Editor’s Note:    Geez, I did that whole podcast and didn’t even consider if George is eligible for 2018 or not.  Actually he may not be as he played last year for Illinois.  Damn, we really need him this season… Well, next year also.

Hey! Just read he is eligably this coming season! Yeah us!

Jeff George, Jr – Started five games in 2017. Career wise he was: 132 of 275 (48%) for 1743 yards and 11 TDs to 15 INTs.

George

Illinois was poor all around last year on both offense and defense His surrounding offensive cast pretty much sucked, especially on the Offensive Line as they were 105th in Sacks Allowed with 42 and TFLs Allowed with 98.

Does that sound familiar?  We were 101st in Sacks allowed with 31 and 99th in TFLs Allowed with 79.  Let’s hope that changes this year.

George was 13/39 for 140 yards and 2 TDs with no INTs in a 31-27 win over MSU in 2016 even if MSU sucked that season.

 

Jeff George

Here are the full Upgrade, Downgrade or Draw articles written about the 2018 Panthers:

Special Teams – Downgrade

https://wordpress.com/post/pittpov.com/54045

Offensive Line – Downgrade

https://wordpress.com/post/pittpov.com/53989

Defensive Line – Upgrade

https://wordpress.com/post/pittpov.com/53973

Running Backs – Draw

https://wordpress.com/post/pittpov.com/53951

Defensive Backs – Upgrade (Erie Express wrote that…POV feels it is a Downgrade)

https://wordpress.com/post/pittpov.com/53932

Defensive Ends – Upgrade (Ike wrote that one – POV feels it is a Draw)

https://wordpress.com/post/pittpov.com/53925

Wide Receivers – Downgrade  (With addition of WR Taysir Mack the POV feels this is now a Draw.)

https://wordpress.com/post/pittpov.com/53900

Linebackers – Upgrade

https://wordpress.com/post/pittpov.com/53888

Quarterbacks – Upgrade (and with addition of Jeff George, Jr a big Upgrade)

https://wordpress.com/post/pittpov.com/53871

Michaelangelo holds a degree in Travel Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. He was a former staff writer for InPittsburgh Newsweekly, and currently resides near Atlanta, Georgia. He has been a Pitt fan since 1997 after he witnessed Pitt upset #22 Miami on Thursday night at Pitt Stadium.

206 thoughts on “Sunday Podcast; Aug 26th, 2018”

  3. I had to pause the great Reed Podcast to get the grill fired up. Thanks for the shout out Mark and you are finally right about something.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. We need to be fair, here. PN was likely looking for someone to come in who clearly understood he was the back up QB. This means finishing their career, barring injury, in a back up mode. Most players want to go to a situation where they are promised they will at least be able to compete for the job. Pitt will not get a top prospect to come in just to handle the clipboard. If the Town experiment has been a flop, then give Narduzzi credit for getting another back up in place before the season starts. Narduzzi most likely has a plan to start Patti for two years as was mentioned, which gives him a QB for the next 5 years, plenty of time to recruit a top flight QB.

    Like

  5. Geez, most schools recruit at least one qb per class. We should hope Patti gets recruited over. That’s what you want. If he’s the real deal, great, but they should always be looking for the next great one. If you burn a redshirt so what. Your recruiting should, I say should, cover for that!
    I also like the idea of ?George, or someone like him. I’m not sure how good he is, but I also think the coaches were in panic mode. The biggest upset of the year would be getting 6 games out of Pickett. Wish him well, but it’s hard to be a star when you’re on your back.Oops, somehow that didn’t come out quite right, but you know what I mean.

    Like

  6. I love my man Reed, but I’m not sure how I understand his logic sometimes. How can you think is worth taking a chance on a guy like George (whose limited stats are unimpressive anyway) but not feel the same way about Chris Clark? I understand that Clark didn’t work out, but how are they different, other than the fact that Clark was a higher rated recruit? I’m not saying take in every talented transfer on the open market (See: Kam Carter), but generally I don’t think you have much to lose if there is a logical explanation for why a kid is looking for a fresh start and he’s not otherwise a troublemaker. I realize that QB may be a more important position than TE. Commander, are you in favor simply because you don’t believe any of the other QBs are capable of stepping in if KP gets hurt? Anyone know if he’s immediately eligible?

    Like

  7. Eric, Clark never played any games until he came to Pittsburgh… George has and had some results.

    It is a huge difference to me.

    Town has never taken a D1 snap and George has attempted 275 passes, completed a bunch and threw 11 TDs. Plus he won games while under Center.

    That D1 experience compared to Town’s zero D1 experience is invaluable.

    I do wish Clark would have stayed as he’d have been our primary TE although his blocking was sub par.

    As I said, excellent move by Narduzzi.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. And tons of INT’s.

      Narduzzi’s plan is all reactionary. His recruiting sucks and he is bringing in bodies.

      Mark it down his firing will be because he can’t recruit.

      Like

      1. Quit beating that drum UPITT. Pat Narduzzi is not going to be fired anytime soon. Write it down.

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        1. If you think Heather puts up with 5-7 and who knows what this year then you haven’t been watching her MO

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  8. Geez, I did that whole podcast and didn’t even consider if George is eligible or not.

