Extra-Early Championship Edition!

Raise your hand if you thought we’d be here after the first month of the season.  Me neither.  Whatever happens today, this team has exceeded expectations, and we should be proud.  We’ve got a chance to make history today!  Lets go Pitt!!!

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.

571 thoughts on “Pitt Football: ACC Championship Open Thread”

  1. I feel like EE, hard to get excited after last week’s anemic performance.
    Hopefully our seniors get up off the map, strap their chin straps on and want to hurt somebody.
    It would be a great time to start a long term rivalry.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. gc, you must not know EE then, when it comes to PITT football….. he’s as serious as a heart attack and will have no problem getting his game face on…..

      Like

  2. The key word there is “chance”….. you cannot win if you do not play. Thanks Mike and enjoy the game for all it’s worth!

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  3. I believe Coach Narduzzi will get a max effort from his team today. Let there be no regrets; leave it all out there on the gridiron. H2P

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    1. Knowing what to expect is one thing but being able to do something about it is quite another. Hoping for the best but expecting the worst is where I’m at today.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. You may be right gc. I am prepared if, in fact, this game gets out of hand. I just want to see desire, grit and passion from our lads for the game’s entirely. I’ll have no qualms if that happens.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. There is no quit in this team but getting pounded into submission is another thing.
    Need some semblance of offense tonight.

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  8. Did I see Ryan Shazier at courtside at the BB game last night in Pitt gear? If so — darn cool!

    Go Pitt!

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  9. Thankful that we get to see another game this season. It would be so great to win but just really hope they play well and don’t get embarrassed. Hope all the guys and gals in Charlotte enjoy the experience.

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Note to Michaelangelo — the way you have kept the articles coming has limited the number of comments per article making it easier to check comments on iPhones. When we get to 300, 400, 500 comments, it’s tough to catch everything.

    On the other hand, some might worry about too many articles causing you to burn-out down the road — though you certainly seem up to the task…

    I’m sure Reed is pleased with the excellent way you are carrying on with his POV creation…

    Go Pitt!

    Liked by 3 people

  11. I went to the women’s vb game last night. Big victory and they have a chance to make history tonight if they can beat Michigan and advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time. It will be difficult bc their starting outside hitter hurt her ankle after landing on the Iona setter’s foot (it looked pretty bad). I’m going to a football watch party tonight. Let’s keep the victory string going! H2P!

    Liked by 5 people

  13. ++++++++++++++++++++ THE BEAUTY OF AN EIGHT O:CLOCK START ++++++

    we have all day to be fired up. It’s anticipation!

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    1. And it IS the anniversary of the 13-9 drubbing of #2 wvu. How ironic – 11 years to the day.

      Look ffor #11 Taysir Mack and Dane Jackson to have BIG nights.

      H2P!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sounds like EE is getting fired up!

        Hey, EE, I saw an inquiry on how Rachel is doing, but didn’t see your response. So, how is she doing?

        Go Pitt.

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        1. Much better – the cracked ribs are healing slowly, but the pain is subsiding.

          If we had to suit her up to play tonight, it would be a game time decision.

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  16. I’ll be watching with bells and whistles on… and my only Pitt gear – the cameo Pitt hat Fran gave me! It is a lucky hat (I think).

    Won $245 at the casino this afternoon so that’s a good sign for Pitt, right?

    Liked by 6 people

  17. Aliquippa up 34-7 vs Sharon. One of the TDs was a short pass to Gipson who turned it into a 93 yarder.

    Farrell won big last night, so both Pitt WPa recruits will be in Hershey next week.

    Liked by 3 people

  18. Pulled in, backed in, double parked in, walked to, run to, crawled to, it doesn’t matter how PITT got there. The destination arrived at, now make the best of it PITT!

    Liked by 2 people

  20. (LA Panther, here.)

    To be a champion, you have to play in the championship game. Every year. Sometimes you get jobbed. Sometimes you get lucky. But you’re never going to dominate unless you’ve been there. Here’s to the first of many.

    HTP

    Liked by 2 people

  23. OK, it’s now official

    Brian Batko@BrianBatko
    And Pitt officially faced 10 bowl teams out of 12 regular-season opponents. Tonight will make 11 of 13 before playing in a bowl game of their own.

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    1. Unfortunately it is also official that Akok committed to the hated UConn this afternoon. Another BIG loss by Capel. Two just this week.

