♦♦♦ LET’S GO PITT!! ♦♦♦

Here is a good matchup overview by the Odds Shark group. They predict a 20-19 score in favor of GT. I highly doubt only 39 points are going to be the combined score.

PITT (1-1, 0-0 ACC) vs. GEORGIA TECH (1-1, 0-0 ACC)

September 15, 2018 • 12:30 p.m., ET

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

RSN (AT&T SportsNet) • Pitt IMG Sports Radio Network
PittsburghPanthers.com • @Pitt_FB

LINK (PDF): Pitt Game Notes (vs. Georgia Tech)

Here is some fun reading while you are waiting for the game to start.

 

 

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.

639 thoughts on “Pitt vs Georgia Tech Game Thread; 9/15/18”

  3. The game is listed in the Baltimore sun as being on nbcswa (apparently an NBC sports station). I have it up on my Verizon tv package at channel 576. Right now (12:15) there is a wash. redskins program on but the Pitt GA tech game is to come on @ 12:30. I thought it might be blocked bu so far so good. Apparently this channel is out of DC so there is a good chance we’ll be ok in the baltimore/pikesville/columbia/dc area. H2P Dirty Rich

    Like

  4. Boy, I really hope we pull this off.. not feeling confident.

    My head picked GT 34-17. But…

    My “Ike Pick of the Day” is……

    Pitt 24 GT 23

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Panther Pitt student section 1/3 empty (or 2/3 full for you optimists).

    Remember what happened when the Oakland Zoo stopped showing up??

    Like

  23. To all you PSU is top 10 I say BS. 7-7 with kent st. They suck and what does that say about us.

    Syracuse will beat us by 17

    Like

  57. One of the reasons why I don’t watch as much football is the product has really been watered-down by the bs flags thrown in the name of player safety.

    I know its good intent…but there is an old saying

    The road to perdition is paved with good intentions

    Like

  59. Second penalty call not so good, the first one was.

    PITT playing inspired football but need to keep it up. GT will still come right at you all day.

    Like

  85. Just caught up on the POV comments. Aside from the iffy penalties in their favor, PITT seems to be doing well…or at least well enough thus far.

    1-2 with Matthews but no third down conversion catch.

    Like

  96. You would think that GT would be good against the run practicing against their own offense all week….lol.

    Fast fun fact: This is Pitt’s third game of the year and they’ve yet to score in the 2nd half. Maybe that’s why the over-under was so low. These guys better be ready the 2nd half.

    Like

  105. The announcer on the television broadcast said Christodolou needs to learn to act and may have got a call there. With the two earlier penalties, that may have been true. However, after last week, it may be good that we are not having to be concerned about his acting skills.

    Like

  107. @Jackagain….yea the power is still on, the major part of the storm is still pretty far east…it’s only moving at 2 mph….which is what is causing the record rains

    Liked by 1 person

  111. Weakest part of Pitt’s program is Watson. When he talks about Bridgewater I want to bark. Someone needs to remind him that he isn’t Terry.

    Like

  114. You want to win you have to score a lot. GT will wear down this soft defense. But no watson plays like he is up 56 points.

    Like

  134. Be careful Johnson is the master of adjustments.

    Mark, I did have a much better arm than Marshall but I got old.

    PITT looking good keep it up

    Like

  139. How about this OL?

    I give praise when it’s due and these guys look like they’re taking this personal.

    Maybe GT is no good.. don’t know. But, kudos, gentlemen.

    Like

  145. Pitt playing way better but this is more of GT playing terrible. Everyone will get excited and then we will lay another egg soon and UCF will clean our clock. Narduzzi still isn’t the long term solution here. No way no how.

    Like

  154. I know people are down on the whole line, but is Herndon the weak link of the line? (He seemed to get pushed back a lot last week.)

    Like

      1. I think a more appropriate image is Emil in a smoking jacket with his fifth single malt neat. They play some jazz on the PA and he hits it.

        Like

  175. I do not rest on one half of football. PITT played well and speaking of rest, lots of substituting again. PITT should be ready for the second half. Still would like to see more downfield passing. Watch out for the awkward play action by GT. Make them earn it by taking time off the clock with a long field.. ike

    Like

  176. Narduzzi has no clue. He said that about conner and he was done for the season. He is a clandestine spy with that stuff.

    Like

    1. Defend Narduzzi when he said the same thing about Conner Ike. He will be fine. Next week he was out the season. It was .289 somget it right.

      Like

  178. OL looks really good live. Quick feet, strong hands. Interior using leverage. Tackles using arms and feet. Very impressed..

    Like

  179. OPTIMISTS: No hangover from last game. Some resemblance of a pass game. Special teams a bit better. Stopped the run thus far.

    PESSIMISTS: We benefited from generous penalty calls. GT risks didn’t work. Have you seen PITT second halves so far this year? The best PITT pass defense so far this year is opponent receivers and their drops/non-catches.

    Like

  180. Techs D is no good
    And tech is without top rusher and Qb has a bad toe
    But Pitt is taking advantage of it
    You need to kick a team when they’re down
    So far so good

    Tex

    Liked by 2 people

  181. GT isn’t very good. That offense will produce yards and some points. But Pitt is physically beating them up and GT will have a hard time hanging. Pickett looks OK but we will see if he plays the 2nd half. Watson is so pedestrian. But Pitt is playing well considering last week. .

    Like

  183. I think Franklinstein let Kent State score 10 points in the 1st half, just to make us look that much worse.
    Would he do something like that ?

    Like

  184. It would be good to get Sibley into the game for a few carries. A little change up might keep GT off balance.

    Like

  185. One game at a time. GT is so different than most other teams we’ll play. This probably doesn’t define anything either way except it looks so far like a very nice bounce back effort. Kudos to the team for that.