    Actually he may not be as he played last year for Illinois.

    Damn, we really need him this season… Well, next year also.

    I don’t get the fans hype with Patti. He looks Ok but a 3* kid with his only two other P5 offers in BC and RU is a normal recruit to me.

    Like

  9. If you don’t get the sense of Reed’s podcasts I don’t know what to say? The big guy is smooth and refreshing. like an IPA, oh that’s right he doesn’t have a sponsor. I know I bust his balls sometimes (he needs it) but he also knows I love him. The work he puts into the POV should be greatly appreciated and I know it is. I know I do. Thanks Reed.. . . .your good buddy ike..

    H2P
    We All We Got
    We All We need.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Reed I believe he is a graduate transfer. He should be ready to roll and it shows he’s a smart young man to boot. A 4 year degree in 3 years..

    Like

  11. Apparently RB Todd Sibley tweeted he’ll have surgery soon.

    With the report out of camp that Salahuddin was a solid 5th on the depth that means same old RBs as last season.

    But hey! That stuff about Salahuddin was somewhat negative and came from the staff. Could that be a sign of maturity? Maybe when they give some scrimmage stats…

    Like

  12. I don’t think George changes anything. He missed all of camp.

    Unless Town is absolutely horrible he won’t help til next year as a back up. Maybe.

    Like

    1. I’m predicting he’s in the two deep as soon as he learns the playbook. I don’t think fans realize how not good Town is .

      That’s a nice way of saying it, huh?

      Like

      1. I think you’re right about Town. Jeff George is an insurance policy. Now, if we have to rely on him for an extended time we are in trouble. If, however, he’s used as a 1 or 2 game stop gap, I think he will do nicely.

        Like

  13. Wow. I predicted Sibley would be second in carries this year. He is a different style runner.

    RB is a downgrade for sure unless Davis shocks us.

    Like

  14. Let me do a article on Recruiting.

    Downgrade. Actually disaster.

    Thanks for reading my article.

    3 stars and not rated = 5-7 at best.

    Like

      1. I could go into detail but just look at the stars and lack of legitimate offers. Why waste time buddy when the facts are screaming we recruit like we are Bowling Green.

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        1. I do not rule out the thought you could be right Mark but I don’t think you are. I’ve said it several times. This is the first year we may see if Narduzzi has done or accomplished anything so far for this PITT football program but he will be at PITT at least until the end of next year. Then we will see who has the last laugh.

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          1. Let’s say he has a good year this year. With the recruiting going on now what is 2019 and 2020 looking like is a legitimate fear.

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            1. PITT will only be better in the next few years. Just watch. Questions for you Mark. Who is PITT’s long snapper and that means the guy who hikes the ball to the holder not a sexual reference like I’m sure you thought it did. BTW who is the holder for extra points and field goals, name the punter and I hope like hell you know who the field goal kicker is but i can’t be sure.

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              1. Kessman and he was so so last year and I can care less who the long snapper is. Kessman the boxer Ike from Australia.

                Who is the Equipment Manager? You know the one who is supposed to clean up Narduzzi’s House and do his laundry for King Pat.

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    2. Riveting. I couldn’t put it down and read it start to finish.

      Will be riding through your old stomping grounds on Friday and am planning to make a quick stop at the Titlow Tavern for a refreshment.

      Like

        2. Good restaurant. I used to eat lunch there when doing service work back when I had a full time job. 😉

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  15. FFrench taking snaps at RB just in case. I think the freshman RB redshirts. AJ Davis is going to play this year. Beville has been lights out this year. Plus they like Patti so the QB position will be very good next year. Not since Walt will Pitt have three real quality Div 1 QB’s in 2019. Palko, Getsy and Flacco.

    Like

  18. Since becoming an OC and head coach, Scott Frost’s last 4 starting QBs have twice led the nation in passer efficiency, and a 3rd QB has finished second in the country.

    He just announced his starting QB and its a true freshman.

    Reed, your comment about 3/4 LB starting are not Narduzzi recruits. That is disappointing.

    Like

      1. I agree with that actually.
        Sometimes putting a true freshman in too soon can hinder them. See Pat Bostick as a case in point. We don’t know how well he do if he had a full Redshirt year he was limited physically. But still it would have been good to have him have that whole year to really get acclimated to the college game.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Yes and play the cupcakes on schedule last year to build confidence. He went 5-7 the season wasn’t going anywhere so play the kid with a future you know.

          Like

  19. Pitt has no open scholarships. I’m guessing George is paying his way for a year and getting a scholly next year. He has two years of eligibility but if he already red shirted or sat out a year then he’ll only have one year left I believe. If he is a grad-transfer he could walk on this year.

    Pitt has Nick Patti on the roster already and a QB in next years class …

    Depth should be fine moving forward … but, QB is a high transfer rate position so you can’t have enough.

