Just a quick one tonight because I have a job that takes way too much of my time, but want to give you football fans something new to comment on.

First, even though we had a disappointing loss last week, we are still going to the ACC Championship, and this is pretty damn cool.  Regardless of what the betting line is.

Second, For those going to Charlotte, there is a Pitt POV tailgate hosted by our brother Fran (LastRowofSection4).  Find us at 118 South Church Street.  It will run from about 3:00 until 4:30.

4:30 is when the official Pitt Alumi event @BB&T Stadium starts.  You need to pre-register by tomorrow.  Get your ticket now by clicking this link.  They are $25 and include two drink tickets.   Should be a great way to tune up for the game.

Speaking of the game (prediction thread to hit on Friday so hold off on those please), here are some game notes:

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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.

106 thoughts on “ACC Championship Week: Bits and Pieces”

  1. Thanks for posting the game day info Mike…won’t have room for the flagpole in my buddy’s vehicle (5 people coming in it)
    Just look and listen for Dr. Wups, Big B.
    The lot is not that big. We hope to get there around 3:00.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. lots of good data, MM.

    Looks like Jeff Brohm is not going to his alma mater and settle for his present job at Purdue where he makes $6M per. B1G makes big $$.

    Look for Louisville to pursue ex-HC Charlie Strong who had a good 1st stint there.

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        1. Although in all fairness…Borbley has done a VERY nice job bringing the line along as run blockers. It’s his pass blocking coaching that continues to worry me. Watson also has improved in my estimation but that last Miami game knocked him down a couple of pegs.

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          1. Four guards and one tackle isn’t a recipe for being a good ass-blocking unit. Yes, Bookser is a guard.

            Next year will be a huge test for Borbley, but he has done a very nice job this season.

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    1. I’ve never seen scooter drive but I sat next to him at a game and that is enough for me to say LOL

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  4. Ken Whizenhunt (sp?) Is being floated as the frontrunner for the Georgia Tech job. He is an alum there so his path there would be similar to Wanny at Pitt.

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    1. And you have to wonder how he transitions from a triple option roster to a Ken Wizenhunt offense?

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  5. One overlooked fact about Watson is that as Pickett’s position coach his departure could affect Pickett’s development. I wonder if replacing him at this point is a good idea.

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    1. Perhaps Scooter’s doctor, knowing how fired-up Scooter gets, suggested he take a pass on this game… 😊

      (Just kidding Scooter! You’re a great Pitt fan!)

      Go Pitt.

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  8. So sounds like Fran is taking his “Franchise” tailgate on the road. Which is really great for those of you going to the big game. 👍

    I have a suggestion for Heather and Coach Duzz to help with recruiting —whenever Pitt brings a recruit to a game at Heinz, the first stop for the recruit should be an introduction to Fran and BigB at Fran’s tailgate.

    That may be enough to get a commitment right then and there… 😊

    Go Pitt!

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Doing what we can John…limited in that I’m not driving so some stuff is out of my hands. But I plan on having fun!
    Got 23 road warriors that verbally committed. Haha.

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    1. A repeat of 2007’s…13-9. The Hoopies were #2 and had to lose for Ohio Fake to get the NC game invite.

      Clemson is #2 this year and have to lose for Suburban Urban’s last hurrah into the playoff

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  11. Based on last weeks game I do believe our offensive line has reversed back to the level of play as was the case versus PSU. Running will be difficult and pass blocking almost non existent.

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    1. Thus the 13-9 prediction by others above.

      Safe travels to all POV game attendees. Have fun and enjoy the game. And remember it is just a game, and no one outside of the Pitt fan base is picking an upset.

      H2P!

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  12. It truly is pretty damn cool that Pitt is in the championship game.

    This team, over the course of the season, was the best of the Coastal. So they earned it.

    If this team had the offense they beat Clemson with a few years back (Conner, Peterson, Orndoff, etc.), they would have a good shot in this game because this Pitt team has a better D. The offense is one dimensional which will kill them with CLemson’s D line.

    Morrisey being out certainly hurt them last week. Hargrove could not pick up the stunts because of his inexperience and Dintino struggled at center. They will improve this week, but not enough.

    This isn’t an SOP Pitt team. They actually performed to their ability and sometimes above it. They are what they are, a slightly above average team in my opinion. Top 30, on the top 25 bubble.

    I will jump on Reed’s soap box. This team MUST win their bowl game or the season becomes a downer finishing with three losses.

    I think it is reasonable to expect Pitt to be in the top 25 every year. This is a start.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Speaking of Clemson’s Dline, I warn you not to read Brian Batko’s PG article today. He writes about the amazing size and athleticism of Clemson’s top five defensive linemen. Scary…

      Batko mentions that one of them, 6-4, 315, is a 5th year senior from Mass. who Duzz recruited while at Mich State…

      But the other DT is 6-4 and 350! Oh, and a 6-4, 265 DE has 11 sacks and was named ACC defensive player of the year…

      Good luck Pitt Oline!

