in Pitt Football 1,041 Words

POV’s Pitt – Virginia Gameday Thread

Here are the all-informative Game Notes for this afternoon…

Alright then… it’s that day of the week for Pitt football, except for when we play North Carolina on Thursday evening, but I digress.  Todays match is the Pitt Panthers vs the Virginia Cavaliers, with VA getting 1 point on the betting line, down from an earlier 3 points I believe.  Interestingly on the season to date Pitt is 1-6-1 for the over/under scores due to our poor offense.

I picked Pitt to win, and get our 4th in that column, on  the strength of the fact that I have picked them to lose almost all the games so far so I thought I’d mix it up a bit.  That is the way the season is going for me – I can’t get a solid grasp on either the offense or the defense and we are already eight games into the season with a 3-5 record.

I will say this though – our Panthers’ 1.43 yards per carry on 55 rushes for our offense last week (when you take out Hall’s two big TD runs) scares me.  It was less than half of what we had been averaging… a poor 3.5 all season prior to playing Duke.  I just don’t think Ben DiNucci can get this team a win if we revert back to that poor rushing production again.

Last week we saw hall as the featured runner with Ollison in a blocking H-Back role. However, if it is a mudder day out there I think we’ll see the bigger, stronger Ollison get more carries than he has been getting over the last few games.

Since the season opener we have seen his carries do this; 22 against YSU then 15, 7, 7, 6, 6, 2 and 3 carries the last week. He’s at 4.2 ypc and tied with Hall with four rushing TDs. I really felt that we’d be able to get back his 2015 production this year but with the QB shakeup and poor OL play that won’t happen.

I do look at this matchup and wonder if VA’s QB is going to have a field day against us.  I know VA’s Kurt Benkert’s stats aren’t off the charts but over the last two years our pass defense has tended to make superstars out of the opposing QBs.

PASSING STATISTICS For Virginia’s Starting QB
NAME CMP ATT YDS CMP% YDS/A TD INT RAT
Kurt Benkert 175 281 1806 62.3 6.43 15 4 131.0

If it is indeed as sloppy as we think it may be out there this afternoon then the score will remain low. That is when turnovers are magnified into game changing plays.  Benkert doesn’t throw INTs much – just 1 out of every 70 attempts.  That is superb and on Pitt’s side of that equation DiNucci is one out of 38 passes attempted.

Benkert and his receivers will be play a shortened pitch and catch I think – again depending of the amount of rain falling from the sky – and he has some pretty good receivers to throw to:

RECEIVING STATISTICS
NAME REC YDS AVG LONG TD
Olamide Zaccheaus 49 505 10.3 81 (TD) 4
Doni Dowling 30 393 13.1 42 (TD) 4
Andre Levrone 16 386 24.1 73 (TD) 4

Andre Leverone scares me a bit – his 24.1 YPC matches what Weah did last season. He played HS football  in Laurel, MD which is right down right down the road from my home. He’s got speed.

VA’s place kicker, A.J. Mejia has hit on 5 of 6 tries but missed on his one attempt over 40 yards. Our Alex Kessman on the other hand is getting to be hot and cold after a very nice run of successful attempts.

He sits at 8 for 14 with three scores from far out. We may need him in crunch time this afternoon and as well we’ll rely on Ryan Winslow to keep up his good work in punting the ball deep enough to give our defense a decent shot at stopping opponent’s drives.

Today would be a good day for HC Pat Narduzzi to take a minute and introduce our TE’s to OC Shawn Watson. Apparently they haven’t met yet. But DiNucci is much more accurate on those shorter passing calls – as evidenced by his 12.0 yards per completion rate – not too shabby but we’ve seen only one or two deep balls caught while he’s been our passer.

PASSING STATISTICS
NAME CMP ATT YDS CMP% YDS/A TD INT RAT
Max Browne 96 135 997 71.1 7.39 5 2 142.4
Ben Dinucci 63 115 761 54.8 6.62 3 3 113.8
Kenny Pickett 6 14 74 42.9 5.29 0 0 87.3
Totals 165 265 1832 62.3 6.91 8 5 126.5

DiNucci’s completion percentage is pretty low at 55% as is his QB rating of 113.8 so let’s hope Watson calls an offense that allows safer and shorter completions for 1st downs this afternoon. Ball control, which we have been pretty good at so far this year will be important in a low scoring game. That would be where the TEs kick in. But our problem is that we haven’t been converting those time-consuming drives to points at the end of them.

I have to say that with the weather forecast I really do feel like getting in my car and driving back home to watch the game in my living room. But a very generous reader, Jeff smith, has come through, again, with two club tickets… so I’ll have an extra one if someone at the tailgate would like to join me.  Thanks again Jeff.

Speaking of which we’ll be in the corner of the Red 5 parking garage this time for Fran’s “Lastrow Deluxe” tailgating festivities.  It’ll be on the Ground floor near the place we

samelliot

usually are in the parking lot.  Look for the tall guy who reminds you of Clint Eastwood if Eastwood had a moustache… or maybe this guy.

Here are some media links to wet your Pitt football whistle…

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pitt’s Phillipie Motley Bounces Back into Starting Cornerback Spot
By Brian Batko

Pitt’s Alex Bookser on Offensive Lineman: ‘We’re Like Fungus’
By Brian Batko

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Pitt Offensive Line Discovers Identity
By Jerry DiPaola

Pitt Running Back Darrin Hall Wants to Build Off Breakthrough Performance
By Jerry DiPaola

DK Pittsburgh Sports
Narduzzi: Ollison’s ‘Winning Performance’ Paved Way for Hall
By Chris Mueller

The Pitt Show: Mueller, Gajtka on Pitt’s Win at Duke, Virginia Matchup

Panther-Lair
Narduzzi on Preparation, Virginia and More
By Chris Peak

A New Wrinkle, a New Role and More on Pitt’s Personnel
By Chris Peak

Pittsburgh Sports Now
Pitt Football Player Interviews
By Alan Saunders

376 thoughts on “POV’s Pitt – Virginia Gameday Thread”

  1. I am in agreement. Until Pitt shows it can run consistently, we can never feel comfortable … even against UNC coming up. Not saying that Pitt can’t win, just that the odds are against it

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  2. This team is terrible, they stink and the coaches suck as well…… ok we got that out of the way……… game over…. ike

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      1. Oh and I forgot… Rockports and Lyke are both terrible and don’t deserve a paycheck and couldn’t work in Carrick or Blanox!