    Like

  20. J George jr is not looking for a scholarship at PITT. Not why he came to PITT. Trust this or disregard it.

    Like

  23. Should have tried Q. Henderson at RB last season.

    Our RBs run hard, but we have no one who can make someone miss…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  24. Interesting, cause the old man, (jeff George) had his best seasons after transferring from Purdue to Illinois.
    And was the #1 overall Pick in the 1990 NFL Draft. And led the NFL in passing in 1997. He was also the first national Gatorade Player of the Year (lol)

    One wonders what is going on, other than he will be a better backup option than Town and means we
    can probably safely redshirt Nick Patty.

    Like

    1. I think you are exactly correct Emel on both those things. Patti might have had to see action if Pickett got hurt. This way we can save him a year extra.

      Now the question is when does Town take off? Both he and George have two years of eligibility left so I think Town either leaves on his own or the staff moves him on themselves. George will get a scholarship sooner rather than later and we won’t keep 4 scholarship QBs on roster.

      I believe we’ll see George get Town’s scholarship after the season.

      Like

      1. Yea, probably Reed. Cause you would have Pickett, Patti, George, & Beville next year. You might keep 4, but certainly not 5. Beville could de-commit though if Clemson or South Carolina offer him, since he’s a SC kid.

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        1. EMEL, I like that QB lineup for the next couple or few years. I also think you’re right about Beville. Time will tell but I hope we can hang on to him.

          Like

    2. George, Sr., started as a freshmen versus Pitt in 1986, threw two quick TDs, then threw four INTs and Pitt led, 41-14, before being benched. George transferred to Miami first, thought Jimmy Johnson would hand him the job then ended up at Illinois.

      He led the Illini to a 10-2 recordin 1989. Incredible release, but a spoiled brat throughout his career.

      Like

  26. FFrench is just a precaution. don;t read anything more into that. But his speed is still a factor and with Shockey they can motor. Shockey is a game breaker in ability. He will turn some heads. He needs to gain experience and Pickett has some nice weapons to play with. Add in Tipton, Lopes, Mack and Butler you have some real talent.

    Like

  27. We have two submitted articles for the first part of this week then we’ll do up a big predictions piece toward Thursday or so – both W/L predictions and individual player & position predictions.

    Can someone do a “Know the Enemy” article for the Albany Great Danes please? If you want to then let me know ASAP via email.

    Thanks guys…

    Like

    1. Predictions this year will be all over the map from 10 to 3 wins and you can now bet legally in many places
      I think we get 1 win we do not expect but 2 losses we will violently curse that will break the POV comment record

      Like

  28. Hopefully we’ll be up large against Albany at halftime, so we can see who gets PT at the QB in the 2nd half.

    Could really be the only opportunity for Town to show he can play a little. As if he can’t you can’t bring him in against Pedo State or UCF or any ACC teams.

    Then enter Boy George.

    Like

  29. Would love to see trick plays on a regular basis…what Johnny Majors called “hully gully football”
    Just often enough to give coordinators something to think about.

    Like

  30. Do you know the enemy? I’ve been playing this song daily multiple times for reasons I don’t want to share with all but…. Excuse some language but it hits my heart for my family and for PITT and the POV!!!!! Check it out. it’s made loud to play loud…

    Like

  31. More craziness at Creepy Cult Valley.

    A 22-year-old man was arrested on Thursday by Penn State police after tweeting a threat on Aug. 8 threatening to commit a mass shooting at Beaver Stadium. Charles Thomas Hitechew of Gibsonia, Penn., was charged with two counts of terrorist threats, and he was arraigned and released on Thursday with a bail of $15,000. He’ll have a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

    https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/penn-state-police-arrest-man-who-threatened-to-commit-mass-shooting-at-beaver-stadium/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I hate PSU as much as the next guy, but the article lends to believe he isn’t a student there. Plus this can happen anywhere, not just State College, and we should be concerned about it, especially after what just occurred again. There are better things to rag on PSU about but this in today’s society seems in bad taste to me.

      Like

  33. UPitt, do something completely unexpected and say something positive! You are not a pitt fan and never will be. Your wife could run for 300yards and 2 touchdowns and you would bitch that it wasn’t 5 touchdowns. Say something nice for once.
    Religion, politics, bluecher!!
    Reed, enjoyed the podcast especially about the unknown soldier portion. As you know my dad is buried about 100 yards away, we appreciate all that you do for vets.

    Liked by 1 person

  34. An A for effort Mark but way off. The player from Australia who kicks a football for PITT is the punter Kirk Christodoulou from the land down under and I may have not spelled his name right either. Kessman is good and from Michigan and the holder is Cal Admontis. It’s not like he’s important at all, right?

    Like

    1. The Long Snapper never gets the hirl Ike. Welll Kessman is a boxer. That counts for something.

      Richman – I wish I wasn’t sometimes. If you want to talk about giving your all and body parts for Pitt I will gladly go with you. Currently I have 2 shiukder surgeries and a knee in the Panther name. I will wait.

      Like

  35. Actually I meant the long snapper and I’m still talking about the player who hikes the ball, not his X girl friends.

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  36. Clempson already has a 4 or 5 star and so does SC for next year. Hopefully that stays in place. So Boy George was a 2 star.

