeatTheHeels !!!!!!!!! + #1-3 !!!!!
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Pitt secondary can’t cover me and my wife….
Pitt 28
UNC 42
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Just recovered from watching my #2 team, the Trojans–and all their 5* “will play Sundays” studs doing a great imitation of SOP blowing a game they should have won easily. Makes me feel good about my Panthers. Maybe it’s the Santa Ana winds here in LA, but for some reason I have a good feeling about Pitt’s chances this week. UNC has better players? Not if we beat them! We cut Conner to about 16 carries, 8 on the late drive to ice the game. Our O line humiliates Tar D, QO and QH go wild, and our D backs are annoyingly inconsistent again, but make a couple big plays. Pitt 30 NC 24. (3 Field Goals, one long pass, two smash mouth short runs. (Hope I’m wrong. I’d prefer 63-9.)
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9-2, 8-4, 11-1…- the math works
Conner’s 2 TD’s = 14
Orndoff’s 1 TD = 7 for 21
Ollison’s 1 TD = 7 for 28
Henderson’s 1 TD = 7 for 35
Blewitt makes it = 3 for 38
NP’s 2 TD’s will be thrown to Orndoff and Henderson and were counted above.
Thanks for the brain stimulation with my coffee this glorious morning. I’ll take 70 though if Pitt can make that happen. I lose the prediction, but Pitt WINS. I’ll take that any day.
Golfing 18 with friends and then off to watch the unc game with my wife.
Hammer the Heels!
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I was listening to XM 84 College Sports yesterday and I heard one commentator mention three different times that in order for Georgia to beat Ole Miss, they better not give up on the run like they did last week vs Missouri.
Our former OC, Jim “Chubbs” Chaney is running the Georgia offense with a true freshman QB and one of the best RB’s in the nation in Nick Chubbs (ikr). I guess things never change with Chaney.
I predict we all see much improvement today from the Pitt DB’s, QB, WR’s OL and coaching staff to bring home the “revenge” W and continue The Pursuit.
HTP!
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http://m.mlb.com/pit/video/topic/8877442/v1184282283/wshpit-stallings-delivers-walkoff-single-in-11th
Stallins doing great for Pitt(sburgh).
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Yea, I just read that … good for him Maybe a good omen.
I’ll say one thing about his dad, he’s a heckuva lot better interview than JD. Of course, all that matters are W-Ls … we’ll see.
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I was all set to watch the game at 12:30 and scheduled my day arouņd that… imagine my surprise to find the game is at 3:30.
For some reason I am more nervous about this game than I have been others in years.
You guys know I think conference play means everything and with the local recruiting being that we have to compete with OSU, PSU, ND, etc… and really not doing all that well if we can win the Coastal and/or the ACC it will open up the whole SE for us.
This has to be the way we’ll get to ‘the next level ‘ if we ever do in the near future.
The PSU game was great and gives the fan’s bragging rights but it really won’t have a big effect on our overall recruiting. .. not like any sort of a championship will.
It really has to start today.
There is a huge difference between 3 & 1 and 2 & 2 both in reality and in perception regardless of what fans thought we would be after the first four games.
Lose this one and the wind goes out of the sails.
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Last week all I heard was that because OSU lost that game late in the way they did, that Pitt was in trouble because the Cowboys were going to be coming out playing angry! This week Pitt is coming off a game where they lost late in a tie game and,,,,,,,,,,,,,CRICKETS!
I guess we don’t get angry. Or do we?
The DBs need help. The DL has to be the ones providing it. The key to winning this game is pressuring the UNC QB. Do that successfully and Pitt will win.
This game will be Narduzzi’s first big win as Pitt’s HC. This one is ACC “The Pursuit” type of important! We are underdogs in an away game that most feel we will be unable to bring home a victory in. These are exactly the type of games that Pitt historically has played up to their competition in.
We haven’t had one of those for a while now since the Panthers beat the Irish, we’re due.
Big game coming off a disappointing loss. We come out angry and determined. We clean up our secondary schemes going Zone coverage early and often with better success in rushing the QB in this one.
