Here is a podcast that is a day past due but will explain some things that are going on with the blog of late. It is important to me and to the readers and commenters out in POV land to listen and 100% understand what my message and intent for the future is.

Corrections:  Pitt stands at 5-4 right now, not 4-4. Also, QB2 Jeff George, Jr played at Illinois last season – not Indiana. Here is what he did there:

George

Pitt is now the favorite to win the ACC Coastal, with a 47% chance, per FPI. The Panthers are trailed by Virginia Tech (18%), Virginia (13%), Miami (13%), and Georgia Tech (9%).  We certainly control our own destiny, don’t we?

Here are the offensive leaders for Pitt’s 2018 to date:

O week 911-5 stats

Again, if no one steps up to take over the POV at season’s end this will be the result…Shoot dog

 

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.

72 thoughts on “Delayed POV Sunday Podcast; 11/5/18”

  2. A bit depressing on a bit depressing Monday here in rainy Maryland.

    This blog has been great and would’ve with 10% of what you did here Reed. Thanks for all you have done to make it.

    Yes the posters are a huge part, none more than the “Why I am a Pitt fan” articles which were ALL amazing.

    What non-profit made the offer Reed, IF you don’t mind mentioning?

    H2P!!!! Let’s go win a few more starting Saturday!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Reed

    You have done a fantastic job with this blog. I enjoy it thoroughly. I think you will have some takers on the blog. You will be a hard act to follow.

    I understand you moving on and I greatly admire your commitment to volunteering.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Reed,

    Thanks and best wishes on your continued endeavors!

    As they used to say in my neighborhood, “You’re a good man Charlie Brown.”

    Like

  5. Reed I got burnt out myself blogging, so perhaps you just need to take a sabbatical away from all blogging for a period of time.

    But I do want to thank you for putting this blog up and the chance it’s given many of us to interact with each other. And the much needed Group Therapy it offer us long suffering Pitt alums and fans, during and following the football & basketball games.

    Though I never have met you, I feel like we are friends and it would be like we were long lost friends if we ever do meet.

    GOOD LUCK MY FRIEND ! Shalom

    Liked by 3 people

  6. Reed — Congrats to you on all the success you had in rescuing people during your Coast Guard service. Has to be most gratifying to know you helped so many at a time when they were fearing for their lives.

    We’ll surely miss you on the blog.

    Glad to hear your rehab is going well.

    Like

  7. Reed

    Day is busy and I have not had the time to listen to the podcast. But, based on the comments, it sounds like you plan to step aside. Let someone else run the blog. Fair deal, Clearly, you have put your heart and soul into this—and deserve a break.

    Please don’t disappear. Your thorough analysis cannot be replaced. I hope that you will do it when you have time and it is a joy to do—not a dreaded task.

    My best. Thanks for getting us “kids” ready to step in and take over.

    H2P

    Like

  8. Reed, your intentions were to start a PITT football blog. Yes, you did accomplished that for sure so another successful mission and a job well done. What you don’t get enough credit for is that even more impressive, you created a brand new family for so many of us. The friendships and stories shared her makes the POV not a PITT football Blog but a family.

    You say you’re looking to help people and I know your aim is true but, you seem to lose the fact of what you have accomplished here at the POV. For instance, I plan on going to Fran’s tailgate Saturday. I never knew Fran existed a few short years ago and now he has opened up his tailgate with open arms imploring strangers to attend. Something like 50 people are expected not including the Aston family

    I’ll meet with Bernie Friday night, He’s been to our house 3 times now (twice with JeanieB) bearing gifts just because he’s a great guy. I never met BigB in my life before the POV you created. I have 27 email addresses that I garnered from the POV. BTW, You and I have become closer friends as well. I could name all the new friends I have made from the POV but it would take me all night because I wouldn’t want to leave out one person off that list. That’s how much all these people mean to me.

    BUT! I get it Reed. If it’s time for you to move on then I wish you all the best. Just know what you leave behind and how much you did and exactly what you strive to do now, help people… ike you should call me…

    Liked by 4 people

    2. Ike, thanks for the kind words and let’s remember that I’ve also made new friends through the POV.

      It is by far the most commented on blog/website/media venue… That is because you all really do want to hear what others have to say on all the issues the POV raises in the articles then in turn the comments section.

      I hope listeners today get what I’m saying about my relationship with Pitt football… It has just faded away over time and as I’ve been more interested in other parts of my life. But that’s on me and not on Pitt football.

      I truly hope one or two people get together and take this over (you can designated as many “users” as you want on the blog’s account) and that may be the way to go.

      It would lessen the efforts needed of a single person and make it easier for each to split duties & articles.

      Like

  9. Guys (and Annie): I’ve got too much on my plate to take on the task of running the blog,

    However, I will make the commitment to anyone who steps in, that I will help with writing articles. Long long ago I wrote for the Pitt News, and I love both talking and writing about Pitt Football. So I do enjoy contributing when time permits.

    Reed: You are a hero to all of us for multiple reasons. Thank you for everything.