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  3. Virginia’s team defense is 24th while ours is 114. Funny Michigan State is 4th overall w/o Nard. Just saying……

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  6. Now as for the Game and the possibility of a Pitt win.

    Don’t expect the breaks to go Pitt’s way this week like last. And don’t expect Hall to look like anything more than the AVERAGE Back that he is.

    Narduzzi and his Staff are actually going to have to EARN this one.

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  7. Reed, really appreciate your words this morning, well done sir! I have us winning this game somehow, mainly because Cavaliers are a basketball school, not a football school. We will see what happens.
    Nice to see Ike @9:56 finally coming around to face reality! :>) LOL

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  9. Reed – I think your rushing stats are off. They rushed 57 times for 336 as a team. The two big runs were for about 167 yards (92/75 I think). They still avg’d about 3 yards per carry not 1.43. Take out the 3 sacks and it’s even a little better. Granted, not great but most rb’s and team stats are skewed that way. It’s why having a home run hitter is important. Even taking out those two big runs, Hall still avg’d about 4 yards per carry (24 for 254 vs 22 for about 87).

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  10. It will be close. This game will tell me how good this coaching staff is. Two evenly matched teams. I think Pitt has slightly more talent. I’m concerned about the coaching. Pitt must establish the running game. The defense must force some turnovers. Field position will be huge. Pitt will cover and win. But you guys are going to be soaked.

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  11. I’m doing the internet thing like I always do. And will be watching the pedos play the buckeyes today on tv. Can’t wait for the ac network.

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  12. The point is TT, why take those runs out of the equation? The NCS back had an eighty some yard run, didn’t that count? Not to mention their 90 yard punt return for a touchdown. That counted against PITT. Why is it that Halls TD’s are discounted? << Again my point about how we can tickle a stat until it confesses to what we want it to say. .. .ike

    H2P!

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  13. Ike – I agree to a point. I do think big runs can skew a stat though. Stats are important but not the end all be all. There is usually story or narrative that can be derived from them rather than taking them at face value. Having big runs and then dropping down to your avg is not a bad thing tho. You need big plays. If they did, indeed, drop to what Reed was implying he absolutely has a point. They didn’t though.

    Speaking of stats, I found this interesting (not fact checked) …

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  14. Pitt won a national championship in 1976 with a 3rd string walk on QB,Tom Yewcic who kept the winning streak going with the veer offense. It is up to the coaches to get the most out of the players they have. I have still not seen that from Watson and the offense, of course look at pork chop and the Georgia offens after his run at Pitt. Not to sure about anything anymore.

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  15. Well there you go TT. psu appears exposed in that graphic. When we consider stats we also have to factor in things like schedule, weather, injuries, turf and everything that has the slightest impact on a particular football game. Statistics are not necessarily for football especially when tinkered with. imo…..

    Got you Pitt60 and again look at the schedule with a very young and inexperienced football team. << Not a great recipe. A good reason to wait and see. Reed echo’s my point about not knowing this PITT football team this far into the season. It’s been a wacky wild ride so far. . . . …. ….ike

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  16. After last years win over Clemson, Pitt returned home to a fan embarrassment of 35k (maybe), as I sat in the stands I thought-man this image could cause the team to have a big time let down, luckily the opposite happened. I see the same thing today, I honestly believe our team gets pissed when they see so much yellow, it fires them up a bit, an us vs the world mentality.
    PittofDreams will be saddened when Duzz gets another win and will have to shed a tear as he kisses his framed pic of Paul Chryst talking with Chad Voytik tonight before he goes to bed.

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  17. Looks like blue helmets and tops. Looks like the pants are blue as well. Maybe they will be wearing mustard gold shoes?

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  19. Ike. I will be watching the game and commenting on the POV. Hope you join me!
    TexasPanther,
    The game is on cable Fox Southwest in Houston so check it out.

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  20. Ike, I’ll be watching on tv and commenting. Please join me!
    TexasPanther, game is on cable on Fox southwest in Houston. Look there

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  21. Maybe Pittman but the negativity can get to me. I will try and check in to keep you guys straightened out… 🙂

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  22. No one here.. except my dumb ass. Student section empty.

    But the program is “trending up.”

    You optimists KILL me.

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  25. That’s 2 predictions I got right to start the game.

    Hand off the Hall for 2 yards on the 1st play.

    And a 3 and out on the 1st series.

    Oy vey!

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  41. Got a few folks around me, but many of the regulars stayed home. Just make the best of it. Huge hole for Hall. Any chance Ben surprised me today and become a D1 QB. I hope so.

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  47. PITT got away giving up a big play. They can’t do that again. Need to make Virginia earn it. . . .and NO turnovers

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  48. Maybe no one will take away Hall’s TD there? No some will.
    And now somebody will need to give Virginia credit for the FG they SHOULD”VE MADE.

    For some of you we are down 3-0.
    Enjoy!

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  55. For those of you (f’n morons) who don’t get it..

    I was tailgating with my son (Pitt freshman) and his roommate (who’s twin goes to PSU) and they were lamenting that it’s just not as much fun when you’re team stinks.

    It affects all the University does. It reflects who we are. Certainly, we shouldn’t sell our souls, like PSU, but you who think 8-4, 7-5 every year is ok.. you are hurting our program.

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  63. for the past few weeks I’ve been watching the receivers. DiNucci (and any other quarterback) would look for Weah first (like just now). Lopes is often open and looks like he runs aggressive routes even when he’s not primary – hard worker. The other receivers (Matthews for example) and TE’s are simply not separating. Not all on Ben. He’s just not accurate enough to thread it to receivers that can’t create their own space.

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  73. Hall has been a revelation the last two games. I’ve been skeptical that he would ever amount to much, but I’m happy to be proven wrong.

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    1. Yeah, the guys we’ve had for several of our other games are brutal. These guys are much better.

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  82. The announcers just used the words Pitt Defense and solid in the same sentence!!! Can you believe it????

