in Pitt Football 559 Words

Pitt vs Miami Game Notes

PITT (4-7, 2-5 ACC) vs. No. 2/2 MIAMI (10-0, 7-0 ACC)

November 24, 2017 • Noon, ET

Heinz Field (68,400/Natural Grass) • Pittsburgh, Pa.

ABC-TV • Pitt IMG Sports Radio Network

PittsburghPanthers.com • @Pitt_FB • #MIAvsPITT

LINK (PDF): Pitt Game Notes (vs. Miami)

GAME STORYLINES

• Pitt will close its 2017 regular season with an ABC television spotlight and the challenge of facing ACC Coastal Division champ Miami, ranked No. 2 nationally by both the Associated Press and USA Today Amway Coaches Poll.

  • The No. 2 Hurricanes are the highest-ranked team Pitt has hosted at Heinz Field in 16 years. Coincidentally, that opponent was also Miami, ranked No. 1 in both polls when the teams met on Sept. 27, 2001. The Hurricanes won, 43-21, en route to an undefeated (12-0) national title year.
  • Pitt last played a team ranked this high just last season. The Panthers faced No. 3/2 Clemson in Death Valley on Nov. 12, 2016, handing the eventual national champion Tigers their only defeat, 43-42.
  • Clemson marked the highest-ranked foe Pitt had beaten since its 13-9 win at West Virginia on Dec. 1, 2007, costing WVU a BCS title game appearance.
  • Fourteen seniors will be making their final appearance at Heinz Field when the Panthers host Miami. Of note: this week’s projected Pitt starting lineup (24 positions with two specialists) lists only seven seniors, including two who are listed as co-starters.
  • Junior tailback Darrin Hall has rushed for more than 100 yards in three of the Panthers’ past four contests. Hall is averaging 122.5 yards over this span, totaling 490 yards and eight touchdowns on 87 carries (5.6 avg.).
  • The Panthers will need to prioritize minimizing turnovers when facing the Hurricanes’ ball-hawking defense. Miami ranks No. 1 in the country in turnover margin, forcing 27 and surrendering just 11 (+16, 1.60 margin per game).
  • Pitt’s 2017 roster has 14 players from the state of Florida. Eight of those players are listed in this week’s projected two-deep on offense and defense.

SERIES NOTES
This is the 37th meeting between Pitt and Miami in a series that dates back to 1950…it is the fifth Atlantic Coast Conference game between the two schools…the Panthers and Hurricanes meet annually as members of the ACC’s Coastal Division…Miami leads the all-time series, 25-10-1…the Panthers are 5-14 against the Hurricanes in Pittsburgh and 5-11-1 in games played on the road…Miami has won each of the last two meetings: 51-28 at Hard Rock Stadium last season and 29-24 at Heinz Field in 2015…in 2014, Pitt snapped an eight-game losing streak in the series with a 35-23 triumph in Miami Gardens…it was Pitt’s first win over Miami since 1997 and the Panthers’ first road win in the series since 1963…in 1997, the Panthers defeated the No. 21 Hurricanes, 21-17, at Pitt Stadium in front of a Thursday night ESPN television audience…prior to the ’97 encounter, the Panthers had not defeated Miami since a 36-19 win in Pitt Stadium in 1976, the year Pitt stormed to a 12-0 record and the national title.

 ROADCAST INFORMATION

Television • ABC-TV (WTAE, Ch. 4, in Pittsburgh)

Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Brock Huard (analyst), Allison Williams (reporter)

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

Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play), Pat Bostick (analyst), Larry Richert (reporter)

National Radio • Sports USA Media

Josh Appel (play-by-play), Doug Plank (analyst)

SiriusXM Satellite Radio

Sirius Channel 84, XM Channel 84, Internet Channel 84

WPTS Radio (Pitt Student Station) • 92.1 FM

Pitt IMG Sports Network Online Audio Options

PittsburghPanthers.com

Pitt Panthers Gameday App

TuneIn (free live and on-demand content)

145 thoughts on “Pitt vs Miami Game Notes”

  5. Im looking forward to Friday we have a good young defense amnd Kenny the wicked Pickett should start. who knows Duzz may have these kids up. If you guys thought his season was bad you haven’t been around pitt football very long

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  6. We can all set our sights on the 2018 football season after the fat lady sings on Friday. There is hope for the future of Pitt football if many of us are right on Pickett going forward.