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Reed, I don’t normally get to listen to the podcasts, but I made time for this one. Thanks for all you’ve done and for doing it really well- focus, research, intent (big picture), etc. Well done sir! After listening to your podcast it was clear right away that it was time for you to move on (right after you mentioned you didn’t even watch the recent games live), and after listening to what your passions are that are driving you forward, I’m confident you are following your calling. Fantastic. Really odd listening to the guy behind the curtain (keep in mind I haven’t listened to podcasts in the past) and realize he has checked out in such a way, but again,congratulations on your decision, sometimes even the right decisions can be difficult. I liked the latest format too, it seemed to promote more civility somehow, not just among one another, but even toward our team/players (who are also sons/kids)- I hope this continues if the blog does.

    Generally speaking, I personally have always liked blogs formatted with balance like this one, not too many articles, and not all message board, but a good share of each.

    Hail to Pitt

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Hi Reed,

    I have enjoyed reading (and commenting on) your articles/posts going back to the Blather.
    Its been a pleasure meeting you and tipping glasses, breaking bread and discussing Pitt football. The community of wonderful like-minded people created by your efforts is truly special and in my opinion its your greatest achievement with the blog. No one has enough friends in this world and through this site I’ve been able to make a few more. Thank you for that.

    Perhaps a small group of reader/commenters will step forward and accept your offer to run the blog.I hope so. Lets see what happens at the tailgate this Saturday. Fingers crossed.

    I wish you the very best in whatever you choose to do going forward, but hope you won’t be a stranger on either POV 2.0 or whatever forum may succeed it.

    Liked by 2 people

  12. Reed, we’ve never met but I think I’ve come to know you over time through your many contributions to the blog. As you said, you have written literally over a million words on Pitt football, and the time spent gathering and studying Pitt and college football statistics has been simply amazing. I listened intently to your sign-off blog, and feel sad that you will no longer be producing a product that has captured the essence of Pitt football. I’m sad not because you are backing away from the blog production, but more so that you seem to have lost interest in Pitt football. It generally takes someone such as yourself to be the cog in the wheel so to speak. Maybe after some time away, you will at least regain your taste for Pitt football, and will return in a more limited capacity. I sure hope so… All the best, Reed.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. I can barely scrape together enough words for an occasional comment much less take over the POV. But please don’t shoot the dog😢.

    I’ve been a faithful reader from the Blather days and appreciate all your work, Reed.

    Like

  14. Reed,

    I understand your decision to step away.

    Truth is your ability to bring people together is a gift. The fact that your choosing to use the gift in more noble endeavors is very admirable.

    I had the pleasure of meeting you at several of Frans tailgates and consider you a friend. I would also like to share a quick story.

    The last time I saw Reed in person after some pre game drinks we walked with him into the stadium. When we were almost at the stadium Reed dropped our conversion to stop and give some money to a homeless women. Right then and there I knew this was a good guy.

    I would love to take over the blog. However, with a full time day job, a part time side hustle, two little kids, etc I just dont have the time.

    I hope some of my buddies here have the time. The POV makes me feel like a part of something even if it isn’t all that noble.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Reed,

      I understand your decision to step away.

      Truth is your ability to bring people together is a gift. The fact that your choosing to use the gift in more noble endeavors is very admirable.

      I had the pleasure of meeting you at several of Frans tailgates and consider you a friend. I would also like to share a quick story.

      The last time I saw Reed in person after some pre game drinks we walked with him into the stadium. When we were almost at the stadium Reed dropped our conversion to stop and give some money to a homeless women. Right then and there I knew this was a good guy.

      I would love to take over the blog. However, with a full time day job, a part time side hustle, two little kids, etc I just dont have the time.

      I hope some of my buddies here have the time. The POV makes me feel like a part of something even if it isn’t all that noble.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. One more Power of the Pov story.

        I loved the now retired round tables as it allowed us to put a face with a name.

        On Oct 28th I was boarding a plane bound for Orlando. I was missing the home game against Duke but was dawning the script on my sweatshirt proudly. I man approached and had the window seat beside me. I felt like I recognized him for some reason but did not say anything. As he sat down he said hey nice shirt. Then he said you do any blogging about Pitt.

        For the next 2.5 hrs me and Pittman4ever chewed the fat on Pitt football and life.

        Unbelievable

        Liked by 2 people

  15. Just my opinion, what Reed doesn’t understand is that what he is looking for is what he’s doing right here on the POV! Maybe not on the grandiose life saving venue he’s looking for but he’s making many many people happy. I guess the point is, it no longer makes Reed happy. Sad face . 😦

    Like

  16. Reed, God bless you for all you’e done to make this blog something to truly cherish by all us Pitt fans. I’m a seldom contributor but constant follower, and completely agree this is something very special and you can and should be proud of what you have done. Also, best of luck on your new endevours.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. I love the old saying………………………. Step away from the tree and see the whole forest! I use it often.

    Like

  18. Reed thanks for this blog and all the time and effort you put into it. Hope someone steps up and takes it over. One thing that needs to continue though is the need to keep things civil which is something you worked on diligently.

    Wish you well in your future endeavors. May they be as rewarding as your time in the Coast Guard!

    Like

  19. Since we are chucking the POV lets listen in. First Tom Petty cause I feel like I’m getting jammed: Only for the music lovers like me. others look away.

    Like

  20. Damn Ike, the whole purpose of this is so we don’t “chuck” the POV but have it stay on under new ownership.

    Someone will step up and you guys and gals will still have it to enjoy.