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    1. As young as these guys are, looks like Conklin won’t be hiring any movers anytime soon. Especially the way he recruits…

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  85. Pitt has come out in this game. Thank you coaches. That was the big unknown. Things seem to be clicking so far. Knock on keyboard. Seems to be an exciting game. Got to see if its on TV down here. This internet watching is boring.

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  90. This team is not used to winning…so let’s give the other team momentum before the half. The 10,000 people here are now dead quiet! I’m sure the stadium looks horrible on TV.

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  94. We gave them the Mo at the end…Should have gone hurry up after the 13 yd completion. Instead we take our time and then run it…damn

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  96. Virginia found success with the deeper throws late in the half. << Kinda of like PITT’s D last year. Let’s hope that won’t start being another problem. PITT needs pressure on the QB from the D-Line real badly.

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    1. 2 perfect passes. One excellent catch. Can’t do much about that. It the defenders fault. Not the coaches fault.

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  111. Too early to call it but it’s looking like it was the competition PITT played so far this year. Being as young as they are PITT seems to be getting better and better as the season goes on and the competition level, levels off for a few games.

    Winslow hasn’t had a very good game, hope he steps up 4th quarter. He may be the key to a PITT win… ike

    H2P!

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  117. Does the Nooch tighten up? Does Watson go too conservative to protect the lead?
    Gotta do play fake and Nooch needs to stay calm, limit mistakes.

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  119. Very poor play calling inside the 15 yard line. Too conservative.

    Everyone in the stadium knew the handoffs to Hall were going to happen. No chance…

    Watson?

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  132. The much maligned Shane Roy playing a good game as is Zeise and the rest of the PITT D.

    Imagine how young that D-Line is that just made that goal line stand with young line-backers.

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  142. Where’s the 630 comments in the game thread article today? Oh that’s right, PITT played a good game. hmm??

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  143. Yes, good, solid win, and a pretty complete game. DiNucci was 10-18 for 134 yards, 7.4 yard average, 1 TD and 1 Interception: yet despite mediocre quarterback play a good result, and I think this tells me Watson may have had his best game. DiNucci throws a soft ball and underthrows a lot of plays, but he seems to make pretty good decisions. I still say there is nothing I’m seeing that can make sense out of burning Pickett’s redshirt than not putting him in games. But again, and most importantly, good win for the Panthers, soon to be followed up by a Mountie loss.

    Liked by 1 person

  144. Ike – I was waiting and waiting for that. Comes down to line play and O and D lines played well today. No idea what level of competition we played but we are not getting “pushed around” any more.

    This may be the smallest crowd since Duzz has been here. I stayed to the end and will have an easy walk to the car to get home and watch Ped State lose.

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  148. I’m not trying to rub it in but isn’t it obvious that when there is nothing to complain about, people have nothing to say? << This is why I get frustrated with PITT fans. I’m solid with PITT football 24/7/365.

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    1. I can’t lose whoever wins that game. The pedos can’t go any higher and will lose in the playoff.

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  150. Pitt is playing better. Long way to go, but the foundation on defense and some better blocking and tougher running is a positive. Ol is a little more involved as the seniors and O’Neill want to go out with better performances.

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  151. Thought Watson and Conklin coached a good game today.

    The O-Line did a great job
    The D-Line did a great job
    Linebackers played great as well
    Dane Jackson is good
    Hamlin, another good game
    Zeise reveled himself as a good player today
    A great team effort today, coaches and all……..

    The PITT football team is very young and what some have talked about before the season, PITT will get better by the end of the season. < That’s happening. Dr Tom being one and I forget some others right now but many of us POVer’s could see the better days ahead and they are upon us.

    Here’s hoping the POV has a BigB turnout for the UNC Fran tailgate this Thursday.

    Just between me and you guys and gal, I think Reed is starting to believe a little. He’s not as mean on Narduzzi as he makes out….. ike

    H2P!

    We All We Got
    We All We Need

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    1. Not this Thursday – the following week.

      Pitt gets a bye week next Saturday.

      Miami is beatable!

      Good win today in the cold rain.

      The fans that showed were somewhat loud.

      HTP!

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  152. Calling out Little Q help immensely, last week Hall, this week Little Q. I should have started this after Y State.

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  153. Big Q had a nice TD run too, I believe of 33 yards on a beautiful cutback.

    #22 over 100 yards, 2 weeks in a row. Zeise even made a few tackles. PTL !

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  155. Reason #173 why I’m glad I’m a Pitt fan instead of a Hoopie fan:

    WVU game started 1/2 hour before Pitt game started, and ended 35 minutes after Pitt game ended

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  156. Hurricanes
    24
    Final
    1 2 3 4 T
    MIAMI 0 7 10 7 24
    UNC 3 3 7 6 19
    19
    North Carolina Tar Heels

    Now let’s beat UNC, then…

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  157. lol EE, I did have that messed up. Better yet, a week and a half to get Maddox ready. I have a reservation at the fire-pit with a waterproof seat cushion for the 9th…. ike

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  158. Great win, but let’s not lose our heads, look at who VA played this year.

    WBB has been posting all year about the schedule and who we play.

    VA dropped some passes, but the most important thing was that our lines played better than theirs period.

    The D-line especially bodes well for the future, and the D-backs for the most part covered their guys very well, two things we haven’t seen for quite a while.

    As long as we don’t get overconfident, we should beat UNC and would have got a bowl game if we had played a cupcake instead of OKST. Still have a slim chance but Miami and VATech are probable losses.

    DiNucci looked a lot better today, because he had more time to throw and moved well in the pocket, the INT was kind of dumb, hopefully he learns from that. Narduzzi still looking dumb for burning Pickett’s redshirt, when he had MacVittie for mop up duty.

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    2. gc – You can’t go there if we can’t discuss sos on Pitt’s side.

      The hoos were 5-2 – period. Pitt was 3-5. The hoos were good and Pitt was bad.

      A win over a team with a winning record. Nuff said.

      Bring on the tar holes…

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      1. Did I say we couldn’t discuss Pitt’s SOS. We lost to some really good teams and we just beat two decent teams. We actually may end up with the same record as VA.