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  7. I’m an optimist, but this is a tall order for Pitt. A true freshman likely making his first start at QB against the team with the best turnover margin in college football… And my fear isn’t that he will make mistakes. My fear is that the coaching staff will go super conservative to avoid mistakes. The jet sweep will not work against Miami’s speed. Put the jet sweep on the shelf for this game. Pitt will have to throw the ball down the center of the field to have a chance. That and the Pitt D needs to have a solid game.

    This is our bowl game. Go Pitt!

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  8. While only 4-7, our true freshman QB plays a gutsy game with a strong running game and we knock the #2 team in the country out of the playoffs, winning 13-9!
    ………Oh, wait a minute……that already happened!!!!!
    Can history repeat itself????…….I doubt it, BUT I don’t doubt this – PICKETT IS THE TICKET!!!!!

    To All POV Family,
    Have a blessed and thankful holiday on Thursday. The day our first settlers stopped all they were doing and gave thanks to the God of all creation for all of their many blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

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  12. I see potential for a better future, but recruiting HAS to get better. I will be very interested to see if Heather forces any changes in the staff. Of course, that might require a larger investment, so maybe not.

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  13. Happy thanksgiving to all Pitt fans and supporters. Have a great day and enjoy your family. Friday’s game can go many ways I’m optimistic picket starts But I have feeling it may not happen. Looking forward to the game and tailgating. H2P

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  15. Stuck in heavy traffic on 95 South Past Washington. If anyone is planning on driving down south do not take 95 or get in the express lane this is crazy I’ve been stuck in traffic for almost 2 hours.

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    2. Could be worse, at office til 7, then drive home. Baking apple pies with whatever kid/s will help tonight though.
      Happy Thanksgiving everyone and great to hear Dan 72. Hope all have healthy, happy and safe including KP on Friday!!!

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  18. It has been far worse, but we didn’t have blogs to beat dead horses.

    Still think Narduzzi has the chance to be the “guy”. See improvement next year, but recruiting is the ultimate solution and he must do better every year.

    Still like the idea of hiring a local coach ala Smith at PSU to work the WPIAL. Plus guys like Kasperovics and Ivy know how to coach. The defenses on their teams were amazing, even though overshadowed by offense.

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  19. Fran,

    My bro my dad and I will be stopping to the tailgate. No food for us as we eat an early breakfast at a greasy spoon before all the nooners. We will have our own drinks with us as well.

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  20. Dan, I’m glad your test results were good. Altoona Josh, looking forward to seeing you and your dad. Hardly anyone eats at the noon games. Moscow mules is the drink du jour.

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  25. Couple more notes:

    Found this at the bottom of the page under, about and why “This blog is primarily about the University of Pittsburgh’s football program and is intended to throw a little light hardheartedness and kernels of info to make you think and view that in a different light.”
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    I think the POV has lost it’s way over one bad PITT football season. Hopefully we all can regroup moving forward. It’s going to be a long long off season with no bowl game on top of it.

    Reed has had it rough the past few months as many of us have fallen into the trap of a losing season. The PITT football team and thank goodness, has handled the situation better than us fans.

    We all have some hand in making the Commander’s POV no fun for him and I personally would like to apologize for being a little over the top at times. << This is supposed to be a fun exercise not work and bickering

    2 plays the past two games and PITT would be 6-5. I mean that literally, so close but….. Better days are ahead PITT fans!

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    2. I love Southside Johnny and the Jukes, Ike. Loudest concert I ever saw, in a tiny auditorium at Allegheny College in 1980.

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  26. Ike—I agree, certainly I’ve had my moments during this fall as well. Will be watching Friday hoping for a Miracle on Art Rooney Blvd.

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  27. We are such a young team, I had heard the game was going to broadcast on Nickelodeon. Glad to see it’s ABC.

    I-95 is a scrap shoot any time around here – snowbirds going South in the fall, and North in the spring; trucks passing trucks year ’round…..but I refuse to get on it over holidays.

    Holiday dream: Pitt beats Miami; South Carolina beats Clemscum! psux and/or osux losing would be the Trifecta! (Actually a “Quadfecta” if all 4 happen!)

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  28. If Pitt continues to support sports like they do, they might as well put a foreclosure sign at Heinz and the Pete.

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  29. For Pitt to win:
    run the damn ball effectively
    throw down the middle and deep balls
    get some timely turnovers
    decent special teams
    keep possession, ball control, if you turnover (make sure its on the other end of field)
    play aggressive and hit hard
    control emotions
    play like your life depended on it
    no stupid coaching (that will not happen)

    We lose due to stupid coaching…again
    Canes 24
    Pitt 19

    But we cover because the players have more smarts and balz than our coaches.