    Still expect a mediocre outcome for the year. If there is progress, it will be fun to watch and it will shine a better light on HCPN.

    H2P!

    Like

    1. Didn’t get to watch the game, but reading the comments, you’d think we lost. Some of you guys are killing me. Great bounce back win.

      Again, not saying we’re going to win 10 games, but at least take some enjoyment from the win in our first conference game. And other than a late touchdown, looks like we dominated them. I know, I know Georgia tech sucks, Watson sucks, Narduzzi sucks, everybody sucks…come on, man.

      Win next week and we’re starting to right the ship a little.

      Like

  212. They need to sit Patrick Jones for a couple games. He has killed us with stupid, untimely penalties 2 games in a row. Had GT stopped and gift them a second chance…bonehead.

    Like

  233. While I would’ve liked a TD there…I like the fact that GT not built for quick scores has to score on 3 possessions to tie/win.

    Like

  240. at best they will get 4 more possessions in the game. That means they need to score on 3 of 4 and hold us to zero points (ok maybe 3 points at most).

    Like

  255. Wow I am always amazed how our football team has this innate ability to turn our name a noun, into a verb. We are Pitt-ing it.

    SMH

    Like

  258. I am not going to criticize the playcall, I admire going for the jugular. KP needed to throw it away and play for another day.

    It’s always easy to say that trick play should’ve never been called…after it didn’t work.

    Like

  261. Pitt needs to run the clock. Not try gadget pass plays they can’t pull off…situational football gentlemen.

    Like

    2. Sure but if they turtle it and end up blowing it because it’s still Q3. How many on here would say PN was a coward and should’ve been more aggressive?

      That is why they say hindsight is 20/20.

      Like

  262. If that was against our dbacks it would have been pass interference. Never looked back and ran over our reciever.

    Like

  263. That was pass interference on that int. I’ve seen Pitt’s D do that a few times over the years and they were always called for interference.
    You can’t jump into the receiver as he is reaching for the ball.

    Like

  265. Pickett’s is under-throwing. But does anyone else think that that goal line interception was the result of a penalty? The defender was not turned back to the QB!

    Like

  278. If GT had a kicker it is a 2 point game and that is sad considering how bad they have been. Against a good team this can’t happen.

    Like

  280. Looks like the Pitt defense is starting to tire. Maybe Hendrix could make a play and help Weaver out. That last TD was too easy.

    Like

    1. Cuse better
      UCF just as good even with tons of graduates
      Miami worse if possible
      ND way better
      UVA better but not aure how much
      Duke better but injuries hurting them
      VT better

      Like

  305. I like how we’re still throwing. We’re not good enough to simply ground and pound with a lead… Need to stay aggressive.

    Like

      1. I wasn’t trying to be critical of you. I just was calling the play and suggesting it was designed that way. I also don’t agree that it was risky.

        I think the blocking was suspect.

        Sorry if you felt I was dissing you.

        Like

  318. someone asked if i was scared. Only that this staff always loses the secind half and has no idea how to step on an opponent’s neck. the other team is never out of it. That scares me.

    That said, a win is a win.

    Like

  319. Watson must have read where many thought his play calling was unimaginative. So we get imagination on overload today 🙂

    Like

  321. Even if GT scores here and gets 2, we’re be up by 4. They’ll need the onside kick and another TD to win.

    Like

  323. Funny I will take a win. But I also see some things that should be a concern. Some of the pass plays were there for GT and given it’s a 12 point lead. a more balanced team would be much closer at this point.

    However, I am happy about the W (and predicted it in my 5 win prognostication)

    Like

  324. And I don’t mean right now ( I meant wide open guys and diving plays in the red zone earlier in the game)

    Like

  331. i have an idea for the defense. Let’s fool everybody and pretend the slow white wide receiver is faster and better than all of us. I bet that will work.

    Like

  334. Still have not stopped that pitch play. Prevent defense fails again.

    Please recover this onside kick. It would be just like Pitt to lose this game.

    Like

    1. We both know he’s not the answer long term. That is if you want more than 6-7 regular season wins per year. The Pitt BoT might be cool with this.

      Like

  338. Only this freakin’coaching staff can make me depressed after a win.

    The second half coaching has been a joke for a long time. The saga continues.

    Like

  342. Good effort by the players all game. Kudos!!

    The coaches suck. No debate. End of story. I feel bad for the players.

    Like

      1. bitching and crying still? Spilled beer on your skirts? Hey, we just beat a team that was favored by 4 points, how about acting like men?

        Like

  356. A win is a win is a win. The 2nd half was not pretty once again but I give the maligned Duzz credit for having this team ready to play.
    Congrats Panthers!!!

    Like

  357. 60 points of offense in 6 quarters. Very nice job Pitt.

    Now if we could just stop playing prevent offense in the second halves of games.

    Happy for a much needed win. H2P

    Like

  362. Should be able o get that elusive first win against UNC next week. That last turnover for us was huge today.

    Like

  363. Sorry but I think we still have problems on this team and the better teams are going to exploit them.

    I think ND and UCF are going to tune us up and VT will also. If we don’t get a lot, LOT, more consistent we are in trouble.

    Like

    1. I watched most of the GT – S. Florida game last week and it was mistake filled for GT. They had a strong offense though. Thought the over was a lock….glad I don’t bet.

      Like

  366. Pitt could have come away respectable without the IDIOTIC trick play that ended up being intercepted.

    As it is… very little respect, if any with the win.

    But we’ll take it.

    Like

  367. Great to see a win today, no matter how it happened. I’ll get back to thinking about how much the team needs to improve tomorrow. But for today, it’s a win!