    Like

  21. Please see below a media advisory from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Ford Motor Company regarding Tony Dorsett’s visit to this Saturday’s Pitt-Virginia Tech game.

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    11/05/2018

    MEDIA ADVISORY: PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAMER TONY DORSETT TO HONOR ALMA MATER

    “HOMETOWN HALL OF FAMER™” PROGRAM, PRESENTED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY, PAYS TRIBUTE TO HOMETOWN ROOTS OF HALL OF FAMER

    What: The Pro Football Hall of Fame and Ford Motor Company are pleased to bring the Hometown Hall of Famer™ program to Tony Dorsett’s alma mater on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Dorsett will present the “Hometown Hall of Famer” plaque to the University of Pittsburgh making it the 124th school to become an “Official School of the Pro Football Hall of Fame” by accepting this historical commemorative plaque.

    Hometown Hall of Famer™ is a national program that honors the hometown roots of the greatest heroes of the game with special ceremonies and plaque dedication events in local communities.

    Dorsett will be on hand at his alma mater for a special ceremony and plaque presentation. Following the ceremony, the plaque will be on permanent display at the University of Pittsburgh.

    Photo and interview opportunities will be available.

    Who: Tony Dorsett, a 12-year NFL running back with the Dallas Cowboys (1977-1987) and Denver Broncos (1988), was a Super Bowl XII Champion with the Cowboys. Dorsett was named to four Pro Bowls, selected All-Pro three times and named to the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Dorsett became one of the most storied collegiate football players of all-time garnering the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award and a National Championship in 1976. Dorsett was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

    Date: Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018

    Time: Ceremony at 11:00am ET

    Media Availability to follow ceremony

    Location: University of Pittsburgh
    Heinz Field – PNC Champions Club
    100 Art Rooney Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA

    Liked by 1 person

  22. November 5, 2018

    Pat Narduzzi Press Conference

    Virginia Tech Week

    PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO

    HTML TRANSCRIPT LINK

    https://pittsburghpanthers.com/news/2018/11/5/football-pat-narduzzi-press-conference-virginia-tech-week.aspx

    PAT NARDUZZI: First of all, I’d like to thank you guys for kind of accommodating us with a little earlier time for several different reasons.

    Good to kind of put that chapter of the Virginia game away last night with our kids. Just kind of shutting it down. A lot of great things. First thing, started off, when you look at the game tape, was the toughness and resilience our kids played with really all three phases of the game. Starts with the opening kickoff where we cause a fumble. Don’t quite get the fumble which is always disappointing when a ball is on the ground, we don’t get it. Three guys touched it. Started with that first big hit.

    Offensively and defensively after that we established some toughness in the game. Again, it starts with running the football, stopping the run. That’s usually our intentions. Mr. Hillgrove asks me every week, What do we have to do? I tell him every week, I’m sure he hates to hear that, we were able to get that done.

    Very important this week against a Justin Fuente team. Hungry, probably angry, something to prove. I I’ll have an angry and hungry Pitt football team. Still goes through my mind fourth-and-one. Four downs at the one last year where we could have taken that game back to Pittsburgh. We’re going to play angry, as well.

    We got a chance to go 1-0 in the ACC again this week. That’s our goal, where our focus is, really just on this game, nothing else, which has been the story all year really, just focusing on the next one.

    We got a great opportunity hopefully in front of a big crowd here at Heinz Field. Should be a game of the ages.

    Questions.

    Q. November 5th, leading the Coastal Division. You said, I think my kids are aware of where they are. At this point do you talk about it?
    PAT NARDUZZI: I didn’t address it last night. I’m not going to address it. There’s still a bunch of hungry teams sitting below us. Doesn’t really matter. I know they read on Twitter all that stuff. I guess I don’t have to address it.

    I’m going to address what we need to take care of, the business at hand. All that doesn’t matter if we don’t do what we needed to.

    Again, the focus has got to be on the preparation we need to do to win this football game, period. Nothing else matters. Those standings mean absolutely nothing. They really don’t. What are we going to do, stare at those, Google those all day, look at them on Twitter. If that’s our focus, you got a problem.

    Q. Did you pay attention to the Saturday games this weekend?
    PAT NARDUZZI: Really doesn’t matter. I didn’t. I actually watched the second half of the Virginia Tech game, my daughter pulled it up. “Can you get this darn game?” She pulled it up on Apple TV. I got to watch the second half. Didn’t watch any of the Miami-Duke.

    I was just watching ball, flicking channels as much as I could. Never got that game. Really didn’t matter. Doesn’t matter. We just got to take care of our business. I just wanted to watch some good football on Saturday.

    Q. What did you watch instead? What did you want to watch?
    PAT NARDUZZI: At the end? I just wanted to see it. What was I watching before that?

    Q. If it were up to you, what would you have been watching?
    PAT NARDUZZI: I don’t even remember. So long ago, I don’t know what the heck I was watching. I don’t remember. I know in the evening we watched that Alabama-LSU game. That was the last game, so I remember the last one I watched.

    Q. A lot of times when a team faces adversity, they can’t bounce back from it. Why do you think this team was able to bounce back from the early season troubles?
    PAT NARDUZZI: It’s been a nice job by our assistant coaches and coaches overall. It’s really the leadership in this room, in our seniors that sit up in front, just keeping everybody on track.