      Go Pitt.

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  13. MAM, if there are end of year awards, I believe Fran should be MVP for all of the work on the tailgates , Home and away. It is a thankless job at times, and he has to put up with Scooter.

    Official mascot would be BIG B. Coach of the year Reed of course.

    Offensive coordinator would be UPitt, because…wait for it…he’s offensive. Bah dum Ching!
    Just kidding you UPitt. Joe L and I would co-share the cheerleader award, as both of us are not alums but are some of Pitts biggest fans.

    Just a thought.

    Liked by 3 people

  15. While an upset would be fantastic for Pitt’s legend as a giant killer, it would really hurt the ACC to lose a playoff game or two, therefore if you think the refs were one sided a few times this year, you ain’t seen nothing yet. We are already known as a most penalized team so it plays into the narrative.

    I am really interested in whether our O-line picks themselves up, dusts themselves off etc….

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  16. The way I look at it..we lost to the worst of the worst in the Coastal division in Chapel and lost to (probably) the best in Miami-I will not going out of my way making excuses for how our team executed or Jimmy’s” freak” season ending injury…so I have no idea how our boys will perform on the field on national TV this Saturday night…but they will be very well reprensented by true PITT fans occupying seats in the Charlotte and in front of TV sets across America..and we will shout in unison “LET’s GO PITT.” Hoping for the best…

    Injury report..BigB is sidelined with a bout of BigBbigtoe gout caused by too many consecutive tailgates/libations!!! I will not be drinking …..unless we win…I am listed as probable on the depth chart.

    Bringing my son Ben to the game…Ben got to play with Curtis Enis at Kiski Prep when he was a skinny sophomore and Curt, a senior, would go on to become an All-American at Penn State. He is really excited about coming to the game and bought himself some PITT gear for the game…Looking forward to a father-son week-end…so many good things in my life have revolved around these PITT Panthers..love it !!!

    WUPsumclemsumass !!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. BIGB, I suffered with gout for many years. My rheumatologist finally has it under control. A combination of Mitigare and Prednisone works wonders for flair ups and prophylactic ally if you plan on misbehaving.
      In any case contact me at gconn68@gmail.com and I will tell you the whole story.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Atlanta Panther here…thought I would tell you I finally signed up! Heading to Charlotte in 48 hours

    I’m probably crazy, but with no one, absolutely NO ONE giving us a chance in this game, I actually think we have a shot at playing pretty well and easily beat the spread. Pitt will play loose…what do they have to lose? You know that Clemson thinks this game is a foregone conclusion and is already looking forward to their matchup with Notre Dame(?)

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  19. do you think I could sneak a half full 1/2 gal of crown onto the plane…the lucky Crowns work well together as a team…wish I knew haw to post the pics of our little brown jugs…so the POVerts know what we are talkin bout …

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Calling for a high of 60 and a low of only 57 for Saturday night, here in the Mid-South. Bring ur rubbers though.

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  24. Interesting that both the Stillers and Pitt’s winning streaks came to an end. To teams that have Orange as their main color.

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    1. Haha thanks Fran, I don’t know if I can accept MVP but I’ll definitely take the 12th man award

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  27. Safe travels everyone. I hope Pitt is well represented. Hope its not too rainy and the Panthers put up a good fight.

    If Pitt plays lose and aggressive, they will make a game of it. Pitt has nothing to lose and are a dangerous team.

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  28. Motivation for Narduzzi? With no data to back this up, I suspect the coaches get a bonus for winning the Coastal and a huge one if they win the ACC. Beating Miami, not so much.

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  30. The Orange played Clemson tough. But they couldn’t run at all — gaining 60 yards with only about 3 yards per carry. They did pass for 250 yards, but it took them 26 completions to do it.

    Surprisingly, Clemson only had one sack against Syracuse, even though the Orange threw over 40 passes…

    Go Pitt!

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  32. gc, get the gout about 2 times a year but with reason to celebrate its return to my right biggie toe as my PITT PANTHER Party adventures are a big contributing factor….colcrys is working…hopefuly I am cleared to play on Saturday…thanks for the gchotlineforgoutyrelief….

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  33. Never thought I would see the day when bigb and jack lambert were mentioned in the same note. BigB, if you are struggling to get around, call a “toe truck”.

    Wish you a quickly improving gout situation. I hate that for ya! Now go WUP that condition!

    Liked by 2 people

  38. although I would hate to see the POVers in Charlotte get rained on Sat night, it may be good for the Panthers who certainly got enough practice playing in it this year

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  39. If all goes well, Joe l and I will be leading a chorus of Sweet Caroline at the end of the third quarter and getting the fans all riled up. 😂

    Liked by 2 people

  40. Richman, I have to tell you, it’s great to see you posting a little more on the POV these days.. I’ll be watching for you and JoeL on the jumbo-tron. It won’t be the first time Joe makes an appearance in the limelight! Have a blast fellas!