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        1. gc – not referencing you, but many on POV who argue that schedule doesn’t matter.

          You, wbb and I agree it does matter.

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    1. Only wins and losses.

      That’s why an AD is so important – Pitt needs a non-conference schedule like psu and that won’t happen next year.

      Get on it for 2018 Heather.

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  161. Good point gc looking at who Va played so far this year. It’s what I have been saying all along is look at who PITT has played so far this year.

    This isn’t a one way street…. It works both ways. << The schedule matters… ike

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  163. Just got back from the game. Man am I glad that I pulled tickets to a corporate box. Miserable weather for the 12k actually in attendance (more like 8k in second half, and I might be being generous).

    Give credit where it’s due – defense played well, and offense scored over 30 (almost – Q with the sweet runback). A few mistakes here and there but overall solid. Wish we were playing FSU next.

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  165. Only W/hitehead should go pro.
    Just back from freezing with 15K others (students did not even show). Haven’t had a chance to read the game thread. Defense played very well, the D Line will be awesome next two years. Nooch was better and PN was correct to stay with him. For Picket groupies his time will come as he starts the first game next year.
    Several odd things UVA players were screaming in unison on PItt’s first offensive series run or pass at the snap-they were correct all three plays. This stopped with a play action on Pitts second series where they screamed run and got burned with a pass. Second there were 5K left at end of game – I am pretty sure from my upper deck 50 yd line seat I could be heard as the only person screaming “Defense”. 🙂 Great fourth down stops!!! Got get some libations to warm up.I think I could die happy if I went at a Pitt FB game – in 15 years 🙂
    HAIL TO PITT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Countdown to Big B tailgate 12 days. Big B thanks so much for sharing the video, if UPItt were an announcer that would be him. That was Cal v. Washington, holy cow Watched it 10X and laughed louder each time. Thanks.

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  166. post-game Narduzzi on young Pitt team “they’re still puppies. They don’t bark very loud, but they’ll growl a bit”

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  167. Ike – Pitt played well today against a 5-2 team that was 2-1 in the ACC.

    All phases of the game showed improvement except the kicking game, minus QH.

    Time to ignore the negative posters who did not brave the weather today.

    On to the unc game – run, run and run some more.

    HTP!

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  168. Ike – I’m late answering your question way back on # of posts when we lose. Pitt fans are absolutely no different than any other fan board. People love to bitch and complain. Even at the game, the guys I sit around talk less when we are winning than when we are losing. This is not a “Pitt” or “POV” thing. I will admit that we are quicker to attack because we’ve sucked for so long and had our false hopes dashed over and over again.

    EE – we can’t ignore all of the posters that didn’t go to the game….there were only 10 of us there.

    As I said above, this come down to line play on both sides. DiNucci did not play well – he was slightly below average and didn’t make dumb mistakes. That may be good enough for now.

    Miami is definitely beatable.

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    1. htp123 – with miami looking very beatable, that makes the VTech game even more fun.

      Anyone making the road trip? Golf could draw me south for that game.

      Anyone???

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  169. The defense and the O LINE showing improvement . I’m thinking Reed’s wish for a new defensive coordinator ain’t gonna happen.

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  170. Yes we got better today, still begs the question How much? based on the level of competition.

    Baby steps.

    Winning does make coaching look better.

    Many guys made plays today, that is a big improvement.

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  171. After seeing today’s attendance, does anyone really think an OCS will ever happen.

    Remember, Pitt pays a usage fee based on attendance.

    A real sweetheart deal, especially today.

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  176. Can we get lucky and have the Earth open up and swallow the horseshoe? Of course make sure Wanny is across the street getting a cold one when that happens.

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  177. High praise for all Pitt fans who showed up today.

    It was a miserable day and I still feel soggy – but it was great seeing Henderson’s return in person. One of the best I’ve ever seen — right there with the Revis’ return down that same sideline…

    —Nice win, but we continue to get head-scratching calls from Watson. Like what the hell was that at the end of the first half?

    —Impressive and startling stops by our DLine – the DTs are growing up.

    — Again, hail to the Pitt fans who showed up today!

    Go Pitt.

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    1. MM – agree on the QH punt return – best since Revis vs wvcc. I too saw both in person.

      I enjoyed the game, despite the rain and cool temperatures.

      I was disappointed too about the play calling on the last two drives before the half. Turned to MO over to uva. Foretunately, our D stopped uva on their first series of the 2nd half and gained the MO back.

      HTP!

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  178. BTW, with all the money Ohio State spends, and their great coaching and recruiting, they just don’t look very impressive.

    They always seem to have a “clunky” offense that depends on their QB or RB making exceptional individual efforts versus having a “good offense.”

    Go Pitt.

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  179. ^^ htp123, you’re right and I get that 100%. That was just jagging all the bitchers complainers, which btw, makes blogs and message boards go round and popular. Funny thing about that is you’ll notice posters on a bad PITT game day you never see again until the next bad PITT football game day. I’m cool with that.

    gc: You said it ” based on the level of competition” << it’s all relative

    Mark: I think you’re right about Conklin not going anywhere but not totally sure. Partridge is here for a reason and may in line for a move up the ladder? but that defense looked good today and super super young.

    tvax, I’ve never seen a team that is so morally awful as psu and gets breaks like they do. It truly is a sin.

    Great line gc about winning makes for a better coach…………. this week. . . . ike

    H2P!

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  180. Ohio State still not dead somehow… just think if Urban could coach special teams or could hire someone who could coach special teams…

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  184. Anyone know why Hendrix did not play today? Folston started and played really well – 1 sack and another TFL.

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  185. —Today reinforced for me how much we miss Wirginis at MLB this season. Brightwell’s INT was nice, but I thought he struggled for a lot of the game.

    —And Flanagan is just a step slow to make those shovel passes work like Aston would…

    —DiNucci seems to throw decent passes if he sets his feet, if not, the ball has no zip, it’s like it has negative zip…

    —Let’s see more slants to Weah!!

    Go Pitt

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  193. lol Dan and guys. psu getting beat is the second most happiest moment of my day.. I’m so happy I feel like a king right now….. Let us celebrate… ike

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Since only one could lose, the right one did.