    Liked by 1 person

  368. Needed win after last week. So glad for the players. Narduzzi after three full recruiting classes and in his fourth year is not good enough. I hoped he would be with his coaching under D’Antonio. But the product is not where it should be. He has zero acumen about offense and Watson can fool Narduzzi all day long. Even worse, Narduzzi has not shown any ability to build a defense that can be lights out. If you are playing Stocker and Briggs, you are a moron. The coastal stinks so Pitt can maybe get lucky. Off topic, if FSU doesn’t fire Taggart tonight, they are morons.

    Like

  369. Perspective time, we’re 2-1 and Nebraska lost today to Troy and are 0-2. Not to mention FSU who are 1-2.

    Like

  371. Okay, ladies…. Why not enjoy the WIN!? GT plays a different kind of ball game and Pitt handled it very well today.

    Never have I heard so much whining
    Also found in: Thesaurus, Legal, Idioms, Wikipedia.
    whine (wīn, hwīn)
    v. whined, whin·ing, whines
    v.intr.
    1. To produce a sustained, high-pitched, plaintive sound, as in pain, fear, or complaint.
    2. To complain or protest in a childish or annoying fashion: fans who are always whining about the poor officiating.
    3. To produce a sustained noise of high pitch: jet engines whining.
    v.tr.
    To utter with a whine.
    n.
    1. The act of whining: the dog’s whine for food.
    2. A whining sound: the whine of the dentist’s drill.
    3. A complaint uttered in a sustained, high-pitched tone: decided to ignore the children’s whines.

    Like

  372. Assignment for week….work on the 2nd half offense. The defense looked real good to me today. Hard to believe but Narduzzi is 3-1 against GT so far.

    Like

  373. quite a few ladies still bitching, this time about how we won. As for the rest of us, let’s act like men and enjoy the win for a day against a team that was favored by 4, even though their quarterback’s toe hurt.

    Liked by 1 person

  374. So I was kinda wrong. The Penn State debacle may well have been a comedy of errors snowballing in a massive downpour.

    We have a good QB and decent lines but we better find a defensive backfield before UCF.

    Liked by 1 person

  375. ^^ A frustrated POV fan that’s right, pay attention, Neil speaks the truth. Always complaining even after a win against the favorite team when everyone picked PITT to lose. So what’s the the rumpus? You don’t like Narduzzi and you can’t climb over that mountain…

    Like

  378. Pitt was dominating the line of scrimmage until the horrible triple flea flicker call which totally changed the momentum of the game. Bad timing on that one and a completely unnecessary risk

    Like

    2. I disagree. I believe the momentum change occurred precisely when the facemask penalty was called. The play went from Pitt stopping GT and recovering a fumble to GT getting 15 yards and a first down, leading to a score. A bit of bad luck on our part.

      Like

  380. i picked pitt to win. 1618. Watch the lady comments, UPitt is bigger than you 🙂

    you cant be serious that you cant see the serious flaws in this staff even after a win.

    Like

    1. The question wasn’t directed at me but if you see anything PITT and the coaches did wrong you’re digging too deep and you don’t like Narduzzi. Just look at the game at face value without your skewed prejudice.

      Like

  381. Yet when I think we should be aggressive (close game 3rd and 6 inside the red zone) he calls the jet sweep which gets nothing. I don’t ever remember seeing the jet sweep work down by the goal line.

    Like

  382. You confuse complaining with points that have to do with the actual program. this was a needed win after last week. that is a good thing. But it simply doesn’t change the narrative that this team is not close to a good team in year four. I do think Pitt has athletic talent and can play at a higher level with better coaching. to be honest Narduzzi leaves a lot to be desired on game day. I think about 6 to 7 very good players carried him the first two years and now we see that his players are not advancing nearly enough.Coaching matters, ask FSU.

    Like

  383. Even when Pitt wins, they make negative adjustments at the half. Always a nail biter. I don’t think this staff can get beyond this.

    Like

  384. I for one am happy. Happy we won, and pleased to see the thoughtful musing go doubters and believers. What a gift POVis! Now, because we don’t have Iron City and chip chopped ham handy, here in LA, I think I’ll go celebrate with a crisp Sancere and some charcuterie.

    Yinz be safe.

    Liked by 1 person

  385. Good win for the Panthers. The D really stepped up and the offense did just enough. My heart skipped up beat when Pickett went down. On to NC..H2P!!!

    Like

  386. Good win for PITT. I will have a happier week then last week even though the rain from Florence is finally moving into the upstate of South Carolina. I live halfway between Charlotte & Greenvlile, SC.

    Like

    2. So this clown just picks Pitt out the blue. hmmm Before last year we had been to a Bowl game 9 years in a row.

      Screw this creep, now we know why this clown was chased out of Columbus

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Pitt is actually better record wise over past five years. But our perception has been mediocre. Texas has no excuses given their resources and recruiting area.

      But Herb is accurate. Numbers back it up.

      I’m more concerned about Pitts image when stuff like this is said. Given the major underperformance by the longhorns, it’s more like playing Syracuse or Rutgers football.

      Again, the horns have high expectations and resources. Pitts expectations are a Minor bowl and spending just enough. Pitt is generally achieving those results every year.

      Tex

      Like

  389. Really a strange plays in Arkansas – North Texas game. Arkansas punted to N. Texas receiver who caught ball at 10. Just stood there surrounded by Ark players. Ark. players walked away. NT player ran for a 90 yard td/ No fair catch No whistle blowing the play dead.

    On ensuing NT defense play, a NT player was sent off the field for the Ejuan Price rule for not having knee pads covering knee. NT17 Ark 0.