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  30. I hope Heather or EJ do occasionally check in on this blog and take a few minutes to read this research.
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/hbsworkingknowledge/2013/04/29/the-flutie-effect-how-athletic-success-boosts-college-applications/#3221a55a6e96

    The research shows that when a school rises from mediocre to great on the gridiron, school applications increase by almost 19%. To get similar effects, a school must lower its tuition substantially or raise the quality of faculty requiring a huge investment.

    As many of you have said, the effects of a significant investment in our football program to achieve greatness has a positive effect (income) on the university as a whole. Why can’t our BOT see this?

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  31. 2 “ladies” I work with laughed out loud when I told my boss in a meeting that I was going to the Pitt game. They are both pedos and will burn in hell for such but I really want another Clemson miracle. Just being selfish.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. F’em Fran. He may be a great recruiter, but I still believe Jimmy One Finger is not the coach that the cult thinks he is.

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  32. Question, how is it determined if a timeout is 30 seconds or a full timeout? I truly don’t know or forgot.

    Tarping? With psu on the schedule next year, there will be plenty of season tickets sold. (although PITT will say it’s because PITT bought them all), how can you tarp off seats and not leave enough available seats for the amount that were sold?

    A lot of us know when you buy season tickets you are allowed to renew first the following year. If you were a smart psu fan with money and a great desire to come to Pittsburgh and watch the game next year and bought season tickets two years ago, wouldn’t you have bought them again this past year? << Remember a record crowd vs psu?

    Could explain low turnouts to tickets sold this past year? Just thinking out loud and no I’m playing Ed.

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  35. 13.5 point spread doesn’t seem right to me for the his game. What do they know that we don’t?
    I’ll be happy if the Panthers keep this game within two TDs of the Hurricanes.
    Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

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    2. Steelers are favored by 14 over GB. That’s really high.
      I’d take Pitt. Miami plays down to their competition. This is Pitt’s bowl game. I shouldn’t have said that…..we’re really going to stink if that’s the case…lol.

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  36. Derek Davis looks like the next great WPIAL player. Gateway freshman does it all, just watched the replay of the 5A Championship game. Has size, speed, strength, athleticism and the intangibles.

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  37. The evidence is clear. Pitt only beats Miami at Pitt Stadium over the last 30 years. Let’s play there.

    ROC – What you say is true. Look back over the last year and you will see the correlation between athletic success and applications. The point about applications is that you increase the opportunity to raise admission scores because your baseline of apps increases. Better students equals better research. Better research equals more dollars. More funding equals more giving. That is how it actually works.

    I am thankful for all of you here at the POV.

    Dan – so glad your results were what you were hoping and praying for. You weren’t alone on either of those.

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  42. Great news Dan!!

    I too will be happy if we play tough, the coaches don’t get in the kids’ way and we keep it under 14 points. lots of ifs!!

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  43. Awesome Dan!! Glad you are okay.

    Miami isn’t that great but has talent and speed and coaching. 3 things we don’t.
    Miami 31 Pitt 13

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  46. I park in Red% garage so I will definitely stop at the POV tailgate you guys have a POV flag right. I will be the guy saying ” titleman., damn glad to me you”

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  48. If we are going to win we can’t let them get up early. Once they get up they go on a roll and it could get really ugly. Frustrate them early and we have a small chance!

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  50. I was at the 1997 Miami game Walts first year. It was an early season shocker. of course Miami was coming off NCAA sanctions so its roster was a little thin.

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  52. Titleman…Red 5A. Black pickup with a white POV flag over a Pitt Script flag. I park right next to the garage. Looking forward to it.

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  53. Happy for you Dan.

    Just got my 4 free tickets buy email, was told the lower bowl was all filled up, so I got
    4 general admission in the student section.

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  54. frank md, we beat Miami in 1962 on a statute liberty play by Paul Martha right after a rain shower in the Orange Bowl. I was watching in a hospital bed with a broken femur. It was a major reason I transferred from FSU to PITT. The next fall I was drinking coffee with Martha in the Tuck Shop.

    This Friday’s game means nothing. It’s like the Mickey Mouse Bowls we have been going to the last few years. It doesn’t mean anything. I don’t want Pickett , Henderson, or Whitehead injured.

    Watson please leave!!!!
    Stallings break your contract. You don’t need the money (I hope.) Show some pride.

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  56. Heather is giving away Fanta’s Free tickets and Leftover Stuffing. She is also creating a Coaching Chain for Narduzzi. Every time he makes a bad decision he gets to wear the Bad Coaching Chain. Basically from starting Dinucci until the end of the game he will have the chain on.