      The penn state cry babies are claiming the game was fixed. Did you see some of the bogus calls that went against the bucknuts?

      Come on…

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  199. Great quote from The Pitt Panther Fanatics… “Penn State blew it….. and Joe Knew it!!!”.

    Guys. We’re not there just yet, but I’ve been saying for weeks that we’re pointing upward. I do think that our quarterback needs to play better if we have a chance against Miami or Va Tech, but we appear to be improving in all areas. Nice win today. Kudos to everyone who braved the elements. Disappointed in our students, not sure how you solve that puzzle. Note to Heather: It’s not by offering them free soda.

    Liked by 1 person

  200. Anyone remember jimmie “one finger” Franklin’s long lost Auntie from Homewood he visited after decades of not seeing her when he was first hired at pedo u? You know the Aunt he came to see to show the boys he was down with the burgh high school players?

    Wonder after he’s been paid all these millions if he ever visited her again or if he moved her on up to the east side?

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    1. ike – wish they would have given Franklin more camera -time after OSU took the lead — his expression was priceless!!

      Hope the Pitt win today has you feeling better…

      Go Pitt.

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  201. An even better one…. “Penn State blew an early lead. Everyone knows that they can’t protect anything 14 and under….”

    Liked by 1 person

    1. If there was ever a game day that Upitt would NOT come back home to the POV it would be this weekend. Just like the other 592 comments that never made it to the POV today.

      Winning is boring I suppose. Now I get why I don’t get along with others. I like winning! . . . . ike

      H2P!

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  203. So let’s be clear here. Are we more happy with the big PITT victory or the lowly loss by the bed crapper corrupt win at any cost school?

    Close but I loves my PITT!

    PITT + 1

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    1. Real close for me.
      Great weekend for me as in addition to today,, my kid’s football team won with a Hail Mary break-up by my kid at safety #6

      Like

  205. Take away the 36 yeard TD run and barkley has 8 yards in 20 carries. Not exactly a Joe Theisman performance. Jimmy Franks out to lunch during the fourth quarter.

    Like

  206. you know…I often hear how we act like red headed step children regarding how sometimes it seems that Pitt fans are more concerned about how PSU does rather than Pitt.

    I can only speak for myself on this obviously but PSU are pedophile deniers…boys lives destroyed by this crap and it was institutional in nature.

    I don’t care what anyone says…they needed to get the death penalty and football should’ve been abolished at PSU for this.

    It’s not because of the rivalry…hell I am fine with the idea that they will always be better overall with their program over ours (it makes it sweeter when we do own them honestly).

    I think they should’ve died because they turned their head collectively to support a game and $$$$ over children.

    So I will always be hoping for their comeuppance even if it makes me look like a petty Pitt fan.

    Like

  208. Also surprised that NC State losing that badly to Notre Dame.

    Anyone have a link to a good PSU blog? I am curious to read the comments there!!

    Like

      1. Found a PSU comment board and ran thru about 50 comments. Main complaints were that Joe Morehead called a lousy offensive game when it mattered. Hardly any negative comments about Franklinstein. Also comments about how much better OSU recruits compared to PSU. And although the fans love Barkley and believe he’s got the Heisman, quite a few noted his lousy run performance today other than his kickoff return for a TD and his 36 yd run, netted 8 yds on 20 carries as noted earlier.

        Like

  209. As far as the Pitt game…I am really not sure what to think. It does look promising that the team is gelling together, but I can’t tell if we are just slightly better than the opponents we played.

    That is why I try to listen to the podcast on Sunday/Monday from Reed. I can’t see enough games out here in the Pac-Northwest to know for sure.

    DaveD

    Like

  211. Dave – I think we are just slightly better than Duke and UVA, but it’s the QB position that is really holding us back.

    The big time investment in taking and coaching-up and playing Max Browne was a complete failure, and DiNucci is game, but just somewhat limited.

    If Pickett is the real deal, and with the defense getting better, we could take a step forward next season – but still short of the elite programs…

    I don’t see us winning 6 this season because of our situation at QB…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    2. The problem is not Dinucci. It’s our OC. And he will not get better. This is not to say that Dinucci is a very good quarterback. We still don’t know how good he can be. He is certainly a heck of a lot better than we thought he was going to be. Dior’s an you bro POVer think that Ra Ra should not be on the field most of the time? Personally I think he is a first rate spot revlceiver who if single covered can get himself open almost at will. Why doesn’t he gat targeted more? Dinucci? Or our OC?

      Like

      1. RaRa Lopes should be starting. He is the best WR on Pitt’s roster. Weah has the tools to be the best, but not the hands.

        Two drops that I saw yesterday. RaRa has yet to drop one that hit his hands this year.

        Like

  212. well we were due for the trifecta, Pitt win, PSU & WVU lose. Been a long time coming. Might be a temporary joy, so let’s enjoy the night while we can!

    Defense starting to come on. D-line will be good sooner rather than later. Zeise with a nice game. D-backs, expect for a very bad attempt at tackling by Hamlin early in the game played well. O-line starting to gel.

    Won’t win them all but i see us winning 2 of 3 with a season ending win against Miami to spoil their season.

    Like

  214. How many watched the PSU game and saw/heard the commentators repeatedly stating what a GENIUS Franklin was prior to halftime by preserving his time outs…..then did absolutely nothing with the ball of course.

    Then the 2nd half happened, must’ve gotten a real IQ drain.

    They really don’t like him on the Black Shoe Diaries: “Honestly, and this isn’t reactionary
    I honestly won’t be upset to see him go somewhere else. This scheme just doesn’t fit a team that has the athleticism that we do. We have the talent to assert ourselves on others and yet we don’t. We simply take what we’re given. And when we’re not given anything, we take nothing.”

    Like

    1. they have lost 3 games in 2 years by a total of 7 points. It just shows you how negative fanbases are. You win 9 games a year, you then are criticized for not winning 10, etc ..

      Like

      1. It is interesting. PSU was 9-4 and 7-6 in Paterno’s last 2 seasons (before sanctions). 11-2 in the two seasons before that. The Sandusky announcement happened in early November, 2011 and PSU subsequently lost to Wisconsin by 38 and Houston by 16.

