This will be a short one again.  Better to hear from you all anyway. I’ll just add this one thing on a disappointed weekend for Pitt.

When I watched Kenny Pickett being interviewed  about that foolish fake punt on our 2nd to last possession and heard him say this my heart dropped a bit:

It’s coach Duzz’s call, and I back him till death,” Pickett said. “I love that guy to death, so whatever he thinks is best, is best. You know, everyone else wants to be a football expert out in this world and they have no clue what the hell they’re talking about — a majority of the time.

“No offense to any of you guys [in the media] but sometimes it’s you guys, too. That’s just the flat-out truth of it. That’s coach Duzz’s call, and I back him 100 percent.”

That language and the “Us against the world.” mentality behind it is absolutely not what you want to hear come out of the mouth of a 20 year old college student – football player or not.  To me it smacks of delusion and used-car salesman leadership.

Granted he’s a young man but he’s no novice in being interviewed…a simple “That’s not my decision to discuss” not only would have sufficed but thown the blame spotlight squarely back where it belongs – glaring directly into Narduzi’s eyes.  That was a sad thing to happen in a season of surprises, both good and bad.

So, chip in below with your the Good, the Bad and the Ugly…

…and thanks for all the well wishes. I’m ahead of schedule on recovery.

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.

221 thoughts on “POV’s MMQB; Pitt loses to ND, 19-14”

  1. I agree Reed even though in his eyes he thought he was probably doing a good thing it screams of the toxicity of how Narduzzi leads.

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    1. You have to have a major agenda against the head coach if you think the quarterback strongly supporting said coach is a major negative. That is a positive but it doesn’t follow the narrative of some on the POV that Narduzzi had lost the team and the program is in shambles.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Good post. Young man choosing to stand up for his coach (boss) who makes the decisions good or bad. He doesn’t call his own plays and runs what his OC sends down. Those lame plays one can rightfully question (and should in many cases with Watson), but the kid chose to stop any thought of suggesting unrest in the ranks starting with himself. Basically saying “stop it and end it now.” Kid is a fighter and he probably did want that ball in his hands. Good for him standing up and publicly showing support of his coach.

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  2. I want to quarterback who wants the ball in his hands on fourth and three not bringing in the covert jersey altered spy while Notre Dame is in a safe defense For the fake punt.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Good: The kids left it all on the field.

    Bad: This showing probably means Narduzzi is here for another year, unless, of course, the season goes into a total meltdown.

    UGLY: (1) Man, this is getting repetitive: pass blocking. (2) offensive play-calling; Watson has to go; Lyke: no more buddy hires. (3) the frickin’ Fake Punt. (4) my prediction: Pitt losing 65-3.

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  4. I am on record of stating that I thought the fake punt was a poor decision at the time, though I thinks its a better decision than a punt would have been. Some obviously liked the play call. Criticism is certainly fair game. That said, the picking apart of Pickett’s words, though I understand why, is a bit overly dramatic, if not silly, let’s do better than that.

    Good: Obviously, the play of the defense. The announcers emphasized the defensive looks were constantly changed; if this is the case, is this a new wrinkle? (it better not be).

    The bad: Field goal kicking (from hero to goat in one week), Picket’s decision making, especially leaving the pocket early and not trusting routes.

    The ugly: Pass blocking, and the “interference” call on Jackson (there were other bad calls obviously but this one made the ugly category).

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  5. I am furious that Notre Dame used the exact same official who called the phantom pass interference on Pitt years ago on Saturday where he called another. Shades of Jopa!

    Talked about on the FAN today.

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    1. Best official money can buy….it just shows maybe it must be getting harder to buy refs these days. At least I hope so…

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  6. Us against the world 1618 is just stupid. The University supports Football and Narduzzi way more than any coach in history and he cries wolf. Tell him to get a real job like 99% of us and see him run his mouth. He would be canned.

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    1. Again, a bit overly dramatic with regard to Pickett’s words, just not good. That has nothing to do with support, or lack thereof, of the job Narduzzi is doing. Just no logic there at all.

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  7. Pickett is a kid. He is just trying to be a leader by backing his coach.
    The coach on the other hand is on very thin ice with me.
    I called for his firing after the Syracuse game if he lost. I am giving him the rest of the season, but if the team does not go 500 he should be gone.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. The Good: that was the best defensive showing in at least 8 years against a totally loaded roster.
    The Bad: Put those two missed field goals on the board and Pitt gets a W. I’m not blaming it on the kicker because the qb play was so bad along with play calling we had no chance to score a td.
    The Ugly: 3RD AND short swing pass really when you were pounding the ball all day. The O line facing a three man rush with game on the line couldn’t give Pickett a clean pocket.

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  10. Glad you are doing better Reed. Take it easy and don’t push yourself.

    The Good: Many individual quality plays by numerous guys, Best pass rush, solid linebacker play, good pass coverage with 2 INT’s, Matthews catches, Ffrench’s good plays.

    The Bad: Kicker had a bad day, couldn’t get a final stop on defense, Pass protection, French’s execution on the botched reverse.

    The Ugly:The referees gave us one call to keep the early drive going, other than that bad calls and non-calls that made a big difference, The interference call, the non-call when KP was hit going out of bounds, the non call on the pick play, numerous holding calls, one in particular when our guy was tackled. Apparently holding is different depending on which uniform you wear. These calls crushed our drives and kept theirs alive far too often. Even the announcers mentioned several.

    Overall, by far our best effort vs a top ten team, but we obviously don’t have much offensive firepower. When the run is shutdown not many good options. I do think we gave up too easy on the power running game. Since it is our strength, we need to do it more often till we break the opposition.

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  11. The Good: Defense, of course. #10 the Tight End actually caught a pass.
    The Bad: PAss blocking. Punting – in a game like this, it definitely cost Pitt field position. And the best-looking punt of the day went 50 yards in the air from the 49 for a touchback.
    The Ugly: Moving the ball well at the end of the 3rd quarter, to come out with a double reverse. Although bailed out by the “forward pass call” and subsequent pass interference, it killed the momentum at the time.

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  13. Any word on what happened to Hamlin? Also what is Mack’s condition?