    Like

  392. That wasn’t a face mask call after-all, it was called a tackle that took off the opponents helmet. wtf is that? Isn’t that what chin straps are for? Horrible call for all you that are going to point out that PITT got all the calls! Silly how the goal posts keep changing win or lose… ike

    Like

  393. Geez, guys, that was a really good first half of football. No way did I think that they had it in them. What happens at halftime is amazing. GT makes a minor adjustment and we can’t handle it. Think Pickett being hurt was a big factor.
    This was a win they had to have to reach 5 for the season. Yea us! Strongly believe we will win the third next week. After that all bets are off. I, for one, am actually going to enjoy a win for a change. H2P. Also, thought Brightwell and our favorite whipping boy Roy played a nice game.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Joe a win is something to celebrate but the (poor) difference in how they played in the second half screams “SOP”.

      Like

  394. Getting close to 500 comments after this win and maybe 33% are why PITT has troubles. Some of you need to take a walk into your bathroom and take a long look in the mirror and ask yourselves, why, why the hate towards the team you say you love? Is it Narduzzi? It’s not fair at all! Some need to take a step back. ike

    Like

    1. How does the way I feel have anything to do with a program success. The fact it people being passionate about a team/game is a good thing. Whether you like it or not.

      Just because a fan doesn’t wear rose colored glasses doesn’t have a bit to do with the program. Frankly, the problem with Pitt has everything to do with 35 years of mismanagement. The reactions you so say create the problem is a byproduct of the problem created by gross incompetence. Not the other way around.

      I appreciate the win but there are the Pollyanna’s out there that think things are all righted now because we had on good half and have a winning record. I hear Sonny & Cher belting out the song and the groundhog is about to see it’s shadow for the umpteenth hundreds of times.

      The whole idea of sports fandom is to have good debate regardless of position. Being happy for the win doesn’t mean a bye in critiquing what happened during the game on the field of play. Many of us look for tendencies and execution and discuss.

      I said good win, but I saw things that concern me. Others shared their views as well. The fact is there were plays to be made by GT. Even with bad QB there were dropped passes from wide open receivers, there was a fingertip pass on the 52 yard missed FG that should’ve been caught.

      Just because I see these and still say at best they are 5 win team doesn’t mean I (or others for that matter) aren’t happy about the win.

      The problem is they aren’t mutually exclusive. It’s the cool thing about being a part of a fanbase for a team.

      Dave Dellett

      Like

      1. Dave, no offense intended towards you. Do not get your vitriol towards me. I admit to having an abrasive personality at times but hey it wasn’t a personal attack towards you.

        My point was having a proper time and place to celebrate and or complain. Sometimes it comes to a point when it’s (imo) a little out of timing. I have read on this Blog night and day for the past week about how bad this PITT team is and even more about Narduzzi sucking. Now, I just don’t want to hear about how bad PITT was today even thought they won. It tells on one. . .ike

        Like

    2. Ike – let’s revisit this comment at the end of the year when we have 4-5 wins. I think that is the point of everyone.

      Winning is great – yes, but…

      Like

  395. Because Ike, we are and continue to tread water. There doesn’t seem to be an upswing. We take two steps forward and three back. IMO

    Like

    1. Goalie44 imo, that’s not true, today was two steps forward . Where are the three steps back?

      Keep looking and looking, you’ll find something to bitch about. To bad PITT won today. You’ll have to look even deeper now. I feel bad for you. Being a PITT fan must be very draining on your mind. Me? I have bigger fish to fry and PITT is my salvation and I am enjoying today. hooray for the home-team!!!

      Like

      1. Three steps back is getting hammered by psu two years in a row. Losing last year to a horrible nc team. I could on and on. The season does need to play out though.

        Like

  397. Great win because it makes the rest of Saturday that much better.

    The defense did its job today.

    Watson? Not so much in the second half. This dude can screw up a wet dream.

    The game never should have come down to an onside kick and having to make a first down for the win. How about when it is 3rd and inches we run a QB sneak? A first down there and the game is well in hand yet the senior captain gets called for a hold.

    I guess we are out of the woods with Pickett’s injury. I’ve seen knee injuries announced a few days later and players ruled out for the year. Great job there, Herdon, getting thrown into your QB’s knee. If not him then who was it?

    Still tons of work to do but a 3-1 start if Pitt can win in Chapel Hill would be pretty sweet.

    Liked by 1 person

  398. Is it me, or am I the only one who thinks that the flea flicker play was pass interference? The defender literally blocked the receiver (I think Lopes) from catching the ball, even though it was under thrown.

    Like

    2. It was PI, but you can never put the game in an ACC officials’ hands. You deserve to lose if yo do so.

      Not sure why Watson can’t just stay basic after the turnover, up 18, and just grind the ball. These coaches are so afraid of being called conservative they make dumb decisions. Third and inches and not sneaking was also terrible. Pitt burns more clock after Pickett falls forward for a first.

      Great win but Watson is awful.

      Like

    3. in the old days they would call faceguard
      but the officiating was terrible on both sides
      just wait until basketball season when all the calls will go NC and Duke’s way

      Like

    5. I thought that it was, without doubt, pass interference. The defender not only ran into the receiver before the ball got there, but he never turned to see the quarterback. Horrendous non-call. My question is related to the face mask. Our defender pulled off the opponent’s helmet, yes, but I did not see the face mask being touched. I thought that in order to have a face mask penalty, the face mask had to be touched by the defender.
      I was surprised that it was not reversed during the review.

      Like

  400. Fantastic. My game prediction was happily wrong. I didn’t think Pitt could do enough on defense to slow down GT. Our defense played the best I can remember them playing against an option offense. They really attacked and made plays in the backfield. The DE’s played a very solid game as did the LB’s. Even our much maligned DB’s played well. Offensively, we really ran the ball well. Pickett was better this week although he still has a long way to go.

    Overall, great game and a very important W.

    SantaCruzer

    Like

  401. Bet the wife dinner out that Pitt would lose.
    A win-win on all fronts.

    And I will even drink to our half-point per quarter second half average, which might be just enough to beat the dreadful Tar Heels.