        Like

  215. And they are still blaming sanctions.
    BSD:
    “Depth was a killer
    And we can thank sanctions for that.

    Our first team is way better than almost every other team. But our second team is so young and inexperienced.”

    Like

  216. Love the win

    Goal line stand

    Tweet from Duze F_ing with Fraudklin

    HATE. I Mean HATE the uniforms. Time for an identity. Time for throwback so we can move forward.

    Like

  217. God surely is a Pitt Panther.

    Pitt wins!

    Pedo U loses a heartbreaker!

    Hoopies lose a shootout!

    Hail to Pitt!

    Like

  219. The Pitt – VA game announcers must be on Virginia’s payroll. ACC game announcers have to get over the fact that the old ACC teams are not the only ones that count or the only ones that can play FB and BB.

    Like

  222. I will leave you with my favorite tweet of the day …

    Edward Carifio‏ @DDCEddieCarifio 3h

    Man, what did Penn State ever do to deserve such bad karma?

    Liked by 1 person

      1. the point is that PoD, much like Reed, does not like Narduzzi at all, and champions his predecessor.

        Hey PoD … how did that OVER-confidence thing work for you? And yes, UVa was certainly the better coached team. No doubt

        Like

  226. Riddle me this — on the one hand we had a couple of plays today where the UVA RB appeared to be stopped for a short gain, but the “pile” just kept moving – like for another 8 yards.

    On the other hand we stopped them cold on several 3rd or 4th and one plays.

    How do you reconcile these plays?

    And I repeat — if you made it to the game today, and especially if you stayed to the soggy end, hats off to you!

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    1. MM – the “pushed pile” gains were not as critical at the time and place in the game.

      HCPN called a time out with the game clearly won at the end to make that 4th and 1 stop at the goal line. He senses his D is about to be really good.

      Or is that stat padding?

      Reed? Ike?

      Like

  227. Just back from wedding. They are all. Nitters. After ceremony when it was 21-3 a aunt from State College came up, asked “what’s the score”, with a big smile. At the reception when OSU scored I let out a rather loud YES. Then bumped into relatives aunt and asked her if she knew the score. Sweet.
    Funny thing is is they are acting like they didn’t lose. Actually, they are acting like they won. They blew a game and got screwed, so they won. I am constantly amazed that despite the result, people watched the game, and still believe they didn’t actually lose.

    Liked by 1 person

        1. Actually the results of the Alabama Senate race on the republican side a few weeks ago, proved just the opposite 🙂 Nice try Doc

          Like

  228. Oh, almost forgot. Saw most of first half of our game. We won, that’s the bottom line. Lots of good stuff, and some not so good. It’s always who you play and when you play them. Will always believe that. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

    Like

  229. Obviously the OC is doing a poor job. I wouldn’t mind it Watson took a job somewhere else next yr. DiNucci is not the best QB we have. Pickett by far has the potential to be much better. He has toughness and speed. Please play him!!! We need to give him experience.

    Defense is better than last. However, they are not as good as we think,it we take into account the dropped passes.

    Man the refs were bad this week!!@! Phantom calls against PITT. I also thought they were against PITT last week ; Duke game

    Like

  230. PITT – UVa replay now on Fox regional FSN 6:00am – 9:00am . May be on your regional cable channel.

    Missed game yesterday except for bits & pieces.

    Like

  231. Met Jester Weah’s mom after the game while waiting for Reed to show for a post-game celebration –

    She was very nice and proud of the Jester. She has a younger son playing at a JUCO in Delaware – sharpening his skills for a possible shot at Pitt.

    Like

  232. Wasn’t able to watch the game live due to family obligations….watched the replay last night on ESPN live on my laptop.. This was definitely Pitt’s most complete game of the year. Good to see Henderson back in form. Dinucci made a some nice throws. Really liked the throws to Weah and French and Henderson. Hall and Ollison we’re a good combination for the solid running game.. I was most impressed by the play of the defense. The young guys are gaining confidence! H2P!! Beat NC!!!

    Like

  233. D-line performance even more impressive since Hendrix and Camp did not play.

    Backfield didn’t seem to miss Maddox either.

    Zeise with his best game and Brightwell with 10 tackles.

    Nice game by Ollie with a good catch and a TD run.

    Like

  234. Heard the OSU QB finished with 16 straight pass completions, amazing.

    Turned the game off when they overturned a call and gave PSU a disputed catch for TD.

    Like

  235. Hamlin really starting to play very well too.

    Like the combination of Hall and Ollison. Hall with a couple nice spin moves yesterday.

    Neither guy is flashy but getting the job done with the O-line opening holes, especially Bookser.

    Passes being spread around with more guys getting open yesterday.

    Like

  236. Next up the dreaded Thursday night game vs a 1 win UNC team that gave Miami all they had yesterday.

    Hope we aren’t overconfident. lol

    Like

  237. George Aston stopped after the game to our tailgate…he is wearing a boot but was in good spirits. Watching the reply of the fabulous PSUx loss. Taped the Pitt game for later today. It’s like Christmas morning even though I know what my presents will be…

    Like

    1. Fran – cool that Aston stopped by. Obviously your tailgate is the place to be!

      Soon the Duzz will start stopping by to consult with Larry. 😁

      Like

  238. Thought I saw #35 in the backfield yesterday. Sure hope Aston is back and playing. He has been greatly missed this season on offense and would be HUGE if he could help beat VT and Miami.

    Like

  239. apparently Pitt scrimmaged Nova yesterday. Have always thought Wright was a classy and pretty good coach. Was happy when he won the NC.

    Jay Wright ✔@VUCoachJWright
    Great scrimmage with Coach @KevinStallings & @Pitt_MBB ! Thank you for the hospitality and good luck this season in the @accmbb !!

    Like

  240. VA could be very tough game. Miami and VT can be beat too if Pitt can play physical games and keep turnovers to a minimum. Can Pitt break the string of giving up at least two TD passes per game in each of the remaining three games? Only way Duke and VA could score. Last two Thursday night games after a bye have not been wins for Pitt under PN. Third time is a charm?