    Ultimately you play one game at a time. To me it comes down to the overall leadership of the program. What are we doing? We just got to keep moving on and focusing on what we can do to change things.

    Obviously we didn’t get to start the way we wanted to. I don’t think anybody has played five top-25 football teams in the country, which we have. We faced five of them so far. Wasn’t an easy schedule. Everybody knew it wasn’t an easy schedule coming into the year.

    After the game is over, no one says, “But it’s a hard schedule.” What other way would you want it? Our kids read on Twitter, as we know, they know what’s going on. They know who we play.

    To me that’s coaching. It’s always the hardest coaching. It’s easy to win and keep them going. But it’s always harder to keep them alive, keep the kids engaged, keep them believing. I think it’s a great job by our coaching staff.

    Q. Do you change anything tactical-wise, approach-wise?
    PAT NARDUZZI: No. Stick with what you do. I think any time you start to change what you do, I think the kids notice that. They say, “Okay, the other stuff didn’t work.” We do what we do, offensively, defensively, structurally. Our days don’t change. We try to keep things as similar, as familiar with the kids as we possibly can.

    Q. You mentioned how that leadership is there. You’ve been talking about that since early July. Saturday is going to be the Senior Day for a lot of those guys. How much more special is this going to be for you with a quality group of guys?
    PAT NARDUZZI: Yeah, I mean, we didn’t need to win it any more than we need to win the next one or last one. Obviously Senior Day is always an emotional day for our kids, families, parents, aunts, uncles, high school player that may be walking a player out there on game day.

    It’s an emotional game. Sometimes the emotions can get to you and be a negative as well. We got to make sure that doesn’t happen. It is emotional. I think our kids will be cranked up for it.

    It’s always tough saying good-bye, but again we have two more games, not home games afterwards, that are guaranteed that we can play with the team again. But it’s the last time for them to be in Heinz Field, which is a big day for those kids. It will be an emotional day for everybody in the program.

    Q. Dewayne Hendrix had a big game at Virginia with two-and-a-half sacks. Is he showing signs of being the player you always thought he would be?
    PAT NARDUZZI: Yeah, I mean, Dewayne has had a good year all year really. There’s things about Dewayne that have just gotten better and better. I notice on the sideline, our offense has the ball, I think, I don’t think it’s a timeout, but I know defense is on the bench, right behind me, maybe 10 yards. I’m hearing Dewayne go off on the sideline. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard that.

    Dewayne is always listening, nicest kid in the world, listening what everybody has to say. He went off leading. We talk about seniors leading. Every game, I think he’s feeling confident enough, well enough in what’s going on, he’s now stepping up and saying stuff, which is awesome. That’s what he needs to do.

    I think we mentioned it after the game, he just has studied the game. Maybe I mentioned it to Larry (Richert) on the radio. I guess he’s really attaching himself to the details of this game. It’s not about how big, fast, strong you are, but the knowledge is starting to kick in with them as far as tendencies. At practice, “Coach, wait a second now, if they do this…” He’s putting it all together.

    Sometimes it takes a little bit longer. But he’s a smart kid. He’s really starting to take advantage of the things he knows about on offense. He’s not worried about what he’s doing, he’s worried about what the other guys are doing. That’s helping him play bigger, better, faster.

    Q. You have two guys at running back who are capable of going back and forth. For other teams that becomes a problem. One guy wants to be the dude. With Qadree and Darrin, that does not seem to be the case? They support each other.
    PAT NARDUZZI: That’s a great point. You talk about selflessness. That running back room is a couple doors down here. I hope the young guys in that room are taking notice to those two guys, how they act. Again, I’m sure you guys got brothers in here, been around brothers. Those two guys get along better than brothers. Brothers fight a heck of a lot more than those two do. Those two get along so well. They understand the role. They understand they’ve got to come out and compete every day in practice.

    They’re not worried about “me, me.” They’re worried about “we, we.” I think any time you’ve got really a football team that’s not worried about that, we talked at halftime about just sticking together, guys. Don’t go off on your own and worry about yourself, stick together as a team. Second half we’re down by three. Those two are the epitome of togetherness, selflessness.

    Q. You talked about how much impact Kenny Pickett can have on the running game. How much do you feel he had an impact in the game?
    PAT NARDUZZI: All the unknown. I’m glad you brought it up. All the unknown. All the things he’s doing back there with signals, the loudness, giving some of these, doing some of these, letting receivers know what’s going on as well as just barking out in a pretty loud environment, especially with the band, the music going till the end, all the way up until we’re about ready to snap the ball.

    Kenny is a big part. You’re not just handing the ball off blindly every snap. You’re not doing it. From his quarterback sneaks to all the different run checks, all the things he has to look at pre-snap, he’s done an incredible job.

    Obviously we want our passing game to be better. We talked about that last night. Something we need to work on. When you run the ball as effectively as we are right now, you hope you have some bigger shots, big plays in the pass game. We’re not getting those. We still need to be more explosive in the pass game, period, to get where we want to go.