    Jeff George Jr. QB Indianapolis, IN 6’3″ 190 5.3 2/8/14

    Funny that we had 2 five stars and crucified them, but get a 2 star and the Narduzzi is a superstar. So which is it. I am so confusered?

    Like

    1. Boy George only gets 2 stars bc of leg brace Pops last name. If his last name was Jones he would be not ranked.

      The 5 stars played so bad overtime they basically ended up as 1 stars.

      Peterman was the best thing to happen to pitt qb since Rutherford.

      Like

    3. Crucified?

      Huff, I have said many times I made multiple phone calls to people who were paid to cover football where both Browne and Town played so what I write about then was an “informed opinion”.

      And no one said George is a superstar…just that he actually played D1 football and Town hasn’t.

      That is a fact and I’d rather have an experienced backup than not.

      Like

  37. Agreed as usual UPitt…..hence the hope nothing changes so we land the Beville youngster. Maybe we start recruiting a decent qb every year. The problem with these kids is that once they are slotted on the depth chart and don’t play, they leave, thus creating a void. Recruiting over kids is a good thing. Recruiting a bunch of equal talent leads to hurt feelings and transfers because the differences are negligible between players and athletic politics, not poloitics, politics comes into play. It’s all about recruiting.

    Like

    1. Like to see you this year. Any games?! We have some work in Columbus. Maybe I should just visit a project and grab a drink and dinner.

      Like

      1. That would be awesome if you make it to cbus, upitt. Would gladly meet up for dinner and beverages, as I would with anyone on here if you are in the cbus region.

        My best bet to travel for a game is unfortunately, Syracuse, at Steeler Stadium. I was hoping for UCF in Orlando, but I am booked in salt lake city on the 30th, 1st and 2nd of October. Ugggh! I used to go to the USF games in Tampa Stadium when they were in the Big East.

        Weekend schedules are booked pretty heavily around our house due to sporting activities with kids.

        Keep me posted on your travels.

        Like

  38. Open questions to the POV board.
    Who here is a season ticket holder? Secondly, what away games are you going to this season?

    For me, I’m all in for the UNC & UCF games. If the Panthers amaze the prognosticators & surprise the ACC by being in the hunt for the ACC’s Coastal Div crown by season’s end, then WF & Miami get penciled in for other trips to see my Panthers in person this too.

    Like

      1. Let me know when you’re sure that you’re going to the UCF Game & we’ll meet up. That will be an essential thing to do if Pitt is 2-1 or better by then. Just so I can razz your ass appropriately if that be the case.

        UCF’s QB will be even a stiffer test for our defensive secondary than McSorley.

        Like

  39. Dr. Tom — My wife and I are long-time season ticket holders.

    We’ll be at all the home games, but unfortunately we won’t be able to make it to any away games this season.

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  40. Dr. Tom, Deb and I will be at the UCF game too. Can we get together?. Larry S is going too, or so he says. No Stan. Let me know. Brother AFH. Phi Alpha

    Like

  43. Season ticket holder Dr and have tickets and a room reserved in Charlottesville Va for that game. I doubt we get any further south than that one. but maybe Wake Forest. North Carolina is the game to go to as PITT will finally beat them and the BigB holding a Big T as in Tailgate.

    Like

    1. BigB has taken the wife & me under his wing. He’s got us tickets, arranged accommadations for us with his Tarheel friends at Chapel Hill & as you said gets us into a five star tailgate at UNC. Bernie got a big❤️.

      Like

  44. Am a season ticket holder.
    40th HS reunion on the day of the UNC, so I’m going to miss the Chapel Hill trip – but it was a tough decision!
    Planning to go to the Wake game.

    Like

  45. Going to the wake forest game and acc championship game.

    Might make it up for a home game at some point.

    Was at the Duke game last two years and the Miami game last year.

    Like

    1. It must have been quite an experience at that Miami game. Wish I had opted for that one instead of the game at Blacksburg the prior week. That !*#€! game killed me at the end! Then the next game, I’m questioning, “WHO ARE THESE GUYS”? That’s Pitt football in a nutshell.

      Like

  49. Bernie has some great North Carolina friends some of us met at the UNC game at PITT last year. Great people and with the BigB and JeanieB along with those guys and girls expect to be treated like a king. I will try and be there but he doesn’t look very promising at this point.

    If your pain is too great Reed, then that should be your priority to take care of it. I’ve planned surgeries before but sometimes the surgery plans you. See you in a few days. ike

    Like

    1. K… there is a lot going on in that Hudl video. Tommy Mac looks lyke he’s a playa…

      Granted the competition is much lower, but he looks smooth and polished.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Yikes — shows you how tough it is to play D1 QB. TM made nice reads and nice throws. Glad to see him do well.

      Looks like he has some good receivers to throw to…

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Not a QB scout but he looks much quicker than Max Browne. Surely, he must be better than Ricky Town, who didn’t start in JUCO? Otherwise, they wouldn’t have brought in Jeff George’s son.

      Like

  52. Dr. Tom — My wife and I are long-time season ticket holders.

    We’ll be at all the home games, but unfortunately we will only be able to make the miami away game.