    Like

  241. PittofDreams is the prime example of what is wrong with our fan base. I don’t have anything personal against you, you could be the nicest guy in the world, but you are a terrible fan. Like Rick Pitino said when he was hired by the Celtics “Paul Chryst ain’t walking thru that door, Chad Voytik ain’t walking thru that door, or Matt House”. If you yearn for the days of losing at home to YSU and Akron and getting thrashed by Cincinnati then go buy a Wisconsin shirt and “buh-bye” or find an Arkansas State Jersey with Voytiks number.
    It’s really simple, either be a fan of THIS team or go somewhere else.

    Like

  242. Do a search for Pitt football on Twitter, especially on Saturdays and there are ALWAYS psu concern trolls. Last night when Narduzzi tweeted “Hail to Pitt” just after the psu loss, they went NUTS.

    Like

  243. I woke up to find that yesterday was indeed a great day. We knew Pitt won while WVU and PSU lost. But then this am, I find that Fraud’s team gets blown out at home by USC .. the same USC team that was blown out last week by ND.

    Like

  244. While we’re all basking in the glow of our win and the PSU/WVU losses, wanted to talk about a couple “need to improve” areas…I still don’t think Watson is the long term answer at OC. We need to do better there. Second is Weah and Lopes. Ra-Ra is our best receiver and needs to get the ball more. Especially since DiNucci is really inaccurate beyond 12 yards most of the time. Lopes runs good routes, plays hard, comes back and fights for balls and catches difficult passes. Weah is physically gifted but I don’t see the “want to” of an elite receiver. He still drops too many and doesn’t fight for the ball. I watch these guys pretty closely in person and he also does not run routes as hard as Lopes and takes too many plays off. This is coaching. Anybody see this differently?

    BTW, I’ve watched the Wanny high five replay 20 times!!

    Like

    1. Jester Jester made the huge catch against Duke, just last week…’fighting’ for the ball. That was certainly a HUGE play. I understand he’s inconsistent….but I believe he also fought for the ball in the game winning OT TD catch against YSU.

      Like

      1. Have to give Weah credit on the 19 yard TD pass yesterday too. He ran through 2 tackles to make it. I’m not sure how much more “want-to” he could display.

        Like

    2. I’m no fan of Watson, but he has to feel out this team to know who fits where. It took half the season to figure out who our starting QB, RB and receivers should be. And to figure out how to use last years jet sweeps…..as decoys or plays.

      Like

  245. @john,
    I don’t know pod either by I’ve gathered from his posts that he is as much of a fan as you or I, but he is tired of pitt being irrelevant for past35 years. He just doesn’t think the way you do. I mean, we are 4-5 right?

    Like

    1. agree, but Pitt was just as irrelevant with all our past coaches …. why continuously pick on the current HC?

      Like

      1. We were in the TOP 10 under the Stache for a few brief weeks in 2009 before finishing ranked at #15.

        Could be a few more years before that happens again. (well hopefully a few) (it was over 30 years in between Top 15 final rankings)

        Like

        1. Still bothers me about that 2009 season. I felt Pitt had a really good opportunity to beat the Hoopies in Morgantown but it seemed to me that they tried to save a little for the “all the marbles” game against Cincy the following week. Pitt ended up losing to WVU 19-16. That season really could have been memorable if Pitt would have beaten WVU and kicked away from Gilyard the following week.

          Like

  246. Goalie, anyone can post under any screen name anytime they want. Jus saying. If the shoe fits someone we know and love could be wearing it??? …. ike

    H2P!

    Like

  247. Apologies for the vent, Pitt is not Bama-we have some major issues but when the team plays close to a complete game is it too much to ask to be positive. I’ve had my b$tch and moan posts too so I’m no angel. Hold the Duzz accountable but to just blantantly hate on him makes no sense to me.

    Like

    1. This board (and most all Pitt boards) get trolled a lot. For being mostly irrelevant for the last 34 years, there is still a lot of hate of us ….out there.

      Like

  248. Mentioning Chad Voytik , It’s been mentioned often that Little Ben is not D1 QB material . I think BD has played at least as well as CV, and may improve, which CV never did. Which isn’t to say that KP may be even better .

    Like

    1. in defense of CV, he was recruited to run Fraud’s offense … emphasize the word ‘run’ He certainly was the best running QB we had in recent years, and was a pretty decent roll-out passer. He just got caught into the the web of coaching changes that has been part of this program in recent years

      Like

    2. I beg to differ. CV did improve in his first season as starter as the season went along, so much so, that he led the ACC in qb rating for conference games. Now i do agree he didn’t improve under Cheney, in fact he regressed. But we know that story.

      Like

      1. True, some of CV’s regression was likely Cheney induced, but coma red to BD, CV had a better line and better skilled players around him, IMHO.

        Like

  250. About the LBs, I saw Chase Pine making a huge play. Brightwell still might have missed some assignments, but 10 tackles and a huge INT is great production. I think someone from the Post Gazette said Dane Jackson has been the nicest surprise this year, and I’d have to agree with that — he’s not a total shutdown corner, but he’s done a great job. Looks young guys on defense are showing potential.

    Ra Ra Lopes is def our best, most consistent receiver. Although he did drop a pass, once, maybe it was against NC State.

    Like

  251. I noticed Nard Dogs tweet. It was no coincidence. Love kicking those Nitters when they’re down. And Wanny high fiving OSU fans after the game was classic. Love to rub it in. The Nitters will call us classless, juvenile and envious. We are their ‘little’ brother and they dominate the State. And to some extent they are right. But we all know their arrogance knows no bounds and they live in their own world where JoPa is a Saint, the rapes in the showers never happened, and their program is what others should aspire to be.

    Like

    1. Nothing more classless then allowing rampant pedophilia for years on campus rather than putting a dent in your football cult.

      Like

    1. Yep and they weren’t missed at all. Perhaps they should stay on the bench. I can’t remember the last time Pitt’s D….held a Power 5 opponent to only 2 scores.

      Like

  253. Really hope hat Pitt brings it vs. NC…don’t like the 10 day layoff…too bad the game can’t be this Thursday….thinking that Paris Ford will be a nice addition on D next year..H2P!!!!

    Like

    1. Good time for a rest and to get healthy and study the last 3 teams going into a quest for a bowl bid. Need 2 of 3 to do it.