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  58. Blessings to you, Dan. God bless all of you POVers.

    I have a question that perhaps some of you can answer. Is the Pitt BOT really that much involved in how the sports programs are run? Is that a fact that some of you have read about or is it just an assumption that people have made?

    BTW, I was a high school principal for 20 years and know something about public school coaching contracts. When PSU hired that high school coach as a college assistant, he must have gotten a whopping salary and was made part of PA’s state educational retirement system. Public high school coaches most of the time are also teachers on contract for both coaching and teaching. The retirement income for their careers in public education is a very big deal to them. Many of them coach even in the minor sports to pad their teaching incomes so that their retirement income will reflect the extra income from coaching. In my opinion for Pitt to hire a top WPIAL coach is a good idea, but the salary would have to be very good and involve some kind of retirement package for a high school coach to walk away from his high school job(s). Especially with the instability of head coaching jobs at Pitt.

    I know that this explanation may not make sense to private sector people like a lot of you, but this is how it works in the public school sector.

    Hope the Pitt coaches and kids will do more than just go through the motions this Friday. I try to be confident at the start of every game. To me Pitt’s defense is what will win this game, keeping Miami down and play on their insecurities about being as good as they really think they are. If Pitt’s defense can play with Miami’s high powered offense, then Pitt’s chances to win are not all that bad. To me Pitt’s poor defense has cost them more than their poor offense. It seems there is always a long TD pass or two that kill them.

    Oh well, have a happy Thanksgiving. Stay safe.

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  60. If Heather is giving out stuffing, I’ll fly in for that. But it’s got to be cornbread with country sausage. And a good gravy is a must.

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    1. Heather hasn’t ever had cornbread stuffing Tex. She is a compliance gal from Ohio. She probably has only been south for Disney with the family. Hell I’ve been south as long as I lived north.

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    1. Frank md, it’s my bad. It was 1961 when I saw PITT beat Miami and I spent 6months healing the broken femur.

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    1. There isn’t a Thug on that roster. Way different type of kid under Richt. Just landed Tex. Cold here in Fort Worth!!

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  66. Yes it is cold by DFW standards but will warm up soon.

    I give thanks that Pitt is not Rutgers…not yet at least.

    Have safe travels and a good Thanksgiving to all.

    I’ll making stuffing right now before heading to the in-laws. And yes its cornbread and country sausage.

    I’ve learned some good Southern recipes over the past 17 years down here.

    But I crave a good fish samich, pierogie, hoagie and slice of zza. And the occasional ‘O’ fries.

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    1. The OC BB lot parking spot would be perfect for the OCS since only a few hundred people will be going to BB games for the next 2 years. I say go for it!

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  70. Question to old fart POVerts… any of you remember Dave Olivo, a WPA native who graduated from Arnold HS( part of the Valley HS merger) in the 60s who started for the Hurricanes at QB?

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  71. ……..if the Duzz actually starts the Di-nooch, he is dumber than “dumb and dumber,” and more stubborn than a New Mexico mule!
    Somebody PLEASE tell me it ain’t so!

    Liked by 1 person

  72. Bless you Dan 72. You’re tough.

    I have little hope of Pitt beating Miami – been disappointed too many times in Pitt’s performances against the Canes.

    Hope to see Pickett do some good things against a really good defense, but I’ll be surprised if Pitt scores over 14 points.

    Also hope to see the better hitting continue (where did that come from?) and lots of players get playing time.

    GO PITT

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  73. Dan, happy to hear your good results. Happy Thanksgiving to all the POV’s. I’m Ready to host 20 people for Turkey Day. Will be ready to have a few beverages on Friday.

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  74. frankmd…saw the same article. Thanks for posting. At least Pelusi and Covert are efforting…Happy Thanksgiving to all. Safe travels if you’re on a road trip a la Bernie.

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  77. Overall this year’s team is better than the 13-9 team, with two exceptions, Shady McCoy, and McKillop.

    Going to need some big plays today and win the turnover battle which no one has done so far vs Miami.

    Last chance for glory.

    Also need to beat the refs and the ACC who badly need Miami in the championship series.

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    1. Narduzzi’s brothers could ref and it wouldn’t matter. Speed, Talent, Coaching win out. 18K to see it.

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  78. Lastrow… made it but woke up with a BigTe kink in my neck following a big night in Clinton Pa re- uniting with an ole buddy and his family. Still contemplating the game.

    Annie – maybe the flag brings us that luck we need—get’er flying.