    Like

  403. Like I posted last week I like some of the young blood we have on the D line. I believe they will be giving many of our upcoming opponents plenty of problems in the coming weeks. Penalties or not Jones has to play more. He has a high speed motor that just needs a little refining. The D’s main problem will continue to be our safeties. Not sure Bates and Narduzzi have an answer for that position

    Like

  404. As I posted on the predictions comments, I’m an unapologetic believer. It’s a stance I’ve develooed working for over 4 decades with students who are at risk. (Or maybe I was a born with a St Jude metalaround my neck.) , I know the outlook is poor, but I can use all that data to test and strengthen my arguments for hope. I’ll always pick Pitt to win, not because I’m unrealistic, but because for me the best part is figuring out pathways of possibility for wins. But I wouldn’t have such an enjoyable challenge if it weren’t for all of the men and women (I hope) on POV who are expert doubters and realists. I’m one of those who spends twice as much time reading POV than watching the games.

    Like

  405. I’m honestly not that upset at Herbstreet. At the end of the day all that he was saying is that Texas has become mediocre. When he thought of the best example of who has been mediocre, his mind went to PITT. Fact is even we have been saying that we have been mediocre for 40 years. So, unfortunately he picked a valid comparison, even if we don’t like it to hear it, it’s certainly true.

    Like

  408. “you see anything PITT and the coaches did wrong you’re digging too deep”..

    Silliness.

    I’m so happy we won today but to say Pitt and the coaches did “nothing wrong” is silliness. Alabama might win 14 games but they WILL do some things wrong.

    Like

    1. I’m no hater, but I do believe he greatly benefits from having a huge parachute in alverez. Narduzzi has no parachute and it shows.

      Like

  411. I never though Pitt’s D would hold GT under 20 pts. Offense came through at end with 1st down to totally ice the game. Hope that Pickett is OK…H2P!!!

    Like

  412. My post was that the big14 is struggling, but the media will build them up somehow. Oh, Md lost big to temple too. The top teams like osu, dairy, should not lose to the pretender league, yet they will be built up because all the coaches vote for them in the polls.

    Like

  414. FSU makes Pitt look like Bama right now. Taggart was such a bad hire. Moose lodge doesn’t have the team speed or imagination to beat a top team. But they will win the Big Pretend west

    Like

      1. syracuse was 76% of capacity
        Pitt was 49%

        Syracuse had a true home field advantage being in a dome today
        It also looked good on TV…which they can show to every recruit

        Pitt will show the beatdown by PSUCKS and will show the half empty stadium today in perfect weather
        No wonder why Pitt can only recruit low level 3 stars

        Yes – Pitt needs a short term way to boost attendance and make the stadium look better on TV

        Like

  418. I get it now On this site the other team sucks if Pitt wins. Could anyone agree that how much you hate Narduzzi he didn’t lose the team judging from this week’s effort. Also Ollison will be playing in the NFL next year

    Liked by 1 person

    1. the other team did suck in the first half
      they made adjustments in 2nd half and almost came back
      Pitt cant afford to sleep again on O during the 2nd half
      and the D as predicted got tired

      Pitt should beat NC next week BUT NC has Pitts number and they will be jacked to represent the victims of the Hurricane. Might be SOP.

      Like

        1. they still ran for close to 400 yards
          our D was gassed in the second half…thanks to the ineptitude of the offense (poor execution and bad play calling)
          if Tech recovered that kick, they would have scored
          I give credit to Narduzzi for having the team ready but these 2nd half sleep walks are not good. And I’m talking about the O.

          Like

  420. TCU has lots of pretty cheerleaders. I can see why that was the landing spot for Jaimie, who bolted with a reduced buyout.
    I hope your organs rot, Herman.

    Like

  421. Brian Batko- “no second half touchdowns “. It’s pathetic folks. Pathetic. Great win – yes. But get real.

    Like

  422. I am going to return from the jaunt to the dark side. Going with the Iek koolaid and dumping the Jim Jones version which led to my prediction.

    Saw only highlights but there were some huge holes the OL opened up for QO again today.

    Nobody is thrilled with where we are at but I will try to find a replay of the game and enjoy it while looking forward to being 3-1 after next weekend.

    Like

  423. Spoke with one of the players after the game…they still believe in Narduzzi. I didn’t ask about the coordinators.
    Believe what you want.

    Liked by 2 people

  425. Listen to LR, He knows what he is talking about, straight from the lips of someone from the locker-room. Like he says, believe what you want to.

    Like

  428. TCU is a small school and invests in winners. Pays money and has a beautiful on campus stadium that was remodeled. Probably 80K at this game at Jerry’s House.

    Like

  429. Pitt did a really nice job all day. They were the better team. But saying the kicked their butts all day is Upitt-ish hyperbole. Punter is awful. Johnson’s coaching decisions were strange, but we’ll take it.

    Like

  430. Well, winning doesn’t have to be pretty. As far as I am concerned, the style points don’t matter. The team came out hungry a week after being embarassed by their in state rival. They played hard. The defense started cracking in the second half, but to keep the GT offense off the board while building a 21-0 lead? All you Narduzzi haters can just shut up for today. Who knows what the rest of the year brings, but at least give he and the team credit for what they did this afternoon.

    On an unrelated note, there were NOT 35,000 people there today. Pitt has been fudging attendance numbers for years.

    Can’t recall the movie, but today made me think of an old quote that went something like this: “The reports of our demise have been greatly exaggerated”.

    Guys (and Annie) enjoy today’s win. Regardless of what you actually think about our chances for the rest of the season.

    Hail to Pitt.

    Like

  431. The reason for all of the whining and complaining about the win is because they were hoping for a huge loss so there was more traction for firing PN

    Liked by 1 person

  432. Interesting, announcers on OSU- TCU game said teams were supposed to play at OSU next year but called it off. No one wants to play killer OOC games crept us.