    Since Duzz announced the ACC Championship game, I am keeping that weekend open so I can join Pitt of Dreams and others in North Carolina for big game.

    H2P!

    Like

  53. 247 came out with their top 100 for 2021. Only 2 PA prospects. One is Marvin Harrison’s son out of Philly who has already pledged to Miami and the second is a safety from Gateway that is looking at Terry Smith and the Dairy High School.

    Taking what upitt indicated earlier, my concern is that if Pitt pulls off a 9 win season this year, we are not positioned to capitalize on our good fortunes because we are not “in” on any elite level talent going forward. That is one of the recruiting questions that I ponder, often. We aren’t prepared for success and as such, when it happens, we get average results. How much mileage did we get with elite prospects for beating Clempson? It was a great victory for the fans, but in the large picture, we didn’t parlay that into something much bigger.

    Like

    1. Huff , I’d wait until we win 9 games to worry about that. And if we win 9 games, I’d be too happy to worry about recruiting!

      Like

  54. Thanks Kiski, some vindication there and it should be known, Mesa is a powerhouse football program. Narduzzi messed up that kid and should have played him imo.

    I really wish you would email me as I know I know you from ITH or possibly in real life lol.. ike210@comcast.net

    Like

      1. I think I knew that and forgot. You have always had my back friend and I will always have yours. You know what’s up!

        Like

  55. Wait a minute…. Now even if PITT wins nine games this year they will still suck? C’mon Huff, you are way way way smarter than that.

    Like

    1. Ike, I didn’t say they would suck. What I typed was that they are ill-prepared to pounce on elite players if/when they have a great year, such as a 9 win season. Let’s say they win 9 games and surprise everyone this year (which would be great). They are not “in” on a lot of elite players at this time for 2019, 2020 or 2021. If they have a big year with wins, they aren’t positioned to capitalize on their good fortunes of that winning. That was the point.

      Like

      1. Narduzzi said it was a mistake leaving Mack off the chart. Not sure where he is going to be placed on it however.

        Like

  58. POVerts…we are planning a huuuge tailgate in Chapel Hill…stay tuned…trying to get my buddy Greg hooked up with Reed to get the details on the POV….

    Like

  59. I saw the two deep on PSN…a really big surprise at starting CB and RB…glad Ollie is outta the dog-house-just gotta feed that big dog…

    Like

    1. I wasn’t one that even commented (I don’t believe) on the Mack addition, but him on listed in the 2-deep at this point is totally irrelevant.

      Like

  62. McV..nice game..looks like he’s up against a 3rd team practice team…he is a big kid..maybe should have been considered moving him TE.

    Like

    1. I watched the tape on MacVitti too & without trying to sound negative, I saw a couple deep balls that were big gainers with exceptional grabs, in actuality that were under thrown INTS with a good CB defending.
      Tom’s always a Pitt guy in my mind. Good family that are huge Pitt fans. Good to see him playing & doing well.

      Like

  63. I wouldn’t get too carried away with the depth chart one week before the psu game. Some paybacks for a few of the guys that have been around for a game against Albany. but there are some interesting names in interesting places. While some names are not even mentioned.

    Like

    1. Explain that as clearly as explaining it to a third grader will you? Sunce I’m clueless on where you’re going with that.

      Like

  65. Uh oh, Shane Roy starting.

    Get Reed a blood pressure pill. 😊

    But at least his guy Ollie is starting.

    My biggest surprise is Garner being behind Stocker…

    Like I posted earlier, I just wasn’t blown away by Mack at the spring game. The WRs will be interesting to see what happens.

    Medure backing up Aston at FB is interesting and kinda makes sense.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  66. Big news from Centre County Pa.(State College for the uninitiated). Police and SPCA raided a farm and arrested 3 or 4 men for sodomizing their animals near State College. TV showed cows, horses, goats and sheep being herded out. They apparently liked variety. Maybe they rubbed off on you know who up there. On a more serious vein Narduzzie early on stated his goal to recruit a QB each class to hold 4 0n the roster and provide progression .Transfers screw that up. Wish I still had season tickets but that ship has sailed for me(health) but I still manage one game per yr. and get my kids together at the same time. Then I spend the next day or so recuperating. Loved season tickets . You get to know most of your neighbors and that makes it very enjoyable also.H2P

    Like

    1. Pitt 60 — so true about season tickets and the people around you. But I only found out thru Reed’s POV that Lastrow, Scooter and Cousin Tom are in the same section I’m in… I knew they looked familiar at Fran’s first POV tailgate, then we figured it out…

      Best wishes with your health.

      Hail to Pitt!

      Like

  67. I agree with Reed here, no offense to Roy personally but he is not a D1 starter on a DL. The same could be said of Maddox after his junior year and he accomplished a radical improvement in his final year; I can’t see this happening with Roy, but who knows. I think it’s fair to say that PN is obviously conservative and plays favorites/experience over talent, he is trying to carve out a path of slow, steady progress rather than taking a little risk. I’m not agreeing or disagreeing, just saying…

    One area where I could see considerable ‘movement’ during the season is at WR, with Butler-Jenkins, Shocky & Mack. Tipton & Lopes I like, I just think those other 3 could get a lot of time as the season progresses.