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  24. This field is going to be a mess. It’s been raining like a banshee down here

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  26. Lincoln Riley is crying after beating Texass. Really? Duzz will be spitting nickels when he beats Clemscum, all the while with a big smile on his mug.

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  28. A bit of a concern that Capel his not getting his prime choices to sign, and the losses are going to good but not great teams. If he loses someone to Duke or NC, well that is understandable. But losing to UConn and Seton Hall is not good.

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    1. Agreed – concerning. We also lost a local BIG recently to wvcc.

      Regarding Akok – Pitt had a scholarship to offer and UConn did not. So that means Akok must pay his own way to go to UConn.

      Something ain’t right.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Hopefully the Pat Signal is for Daniel Carter the 4 star RB from Fla. That would a nice pre ACC Championship game bonus for Pitt and Narduzzi.

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  33. Everywhere in downtown charlotte, the ratio is about 10 clemson fans per 1 Pitt fan. But it’s great to see our fans in every locale.

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  34. Technical question. If I want to see the new posts on this board I have to continually refresh. Is there any way I can get the posts to come up automatically.

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  39. Just got home from a long day of moving my 91 year old father into a retirement community and am ready for some Pitt football. I know all the POVerts at the game will be loud and proud, Hail to Pitt!

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  40. #PittsburghStrong

    No matter the outcome tonight the Pitt Football team has done this community proud. They don’t get the accolades, press or fan support they deserve…yet this group of young men has overcome adversity all season long. Hail To Pitt.

    Getting ready to settle in to the recliner and watch the game with the wife. Big Thank You to all the Pitt faithful who made the trip and are braving the elements in Carolina, with you in spirit…You all Rock!

    Liked by 4 people

  44. The pre-game for the ACC championship in Central PA has pedo season highlights rolling. Ten minutes to gametime and the pedos are on the screen.

    Ugh!

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  49. HTP

    Not giving much of a shot here, but I am rooting and watching them.

    Oh and btw Kirby “ain’t so” Smart…Played most of the 2nd half not to lose and then riverboat gambled at the worst possible time (4th and 11).

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  56. Too slow to develop any of those three plays. Did we practice the past two weeks?

    Doesn’t look Lyke it…

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  57. That was fast…

    I scratched my head on the defer to the 2nd half. The isn’t your strongest unit. Need to think outside the box when you are a 27.5 point underdog.

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  61. Their Pitt logo on this field tonight makes ours at Heinz’s literally look like Carrick 5th graders.

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  103. Well, this is embarrassing and pathetic. Expected, but still disheartening to say the least. I say F it, put in George Jr. why not?

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  106. I guess the good news is that most everyone will now turn to the NW-OSU game so they won’t witness how. Ad thus will be…

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  107. Any chance we see Boy George on this next series. Kenny must have been studying in the classroom these past two weeks instead of game planning for FB games.

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  115. Watching the Miami game and watch the first 5 minutes of this game…

    Reed is right about recruiting….we aren’t even in the same species as these programs. They are so big, so fast.

    I am not trying to diss PN, it just apparent how much quicker and stronger this Clemson team is

    Liked by 2 people

  126. This is pathetic and embarrassing. No doubt we don’t have the athletes, but do we have to be completely incompetent across the field in every way.

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  147. Narduzzi thinks all it takes is moving a few people around to fill in the gaps. Teams like Clemson are 3 deep at every position. This Pitt team is 3 bricks shy of a load. Very disappointing

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  157. He is soooo inaccurate…should have tried to hit the middle receiver but throws it away.

    But HE HAS BALLS!!!

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    1. My prediction was 42-3, so hail no, I’m not taking it. In fact I’m texting my golfing buddies to see if any want to play 18 tomorrow.

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    1. I have to agree – I’m angry as all get up, but it should just be entertainment.

      Nothing about this game is entertaining me.

      NW is hanging with tOSU and our WVB team is about to bow out to Michigan.

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  165. Sorry but Pickett has a full season behind him now, and he should be better than this. Starting to feel that QB competition is needed once this season ends.

    Liked by 1 person

  171. Heather – you extended this bozo
    This game is on national TV
    This is for the championship
    Do you know anything about football and business and branding?
    Obviously NOT

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  184. This is crazy but we’re completely still in this. Beginning to remind me of those mid season games we started winning, before people expected us to win.

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  188. Erie, are you still watching? Reed, hope you didn’t call it a night. Can they keep this up for the rest of the game?