    Like

  436. Look. All you optimists won’t like this but.. I really enjoyed today and agree we should just enjoy the win.. and I am.

    But.. it doesn’t mean all is well. As I told my friend after the game, “I hope this is a turning point for us, and not just a reason to keep Narduzzi around.”

    I’m not a “Narduzzi hater”, I just want us to win. If it’s with him, great. If not, let’s move on.

    That said… BIG BALLS to our OL and DL today.

    H2P

    Like

  438. Ike,

    I wanted to respond to your response. Please do not take my response as animus towards you. Given what happened here last year and almost losing this blog has made me very cognizant of how things can go south very fast.

    I value this site and the people on it too much to be a catalyst to that sort of spiral downward.

    However, my response was aimed at the message not the messenger. The idea that the program is in the state it’s in because of the negativity of some fans is, in my opinion, unfair and just not the case.

    if you recall I said later in the response that there is room for all fans and that the very nature/existence of this blog is to exchange opinions/ideas.

    I have never denigrated someone’s optimism…I just don’t necessarily share it. I tend not to try and speak for folks as they can take care of themselves…but I think I can safely say that even the most negative person here wants Pitt to be a top 25 team once in a while. Maybe even moreso than the optimists.

    I wish I could get back east to tailgate with you guys and meet the POV’ers. I almost came out for Pitt vs PSU (my brother season ticket holder and all said it was a good thing that my plans fell through) I want to meet you guys as hearing about your tailgates makes me jealous.

    But remember, I believe we all love our alma mater. Coach Narduzzi may will come and go as others before him, but we all will be brothers & sisters because we share a bond that is the University of Pittsburgh and all of it’s glory and SOP.

    Sorry to be corny here at the end.

    Dave Dellett

    Like

  439. Excellent win today. Hats off to Coach Bates. GT wore us down, but that’s the most big plays I can remember us having versus the option for a long, long time. Weaver was really disruptive today. Never expected us to hold GT to 20 measly points…

    And we finally saw a glimpse of a budding Pitt passing game. I liked the call on the double handoffs before KP threw the INT. KP learned a good lesson on that play.

    Our WRs do a poor job of fighting for the ball. If you slow down and then go up strong for the ball, you get the pass interference call. If you just keep running and wait on the ball, you don’t…

    Haven’t looked at the stats, but our punter looked pretty decent today.

    Enjoyed seeing the POVers at Fran’s tailgate. Erie Express explained to me how Pitt would win the game.

    And nice to meet you, Stubpanther. (Your journey to Pitt fandom – and your passion for Pitt, is a good story for the POV. Especially since, like Richman, you didn’t go to Pitt. )

    Go Pitt!

    Like

  440. Happily eating crow as Pitt, especially on the defensive end, exceeded all expectations! Perhaps Bates’ familiarity with Navy helped prepare the defense, but whatever the reason, the “D” deserves credit for an excellent performance. Some concerns about the offense in terms of play calling and execution, but will save those for another day. D Line is the best unit on the team and gets a shoutout for their play this afternoon. H2P.

    Like

  442. My prediction was way off, and I couldn’t be happier. But I’m not going to say it was because GTech was bad, Pitt played a good defensive game, and made them look bad. We got a much needed win, and now move on to NC. Just want to say to Ike, I agree with 99% of your comments on here.

    Liked by 2 people

  443. I awakened today smiling like the butchers dog…looking forward to the NC game and hopefully seeing my friends Bernie and Richman at the tailgate.
    Hope you are safe big guy.

    Like

  444. Jay 91, we met at the Spring game tailgate I believe, and I recalled you saying you too were in Section 220. As many have said this team is not perfect but I feel much better today than I did last Sunday and the entire week leading up to the game. Question for the group: Pitt’s initial game plans seem sound this year. Why do we struggle so much with adapting to the opponents 2nd half adjustments ? It is still being overly conservative , poor coaching strategy , or poor physical conditioning ?

    Like

  445. Mark, need to look back at our 2 Nd hand performances under Duzz… maybe they need to go back to the beginning of the 4th quarter “ breakdown “ when they all go bananas, jumping up n down, slapping one anther while throwing Gatorade and shaking full water bottles on each other…. but need to start the party to get fired up at the 3rd quarter!

    Like

  446. Good morning guys and gals, have to ask, did PITT really win yesterday or did I have some kind of a pleasant dream last night?

    The coaches get my game ball, very surprised at how PITT semi contained GT. << That’s if it wasn’t just a peasant dream, ike

    Like

  447. There was also a Paris Ford sighting today. First half – Pitt dominated – GT made half-time adjustments that closed the gap – maybe HCPN wants to sit on a lead.

    Like

    1. Paris Ford gives me the impression that he’s still thinking too much instead of just playing.

      I suspect that after a few more games of getting comfortable, he will start to show what he can do.

      Might be best to use him on offense though…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  449. Responding to the comment that Narduzzi is 3-1 against GT … can’t say I’m surprised. His defense is designed to stop the run, and that’s all GT knows how to do. They can’t throw.

    Why do you think his defense was so good at MSU? The Big 10 teams want to run the ball. It’s no surprise that once Big 10 teams that recruit good athletes learned to run the spread effectively (OSU with Urban or PSU with Franklin), those teams emerged at the top of the conference. Why do you think Franklin is throwing the ball in the 2nd half against Pitt or Kent State when his team is up 3+ scores? Because he knows that he needs a good passing game to balance out his offense and he might as well practice throwing it.

    Like

  450. Compliments to the Pitt offensive line for their play yesterday. Morrissey seemed to handle their star nose-tackle well enough. There was running room all day, and then they sealed the win by running for a first down at the end.