    Like

  68. Courtesy of PSN and Alan Saunders:

    PITT’S OPENING DEPTH CHART
    QB1: Kenny Pickett
    QB2: Ricky Town

    RB1: Qadree Ollison
    RB2: Darrin Hall
    RB3: A.J. Davis

    FB1: George Aston
    FB2: Jim Medure

    TE1: Tyler Sear
    TE2: Will Gragg
    TE3: Grant Carrigan

    xWR1: Aaron Mathews
    xWR2: Dontavius Butler-Jenkins
    xWR3: Michael Smith

    yWR1: Rafael Aruajo-Lopes
    yWR2: Maurice Ffrench
    yWR3: Darian Street

    zWR1: Tre Tipton
    zWR2: Shocky Jacques-Louis

    LT1: Stefano Millin
    LT2: Carson Van Lyn

    LG1: Connor Dintino
    LG2: Brandon Ford

    C1: Jimmy Morrissey
    C2: Owen Drexel

    RG1: Mike Herndon
    RG2: Bryce Hargrove

    RT1: Alex Bookser
    RT2: Gabe Houy
    RT3: Jerry Drake

    DE1: Dewayne Hendrix
    DE2: Chase Pine
    DE3: Deslin Alexandre

    DT1: Keyshon Camp
    DT2: Amir Watts
    DT3: Taylen Twyman

    DT1: Shane Roy
    DT2: Rashad Wheeler

    DE1: Rashad Weaver
    DE2: PAtrick Jones
    DE3: James Folston

    $LB1: Elijah Zeise
    $LB2: Saleem Brightwell

    MLB1: Quintin Wirginis
    MLB2: Elias Reynolds

    *LB: Seun Idowu
    *LB: Anthony McKee

    CB1: Phillipie Motley
    CB2: Dane Jackson

    SS1: Dennis Briggs
    SS2: Phil Campbell

    FS1: Damar Hamlin
    FS2: Jazzee Stocker”
    FS3: Bricen Garner

    CB1: Damarri Mathis
    CB2: Paris Ford
    CB3: Jason Pinnock

    LS: Cal Adomitis
    PK: Alex Kessman
    P: Kirk Christodoulou

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  69. Mr Huff the Third. It’s what we each and all think of his recruits. I have stated and back this up. PITT is only in the position to get 3* commits at this time and in which you astutely point out is mostly caused by a really tough OOC schedule. You have to win football games! When you don’t you have to recruit 3* players and there are two factors to consider. One, it’s going to take time for them to see the field and two, do the coaches have the recruiters eyes to get the best of the those players with the highest potential..

    That I can’t say is true with these Narduzzi recruits but I do want to believe it to be true. I strongly believe PITT has many recruits waiting in the wings that will be plenty good but I don’t know that to be true or false.

    If PITT wins 9 games this year which I do not think they will it means one thing and one thing only. Narduzzi has won 3 of the 4 years he’s been at PITT. Am I still going to hear the cry that many of the players are PC’s? I sure hope not. IKE!

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  70. Again I believe Narduzzi said it was a mistake leaving Mack off the depth chart. Where they are placing him is another question.

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  71. I’ll state a few things about this depth chart.

    I wrote that Briggs would start again. By my count that is 11 Chryst recruits/walk ons out of 22 positions out on the field. Three more are transfers. So 14 out of 22 positions are not being filled by Pat Narduzzi’s actual recruits in year 4 of his tenure. How is his recruiting doing again? That will probably change a bit as the season goes on but holy hell!

    That is the least confidence-building OL 2-deep I have seen in my life. BTW – where is the great Lackawanna star Chase Brown Ike? Not even in the 2-deep.

    Jeff George, JR will be the QB2 within a few weeks as soon as he has a grasp on the playbook. Mark my words grasshoppers…

    Narduzzi reads the POV and so he finally put Ollison back where he belongs – starting ahead of Hall.

    Right after Chris Peak does a podcast this morning on TE Jim Medure getting a scholarship and records an interview with the TEs coach Tim Salem where Salem says “He’s doing well as a TE. If Medure had to play at TE this Saturday I’d lose no sleep over it…” Medure shows up as the FB2. Which is why I take everything said by coaches in camp with skepticism.

    Motley over Jackson at CB surprised me but I’m not overly impressed with the rest of the DBs either which is why I think they are a downgrade from last season.

    Mathews gets his time to shine as a starter but I’ve a feeling it will be short lived.

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  73. Duzz is playing possum in the Albany game then will switch it up big time against Franklin…gotta keep the Nits guessing…wonder if he will even show a forward pass the 1st game…

    Liked by 1 person

  74. 5 days til kick-off..my how time flies…thanks for keeping the off-season and PITT football alive…Thanks for the hard work all of you who have helped the Big Dog Reed with articles…

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  75. But in the starting lineup half are Chryst players Ike – look for yourself.