    It will be helpful if they are ready for Duke.

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  14. The Great: loving the uniforms.

    The Good: playing a very competitive game against a good team on their home turf.

    The Bad: tough to miss the two field goals, especially after last week.

    The Ugly: the passing game just is not nearly acceptable. Lots of reasons here but scheme and execution are just not cutting it.

    Continued best wishes Reed on your recovery!

    H2P!

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  15. The Coastal is there for the taking… hard to get that crap taste from the UNC loss out of my mouth… Saturday’s effort was refreshing… can Duzz get them fired up for each teaming game… PITTshould be in the hunt… the season is half way gone… get working on those POVert biographies to help fill in the void when this season is said and done.

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  17. The above discussion concerning a QB fully backing his coach is not toxicity, it is simply just another example of the clear anti-Narduzzi bias this site has become famous for.

    Good: The defense and Mathews ,,, and the 1st half OL

    Bad: Passing attack ,,,,, and the 2nd half OL.

    Ugly: A PI call where the defender provided a virtual clinic on how to defend a pass.

    wwb

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  18. @Reed,

    I totally agree with your comment. Just say it wasn’t my call period.

    Better yet say I wanted the ball so bad but was told to leave the field as it was coaches decision.

    The Good:

    The defensive adjustments of playing more nickel really paid off this game. Best defensive performance I remember seeing spanning Duzz’s entire tenure. It appears he has finally decided to let his DC call the game which is a positive sign I hope.

    The Bad:

    Passing on 3 rd and 2 and way to many third and shorts late in the game.

    The Ugly:

    Bad Offensive adjustments and playing calling. We do great with the scripted part of the game (i.e. the first couple series) but once other team adjusts we continue to have no answers. Been are MO all year.

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  19. Reed first of all I have been remiss in my well wishes. So get well sooner.

    Good: the defense. If they play like this for the rest of the year we have a chance to win every game.

    Bad: same as everybody else. Pass-pro and passing game in general.

    Ugly: sadly the kicking game. I feel bad for kessman. Hopefully the kid can show some resilience this week

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  20. Those who critique Pickett, forget what it was like to be 19 years old. I vaguely remember it, but the us vs the world motif has worked in some form or another on the young throughout the ages.

    I remember my Army recruiter using similar types of themes on me. Hell my buddy became a machine gunner in the Marine reserves based on a similar notion.

    I remember that motivation of “we is all we got!” to be extremely potent in my youth.

    Cut the kid some slack. I am glad he believes in something so strongly. Let the decay of cynicism happen over time like it did for the rest of us…

    🙂

    Dave

    Liked by 1 person

  21. oh and let me add…

    Reed it’s good to see you here, it means you are healing up. The best to you for continued recovery and good health.

    Dave

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    1. Should I be bothered by that? I am not. I had an attitude at 20, I am not the same as I was when I was 20.

      Christmas break from Basic Training, I was strutting around in a mall just looking for someone to get in my face. My girlfriend at the time told me it took her 2 weeks to get the old Dave back…

      Dave

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  24. so wait a minute…you said “the “Us against the world.” mentality behind it is absolutely not what you want to hear come out of the mouth of a 20 year old college student – football player or not. To me it smacks of delusion and used-car salesman leadership.” So if I am a coast guard commander of a ship (even if it’s the SS Minnow) you don’t want every single one of them 20 year olds drinking your cool -aid? so when you order them into battle they do not hesitate? wow. I liked Picketts comment. So would you rather they not believe in him %100 and give up on the season?

    Liked by 1 person

  25. The GOOD… Noticeable improvement on Defense.

    The BAD… Kenny Pickett. During and AFTER the Game!

    The UGLY… Having a Kicker not named Blewitt.

    The EMBARRASSING… The Narduzzi Punterooski

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  26. On a more positive note… Keeping with my prediction prior to Saturday, I remain convinced that Elias Reynolds will bring POSITIVE change going forward in replacing Quinton Wirginis at Middle Linebacker.

    This is supported by at least one Starter on Defense… Rashad Weaver.

    “[Wirginis] is a great player, he knows that defense better than anyone and he knows what’s going to happen before plays are even snapped, but on defense we have a guy, [Reynolds] stepped up and I thought he played a great game for his first start,” Weaver said. “He was relaxed and calm, which is what you want out of somebody making checks.”

    PGH Sports Now

    Weaver is the second Pitt Defender to suggest that Reynolds might have the ability to bring MORE to the position of Middle Linebacker than just athleticism and the ability to HIT. Following the Syracuse Game, D-Lineman Amir Watts gave total CREDIT to Reynolds to making sure he was in PROPER position seconds before he made his Interception.

    My takeaway… While BIG and athletic, Wirginis might NOT have brought the other things needed for a Middle Linebacker to be the Total Package.

    Reed, I am sure you need no convincing on this one.

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  27. Look the fake punt was just a dumb call to begin with. ND was not fooled nor where 95% of the people watching the game. The call should have been to go for it with Pickett behind center.—As for Pickett backing Narduzzi’s call it’s as it should be. What did you really want Pickett to throw Narduzzi under the bus by saying the call was just plain stupid? The bias by some against Narduzzi on this sight is just ridiculous. Many will take every chance they get to further the narrative that Narduzzi should be fired sooner rather than later. I’m not a fan of how this program has progressed for the past 4 years but it is what it is. And folks Narduzzi like it or not will probably get another 2 plus years at the helm.

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  28. Talking DOWN and ridiculing both Fans and the Press is a far cry from having to “throw Narduzzi under the bus.”

    It’s also not immature. It’s simply ARROGANT.

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  29. POD, I couldn’t agree more about the MLB. Major difference in my opinion. Kid moved really well.
    The Good: Defensive effort. And O.K, here goes, Pickett’s throws on those slants to Matthews. Guys, hate on him about the rest, but those were really good throws into very tight windows. Also, for the first time ?I remember all year he did step up into the pocket, although it was really just the small area of where the pocket should have been.

    The Bad: Watson overall, the Oline pass blocking, The Duzz taking 31/2 years to change his D, and the Duzz in the last 5 minutes of games.