    Hard to tell without studying the video, and GT’s Dline seemed like nothing special, but Coach Borbely must be pleased that they are making some progress.

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  451. Have to admit it, feeling a little giddy this morning. I know I have to get that under control as yesterday was only one game like the psu game was only one game. but…. it was a conference game so maybe a tad more important by a smidgen.

    Since I’m considered the hopeless optimistic and unrealistic PITT fan I will say it’s great to win against GT and get their first ACC win. With that said, I’m still not loving this passing game. Pickett doesn’t seem to throw the ball all that well on the run and look-out, Watson seems to roll him out on almost every single pass call. I hate this strategy as we all know it cuts his options in half. Like to see him set up in the pocket more and let him fling the rock more often, he does have the strong arm to do it. Question is, does he have the patience to? The O-line played a strong game yesterday and we won’t know if he had the time if he doesn’t quit fleeing the pocket almost immediately. Love this kids moxey but maybe I over-rated his maturity a bit?

    So PITT is headed south to Chapel Hill next week. I’ll say if before I’m asked and the answer is YES, PITT just has to win this game. << You see how I move so quickly, win or lose. This was a penciled in win before the suspensions happened down there so that doesn’t make any difference to me. PITT has to win this game and I believe they will. Again, the coaches deserve the game ball yesterday and I have to think this team is feeling really good about themselves this morning. more about PITT football later just killing time before out commander breaks out his Sunday morning article,

    Which leads me to this….. Reed really does bust his balls trying to get us all something new to talk about each and every day which is not called for but he does it anyways for us all. So many articulate writers on the POV need to sit down at their keyboard and start (again) helping out with articles. Reed will be going in for surgery and I understand this is not standard back surgery and we pray for a great recovery but it will be awhile before he is fully recovered. I plan on doing the UNC “Know Your Enemy” article for Friday. So excuse the fluff piece as I am not near the writer that Reed is or some of you other Shakespearean types.

    My point above is, we need to help out Reed every once in awhile. I know some of you guys can really write so take a comment and get long winded with it and send it to Reed. I sure hope Reed doesn’t think I’m crossing a line here but felt compelled to get this off my chest. Let’s all help out if we can. btw and shhh… Reed is running a little low right now and need a pick me up..so…..

    Other notes:

    Wisconsin lost their first OOC game since 2003 against BYU yesterday, boy oh boy. They play ONE semi tough ooc game and lose. That will teach them and BYU was 1-1 going into that game. Not exactly all that tough.

    Not that I care but Franklin running up the score and not making many friends again. He’s an idiot.

    Upitt (Mark) and I spoke on the phone yesterday after my batting average comment and he took my comment as it was intended, a joke of sorts. He said it made him laugh. Before you judge me understand the relationship I may have with the person I’m talking with before you judge me. Mark and I do have a strange relationship as we are both very strange people indeed but there is an understanding in there somewhere.

    me? If I smoked cigar I would be smoking one right now and getting ready for the UNC game.. A MUST WIN!!

    Like

  452. Beat a bad NC team finally will give the team some needed momentum. Still seems Nardzzi and Bates are playing knows the playbook guys rather than who can really play is still an issue. Briggs, Stocker, Hendrix are not guys who should see PT let alone starting. Narduzzi has to coach with desperation to bring the urgency to each game. Pitt has two remaining OCC games. Maybe an upset can propel the program. But Pickett will improve with experience and that is a good thing. Borbs has done a great coaching job with three guys new to starting. Millin great add. He is actually pretty good. Crazy things are the norm in college football. Weaver is really good. Wirginis has added much needed big play to the D. Ford is on his way here. He will be that shut down corner but man wished he was a safety. D depth is much better so credit Narduzzi for that. If Narduzzi can get the program improving each week, then at least Pitt could do worse.

    Like

  453. ^^ Chet.. still waiting for the next article but I watched Hendrix yesterday the best I could and thought he played a really strong game. Although Patrick Jones the second looks good as well. The face mask penalty was horrendous! GT never seriously challenged PITT yesterday. imo

    Like

  454. Weaver and Jones should be the starting defensive ends. That combo has the potential of bringing back a comparison to Hugh Green and Ricky Jackson in another year IMO.

    Like

  455. PC had his annual clunker yesterday—YSU, Akron, and the mighty Stormin’ Mormons.
    “Oh well, shucks, golly gee”

    Like

  456. Wife needs gall bladder surgery, so vacation is cancelled. At least Pitt came through for me.

    All of the good and bad comments are correct.

    I prefer to focus on the positive today. Pitt played a shut down first half. Both lines played well. Running game was solid and Pickett eased much of the concerns about him from last week.

    We made more plays than they did. Yeah us!

    Three plays made us lose a blowout. Ollison slipping on a cut when he had an open field ahead. The unfortunate face mask play and the last trick play.

    Regarding the trick play, Watson went for the jugular. It was only bad because Pickett, under threw the ball, into double coverage. Even with that, probable pass interference and holding on the run back. Funny how no one complained or even mentioned the other trick play to Mack which probably sealed the win.

    It was a win that most didn’t expect, me included. Yes we got a lot of breaks, many GT dropped passes and self inflicted wounds, but a win is a win and one that was badly needed for any chance of a winning season.

    Most disappointing is the lack of fan support on a beautiful day.

    Like

  457. Without question, Watson has got to do something after halftime. Sitting on leads will not win all the time-ask the Steelers-he needs to play aggressively smart. Run off tackle 3 out of every 4 plays is not going to do it.

    Like

  458. John please, The double reverse pass play call at the GT 35 yard line on first down in the fourth quarter was not sitting on a lead. In hindsight, I wish PITT would have just ran the ball and sat on the lead. but that’s just me.

    Like

  460. Time for Watson to put the jet sweep on the back burner. After two years you think all of our opponents aren’t looking for that play each and every game?