    Q. Halftime of the game Friday night, (ESPN’s) Joey Galloway said the officials are trying too hard to protect players. Have you seen that this year?
    PAT NARDUZZI: Yeah, I mean, you watch games on Saturday, I think there was an awful one Saturday night, I forget what game it was. It wasn’t an ACC official so let’s stick there. (smiles) I don’t think I watched much ACC football.

    Yeah, I think they are. They’re saying, “Oh, it’s not targeting,” but you still get penalized for it. What are we doing? That’s all I’ll say on that. Don’t bait me, Jerry. (laughter)

    Q. What stands out about Virginia Tech’s defense this year, the front four?
    PAT NARDUZZI: They lost a couple guys to graduation, number one. They’re still Bud Foster’s defense. You take the Georgia Tech game out of it, they’re still playing at a high level. They’re still explosive up front. They’re attacking. They get on you. They’re playing a lot of man, a lot of quarters like we do. They get in your face, they’re aggressive. They haven’t changed their style. Foster does a great job.

    It will be a challenge. They’ll always play us up. They like to pack it in the box. We like to put them in the box. It’s going to be a smash-mouth football game.

    Q. You talk about not getting caught looking at the standings. Is there something to embracing what comes with this week, everyone who is a part of this program came here, was a part of playing a big game like this? Any sort of embracing this moment and opportunity?
    PAT NARDUZZI: Not really. I mean, you can embrace it all you want. It’s a football game. It’s just one game. It means nothing unless you win it. We can’t worry about a premature victory, something we did. We haven’t done anything yet. We really haven’t done anything. We got a long way to go. We can become a better football team this week with a Tuesday practice, a Wednesday practice and a Thursday practice. Premature victories are no good. We’re not looking for one, either.

    Q. When you think about what a Narduzzi football game is supposed to look like, you run the ball, physical on defense, was that what happened on Friday at Virginia?
    PAT NARDUZZI: Kind of what you want. Old school game. That’s who we are, what the city of Pittsburgh is. I’d say that’s it. I’d still like to throw the ball better. There’s a lot of things we’d like to do better. But I’d like the weather to be better. I hear there might be a sun out on Saturday in Heinz Field at 3:30. That’s a bonus, at least last time I looked.

    I’m a weather guy, too. I do look at the weather. I check the weather, especially with these rainy games. The staff must laugh at me. Got to do some wet ball drills today, looks like we have rain Saturday.

    Supposed to be a sunny day Saturday. Should be a heck of a game.

    Q. Do you think you found your identity as a team at Virginia?
    PAT NARDUZZI: I know what our identity is. It’s whether we can win doing it all the time. Your identity has to change weekly I think. You have to mold your offense and defense to what your team is doing. It’s not going to be a smash-mouth football game all the time. Sometimes you get to the point where you can’t do it, then what are you going to do? We can’t be handcuffed to say that’s all we are.

    We’re going to find a way to win the football game. That was the goal Friday night: to find a way to do it. That’s our goal this week offensively and defensively. They’re working in rooms right now trying to figure out what we need to do to win this football game. It’s different than last week. Virginia game was different than the Duke game, so forth.

    Q. How much is this one that having those fans at Heinz Field will give you a home-field advantage?
    PAT NARDUZZI: You talk about standings. You can talk about standings all the time. Maybe the fans should look at the standings, “Let’s get to Heinz Field on Saturday.” That’s the key.

    For those kids, the seniors, they look at that. That makes them feel good. The 12th man up there. All the fans in Heinz Field, they were loud last game. I don’t know how many were there, I don’t really care. I know our kids care. It will make a huge difference if they get the support they should, based on what they’ve done so far.

    Our kids play with a lot of heart. We know it’s going to be a battle on Saturday afternoon. Should be a beautiful day.

    Q. What is the key to your better defensive play?
    PAT NARDUZZI: Focus maybe. I mean, just focus. We talk a lot about consistency. I said it after the game. We need to stack good games defensively on top of another one. Same thing offensively. You went from the Duke game to the Virginia game. Can we put them on top of each other and play great defense.

    I still don’t think we played a complete game yet. Still not what we want on all phases. We may not ever get it. But that’s what we’re striving for, is perfection in all three phases, the consistency is what we need.

    I think it comes down to focus and playing disciplined football, doing your job, not worrying about doing somebody else’s. I know it sounds cliché. Look at the tape, what are you doing, stay on your guy, read your keys. When you do the details right, you have a chance to be successful.

    I think our kids were locked in and focused on both sides of the ball Friday night. They have to be really locked in and focused for a good football team in here.

    Q. What do you see from Ryan Willis? Is their offense any different?
    PAT NARDUZZI: It’s a little bit different. I just see a composed quarterback that is throwing the ball probably better, which is really not what we want to see. We’ve really been good at stopping the run. We have to be better at stopping the pass.

    They do a great job with their screen game. He knows where to go with the football. I’m not saying he knows where to go better than Jackson. He’s just done a nice job. He’s still a young player. Was he a redshirt junior? He hasn’t played a lot, maybe 11 games or so. But he runs the offense. Goes through him. He’s done a nice job.

    Q. You touched on last year’s game. Is it a point of emphasis for the kids themselves or a point of emphasis you talking about it?
    PAT NARDUZZI: I think it’s a little bit of both. I didn’t mention it to our kids yet. I just mentioned it to you because it still bothers me. I know it bothers the offensive line. Whether they’ll talk about it or not, it’s fact, it’s reality, it’s what it was.