    The Ugly: Sorry, but I can’t see how it can’t be the punter. This kids kicks are really bad. Also, the lack of separation of any of the receivers downfield. And is 87 a tight end who got called for that big holding call?

    I’m not defending KPs overall play, but flashes are there, he’s just limited in what he can do throwing the ball. And I still say he’s hurt, and taking away his legs just limits him even more.

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  30. I just have to say it, would love to scream it out loud but I don’t have the bold print function. Pickett didn’t have to use the verbiage that he used just to be politically correct and and obedient teammate. He used words that came from his heart and not some mindless toxic-ed victim. Shame on you guys for not giving the young man credit as he talked from his heart. Don’t let your feelings get in the way of being fair and I don’t give a flying floot who cares what I’m saying. Yeah, I’m not happy right now! BS!!!

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    1. Ike,

      What I am more interested in right now, is how Narduzzi handles this “controversy” (hell I ain’t even sure it’s a controversy outside of POV site 😉 ).

      I liken this to the media looking for a gotcha question to a student athlete…

      I am on the “Narduzzi isn’t ready for prime time” side, but I am also a “Beano Cook” student, where you don’t criticize the student athlete.

      Pickett is allowed to make mistakes both on and off the field (as long as it isn’t doesn’t break law/code of conduct so to speak).

      Dave

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dave – Absolutely right on the “gotcha” question. if the media didn’t like Narduzzi answer, ask him again. Heck, why didn’t they ask any defensive players. No matter what the play called it was the HC decision to make.

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    2. I agree, Ike. The kid said what he believes. I thought we all agreed that is what we should do on here—and be respected for it. Pretty sad that he gets criticized for that.

      H2P

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  31. Reed, I hope you’re doing well.

    To me, having a back-up quarterback in a covert jersey is a small step up from players cramping up after standing and looking to the sideline and going down like they were shot.

    As there are two sides to a story, Brian Kelly is complaining to the ACC about calls Notre Dame didn’t get.

    From:
    https://247sports.com/college/notre…F-14-0D-B7181014_180829NotreDameFightingIrish

    The number of takedowns of Irish defenders such as Khalid Kareem, Julian Okwara, Jerry Tillery, Jonathan Bonner and, on at least one occasion Saturday, Drue Tranquill, prompted Notre Dame to take action.

    “Today was a little unusual in that we sent in twice as many (video) clips as we normally do,” said Irish head coach Brian Kelly, who did not bring up the topic, but rather, responded to an inquiry.

    “We sent in eight that we thought should have been called. That’s way too many.”

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  32. CLUELESS adjective
    clue·less | \ˈklü-ləs\

    Definition of clueless

    1 : having or providing no clue a clueless case for the police to solve

    2 : completely or hopelessly bewildered, unaware, ignorant, or foolish clueless about what they want

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  35. Much ado about nothing with Pickett’s interview when there is much more fodder in Watsons play calling, no pass blocking missed FGs etc all called out by others here. This team will go nowhere until it can produce more than I touchdown by the O in a game .

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  38. I agree, Ike. The kid said what he believes. I thought we all agreed that is what we should do on here—and be respected for it. Pretty sad that he gets criticized for that.

    H2P

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    1. he shouldnt take the blame for loving his coach and teammates
      But when youre spouting its ‘us against the world’, it tells me theres something rotten in Denmark

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  39. GOOD – The team’s all around effort. I was expecting ND to cover the spread
    BAD- Couldn’t grab a game vs. a top 5 ranked team that was there for the taking – Missed Field Goals really hurt
    UGLY – The last two offensive series, especially the last series after the D came up with a huge stop

    PN should have realized that ND had their D on the field, not their punt return unit and called a timeout.
    ND was not surprised at all by the fake. The fake 96 number seemed like a pony league play to me.
    Holding judgment on this team until they play a few more games….The NC loss really hurts but still 2-1 in the Coastal with some winnable games ahead. Too bad that NC couldn’t hold off VT…we would be tied for 1st in the Coastal if NC had won the game. VA win over Miami was a surprise.

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  40. Hope recovery is going very well Reed.

    Lots of good and bad points posted above.

    If we could just get an offensive game plan going that makes us electric, I feel at this point in time, we would actually have a pretty darn good football team.

    If this is the type of performance our defensive will give us moving forward, I’m all for keeping narduzzi and the DC and finding a dynamic OC to propel the offensive production.

    Especially if the new oc can recruit.

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    1. He was right on this point about Pickett. You however will jump on any negative that might get Pickett replaced as the starting QB. You will only get your wish if he’s hurt in any game.

      Liked by 1 person

  43. Sorry, Reed, I have to disagree with you today. Pickett to me is still a kid. With my career as an educator I still see those Pitt players and cheerleaders and band members and students as kids not too far removed from high school. I know, Reed, that you commanded 19 and 20 year-olds in life and death situations and expected them to perform as they were trained. If they had publicly challenged your leadership skills, however, that would have been construed as mutiny.

    Football is not a life and death situation, although coaches, from Knute Rockne to coaches today, liken it to solid preparation for war. Defending his coach to me is a sign of loyalty that is too infrequent by young people today. He may be all and totally wrong in his loyalty, but he believes that his coach trained those Pitt kids to play the best ball they could play, on defense at least, against an outstanding team on their home turf. If they continue to play that kind of defense, Pitt fans can expect a lot of wins. Those Narduzzi sophs and juniors played great out there on defense.

    Offense improvement is a different tale. The OC guy may have thought or was led to believe he had another Teddy Bridgewater to coach. He does not. Pickett may be better in a spread configuration; he had a terrific run for nearly a first down. Very athletic. I think he is told not to run for fear of injury and fear of using a backup. Spread may even help the O linemen with their blocks. Otherwise, for the rest of this year, run the ball with those terrific bruisers Ollison and Hall and maybe throw a few slants to Matthews that can open things up. Why the heck not. Forget those flat passes that usually lose yards.

    Reed, I hope with all my heart that you recover soon from your procedure. Working on this site doesn’t always help with recovery, though. I am a glass half full person, for all of my 77 years, 60 of them as a Pitt guy. With pride regarding all things Pitt, I quote the end words of the alma Mater: “God preserve thee evermore.”