    In year 4, and with how most Pitt fans were slobbering about how great his recruiting was, this lineup should be heavy populated by PN recruits but only 8 starters were actually recruited out of HS by him. 8! That’s pretty poor my friend.

    Below are the inherited Chryst players:

    PITT’S OPENING DEPTH CHART

    RB1: Qadree Ollison

    FB1: George Aston

    LG1: Connor Dintino

    RG1: Mike Herndon

    RT1: Alex Bookser

    DT1: Shane Roy

    $LB1: Elijah Zeise

    MLB1: Quintin Wirginis

    *LB: Seun Idowu

    CB1: Phillipie Motley

    SS1: Dennis Briggs

    …and here is the sad part – of all those listed above only Idowu, Aston and Bookser have showed constant above average play. Maybe add Ollison to that but really, the others aren’t that good they couldn’t have been recruited over yet here they are in the starting lineup.

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    1. Reed, a serious question. Are you blaming Chryst or praising him? Other than Ollison you think all those players stink. I have stated my opinion on this. PITT is the type of football school that will be regulated to play the older less recruited players that have grown up into their abilities. Keep your pants on as Do use to tell me.

      and seriously, That is not anywhere close to the final depth chart . Pat is playing with you Reed and Jerry D

      Like

    2. I’m glad seven of those are starting. Nothing like seniors in football. The last two guys listed won’t be on the field as much as others.

      Liked by 1 person

  76. Does anyone know what time the parking lots are open for the PSU game? With the 1pm Pirates game?

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  77. Bingo Bernie. BINGO!

    and Reed, being the second team fullback on the depth chart (Medure) for Albany means very little to me other than the fact that this PITT football wants to be a real threat at running the ball but hey, your all-star Ollison is first team. and I don’t believe that one either.

    Best way to preserve Pickett is to run the ball effectively. Hell Dane Jackson is second team, anyone believe that one?

    Lots of people laughed at me when I have said Narduzzi and other coaches hold back stuff first game against a weaker opponent. PITT only has to beat Albany by one point for a win without showing jackschitt! and btw, they will win going away.

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  78. Everyone needs to look at depth chart on pittsburghpanthers.com and not on PSN…. PSN left out all the ORs (RB, CB, OLB just to name a few have “Or”). Will make the whole thing make more sense….

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    1. And Mack was probably still ineligible when they put the media guide together (which includes the depth chart) I would think. Probably the reason he was left off entirely… Media guide is very in-depth and long. Was not whipped up this morning

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  79. Absolutely wrong guys – I remember Pitt fans saying exactly the same thing last season and you need to go back and take a look at the difference between the two-deeps for 2017’s YSU, then PSU, then OK State games.

    There is none at all -in all three games the starting two-deeps (not just the starting lineup but the two-deeps) were exactly the same with the exception that we added Ffrench as a 3rd WR and dropped the FB for OK State.

    YSU

    Click to access YSU_Notes_17_COMPLETE_.pdf

    PSU

    Click to access PSU_Notes_17_COMPLETE_.pdf

    OK State

    Click to access OK_ST_Notes_17_COMPLETE_.pdf

    They “held nothing back” as far as the lineups went whatsoever. What you see is what you get from Narduzzi with this.

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  80. Reed, you forget PITT was up 21-0 last year. What happened? YSU all of a sudden got really really good? Narduzzi mucked that one up.

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  81. First I’m with Big B and Ike in that this depth chart is for a better word the Albany depth chart and it may well be listed the same the following week. But in week 2 against PSU Pitt will probably trot out there a very different line up then what’s being posted as of now. My guess is Narduzzi hopes to beat Albany by running the ball 75% of the time and hoping the defense completely dominates the Albany O so he doesn’t have to show anything on tape for our week 2 opponent.

    Liked by 2 people

  87. IMO there is something more involved with the Mack story than meets the eye. When Narduuzi was asked how Mack performed in the scrimmage a week ago he had a very cryptic response. I’m not sure if he got into the Narduzzi dog house by just showing up and not giving it his all or on something he said. But my guess is Narduzzi is attempting to show Mack just who’s the boss around here.

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    1. If he’s not “yes sir” kind of player, it would be easy for him to get in the dog house. Hopefully it doesn’t happen to Ford.

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  88. Quadree Henderson… probably a step slow to specialize as a Returner in the NFL. But hats go off to him for his time at Pitt. Always showed a lot of CLASS on the field when wearing the Blue and Gold.

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  89. Listen, I’m not jumping up and down over Narduzzi’s recruiting, but aren’t “Chryst’s players” upper classmen, and “Narduzzi’s players” generally lower classmen??? My goodness, can’t wait for the season to start so we can discuss actual performance, good or bad.

    Liked by 1 person

  90. I truly wish you well Pitt 60. Hope to meet you at a game this year and take great care.

    Jim, I hope all is well with you and the family. It must be hard for your wife. That a tough one.

    Narduzzi thinks he’s a master of illusion. On the other side of the coin. He likes to mess around with Jimmie one finger.

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  91. I have a good feeling we are going to see a lot more of the offensive game plan vs Albany this week.
    I hope we do. If so, and it works well, it’s going to be very exciting.