    I think Friday night (at Virginia), when it’s fourth-and-one at our 11-yard line, kind of gives you the indication of how we feel, how much trust and faith we have in our offensive line to get it done when it’s a fourth-and-one. I think that’s key.

    Like

  24. I’m going to add a couple items to my earlier MMQB comments having just watched the game on DVR:

    GREAT (a new category – reserved for wins only)

    George Aston’s blocking. Phenomenal.

    GOOD:
    Kenny Pickett’s lunge for a 1st down on a scramble in the 1st half.

    UGLY:
    Mathis Unsportsmanlike Conduct near the end of the game. Stupid, stupid, stupid. ESPN showed the whole thing twice for good measure

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Been to the Syria Mosque many many times but not that concert. Did see the band front for someone but the headliner escapes my mind. Maybe the Stones? or Clapton at three rivers? I can listen to the Band and Dylan all day. Then again. I can listen to almost all music all day. Retirement has been good to me. In fact, I was born to retire.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. The Band opened for Clapton in his 1974 comeback tour at 3 Rivers, and gave a great performance. Clapton was a bug fan of theirs and recorded an album at Shan-Ri-La (Band;s recording studio) a couple of years later. I also saw the Band a few months after the Clapton show when they were one of the opening acts for CSNY $-Way Street Tour up in Cleveland.

        Like

    2. and a big LOL!. Only smoked hash on Sundays listening to “Houses of the Holy” Well there were a few exceptions.

      Like

  27. Reed, Thanks for everything you have done and continue to do on the pov. I haven’t found another sports blog even close to it in quality. I’m not surprised that it is wearing you out. You do a great and thorough job. I know we have a number of posters who are very talented who are likely to expand their contributions and they will keep the thing going. Hell, I’ll even try to expand my meager contributions a bit. Hopefully, someone will emerge to quarterback the blog. The ideal would be to have you continue as coach but that seems like too much to ask and too much like your current role. Perhaps Sr. Consultant would be appropriate if you would accept it or if that is too formal just “that guy who started this thing and made it work who we talk to sometimes when we are truing to figure out how to………….” Thanks again for everything. You have made a difference with us long suffering Pitt fans.

    On another matter, someone mentioned that you might need a ride to Pittsburgh for the game. I’ll be picking up my brother in Oakland Mills around 10:00 on Friday and we’ll be driving back on Sunday. We would be delighted to have you join us if you would like. Hell, I’ll even check my email regularly in case you would like the ride. H2P! opfm/ Dirty Rich/ Soccergramps

    Liked by 2 people

  28. Haven’t read this site most of the season. Has anyone given Watson the blame for Pickett’s limited development? Watson’s play calling lacks imagination; shows limited intelligence and no trust in the throwing game.
    Pickett’s throwing motion doesn’t have the follow through he had earlier. Is Watson ruining Pickett?

    Watson needs to be replaced.

    Like

    1. agree that Pickett’s progress as a passer has been the biggest offensive disappointment this year. But not sure if some has to do with Pickett’s reluctance to take chances, All of his throws seem to be pretty safe, he rarely seems to throw over the middle. Don’t know if this is by design or Pickett’s choice.

      I sat in the 5th level vs GA Tech and saw a handful of times when WRs were open on crossing patterns or turn-ins, but Pickett chose to pass elsewhere. Don’t get me wrong …. it’s much easier for me to see the entire field from where I was than where Pickett was, and I didn’t have to worry about getting sacked.

      Like

    2. There has been some discussion of it. Personally, I think he has done a better and better job as the season progresses. If you focus on what we do presnap, it has gotten more complex and more creative as the year has gone on. Sure, the passing game leaves much to be desired. Part of that I think falls on the Pickett, part of that falls on the O-line, and part falls on Watson. Part of it probably also falls on receivers who fail to get open. And it doesn’t help our passing stats when wide open receivers drop passes, Pickett throws behind an open receiver, etc. — Watson deserves the credit for designing/calling those plays, it’s not his fault the players fail to execute. But overall, I think Watson has been okay, and certainly better than he was earlier.

      Like

  29. C’mon Ike, let’s be fair. Reed doesn’t owe anyone on here anymore of his time and effort as he feels he can offer.

    Let’s be glad for the great run the POV has had and pray that someone finds the wherewithal to step in and take the baton that Reed is passing. We can hope the POV is a marathon and not a sprint. Yes is may not be the same, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be great.

    Liked by 1 person

  30. When a hobby becomes a job it’s easy to lose your passion and once you lose your passion it’s difficult to rekindle the original spark. Moving from the Blather to the POV took your passion from a hobby to a job. My wife loves yoga but she won’t become an instructor for that reason. Here is to you finding that passion again … Just don’t let it become a job. Based on you turning down the nonprofit, I have a feeling that you understand this. Good luck, and thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. If Pitt fans aren’t in their seats to applaud this senior class on Senior Day, then shame on them. I’m talkin’ George Aston, Q . Ollison, D. Hall, C. Dintino, Herndon, Bookser, and the list goes on…

    So I know this is heresy, and please forgive me, but I hope Fran shuts down the pre-game tailgate a bite early on Saturday.