    Liked by 2 people

  44. Reed, I’m very glad your recovery is going well. Take it as easy as you need to and we (including occasional posters like me) will hang in there on the site as you work toward full strength and speed. H2P Dirty Rich

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  46. I do not have any problems with what Pickett said. How many games has the media won for Pitt this year? Zilch. If the players and coaches had listened and bought in to what the media had said leading up to last week, they would have lost to ND by at least 2 scores, probably more.

    I know Pickett doesn’t throw a great deep ball and he doesn’t get a lot of time to throw, but I think we have to take at least 3-4 deep shots downfield per game. We had one last week and it resulted in a 15 penalty against the defense and first down for us. At the very least, it keeps the defense honest.

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  47. Good: Making it a competitive game, and a beautiful day for football at a historic venue.

    Good2: Seeing PSU lose. Takes the sting out of any Pitt loss.

    Good3: Defense finally starting to come on

    Bad: Sean Watson & the offense. How can you go from the most prolific offense in the country to this in 2 short years?

    Bad2: Missing 2 FG’s. I know you are a college kid, but you have to make those.

    Ugly: The officiating. Is there any surprise ND gets calls at home, all the time?

    Ugly2: not getting the W. Moral victories are for losers. And I think I hate Kelly even more than Franklin, dating back to the Cinci game in 2009. I hate losing to him with a passion. The game was there for the taking, just like Clemson in 2016.

    Ugly3: the fake punt. Ranks up there with the Wannstedt “pass-punt” as the dumbest fake in Pitt history. I don’t mind the jersey-a-roo so much, it’s just a fake was so predictable in that situation ND didn’t have their return team in, was playing for the fake. Coaches should have noticed that and either brought in offense to go for it or bring in the punt team.

    Epilogue: Team showing signs of life. Is this an anomaly? Virginia looking like it will be a tough game, Miami maybe not so much. These next games will be VERY interesting. Anything less than 6-6 this season is a disappointment. And the way the D has played against ND and Syracuse, I am cautiously optimistic for maybe a 7-5. The anemic offense might hold us back from that however.

    But barring a Hackett like collapse and finishing 3-9, I see Narduzzi coming back. The big question is what happens with Watson. Obviously no one is stealing him, but does Heather step in and force changes? And if so how does Narduzzi react?

    These next 2 months will be something to see. Buckle up. Get to Heinz for Duke & Tech! These are 2 big games.

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    1. It’s hard to call a good balanced offense when you have ZERO passing game. Pickett has 1.5 seconds before he has to run for his life (even when he actually has 4 seconds 😉 ), and the receivers can’t get open, or when they do Pickett doesn’t see them.

      Why do you think Watson uses the wildcat so much? It’s a miracle Pitt runs the ball so well.

      I got a brilliant idea though for Narduzzi & Co. Send out the backup QB to start the next game wearing Pickett’s jersey! (just shoot me…)

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  48. SMH over the comments suggesting that Kenny should refer questions on the fake kick to the coach.

    Last time I checked, Kenny was recruited by and is coached by Narduzzi. And he told anyone listening that he loves his coach. As incredible as that might be for some to accept, its apparently how he feels. I know, I know…it’s crazy talk, isn’t it?

    Liked by 1 person

  49. Pretty tight game as I called it, the 2 missed FG’s were larger in the scheme of things versus the fake punt attempt. Again this team isn’t a dumpster fire as expressed by many. They are mediocre like a lot of ACC teams in their division and completely over scheduled on their non conference slate.

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  50. Saying any game will be easy for this team is just plain wrong as shown by UNC.

    The team needs to get up for every game like they are playing ND, just to have a chance.

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  52. Another interesting film study by Alan Saunders on Pgh Sports Now. He focuses on Pitt’s passing game woes.

    Frustrating that on a couple of the pass plays he shows, one side of the Oline holds up, but the other side collapses. And it’s not the same side each play…

    I remember Walt working with Pistol Pete to step up in the pocket. KP is understandably hesitant to step up, but on one of the plays shown, KP drifts out too close to the outside rusher when the pocket was clean…

    Bring in Walt as a mentor…😊

    I’m hoping that our Oline will be good enough to give KP more time — at least in the next 4 games…

    Go Pitt!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh, and he showed that Mathews was open on the slant when KP threw early to Hall in the flat…

      Hopefully that’s a lesson learned…

      Go Pitt.

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    2. Pitt does need a QB coach
      Kenny is lacking in the mechanics and technical areas
      and above all confidence
      The scheme also doesnt suit his strengths

      Blame Narduzzi for having n understanding of O and the QB
      Very Wanny like…except Wanny had a good D

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  53. I’m going to give Reed a pass today. Presumably the pain meds have made him a little loopy.

    How one can interpret post game comments from a 19 year old QB as an indictment of the leadership of the head coach is beyond me. We can criticize Narduzzi for a lot of things, but let’s at least be a little balanced.

    Right or wrong, the kid backed his coach. I’m sure these kids know that their coach has been taking some heat. Pickett said, “I got your back, coach”. Kudos to him.

    Good: Defense and return team

    Bad: Offense and kickers

    Ugly: Fake punt call and refs

    Liked by 1 person

  54. And Mark is correct. ND is a fraud. I was not impressed. It does not help them that their coach is worse than ours. Running wide on 4th and 1? He must have been channeling Mike Tomlin.

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  55. The Good:

    Best defensive effort of the year.
    Pressure by the Dline.
    Turnovers caused by the defense.
    Maurice Ffrench kickoff returns. The kid should bring more out….he’s our biggest offensive threat.
    We didn’t embarrass ourselves again on national TV.
    Watching my brother-in-law (a big ND fan) shit his pants at halftime.

    The Bad:

    Pickett really needs to settle down and stay in the pocket (when there is one).
    Still too high of a pass completion % against us.
    Kicking game (both FG and punting) were bad.
    Receivers really not getting much separation.

    The Ugly:

    Really bad pass blocking. ND got pressure on us even when they rushed 3!
    Stupid play calling….way too many dink and dunk throws on 3rd down that had zero chance of success.
    Had to listen to a bunch of crap from my brother-in-law.