      Like

  254. Barkley finds that playing a top D is not a yard padder. Take away the 35 yard run and he was the greatest after all. 20 rushes 8 yards. When it counted, a net minus. The gidget midget folded under pressure. What no jump ball passes at the end? Nits are a fraud as to the NC picture. PLAY SOMEONE. Franklin padding his wins and ducking teams with a crap OCC schedule. That was his persona at Vandy as well. God knows Idaho will bring their A game to HV in 2019. Really Idaho is your biggie. What a joke Ok State puts 50 on the Nits.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. as long as the Land of Denial fanbase keeps showing up in droves for Georgia State … you may remember how many were still in the stands at the end when the FG was missed preserving 56-0 … there is no incentive for them to play otherwise. At least, OSU always plays one real good OOC each year

      Like

      1. Pedo State needs to open a branch campus in Guyana. Oh wait……they already have something similar to that in Creepy Valley.

        Like

    2. Didn’t that overrated back get only 55 yards against us early in the season when our D was even younger than it is now? All purpose yards….please…..

      Get 4 kickoffs and field a few punts and that’s at least 100-150 yards. Give me a break.

      Like

  255. I contend that PITT’s OOC schedule has helped this young team mature more quickly and into a solid team, nothing more right now but competitive enough.

    Another win next Thursday on the 9th and it puts PITT in position to surprise many of us all.

    To hell with the cult idiots and all the enabling crybabies in the cesspool that’s called happy valley, really?

    All the PITT sites seem to be more fun when they stink out the joint. C’mon guys, NaDucci is not a D-1 QB.. 🙂 . . …..ike

    Like

    1. One cupcake instead of PSU or OK St and we’re in a bowl most likely. If we get one this year they earned it…and Narduzzi should get (but he won’t ) Coach of the Year.

      Like

      1. And then everyone would complain about another BBVA bowl or equivalent.

        You know I’m with you Ike regarding the benefit of playing quality opponents, but this will never stop. Pitt gained nothing in terms of player development from playing YSU or RIce this year. I fully understand that everybody plays those types of games. In fact it’s almost time for the SEC to take their November patsies!

        Like

  256. All three of the remaining games on Pitt’s schedule are winnable UNC is the most winnable but Miami and VaTech have weaknesses and are winnable as well. Both Miami and VaTech have solid defenses and considerable speed.. Would be nice to see Pitt win at least two out of three to finish strong though smart money is probably on Pitt winning one out of three…
    .

    Like

    1. I wish I shared your optimism. Yes, they are winnable if (1) Pitt can run the ball, (2) Pitt wins the turnover battle, and (3) Pitt Qb plays well. And I’m afraid all 3 must happen.

      Like

      1. Have to add that they’ll need to play some stout defense against VT and Miami. Both have good offenses.

        Like

        1. All true Wwb and Barvo.

          Dinucci appears to be getting more comfortable (against weaker but decent competition). Pitt will need some breaks for sure. Not saying we will win 2 out of 3 or 3 out of 3, just saying that they are all winnable IMO.

          Like

  257. This is so good….had to repost. Our buddy JoeKnew posted this :

    Just back from wedding. They are all. Nitters. After ceremony when it was 21-3 a aunt from State College came up, asked “what’s the score”, with a big smile. At the reception when OSU scored I let out a rather loud YES. Then bumped into relatives aunt and asked her if she knew the score. Sweet.
    Funny thing is is they are acting like they didn’t lose. Actually, they are acting like they won. They blew a game and got screwed, so they won. I am constantly amazed that despite the result, people watched the game, and still believe they didn’t actually lose.

    Like

  258. Emel, Wife made me go to church this morning and ask for forgiveness for my behavior toward the Nitters. Asked the big guy, and he just smiled and said in that instance it was OK.

    Liked by 1 person

  260. Want high giving OSU Fans in the post game, Priceless!

    Is it self evident that anybody & everybody outside of creepy valley despises the nitters?

    Me too! Does that make me a bad person? Naaaah! H2P!

    Like

  261. Lots of recruit talk on the POV…so you guys (and girls) might find this interesting :

    On the field Friday, Florida State played 32 four- or five-star recruits. Boston College played two. So for all the problems FSU has, there’s just no excuse for a team with that big of a talent edge to get blown out. What a mess in Tallahassee. (BC blew out FSU 35-3)

    Like

      1. Oh, we want him, does he want us. K.Raines seems Lyke a polite and well mannered young man. He comes from a good family. Has a high probability of making it to the next level. Fits right in at Pitt.

        This young man wants to play Safety in college and rumor has it that Pitt wants him to play OLB. The best and most talented play on Sunday – Duzz has said an OLB in Pitt’s D is a hybrid DB/LB.

        I say come to Pitt and be a star – you’ll play on Sunday. Go to psu and get buried – go to wvcc and become irrelevant. I forget who is 4th on his list is, maybe Kentucky. If not Pitt, make it that 4th school, not the creepsters nor the hoopies.

        Pitt is IT!

        Like

    2. That FSU-BC game was painful to watch. Given their color schemes I wondered if my eyes were confused with which team was FSU.

      Pitt’s D played well yesterday. I thought the front 7 were very good. They actually stopped UVA on four downs in Pitt territory on a 2 and 2. The goal line stand. Other short yardage wins.

      Anybody else think Meyer made some odd choices toward the end of the PSU-OSU game? He called a TO with like 3:30 on the clock and PSU punting from about their 10. Then after OSU scored the TD to go up by 1 he called for a short kickoff which resulted in PSU starting their final drive from around their 40.

      Like

      1. Didn’t watch it, as I refuse to watch Pedo games. But I followed it on Gametracker online. I’m guessing SuburbanUrban didn’t want to kick it to Barkley. I was like wtf too until realizing that. That sack on 2nd down was the killer.

        The going for 2 point conversion twice (and failing) could have bit meyer in the arse too. As if he would have just went for 1 point each time, the best the Creepsters could do at the end was TIE it with a FG….not win it.

        Like

  263. I’m hoping all this rain is a good sign with Raines. 🙂
    We really need some more big-play guys on the defense.

    Hoping that staying local so his family and friends can watch him play wins out…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

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