Our rushing game isn’t the key, our passing game is in this one. Orndoff comes back from the dead and a new star is born in our receiving corps.
Pitt wins 38-35, Blewitt’s FG being the difference. The Pursuit!
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RKB
A lot of people will predict a loss, but only a few will predict a loss, the Cathedral will implode, every coach needs fired and Pitt will never win another game
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AD Barnes mentioned as candidate for new AD at Oregon State. Departing AD is leaving for Georgia Tech job. Second Oregon State AD to leave in two years. Barnes in Tribune Review article says he is happy at Pitt. He is in Chapel Hill with the Pitt team. WTF (Why the Frown). Barnes has much history in the Pacific Northwest.
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Who gives a shit if Herman Munster leaves anx his 7 wives. He hired a 78 year old Vacuum salesman and threw the workds worst press conf ever. I’m waiting to hear what else he did. Oh gave Jordano a 3 year increase for basically getting his ass kicked year in and out.
When you hire someone from that area with zero ties the wives start complaning and bitching and they move back. Good riddance. He can leave. Stallings will be gone back to Brissel in 2-3 years as well. It was a cheap hire and embarrassing hiing a never been from the weakest hoops conf and he couldnt win tbere.
RKB – Im used to it.
Carrick Panther Jim – keep it to the facts there.
We lose because Pererman only throws 3 yard outs or shovel passes and bc we run Jet sweeps
Every 3 plays to a guy with 4 names. Oh and our entire Defense sucks as Jarrett is overweight and LB’s couldnt outrun Dick Groate and the DB’s gave up 123 miles of catches in Stillwater.
I love Jacksojville Jags and Arkansas as well as well
As Marshall plus 26 as Lousville looks to Houston next week.
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Dr. Tom, what makes you believe that Narduzzi will change from his press coverage to the zone coverage you mention? I’d love to see it, but he seems awfully stubborn that “his way” works if the kids do what they’re told. The problem is they are too small and too slow to do what they’re told.
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For those of you thinking that it’s Foster’s time at Bama….guess again….
http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/page/scontheroadncf09232016/alabama-crimson-tide-looking-more-production-passing-game
If he has any brains at all he’ll transfer out…
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I guess other teams get burned on first plays of game too. Check out the speed of the WR of SFU, especially the guy closing from the middle WITHOUT the ball.
http://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=400869448
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Jerry D picks Pitt 38 – UNC 37
http://blog.triblive.com/college-locker-room/2016/09/23/watch-but-dont-bet-pitt-38-north-carolina-37/
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Ole Miss 17- Georgia 0
Wisky 7- MSU 3
Hornibrook looks good
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@ htp123, he switched to a zone in the 2nd half against OSU.
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Beaver County Stars
Rushel Shell leading runner at WVU in his senior year
Robert Foster, buried on the depth chart no impact so far
Whitehead, Pitt’s leading tackler as a freshman and offensive playmaker
Jeter …..
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Are these the same folks who do our midfield logo?
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Even though the final score of the last year’s game truly didn’t reflect it. The Tarholes clearly had the superior athletes, must be all those chitlins or something.
Don’t see how that can change much in just one year, considering our best athlete, Tyler Boyd is gone.
The Nard Dog still has lots of work to do. As Wanny said……we got to run faster ! (buy em some chitlins)
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lol Jack
Don’t give them any ideas at the Ketchup Field.
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Whitehead is our best athlete, but Duzzi likes his best athletes on defense so he’ll still appear to still be a defensive genius.
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Sounds like Little Nicki isn’t too enamored with Robert Foster. If one is in a coaches doghouse, it is best that that player transfer, as some of these coaches rule like a dictator.
Come back home Robert, you can still be a star at Pitt. Screw the Tide !
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Oregon State is a 2nd rate program, maybe 3rd rate, probably a better fit for Herman.
So who does he know there ?
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Wonder how much media Corvallis, Oregon has. 55,000 sjw’s. Must be an absurd place.
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This UNC QB hasn’t thrown an interception yet this season.
Maybe he’s overdue. Hopefully. Asphalt Roller the Tarheels !
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Jackagain,
A picture is worth
a thousand words!!!
Fantastic!
#H2P
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