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  56. That was a good film study. Thanks Major.

    I had not realized that Ollison was tripped and would have been wide open on that fake punt.

    Kind of sums up Pitt football.. so close at times, yet so far away.
    (Cue Ike with the appropriate music video.)

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  57. Hard for me to imagine the starting QB for each and every down of each and every game to be critical of his head coach even if passively. The comment about fans and media is proven correct often enough.

    I know it is a fantasy but in that incredible dream I would love to see become reality, I have Pitt winning out this season and of course that would mean winning the Coastal and then the ACC crown. I know, I know, crazy stuff but it would be so awesome to celebrate that and feel what might easily exceed the Clemson and PSU win combined. Of course the other great part would be to then imagine the heads explode around here as a result.

    Oh, to dream……

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  58. I am glad that Pickett loves his coach… that’s the way it supposed to be… Hopefully they all love playing for him…

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  59. You see, a lot more went into that fake punt which was still a bad play call but Ollie trips and falls down with a QB throwing the ball, I thought you all knew that? PittFan28, this one was a tough call but a figured..

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  61. If anyone is keeping score at home, chalk me up for not having any issue with the qb backing the coach.

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      1. I’m ok with what Kenny said as well. The Pittsburgh media is not for Pitt, so why be nice. Say it lyke you mean it.

        H2Pickett!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Well, I for one am just offended and hurt by Kenny’s comments; in fact, I’m planning to head out to find one of those safe zones that they have on college campuses where you get to take a nap and have cookies when you are traumatized.

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  62. Just watched the ND tape.

    Kids played very well and deserved better. Also cemented my feelings about the bad ACC refs.

    It seemed to me that this game had a Big 10 feel to it and that is HCPNs’ strength. He struggles with ACC type games.

    This team has a chance to win the Coastal and make my preseason pick come true. H2P

    Liked by 1 person

  63. I said it before the season started and I maintain as far as my opinion. This is the season I judge Narduzzi on. Starting now, he is on the clock.

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    1. You know Ike, I’m convinced now that some years pitt will be really good, really bad, or mostly someplace in between, with narduzzi orwhoever else they may pick to coach. Our glory days ain’t coming back no matter how much i stomp and scream.

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  66. My one take on the game: That’s the best defensive performance in a long, long time. I practically had an orgasm when Dennis Briggs rode the ND QB into a sack. Yeah , I’m disappointed in Narduzzi and his ROI.

    Across the meadow in central Pa, Jimmy boy is making around $5 MM and his scorecard is 3-11 against Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State. Soon to be 3-12 when Harbaugh beats JF and that my POV-ites is .20 %. When you fail against those 3 guys, you never make the final 4. Pitt has a better chance winning the Coastal and catching lightning in the ACC championship game.

    Where do we go from here? Hopefully, Bates has figured it out and Watson knows he is on the clock.

    Commander, hope you are healing and thanks for the chance to express our angst.

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  67. I’m on a roller coaster after this game. Looking at the film it confirms what I thought about Pickett trying to step up into a semi formed pocket multiple times. I also reviewed the fake punt multiple times. It’s a real stretch to say we wold have gotten the first if Ollison didn’t slip. Coverage was there, would have taken an amazing pass and reception. Like I said, up and down.

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  68. Reed, I have not yet read what anyone else has said yet, but wanted to air my thoughts on your commentary about KP’s remarks. You were disappointed in what he said. I thought he spoke his true feelings.

    I think he was smart to say what he said- what coach (present or future) wants a player who thinks he knows more than the coach does, or second-guesses him- and basically lets the world know that too? What employer wants to hire someone who thinks he knows more than the boss who is hiring him? How would it fly in the military if an underling openly challenges orders from his commanding officer?

    I think KP had no choice but to say what he did. Now, he must truly like or love PN, because he would not have been so strong with his words of support for him. If he didn’t care for coach he could have easily said what you suggested- but instead, he openly and forcefully supported him. I think that is EXACTLY what a coach wants to hear from his quarterback.

    It is also important for the team to hear that kind of support from the QB. Once the head of the team stops believing, the rest will soon follow and the season is lost.

    Liked by 1 person

  71. Well, after all the discussion, disagreement, anger, projection, exaggeration, positive thinking, name calling, etc, etc, etc after this Notre Dame game – I know one thing for sure….we wouldn’t be on the losing end of the scoreboard this Saturday!!!

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  73. Good post Annie and I agree…have been told by others in the know that the kids love Narduzzi.
    Yeah, I know a guy…haha.

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  74. This blog is hopelessly compromised by the “major agenda ” against the head coach by Reed. Actually it hit its low point when Reed said in his podcast. ” Wirginis stinks”. We have obvious issues on offense. but Duzz has not lost this team. Anyone with an un biased POV will see the kids love the HC. Reed does us all a disservice by turning this blog into an anti Duzz rant.

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    1. I think others turn it into an anti-Duzz rant.

      IMO Reed feeds it but mostly through things he hears and knows and presenting them as he understands them honestly. He doesn’t reign in the anti-Duzz stuff though while he does so to the opposing side at times.

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  75. I just read Allan Saunders’ film study column on Pittsburgh Sports Now. It is a very insightful and knowledgable breakdown of key Pitt offensive plays and one defensive play in the ND game. His points are all supported by the video replay and his comments. He is not opinionated and does not come on like some blow hard talking (or writing) head. He uses visual proof, not reminiscences that might be hazy. I wish I knew how to post the website and article in this post as some of you do, other than writing it down first and then typing it in here. Check out Mr. Saunders’ column. He writes and thinks as if he might have a coaching background with the way he analyzes and breaks things down.

    Liked by 1 person

  78. Truthfully, I haven’t read one single “total support” comment (or anything close to it) in favor of Narduzzi yet. Of course I could’ve missed something, but this is another drama post to me. Most, if not all posters, seem to be ‘on the fence’ with Narduzzi and clearly seem to think he is at a critical juncture right now, with a few on the anti-Narduzzi bandwagon for over a year now. You seem to have trouble separating individual analytical points about a game or a player, from the big picture.