    Hail to Pitt!!

    Like

    1. MM – what time should we be in our seats for the SR ceremony?

      Herndon was the ACC Olineman of the week and D.Hall the ACC RB of the week. Hail to the SR’s!

      Also, Pitt made Kirk Herbstreet’s “Performance Top 5 list” and Duzz made Herbie’s top 10 coaches of the week, right behind #4 Holgy.

      I’ve got friends coming to the VT game from York, Pittsburgh & Erie who rarely attend Pitt games. I’m trying to do my part to hide the yellow seats. The Pitt administration has done nothing that I know of to give incentives to season ticket holders to help fill the stadium.

      Unless the administration know’s something I don’t about the attendance…the pedo’s that bought season tickets won’t show and the Burg media will be sure to let everyone know about the size or lack of size of the crowd come Sunday morning.

      LET’s GO PITT – LET’s GO PITT,

      Narduzzi acknowledge how load the Pitt fans were at the UVA game. He said we were noticed and the players appreciated the support.

      Could anyone hear us on TV? JoeL and Richman lead the Pitt section in a very well sung version of Sweet Caroline that the POV cast would be proud of (I think 🤔?).

      GOOD: effort from all aspects of the team – O, D, kicking, returns and coaching.
      Tailgating in the rain.
      Beating a top 25 team on national TV.
      The POV’s brief run – hoping it continues – if not, a lot of friendships formed with good people.

      BAD: passing game and the WR’s have no imagination when KP scrambles.

      UGLY: the rain – worse than psux.

      Don’t forget to vote today.

      Like

        1. EE — I called Pitt but the young lady said everyone was in a meeting. After a bit of a wait she came back on and said pretty much my guess. That is, be there at least 20 minutes before kickoff to see the senior’s individually introduced. But I’d put it more like half an hour — I like to see the band come out…

          Hail to Pitt.

          Like

  33. EE…you are correct in shutting down the pre game tailgate one hour prior to kickoff. (Need to get a bobblehead haha)
    MM…also correct that we will have a good victory celebration.
    H2P

    Like

  34. I just don’t see a big crowd of 50,000+ happening. Yeah, it will have more people than Duke, if not simply because of the fact that there are probably more VT alums than Duke alums residing in Western Pa. and this game is an easier trip for VT fans than Duke fans. But I just don’t see an unusually large number of people coming to sit in 30 degree weather. Maybe between 40,000 and 50,000, but I don’t see more than 50,000. Of course, the fans can be still be loud and give the seniors the send off they deserve. Announced attendance at Duke game was like 30,000 and many left by the 2nd half, but it was still quite loud at the end of that game.

    I hope I am wrong and the masses show up!

    Like

  35. forecast is for no rain but cold with a high of 40. My guess Pitt will be lucky if the attendance is in the mid 40s. Hope I’m wrong.

    Like

  36. As much as it takes a village, Reed is the POV. I am pretty doubtful that anyone will take over his blog. Certainly not with the same passion and prolific and substantive writing that he has done. I have said before that the thing that really set Reed and his blog apart is that he interacts with his followers and defends his positions. Doesn’t mind when you disagree with him until you make it personnel. There probably will be other blogs that follow, but there will never be another POV, because Reed is one of a kind.

    Reed, I want to thank you for all you have done on our behalves to make our lives a lot more enjoyable. You embody the true meaning of leadership.

    Like

  37. Reed,
    Thank you for all of your contributions to this site, Pitt football, and this community. This site is truly a great place for information and insights to the Pitt football program. I do not post comments often, but am a daily loyal follower. Hopefully, we can keep this thing moving forward. I haven’t been to a Pitt home game in years, I am coming to VT this weekend (section 134) and plan to stop by the tailgate.

    Liked by 1 person

  38. Soccergramps, thanks for the offer but I’ll pass. Saturday is right before Veterns Day and I’m fully booked to do Veteran Pinning ceremonies all day then and on Sunday.

    The fact that these recognition ceremonies are a VA Outreach program coordinated by local hospices means these are end-of-life men and women who mostly served in WWII or Korea…which in my opinion makes them extra special.

    I love these ceremonies because I learn about the veteran’s military history and talk with them about it in detail which makes them very proud and happy someone is acknowledging something that in most cases they never talked about themselves. That opens eyes with their children sometimes.

    I put a different and personal spin on these when I do them. I have a bunch of different Services’ Challenge Coins and I give one to the kids or wife to slip into the Vet’s coffin when the time comes for the Vet’s ‘final deployment’.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Challenge_coin

    Then I usually give a short 2-3 minute speech about what military service is all about and what the veteran’s time in service meant to other citizens and to all who followed him in his particular branch of the military.

    Just a month ago I was doing one with a WWII Navy veteran and we were told in advance that he was about to die but his wife asked us to still do a full ceremony. As I did my final thing which is thanking him on behalf of a grateful nation and then giving the veteran a final and full three-count hand salute he passed on right as I finished.

    Hearing is always the last sense to go so, I believe and hope, the last thing he heard was his being appreciated and thanked for his military service. Of course after all was done I sat in my car and cried like a baby…which I do at the drop of a hat.