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    1. I’m cleaning my golf clubs, watching tOSU vs NW and flipping back to Pitt’s beatdown occassionally.

      The WVB team is down in the 5th set to Michigan 15-9 (need a big comeback)

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  193. Problem is in the long run a team like ours needs a passing game to consistently beat teams like clemson. And KP has all the heart in the world but I just don’t know.

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  196. Funny thing, except for that first run from scrimmage, this was the first sustained breakdown by our D all game.

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  199. good poi t williamsburg….a very sustained breakdown. This team hasn’t tackled well for 5 years. They are running through our weak arm tackles.

    Bourbin flowing….so mow I am rooting just to stay below the poi t spread and for our new commit not to decommit tonight.

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  203. We have to start the off season thread in whether KP is a real QB. I have to vote no after this long season of happy feet, bad decisions and inaccuracy. I know we all “want” him to be good because he’s a good kid but he doesn’t have the talent or confidence. I hope like heck I’m wring because the recruiting has sucked and the cupboard is bare.

    Liked by 1 person

  206. coreect Gordon but even when he does he locks on one guy nad is in accurate. as hebhust showed. he kinda sucks. really bad decision maker. I like the kid vut he’s not good. There is no evidence to the contrary.

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  209. Bench Pickett. Full stop. Why not? What’s to lose? After all, he’s just about cost us any chance of staying in this.

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    2. Well, the coaches didn’t order KP to throw that terrible pass. Nor did they order him to fumble. 14 points on KP I’m afraid, with an assist from the O-Line.

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  213. I’m sitting here screaming run the ball! Why give that int up there?????
    Your still in the game.

    Now your dead! Horrible coaching just horrible. Back in the fire w my Pitt gear. Really wonder if Duzz will ever learn to be a head coach !!!!!

    Liked by 2 people

  216. Thank u Heaher
    The gal that extended Nardoozle
    The AD that is over her head
    Millions lost tonight
    #HeatherClueless

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  219. For us to of had a chance to win this game we had to play perfect football. Instead we have played the EXACT opposite! At the end of the day – We are a POORLY coached team. Mistakes/Mistakes/Mistakes

    Liked by 2 people

  221. You could put Ben in there. He has NO time to throw. That was on the idiot Pitt coaches. You fight so hard to get back into the game only to have horrible coaching decisions break your back! You only have 1 FN time out. RUN THE BALL IDIOTS!

    Liked by 2 people

  223. Ggod point but what competition?? The recruiting (other than running back) has sucked at all positions. There is no QB competition. I cant hope for some no name 2 star behind KP. There is NOTHING there. That said, I’m all for taking him out in the 2nd half. 5 yards passing and interceptions can’t get any worse.

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    1. Boy George and Ricky Town will both be SR’s next season. KP may be the 3rd string QB the way he has stepped up (down)…

      The two FR next season may even pass KP.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. KP has played 12 games this year…and while he has gained experience I don’t think he has improved much if any. He gets that deer in the headlight look at times…not a good sign. This is worrying, not sure if it is the coaching or the player.

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  224. Come on now….you guys have to patient while Narduzzi learns on the job for the next 10 years….

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  225. I want to thank that wonderful gal Heather form extending Nardoozle
    I want to thank Gallagher for a wonderful display on national TV
    I want to thank the BoT for their consistent ineptitude and utter lack of caring

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  227. Let’s review, 5 yards passing and they call 3 straight pass plays. They must have thought a variant of Prince’s law was in effect: the more passes you incomplete the closer you are to a completion (tip of the hat to the Gunner, Bob Prince, one time Pirates announcer)

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  230. pitt76….we are a bad team because Narduzzi cannot recruit. We are small. slow and marginally talented at the D1 level. As ling as he’s the coach nothing will change. Well below average talent will lead to below average results. But, I think Pitt is cool with that.

    Liked by 1 person

  231. I am truly sorry for those who traveled down to see this abortion
    I’m turning off my TV now and reaching for the Bourbon
    I’d rather have Pitt not win the Coastal if they perform like this
    Heather – u should be ashamed

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  232. Worst coaching performance of the season so far.

    But we can still make it respectable.

    Lets see if we can pull some mojo back in the second half.

    Pitt is known for playing Jekyll and Hyde halves…

    H2P

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  233. Actually given the poor talent level Narduzzi is a pretty good coach overall. I think that’s why Heather likes him. He can’t recruit or sell ice water in the Sahara though.