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  92. Last year prior to the YSU game I was bothered by bad dreams. Dreams of us losing to the Guins. A lot of you guys talked me off the ledge, and I was greatful, until the second half rolled around!!
    I really haven’t had the same experience this year. At least in this first game. I’ve heard Reed, and while he’s usually pretty good on this, I’m not really feelin his pain. We roll this week, and if we don’t, last year will seem like a nc year in comparison.

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  94. In regard to the list above of PC’s inherited players …. 2 of the 3 cited as the only above average (Aston an Idowu) are walk-ons.

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  95. Reed as you all know I love and can’t wait to give him a strong hug come this Saturday has asked me in the kindest gentlest way possible to back off a bit from my commenting. That’s very fair I think that may be best for me and all POV mental health followers. Stick with this song as it cuts out.

    Reed as you all know I love and can’t wait to give him a strong hug come this Saturday has asked me in the kindest gentlest way possible to back off a bit from my commenting. That’s very fair I think that may be best for me and all POV mental health followers.

    From here on out and it won’t be for a few days I will no longer be known as ike but Mr. Bob Dobilina

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  97. Firstly, DR. Tom, I’m a season ticket holder, and we are looking to try to make it down to the UVA game as it is a family feud game, with a niece attending there. Regarding the preponderance of Chryst recruits on the depth chart, I understand the concern but at the same time, if they are the best players, I applaud that they are being put out there, as often coaches/managers will put their recruits/draft choices out there just to show how smart they are….did that make sense, lol?

    Liked by 1 person

  98. Switze and Cooner were at a Pitt summer camp together, neither highly recruited.. they became good friends. Welcome aboard Ryan.

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  99. With the Stiller pickup of Pitt killer Ryan Sweitzer. It’s kinda funny/strange how the Stillers pickup or draft all these recent Pitt killers. Mason Rudolph, James Washington who tortured Pitt for 2 years. And now this Sweitzer kid who tortured us for 3 to 4 years.

    What gives ?

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  100. I think they like continually like ‘poking us in the eye’. Becoming less of a Stiller fan every year. Add in the fact they treat us like a D2 team at Ketchup Bottle with the crummy 50 yard logo, the no ACC on their crummy field and the joke endzones.

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    1. Bigjokers always like to ridicule the SEC…as they think they are brighter, better or something. You see it all over the message boards.

      The BigJoke is now the most crime ridden, rape filled college football conference there is. And it’s on a mass rape index level. It’s really a disgusting conference, isn’t it.

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  102. one to many likes in the first sentence.
    And I’m not liking this with the Stillers. Also they always have to have some clown from Creepy Cult Valley on the roster. I’m sick of their obvious bias.

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  103. From footballscoop

    Interesting.

    The player who brought forth allegations of NCAA violations against Jimbo Fisher’s team as a means of gaining immediate eligibility at Arizona has been kicked off the team at Arizona.

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    2. They had no choice. He outed himself as accepting gifts. I was wondering what he was doing. I thought this would happen sooner, actually.

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      1. I expected it to say…Town. Since I’m hoping we can redshirt Patti. Why what did you expect it to say ?

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  105. Since Patti can play in 4 games and still redshirt – he could come in depending on the circumstances…

    Plus it’s good for the kid’s ego…

    Go Pitt.

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  106. The Nit Wits have news out. Not long ago Bowen was reinstated. He’s been kicked off the team again, he’s gone.

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  107. Yea. that two deep is not etched in stone. Having said that. the entire 2nd string of the OL are either RS FR or RS SO. I hope there is some sort of rotation to let them gain some valuable experience for the future.

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  108. I don’t get the concern that Chryst players are starting. There is no coach in the country that just disregards the upper class players because he did not recruit them. Especially since he has coached these kids for three years now.

    Positions where the starters will not change, unless there is injury or the player flat out sucks, OL, RB, QB, LB, TE, FB.

    Some positions will be auditioning for the first two games. WR, CB, S.

    Some positions substitute a lot so the starter doesn’t mean crap. DL, LB, DBs in certain packages.

    It’s all good.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. These kids are more Narduzzi’s players now despite Chryst recruiting them, which seems ages ago. Seven of those kids listed above I’m OK with starting. The last two in the secondary, not so much, but I’m sure Motley and Briggs are not going to log a majority of the snaps.

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  111. Funny you should go there Emel…Paul Zeise last night implied some media members hope he fails. Maybe by raising expectations they set the bar too high…then he fails to meet them…then the criticism

    Liked by 1 person

  112. First thanks to the well wishers on health issues it is just part f being where you know over half the people born in your birth year are gone but you are not. It is all down hill from there.I do miss a lot of my football and hunting. The two things I felt made living in western Pa. so enjoyable. I also am determined to see Pitt get at least a 10 win season so I have to hang in there. Do not know where I would be if You had not started POV Reed and you guys put all your links in. I am not to sharp on stuff like links and Twitter etc. Hell my typing is a problem at times. But its just great to be among other “like minded’ people as here.H2P

    Liked by 1 person

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