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  41. Ike, I gotta little burned out with the POV, but hope to get back into the swing of things. Days like today I am working from home and am excited to get to Charlotte. So feel like posting more. have been to the Charlotte airport but never the city proper. Looking forward to it.

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  42. Great job Richman, let’s not forget. PITT football is in the Lime-Light as well even if some do not think they deserve it or not. I’ll be with all you guys down there! …….. In spirit!

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  43. BigB, We truly are brothers. I am taking steroids for gout that started Thanksgiving. Un freaking believable!! Last pill on Saturday, so I guess one beer will do. That is amazing!

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  45. A friend told me Dokish reported that Pitt has more wins against Power 5 teams with winning records this year than all but 2 other teams…can anyone verify?

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    1. check out twitter for Dokish
      I think Bama, Clemson, ND and 1 other team has more
      so its pretty good company
      but Pitt hasnt beaten any elite teams this year…until Saturday night

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      1. How many teams have wins against “elite schools”? Bama, Clemson, and ND have zero losses (and we came as close to beating ND as anyone). Michigan lost to Ohio State and ND, and those schools probably fall in the elite category themselves. Georgia lost to LSU, who was #7 until losing a wild one last week. Oklahoma lost to Texas, who i think is currently #14 in one poll. The only head scratcher is Purdue’s victory over OSU.

        My point is that wins over the “elite” by the untangled are rare. If Pitt can somehow do it again, there seriously must be something in the water down there in Oakland/South Side.

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    2. Lastrow – Fran – I am working on an article. I have done ACC & SEC of the 5 P5 conferences. PITT has 4 W’s against winning (7-5 or better records, does not include 6-6 teams). I have Clempsum @ 7, Georgia @ 6, Alabama @ 5. Both LSU & Kentucky have 4 like PITT. (The Clempsum, Ga. & Ky. totals assume South Carolina beats Akron on Saturday to have a final record of 7 – 5).

      Liked by 1 person

  46. Very excited – even though I expect we will lose and badly! Anybody taking Pitt and the points?

    Richman and I will give up our vocal chords for the cause if it looks like it could help.
    Ain’t gonna happen, but if a shock the world event occurs and BigB flips off his gout with a big glass of Crown, I will help carry him back to his hotel. #BandofBrothers

    Liked by 2 people

  48. A few thoughts:

    Looks like the unveiling of the new throwback uni’s Saturday night. Slightly darker blue and gold colors.

    I give PITT a chance to win this game, the football is oblong, it bounces funny ways.

    Looks like rain Saturday, see above sentence.

    Hope all the PITT POVer’s have a safe trip to the game and home and have blast this weekend.

    Even though Mike asked us to hold off on predictions just but I know the score before the opening kick off……………………………………………………………..

    0-0

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  50. Hey Randy, we can limp into the stadium together… hopefully no limping out after the game… looking forward to seeing you at the tailgate!!!

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  52. Turn on ESPNU right now if you have a chance. UCF is playing Alabama in BB.

    What’s notable is that UCF has a center, Fall, who is 7’6”. His defender doesn’t come up to his shoulder. I just saw a couple minutes and the guy is actually pretty athletic… Just looks bizarre…

    Go Pitt!

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  53. JoeKnew, yep right big toe… have taken the colchicine…have to stop it now so I can travel.. if you have ever taken that med you know what I mean…

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  54. Hey JoeK, Prednisone makes me crazy and my skin crawl. I cannot tolerate it. Then again, people already think I’m crazy and cannot tolerate me. 🙂

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  59. ~ BigB’s Big Toe….or Mister WuP Goes to Charlotte

    Bernie, we have these E-Scooters all over the place downtown, you just hop on them and ride to
    your destination and just leave them there. You use an app on your smart phone to unlock them and
    pay. One is Lime E-Scooter.
    https://www.li.me/

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  61. Wishing all all of my great POV friends traveling to Charlotte a wonderful and safe trip. A win would be nice too, if someone could arrange it. Fran, could I ask that you take a moment at the POV tailgate to raise a glass and offer a toast to Reed. After all, but for him, none of you would be enjoying this wonderful opportunity together. Hail to Pitt!!!

    Liked by 3 people

  62. Are you gout guys on allopurinol? It’s been a lifesaver for me and I’ve been on it for 31 years. Only time I get an attack is when I forget a daily dose.

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  63. Nice pick up with Gipson tonight! Good luck young man. Any mention of his 40 speed?

    Any mention if he and Devonshire are tight? Would like another quip in the mold!!!!

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  65. dan72… I hate taking meds so I go the colcrys/ colchicine route which is only used when you have an attack… allipurinol is a med you take daily…

    Emel.. thanks for the scooter info..depending on my mood that mode of getting ‘bout has real DUI potential…

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