    Like

    1. Our opponents are playing the jet sweep well, but we had a couple chances on them yesterday. Trouble is our guys are trying to go wide even when there is a gap to cut up field.

      I think Shocky will be a player but he sure is raw right now. On a good team he would redshirt… Has to realize he’s not in HS anymore and is not going to just outrun everyone…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  461. I hear what you are saying jrn but to me that means the jet sweep still has value. I do think the possibility of the jet sweep yesterday helped open up some running lanes for PITT? You know when a team is looking for something you show it and do something else. I think PITT did that and it worked.

    Like

  462. Great win yesterday. I called it for pit 40-20. Apparently I forgot that Watson replaced Canada. But very happy for this team hopefully a building block. Watson seems our weakest link. Why the Jet Sweep on 3rd down when it failed on two Prior third Downs and GT clearly kept showing the speed to stuff it I will not know. With Canada as OC we easily would have scored 40.

    Like

  466. I believe that you cannot have 2 players with the same # on the field. I believe it is a penalty. And I think Pitt was flagged for it in the recent past.

    Like

  467. Watching the Steelers game, down 21-0 first quarter. Anyone think I gave up on them? Now a tie @ 21-21 at halftime. Who knows what happens from here on out but winners do not quit.

    Like

  468. Back in 2012 when Kevin Harper missed his 26 yarder in OT to upset the #2 Irish, ND had duplicate numbers on the field but the refs missed it.

    BTW, yesterday was at least the 3rd time when Chryst’s FG kicker missed end of game kicks. Pitt fans should remember the other 2

    wwb

    Like

  469. i know one was the infamous chad v running to the sideline and giving the kicker a horrible angle. forget the team though.. syracuse or duke im gonna guess.

    Like

  471. ND and Duke. Versus Duke, Chryst called for Chad to run to the right and Blewitt really missed the 26-yard kick way, way left. When a kid kicks it that bad the coach really shouldn’t be accountable since it is the kid choking in the moment.

    Like

    1. Wrong. That one was totally on Chryst. Arguing otherwise goes against common sense.

      It’s done all of the time in the NFL. Coaches, at least the good ones… try to get the ball to the Center of the Field in order to minimize the angle of difficulty.

      Like

      1. I always blamed Chryst, but even if the ball was centered he was blowing it. It wasn’t meant to be on that kick.

        Like

        1. Complicating that theory is the fact that Blewitt came back in that Game to NAIL a LONGER kick in OT that kept Pitt alive!

          In reality, Blewitt NEVER lost that game. He might not have won it. But never lost it.

          Like

  473. A couple of things I took from the game yesterday: Damar Hamlin played the run very well the whole game, and there is no way LB Zeise should be starting ahead of Saleem Brightwell. Also, Elias Reynolds flashed in limited playing time.

    Like

  474. Just watched the tape…agree with special K.
    Sang Sweet Caroline for the first time yesterday…mainly because the crowd picked it up after the piped in music stopped. Couldn’t bring myself to do it at the psuX game.

    Like

  475. GC, prayers for your wife for a quick recovery. Bernie, how are things at home and with your boat? Is the tailgate still on?

    Like

  476. Hate when the Yinzer Crowd mixes in Steelers stuff. Maybe that will change once the realization sets in that the Steelers will likely NEVER win another Super Bowl under Tomlin.

    And once Roethlisberger hangs up the cleats… well, that’s when the clock will finally start ticking on Tomlin.

    Like

  477. Happy we got a W. Also surprised. Up 21 at half then we had to hang on.

    In all three games we have played we get beat bad in the 2nd half. Other teams tighten up and adjust and qw never seem to be able too.

    Like

  478. AGRee Altoona,
    Half time adjustments are a big part of the coaches responsibility. Not sure what’s happening but it needs corrected PRONTO!!!!

    Like

  479. Annie, things are fine at my house. Greg Sasser,who is co-host of the up- coming tailgate, and myself have a rental property on Topsail Island in addition Greg has other rental properties in the area. No word from Topsail yet. We can’t get on the island until roads are cleared, water and sewage are restored.. at some point we will have to get down there to survey damage and secure property. That being said, the game will go on and I will keep all posted re: tailgate. I will be talking to Greg and Frank Nixon ( remember Frank, the one who nearly polished off a 5 th of scotch by himself at our tailgate last year?) We will have a plan before weeks end.

    Like

  480. Biggie B, Frank seemed a little spacey but cool, a good way to roll.

    PITT wins, so nothing to talk about? Not surprising.

    I’ll start, PITT played a great game and were coached up to beat the very difficult GT offense that not many shuts down under 20 pts. Saying it out-loud is not a hard exercise. Some of you should try it? ike

    Like

  482. One thing great to see about the GT win was the play of George Aston. I noticed him throwing solid blocks on a few plays and he had a nice pass reception down the field.

    BTW, Aston and Zeise are the two players in the middle of the field on our kickoff coverage team…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  483. PITT kicked GT’s butt Saturday plain and simple. Surprised many of us and shocked a few to silence. PITT does have to win this next week or all will be lost. Yes, I am hanging my hat on this upcoming week’s game against UNC!

    Like

  484. I saw something on Pitt Fan Fanatics about Pickett being “probable” for next Saturday. Perhaps uncertainty about his health is contributing to the low betting line.

    Like

  485. God bless you and your family gc.

    As for the face mask call, pretty sure the dude fumbled it before the helmet grab occured.

    As for the jet sweep, fake it and throw over the middle to the TE, will be wide open.

    Like

  486. Hey Mark, hopefully a reporter asked if Kenny will be ready to play and Duzz responded with “probably”
    Agree with Ike…BIG game at NC.
    Watched the flea flicker play on tape and noticed Ffffffffffrench wide open heading down the left side.

    Like