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  79. Looking at Pitt’s remaining schedule, they could go 5-0, could go 0-5. These games are toss ups or near toss ups. One tricky thing is that 3 are on the road. Most likely, they’ll finish 3-2 or 2-3. We’ll see how good Narduzzi is. If he gets us to 6 wins, I’ll say he did a good job.

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      1. I don’t disagree with that as a general principle. But under the current circumstances, considering the lows this team has dropped to earlier this year, if he gets this team to six wins, I’d consider that good.

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        1. I remember an article that someone linked/posted (I think it was Reed, after UCF) that said we shouldn’t win another game the rest of the year. Given that we are supposed to underdogs in every single game, if he can win 3 of them, that’s an accomplishment.

          It’s a different debate whether a team in a coach’s 4th year should be underdogs for 9-10 games in a row …

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  80. The POV is reminding these days of the Shakespearian drama Julius Caesar. ” I come today not to praise Narduzzi but to bury him” Et tu ike?

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  81. Alan Sanders makes the other bloggers look like joggers., No personal insults like ” Wirginis stinks” just solid analysis.

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    1. Maybe inartful, but no coincidence that Pitt just played their best defensive game all year without Wirginis.

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    2. Wirginnis does stink. You watching the same games? He is 23 and no upside. This is D1 football. Look how good his backup played.

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  82. The fake punt was a disaster, no matter how you slice it. If Pitt was in 4 down territory, I’d take my chances with 2 runs over a pass and a fake punt anytime. Pitt’s game management is really lacking, and it is highly likely that Narduzzi called the plays in that sequence rather than Watson.

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  83. I find this blog to very evenhanded regarding Pitt and Narduzzi. It is natural for it to be more negative after a loss. Most here give credit when it is due and and are critical when it is not.

    Reed calls it as he sees it and is the only blogger that I know that will openly debate his positions in a fair and just manner, and not hold it against anyone.

    Liked by 2 people

  86. I’ll give you that, but that is a rare mistake by Reed, and unlike him. I watched the film analysis by Saunders, very good. While I agree in his other article that the referees didn’t cause the loss, they were a factor. He only notes the interference call and does not mention the non-call on the hit out of bounds, which is almost always called to protect the QB, the pick play which was blatant, the holding calls and non calls which were very one sided. In a close game calls can easily make a difference. While I agree that the most important plays were the missed kicks, every little difference matters.

    Liked by 1 person

  87. Reed doesn’t need defending, titleman. POV is the only blog site that takes a critical look at Pitt football without the need to kiss butt to stay in the good graces. No offense to Peak and Dokish, but they are Pitt supporters and that is fine, but it leads them to be overly optimistic to maintain their access to the powers at Pitt. This blog has no such need or requirement. We all use an occasional unfortunate choice of words when describing Pitt’s 35 years of mediocre performance, and I’ve heard you being pretty critical going back to the Myron Cope days. So lighten up, titleman, and accept that this site is (mostly) unedited and a refreshing alternative to the other politically correct sites.

    Liked by 2 people

  88. Reed, hope you get well soon and get all the results you hope for from your surgery. This blog is the only way to really connect on Pitt football. A lot of good insight and info from different people is interesting and an easy way to add my 2 cents. Good participants even when emotions take comments into the woods at times. For Pitt football I still hope for the best and fear the worst as my only defense and let it go where it will. It’s my best and safest way to enjoy it at my age. H2P

    Liked by 1 person

  89. We all see things differently, I see the fake punt as a tempest in a teapot. If instead, KP gets sacked or Ollie gets stuffed on the last play those that have a mind to, would find some other way to be critical. While I would have preferred a more traditional play, I can’t get that angered over the play. Obviously the wrong time for the call, it didn’t fool anyone, but they had practiced for it, and if Ollie doesn’t fall down, it had as much chance as the wildcat or a traditional play.

    I noticed that the offense was balanced, 30 passing and 30 running plays. I think this team needs to be more weighted to the run.

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  90. Upitt posted “Wirginnis does stink. You watching the same games? He is 23 and no upside. This is D1 football. Look how good his backup played.”

    First off, that’s your opinion and it is not shared aside from a few. Secondly, you better watch that because you’re actually praising Narduzzi recruits and you wouldn’t want to do that.

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    1. I am praising his backup. He played well. I’m transparent when deserved. If Wirginnis played in place of him you woild see bad angles, slow, missed tackles and no coverage. Great Kid probably just not a great LB.

      I am well aware of what I said Ike. The kid is good who played. Narduzzi recruited a good LB. it was one game but hope to see more from him.

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  91. Louis Reddick said it best…….if your going to go for it……go for it.

    Plus, fake punts usually only work when there is a element of surprise. There was not in this case. ND was playing for the fake punt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well how am I supposed to know him?? He has been on the bench for 3 years. Don’t act like he is a household name and quit being so sensitive. To my knowledge it is the first time he ever played.

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      1. Yes, he’s a redshirt sophomore, but say he’s been on the bench three years is stupid.

        And he did play last year.

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        1. He has been in the program 3 years. What did he play last year? Special Teams? You can count that if you want.

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          1. He played on defense last year. Yes, he redshirted, so we’re saying if a kid redshirts that he is riding the pine and we use that against him?

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  94. Any fair analysis of Wirginis’ playing abilities should point out that he was an intense and committed player who made many plays (I think 41 tackles, 3 for loss) in first 6 games, but also had a tendency to misread and overrun plays which at times left the middle wide open. Some of the big plays that occurred up the middle in the first 6 games were because he was out of position or misread a play. But these things are mostly correctable if a player has the right attitude, which he definitely had. It is easy to forgive missed plays when they are due to trying too hard or taking on too much responsibility. Had he played more in previous years many of these deficiencies would probably have been corrected.

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  95. He had an absolute terrific game vs Cuse and cause d the turn over chain fumble and the pick at the end of the game since he was hitting Dungey as he threw. Maybe just maybe he struggled when Pitt had him covering 4.4 speed backs out of the back field as in UCF where Reed said he stunk.