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  236. Jackagain…..Big part of a coaches job is to recruit….he sucks at that so is he really a good coach overall? He also makes very bad decisions on assistants. So you really have to wonder if he’s really a D1 head coach.

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  239. Just need to make some type of an adjustment to demonstrate that they can. Always unlikely they would win but need to show something positive.

    HTP!

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  240. The Coastal goes down eight years in a row. Clemson is a playoff team and we won the Coastal by the narrowest of margins. We are badly overmatched. This is Clemson’s fourth ACC Championship in a row.
    Most of us thought we would be lucky to win 6 this year. Still have a chance for eight.

    Liked by 1 person

  241. We certainly need for our coaches to play to our talent. Trying to do to much with what we have. Run the clock out instead of trying to throw passes that are not suited to our OL.

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  242. a 7-7 season should get a coach Fired after 4 years
    particularly after several national blow-outs
    Pitt is Trash

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    2. Unless we miss out on a Bowel invite. I read somewhere that there are four more Bowel eligible teams than there are Bowel games.

      We could finish 7-6

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  244. I’m actually watching the Australian PGA Championship golf tournament. NW vs tOSU is at the half.

    I’m bored…

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  246. The UCF back up QB threw 2 td passes tonight and UCF won big. Looking st the halftime highlights it looks like every team still playing has a decent QB. But not us

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    1. Pitt hasn’t had an even decent recruited QB since Palko or maybe Rutherford. Wanny never had even one.

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    2. We have below average receivers, a bad pass-blocking line, a defense that can’t tackle, coaches that can’t coach, a lack of discipline. We are slow, short and small. Look how their running backs carry our defenders downfield for additional yards. Am I missing something?

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      1. We don’t really know if our WR’s are below average, do we?

        Now if you said our QB group was below average, I think most know that to be the case.

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    1. He still stares down his receiver and rolls out to the left too much. Whoever is coaching this kid should be bagging groceries somewhere on Monday.

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  249. In 4 to 5 months we will forget all about this and hope will spring eternal. But things never change. Next September we will all be fired up longing for the glory days.

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  250. If you are going to build your program on 2/3* players who come together into a whole greater then it’s parts consistently you have to have the ability hire a staff who can coach those guys up in big games every single time, and also have a whole bench full of interchangeable parts too. Otherwise your philosophy is insane.

    On to second half…H2P

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    1. Tex, I’m finally with you. This unfortunately is the high point of the Narduzzi era. The guy can’t recruit and simply is not a head coach. In addition, he never seems to learn. Ever.

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      1. Narduzzi is like one of those wind-up cars that run into a wall and keep on spinning its wheels!

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  252. I have an idea, let’s start the 2nd half with a penalty ON THE FIRST PLAY! And we burned a timeout with 15 minutes on the clock.

    Back to European golf…

    Liked by 1 person

  254. Wataon is the one coaching rhia kid. .he and Narxuzzi suck.

    We called a time out with 15:00 left in the 3rd quarter.

    They can’t even tell Carter to cut UP field on these sweeps and remind him he’s not in high school any more.

    Liked by 1 person

  255. First play of 2nd half and another 5 yard penalty for our O. Unbelievable! Instead we use up a TO. Unbelievable x2

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  259. I love Kenny Pickett but this coaching staff has ruined him. What ever happened to the two step drop and throw? Again the loss of Morrisy on a stupid play with the game in hand is critical … and also on the coaches!

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  260. HCPN: Kenny and his five passing yards will be our qb going forward. And no, his parents time share at the jersey shore, which they allowed me to use gratis, has nothing to do with my decision.

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    1. I hate Tino … he was a train wreck and abysmal failure at Pitt. Please never mention his name again on this site.

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  263. I don’t mind losing to Clemson or Miami. They are both better teams than Pitt. But to give away penalties and make incompetent coaching decisions over and over.. hard to watch.

    Liked by 1 person

  264. Where were those runs at the end of the half? The score could be 21-10 and we’d be driving to cut this to a one score game.

    Instead…

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  266. It’s not like Kenny is having one bad game against a great team. He’s been bad all year. Scared, locks on one guy, bad decisions. plenty of good teams play freshman and sophomore QBs who play great. Nice kid but not a good QB.

    While I was typing this Watson runs Carter again wide against the fastest team we will ever play.