    Some of these ceremonies are an hour or so drive each way so it takes up a full half day sometimes.These are small things on life’s grand scale but they are also the most effective tasks of volunteerism I have done, or seen done, so far.

    Before my surgery I averaged 2-3 ceremonies a week and there are always more to do. So, I’ll be pretty busy with that, and other things, in the future which factored heavily in my decision about the blog.

    Liked by 2 people

  40. I never understood people that just eat tickets or try to sell them for double the price instead of giving them away to a fellow fan. At least sell them for face value. If you aren’t going to the game let another Pitt fan fill the seat.

    Sure some are PSU fans and scalpers, but there are many alumni that do it.

    Like

  41. I watched the Steelers – Ravens game with two friends and filled them in on Steelers’ DE Hayward’s father Ironhead and the awesome stories about his time as a Panther.

    Also about Conner’s backstory…

    Liked by 1 person

  42. except for Curtis Martin and Reuben Brown, a Thursday night game vs Miami in 97, the miracle 4th & 17 vs WVU, and the final game at Pitt Stadium vs ND … 1990s Pitt FB was a pretty much a disaster.

    Like

  43. Looking at StubHub, it appears that there are fewer tickets available and prices are slightly higher, but I agree that we probably won’t hit 50,000. I think the mid 40’s is about right. But it should be a pretty rambunctious bunch.

    My philosophy on all Pitt games is going in fully expecting a loss. That way I am not devastated when it happens and like a little kid on Christmas when we win.

    This game will be won or lost by the players. Like all games the team that executes and makes the most big plays will win.

    Although, I still believe that recruiting has been below the line, I really think that Narduzzi and his staff are getting the most out of the players they do have. These kids are making big plays and do not quit and a lot of that has to do with coaching.

    I know however, when we lose again, it will be all Narduzzi and Watson’s fault in the eyes of many. It is never that the other team played better than we did.

    I laugh when Carter has a breakout game that the coaches are at fault for not playing him sooner. It was the same thing with Pickett last year. We could have won more games if he would have played earlier.

    Well, we now know that is not true. I am not as disappointed and down on Pickett as many seem to be, now going as far as blaming Watson. This is because, I didn’t expect him to be the superstar that some did. I actually think he is coming along very nicely and that the Duke game was a breakout game for him. He completed two game changing passes that we hadn’t seen yet. Last week was not a setback in any way.
    He did what he needed to get the win, that is what I want in a QB. I think he will continue to get better, but probably won’t go pro after his junior year, like some speculated.

    Anyone that doesn’t fully expect Pitt to stub it’s toe down the stretch hasn’t been watching for the last 35 years. If Narduzzi and company pull this off, they should get a lot of credit, if they don’t, some of the blame, but no one should be calling for his head, although many will.

    VT and Miami are just as capable of beating us than we are of beating them, it will get down to who makes more plays. We should be able to handle Wake, but if we overlook them, anything is possible.

    This is the last game at home so let’s hope our fans do the unexpected and show up.

    Liked by 3 people

    2. gc — excellent post. Agree with you on KP. He just needs to hit a few more passes per game and he would be excellent.

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  44. Reed, you did a great job with the POV. It gave many people pleasure. My adult daughter said to me “I don’t get sports” the other day (meaning sport fandom). Pitt football is not Pitt. Why we are so wrapped up in it is a question that we are not interested in. We either are or we aren’t. During the time it was important to you you made many Pitt fans very happy. I am one of those and I thank you so much for the enjoyment you gave me.

    Like

  45. As I have written before, I read the POV last after all the other blogs and newspaper sites. I do this because your leadership has shown the foresight of providing a thematic focus to each of your daily posts. Then you have the ability to add to those posts with data either to support a point or to whet your readers’ appetites to respond. Thank you so much for your efforts. Sorry to be so paltry with my compliments, but I am still shaken by your heartfelt comments regarding the ceremony for the veteran who passed away as you were speaking. Tears filled my eyes too, Reed. Blessings to you as you go forward with your life.

    Like

  46. Reed, thank you for having the energy and vision to start this juggernaut blog. The camaraderie of the group you created is too strong to let it wither on the vine . Best wishes for continued success with those endeavors the make you happiest moving forward !

    Like

  47. Volunteering can get into one’s blood and it is a feel good exercise for sure. It will also land you on the volunteer list and the calls will be coming in. Just like when we gave money to charitable causes. The phone doesn’t stop ringing now.

    Like

  49. Reed, Got your message and while we will miss you, your volunteer work with vets moving toward their final deployment is so much more important. During my service in the USAF as a young Lt. I served with ncos and officers who had served in ww II, many on bomber crews and they had moved on to working in a hospital setting after the war. They were absolutely the greatest. They had extremely positive attitudes and really understood teamwork and were very, very effective in their jobs. They earned the name “The Greatest Generation.” I believe the example they provided and their participation in our democracy are major reasons why we were so much more unified post war and able to accomplish so much more than now. Anything you can do for these guys and gals as they move to their final deployment is wonderful. God bless you and thank you. Soccergramps.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. Just a heads up for those of us who are going to the game and are vets. We are entitled , per an act of Congress to keep our caps on and give the military salute during the national anthem. Sources: Announced at U. of Mich. stadium each year for the last several years and Congressman Rappensberger’s office. H2P!, Soccer Gramps

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.