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  96. There was a noticeable difference in lateral quickness and getting to the ball this week from the MLB position. Even a casual observer should have seen that. I’ll pose two observations:

    1) There was a difference, and much like the nickel package, what took so long to make the change?

    2) Wirginnis’s leading the team in tackles was much like Richie Hebner leading the NL in fielding percentage. He was often out of position, slow to react, but made just enough plays to impress someone. Stinks may have been a little over the top, but not very good would be accurate.

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  97. I never comment on a player as I am not an expert on individual position capabilities other than general aspects. This team is getting better by the game and I hope that means well for the ACC remainder games. We need to keep our public impression that we are giant killers and not forget that the other games are even more important.

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  98. Our high risk defense played much better last week no question. It’s high risk because our corners are on single coverage and any great pass play(like the last TD for ND) will give up a big play score. So do we have a chance to be competitive in the last 5 games? Yes, but it’s hard to believe we can get to that 6 and 6 bowl illegible mark with our high risk D and an almost nil passing offense.

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  99. The team played two good games in a row, barely won one and barely lost one.
    Let’s hope they can build on this.

    There have been more big plays in the last two, than we have seen in a while.

    The important thing is learning how to finish games with big plays.

    That is why I would have liked KP to pass for the first down. He can’t learn how to finish if you don’t give him the opportunity.

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  100. Pitt is ranked 115 and 90 in offense and defense
    Ranked in the 80’s overall based on won/loss and competition
    Pitt is not a good team
    Lets see if the D has turned a corner but ACC offenses are more athletic and use the spread
    Narduzzi’s D scheme hasnt stopped a spread team in 4 years
    Passing is regressing so I think a QB change is needed

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    1. Tex, there is a zero chance he’s going switch QB’s this year, he doesn’t have any other real options. Recruiting matters.

      With that said, Pickett needs to play better.

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  101. Jason Pinnock in the PG, “proclaimed that the defense is undeniably making strides — major ones, too.”
    “I think we’re finally finding who we are.”

    Eh, Jason, the season is more than half over. How ’bout “finding who we are” going into the season??

    Narduzzi’s fourth year and they’re still wrestling with an identity??

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    1. This talk about the defense from the players, media and fans about maybe turning the corner is crazy. ND’s offense is Big Ten like and played in Narduzzi’s hands. Once back to the spread teams in the ACC Pitt will be back to giving up 30 ppg.

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  103. A QB change ain’t going to happen. Narduzzi will give Pickett and Watson all the time they need to make this passing attack(if you could call it that) more productive. Mathews play last week gives us some hope that a good size WR might be a factor in those slant plays going forward. Looks like any use of the TE’s in the passing game is fruitless. And I’m not sure we will ever see Mack take the field any time soon.

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  104. The same ND O put up over 40 pts on the VT D the week before – and I’m sure if we took a poll, 99% of the readers on here would jump at the chance to have VT’s D over ours. So let’s not try and discredit the fact that the D has played much better the last couple weeks, especially against ND. That’s not to say they might not revert back to the crappy D from earlier in the season. But they played a good game against a good team – and while ND might not be title contenders, they’re a good team. No doubt about it. Those saying otherwise….well….

    And just for kicks, those thinking Kelly would do wonders at PItt are crazy. You think PN is arrogant – Kelly is way worse. Heck, I remember reading a year or so ago that recruits had to make an appointment if they wanted to see/meet him when they were on campus. Can you imagine if PN did that?

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  105. jj, that kind of talk is going to get you labeled as a Narduzzi lover and worshiper and possibly a real PITT fan?

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  106. It seems that for that last ND score the corners should have had some top side help from the safeties, especially due to the height disadvantage.. ND was not having much luck on the ground and was going to the pass on most plays. There should have at least been a nickle back in there to help out.

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  107. I think being labeled a real Pitt fan includes everyone on this sight. At the end of the day we all want Pitt to do well, but one crowd believes in fairies and unicorns and the other crowd is stuck in a 35 year run of mediocrity. Can’t we all just agree that we all are true Pitt fans. Come on Ole it’s year four some on here are used to getting a new coach isn’t that what Pitt does every four years lol.

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  109. By the way, my ND sources have told me that Kelly would have been run out of town a few years ago due to his arrogance (like throwing the ball into the end zone when a short run would do) and too many losses, but he eventually started winning and, like it would be for Narduzzi, things quiet down when the team is winning. Also like Narduzzi, he was given a 6 year contract extension (in 2015) when things were going bad. After he had a 4-8 season. And the buy out was $15 million. Maybe this is where Lyke got the idea.

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  110. and someone please point out the words I used proclaiming to be a true PITT fan or the only one?

    Those words don’t exist on this blog only in some peoples head, the same way Narduzzi is treated. Putting words in his mouth… and now he’s putting words in KP’s mouth..

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  111. No one needs to put words in Narduzzi’s mouth. He is perfectly fine making him self look like a fool, an overpaid one at that. He is 3 games away from a .500 record. That SHOULD be unacceptable to anyone with standards.

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    1. Aaaand if it were the appropriate OOC schedule he’d be only 2 or maybe 1 game away from a bowl.

      I know you agree with Huff III on that.

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  113. If you look at Watson’s season by season stats as an OC you would never hire him. The Nard Dog did.
    That is on him.

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    1. I think that is one thing everyone on this blog will agree with. The Watson hire has proven to be below average.

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  114. Alan Saunders over at PGH Sports Now… just lost me.

    He is seriously QUESTIONING whether the Game-Changing Pass Interference call against Dane Jackson was a Bad Call.

    Despite the fact that the Referee who called it is a GRANDSON of a Notre Dame Quarterback.

    And despite the fact that a few years ago the same Referee Gary Dancewicz was part of the Officiating Crew that made a SIMILAR Game-Changing Call that benefited Notre Dame against Pitt.

    Just when people were starting to think that Saunders knows what he’s talking about.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Pitt needs to recruit better athletes who can overcome bad officiating. Score more points with those athletes.

      These refs will F you for sure if they can. When is Gallagher and Lyke filing a complaint with the ACC to never have that guy ref a Pitt game again? That won’t happen, Gallagher doesn’t want to rock the boat so he can schmooze with the other conference officials and not be an outcast.