    Liked by 1 person

  267. Bookster is no RT. Pretty sad that he is all they’ve got at that position. This is KP’s 14th start and if he was going to show anything we would see it by now. Many P5 QBs never get 14 starts

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  270. Bookser never lived up to expectations. Always gets owned when a legit athlete goes against him and he’s a penalty machine.

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  274. Millions wasted in marketing, branding
    what recruit wants to play for this bozo
    Heather made the mistake of extending far too early
    emotions got the best of her
    I’d fire her and Nardoozle tonite in a heartbeat

    Liked by 1 person

  276. The really sad part is after playing so horribly in these 2 losses there’s no way we win any bowl game and thus 7-7 SOP

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  285. For as bad as this game is, if they hadn’t screwed up the end of the first half, we’d all be excited at this point for a scoring drive that would make it a one score game. Unbelieveable…

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  289. Who would have thought we’d be longing for Tino!!

    You need no further proof of the idiocy of this coaching staff than the torrent of penalties this team commits every game. No discipline and no accountability because there is no depth behind the starters.

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  293. Didnt have time to type while Kenny was again throwing another bad pass and never looked at a wide open receiver. This is smple stuff that high school qb’s do.

    Can Jeff’s son be worse???

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  294. that last lateral is a perfect—PERFECT—example why KP is not a D1 qb and should be benched. He left Ollison completely out to dry and allowed him to be set up to get clocked, absolutely awful. How could he throw that. Gut wrenching really.

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  295. why did u extend this guy Heather?
    Your V-ball team lost
    Your F-ball team is getting embarrassed on national TV
    You cant even come up with money for Victory Heights without incurring massive debt
    #Bad Heather

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  298. I’m sorry but Pickett cannot play QB. I don’t care if he starts for 2 more years. I’m thrilled not he burned his red shirt last year. I pray Patti can play….sigh….

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  301. Will someone tell Watson that the Carter play is not working? And any other coach would go to the back up QB by now to get some passing going. But not Pitt.

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  302. Nardoozle cant coach
    Picket is no QB
    Pitt couldnt beat IUP
    Heather makes sure players are compliant
    Gallagher makes sure program is mediocre
    BoT makes sure program goes nowhere and mission statement is honored

    Liked by 1 person

  307. For the record, IMO the negative comments here tonight are more than warranted and frankly could be turned up a notch or two and still be fair. They are earning being crapped upon with the play.

    Liked by 2 people

  308. Go Division 3 Pitt
    If this is the effort given on national TV in a championship game, I’d rather use my diploma as toilet paper to wipe my arse

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  309. And Narduzzi said they didn’t spend time on Miami to prepare for Clemson. This is being prepared??

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  310. tv….I dont want to be negative. but you are right, I could be much worse.

    This is so frustrating. Can’t wait for Heather’s uplifting email for season tickets next year!!!!!

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  312. He’s full of it
    He knows he has another 4 years because of Miss Heather
    He can go winless and Heather wont do a damn thing
    He helped hire her and she gave him an extension
    They should both be FIRED tonite
    #Despicable

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  313. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

    If any of you are at the hame can you jump the wall and beat the crap out of Watson?????????

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  317. Nite all…early church tomorrow. I will pray hard for a change of direction inthis football program.
    Erie…hope Rachel is doing better.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Better in that she would have thrown for a few more yards than KP and she has cracked ribs.

      She’ll be fine – so will I after a round of golf tomorrow.

      Like

  319. Gordon….that is coaching. he’s a freshman who is a defensive player. We have NO coaches on the sideline or the film room

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  320. Heather will be handing out participation trophies in the locker room
    and will be giving Nardoozle another 5 year extension
    #FireNarduzzi

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  324. the bottom line is that Pitt was a very poor representative of the Coastal
    Narduzzi is over his head
    Heather is clueless
    Gallagher a douche
    Pitt lost Millions tonite
    Is there no accountability????

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  325. It is like Pickett getting Ollison killed. You have to have situational awareness. No natural feel for the game.
    Same thing with Bookser going offside all the time. Some guys make plays and others don’t.

    Liked by 1 person

  328. Hall should be over 1,000 yards for the season. At least he has that in case the Bowel committees pass on this team.

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  329. Thank u Nitters on the BoT and on Gallaghers leadership team
    Seriously – if Pitt doesnt see that this is an issue, Pitt is what the Hoopies call us
    Its those Nitters in leadership positions that sabotage the pursuit of Excellence
    #NittersandDeepState

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    1. I’m now not going to support this coaching staff.

      I’ve seen worse in the past 35 years, but I expected more from this staff – very disappointed while holding my nose.