    Go Pickett- Charge!!!!

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  80. DO NOT let them get up early. Frustrated Miami is bad Miami, Miami on roll, well if that happens it will get very,very ugly.

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  83. BigB yes I remember Dave Olive his parents lived on the same block as my uncle Elmer . I petty sure he I 1966 67 68 not a bad qb but his family was good people if I am not mistaken I think his son Brock is a coach with the Denver broncos. Tim

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  87. I’ve not had this feeling in a long time but I smell an upset tomorrow!
    Miami’s D line should crush us and their team speed is far superior but never underestimate a great QB like Pickett. He can do magic if the coaches don’t hold him back. This is Pitt’s bowl game. All the pressure is on Miami. Pitt 24-Miami 21. At the wire.

    Happy Thanksgiving to all my POV friends. See you tomorrow. H2P!!!

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    1. If he wasn’t a true freshman and had experience I could almost see it. There speed with have him running for his life. He will throw 2 picks.

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  88. This is normally my favorite game of season, as I hold degrees from both Universities, but this year I know if I watch, Pitt will surely do something unusual and pull a rabbit out of the hat. I hate to root against either, but with the U having a chance for the playoffs……I only wish this was for the right to meet Clemson in the title game. Maybe some day.

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  90. Lol I agree with Jimbo…

    This is the time of year when a lot of us are beginning to lament that this is groundhog’s day. Coach is not competent and the bottom is falling out from under the program.

    Then suddenly a 13-9 overachieving beyond all imagination occurs and makes the most of us say…oh well maybe there is a shot that this coach is going to get it together. Let’s give him 3 more years.

    As much as I love Pitt…I believe that a victory of this nature is pyrrhic at best and am not sure how to really feel. I cannot root against Pitt, but I cannot root for them because I know in my heart this guy is not the answer and will only lengthen his stay in lower than mediocre.

    That said, until the program really decides to invest in the football program (which may never happen) it won’t get any better than this…

    So I am thankful for many things…but the one I want to focus on today is that I am thankful for my fellow POV’ers, who while knowing our beloved Lucy Van Pelt (the Pitt administration) will likely pull the football out from under us, Charlie Brown (Pitt students, alums, fans) still believe this is the time we are going to actually get to kick that damn football!

    Happy Thanksgiving all!

    DaveD

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  92. Thanks BigB.. hey while you guys wait for the bird to be ready try some Custard Pie….Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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  93. The only thing to get excited about is seeing what Pickett can do. I like his poise and confidence for a freshman. Here’s hoping the less than mediocre Oline will protect enough for him to show off his arm. That is if Duzz actually plays him.

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  95. That Pitt Miami game was September 18th 1997. I rememember it well…

    It was 4 days after my 21st birthday. I jumped the wall trying to rush the field and shattered my ankle every way possible.

    Happy Turkey Day everyone.

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  96. Thanks for the T-Day musings! I couldn’t help but be reminded that only a few short months ago (3 1/2?) I was reading several insisting that Pitt would never pony up what it would take to keep HCPN!!? And/or that that hed leave in the twinkling of an eye for MSU, as soon as they had an opening!

    Now some want him outta here on the next train, Uber, trolly, or whatever. I think if he were to sneak outta town a la Der Fraudster, there would be mass excitement!

    Um getting dizzy from all the pivoting!

    BUT, Happy Thanksgiving to all – except , perhaps the psux-erz.

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  99. I think we are all in agreement here that PITT has more than their hands full tomorrow.

    Miami’s defense is their strongest unit going against PITT’s recent weakest unit, their offense. However Miami doesn’t have a weak unit on the team.

    Yes, Virginia gave the U a good fight last week while Miami was coming off the emotional victory against ND. I don’t expect a UM letdown this week. I really don’t buy the Miami has PITT’s number like I don’t buy PITT has had VT’s either. New everything football related, it doesn’t make sense to me.

    So, my thinking is this, if in any way PITT can make a game of it tomorrow in any way, I think the PITT football team will show, (at least me) that this team is closer than most of you all thing.

    That said, No way PITT can keep it close with Dinucci. HCPN just has to start KP, PITT can’t afford to get down by 21 pts in the first quarter.

    I wish this game meant so much more but in a strange way it a stress reliever knowing that PITT can only win and that means just keeping it a game deep into the 4th quarter. I do highly doubt this happens though. Miami is just too good with too much on the line. A PITT loss is expected so the pressure is off.

    PITT….17
    Miami…27

    H2P! bring a win home POVer’s

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