      Liked by 1 person

  115. Off week and coaches are out recruiting. You have to wonder what Watson is selling to recruits. Some believe that is a indicator Watson will be back. I hope not.

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    1. Are you forgetting the pitt defender that grabbed the jersey for 3 yards on the guy that scored the touchdown that wasn’t called? It was bad officiating all the way around.

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  120. I remember in the ND game when Pickett was hit when he was out of bounds. If the ref had called what it really was we would have had the ball probably on the ten yard line or so.

    Liked by 1 person

  122. Well, they are out looking for TEs this week. I wonder if they will add a few OL transfers to the wish list.

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  123. From PSN: Tyler Sear to transfer from Pitt. I don’t that’s any news not expected. But what I think is news is that he claims he was NEVER at the Pitt practice last Tuesday in which it was reported by many that he had an altercation with Narduzzi. Oh! how some here and on other blogs so enjoyed commenting on that confrontation with Narduzzi that evidently never took place.

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  125. Tyler Sear quit mid-season, the week of notre dame.
    Sure, that’s someone I’d want on my team.

    And to assert we’d be so much better and bowl eligible with a weaker schedule is equivalent to saying Franklinstein would b Nick Saban if it wasn’t for OSU, Michigan and Sparty

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    1. We wouldn’t be any better necessarily, but we might get to bowl eligible.

      Maybe you are responding to a post I missed?

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  127. Maybe someone could help Reed out with an article this week? Maybe time for another bio on how you became a PITT fan in the first place?

    Not sure I’m believing the Tyler Sear tweet. Probably was told he looked like an immature ash? If he wasn’t there someone owes Narduzzi and Sear a BIG apology.

    Who’s going to the Virginia game? I just might have two tickets I may not be able to use. Mark PT? I never ask anything for my tickets as long as it’s your butt in the seat.

    This weather sucks, since when is it so rainy and cloudy in WPA? 🙂

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  128. Sorry Jack, I was in the process of a comment. Sounds like the players are getting sick and tired of all the bashing coming from their own fans.

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  130. On the game winning td catch by Boykin, Dane did not jam him at the line like he did earlier in the game and Boykin ran right by him.

    Noticed Carson Van Lynn was wearing number 87 and did a lot of blocking from the tight end position.

    Why won’t Watson let KP throw into the middle of the field?

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  131. On the pass interference call against Dane Jackson, I didn’t think it was an outrageous call. He did have his left hand on the WR early.

    And, btw, on the TD play itself, Dane was not called for an early grabbing the WR’s shirt.

    Furthermore, the push of KP at the sidelines didn’t look egregious to me.

    There are always missed calls, especially holding. You have to win the game despite the officiating…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  132. I guess Sear to James Madison U. He is leaving and was not dealing with P5 football very well. It is not for everyone. Last guy I thought would leave the program. But you never know and that is why you keep recruiting.

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  133. Few if any personally berate individual players. Performance can be criticized however. The team is most definitely not off limits to ‘tough’ talk and nor should any coach on ‘this’ team be given a free pass.

    Sometimes I fee like Pitt should Lock the Gates and not allow this team on the field. I’m not sorry if your feelings are hurt. Grow up!

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  134. So hey TX listen here. When Narduzzi is asked what happened on a certain play or why don’t the tight ends catch more passes he says things like they have to catch the ball or get open and that is throwing a player under the bus but you think you can ridicule their performance and it’s ok to say they stink? << not you per-say..

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  135. I would imagine the pressure and criticisms are far greater at high profile schools. Players and coaches don’t seem that affected by it. I personally don’t feel the need to bash the players.

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  136. In that example, I wouldnt say the Tight Ends stink BUT its on BOTH the coaches and the players.

    Maybe the coaches arent using the tight ends properly in the schemes. Maybe the coaches didnt recruit talented enough guys.

    Maybe those players arent being properly developed and coached. Maybe they shouldnt be playing tight end. Maybe they do have hands of stone and cant run routes.

    I think the blame is on everyone. But I really blame the coaches.

    Its not all the players fault they were recruited, playing their position and not performing.

    Pitt has a coaching problem. Not a player problem.

    Narduzzi should have bus tracks on his back.

    You have a kid KP that is actually regressing and losing confidence. He is critical to whether Pitt wins 3 more games for bowl eligibility. I dont see the coaches putting him in a position to build confidence and succeed.

    There is absolutely nothing that can convince me at this point that Narduzzi is the Future. When you start hearing the talk of ‘its us against the world’, you know theres something rotten on the South Side. And its not the eggs for Devil’s Night.

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    1. Tx, why is the us against the world such a bad thing? IMO it seems narduzzi is just trying to build a culture where the team comes first. I really don’t see how that’s negative.

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  137. TX, I again and have to say you’re a good man. That wasn’t my point though. I really have no idea if Narduzzi is the man to lead the PITT football program to the next level. I’m still hoping he is cause I sure hate the idea of starting for scratch all over again as Yogi might have said.

    PITT in year 4 with the tougher games behind them and a 3-4 record but for sure some other tough ACC games ahead so I wait and hope.

    My point is the outright obvious disdain for a coach that may or may not be warranted? I don’t crap on someone who I don’t really know deserves it. I’m getting to the point I wish PN would just quit so I don’t have to read all the vitriol directed towards him.

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    1. I saw a coach like him when I went to school called Paul Hacket. Another coordinator who didnt have what it takes to be head coach and couldnt recruit. It was the beginning of a dark time for Pitt.

      Hes very well compensated. $3.5M should buy Pitt 9-10 wins every year.

      When its ‘us against the world’, its a gimmick used by teams to ‘unite’. I ask why is the world against you in the first place. In Pitt’s case, it is because they are a poorly coached team that is no better than mediocre on a good day. Narduzzi has thin skin.

      That saying is a defense mechanism. You dont hear anyone from Alabama ever using that silly phrase.

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  138. He’s a big boy Ike, he can take it. Him quitting would make us start over again just the same as him getting fired. I don’t know what’s going to happen the rest of the way but i’ll wait to reserve judgement till the end.

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