      Like

  333. For the love of all that is holy why not give George Jr. a chance!?! Why not?!? To keep up KP’s morale? Where has that gotten us the last two games.

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  336. I think they are punishing KP by keeping him in the game and running every play. It is like wanting to show viewers how much he stinks

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  338. Clemscum’s backup players are better than our starters.

    Name one or two Pitt players that could be a backup to Clemscum starters besides our Punter and FG Kicker.

    Liked by 1 person

  347. Thanks Heather for that emotional extension
    I will continue thanking you until you admit your mistake
    U really think that after this game, any sane AD would have extended Nardoozle???
    $3.5Million Dollars wasted
    Despicable performance on national TV that cost Pitt Millions tonite
    #SOP

    Like

  350. KP duty is still in the game. Brace yourself for a long, painful season next year if we have to watch this mess again – I see no coaching changes and KP handed the starting job just Lyke this pre-season.

    Liked by 1 person

  352. Rare December thunderstorm soaking the South Hills of Pittsburgh right now.

    Rather fitting end to a gloomy day.

    H2P

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    1. Heather will sleep like a baby tonite
      Gallagher will count his atoms
      The BoT will be high fiving since they are comprised of Nitters
      Nardoozle will eat some meatballs to fill his head

      Liked by 1 person

  356. Thanks Pitt for a 7-6 season
    For 3 blow -out losses
    For Zero wins against elite teams
    For continuing the tradition of SOP and Pitting
    Thanks Heather
    #PittisRealBad

    Liked by 1 person

  357. Even that pass was 15 yards off the mark. KP stinks. Let see how Narduzzi explains this dumpster fire.

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  360. Narduzzi couldnt coach Gannon
    If you win the Coastal, at least compete and not embarrass the university
    #NarduzziPlowsSnow

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  362. The GOOD: the game clock expired

    The BAD: the play calling that generated 8 yards of passing

    The UGLY: the delayed play calling resulting in numerous “delay of game” penalties and burned time outs

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  363. Narduzzi had the most blow out losses since Majors
    Narduzzi was all bluster and no Balz
    Mediocre coach
    Who recruits mediocre players
    Who hires mediocre coaches
    Whose boss is mediocre
    Football is the brand
    Football pays the bills
    #50kYellowSeats

    Liked by 1 person

  365. Just reading through the comments. It appears that all of you had your hopes way too high. I also suspect large quantities of alcohol are also involved. I thought we were going to lose and we did. We did get a four star recruit verbal tonight. Next thing needed is a bowl win. I do not care who we play. The worse the team the better. I do not care if we stink and win by only one point. I just want us to win the bowl game and end the season 8-6. We will not be ranked. All hopes for that ended last week against Miami.

    The volleyball team lost in five sets to Michigan. Our all ACC player Kayla Lund did not play although she tried to go during warm-ups. That made the difference between us winning and losing. The volleyball team had a great season and have a bright future ahead of them.

    Cheer up Panthers! Both of our basketball teams are on an upward path. We just played in the ACC championship game. Our volleyball team hosted their first NCAA tournament round. Next year the ACC channel comes on the air along with the revenue from it. It could be a lot worse. Imagine if we were in the AAC like UConn. Remember them, once they were one of our rivals in the Big East.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. John in SC,
      You say much alcohol was consumed by the commenters. I just read your comment, what have you been smoking all night?

      Liked by 1 person

    3. I appreciate your attitude John in South Carolina. But after tonight it’s a tad hard to be a glass half-full of anything.
      I am not particularly sure, either, whether it’s the coaches that need a lay-off or KP a retirement. Or both.
      Tough decision to call. So, ‘We’ll need to review the tape’ in the days coming days’ as PN says, and KP parrots.
      One or the other, though, something has to give and go-away— the parrrot or puppeteer.
      But truly, I personally will, in fact, review the film. And I’m not particularly sure KP is the whole of the problem.
      Would love to see Matt Canada back in the conversation again. As OC “OR” HC.

      Liked by 2 people

    4. UConn beat out Pitt on Saturday afternoon for a 5* BB center named Akok who will pay his way to play at UConn because the Huskies have no more scholarships to offer, yet Pitt has one.

      You failed to mention that nugget. And no, I would not want to be UConn for many reason, some of which you touched on.

      And John, respectfully, did you see how poorly Pitt FB played the past two weeks? In games 12 and 13 we are burning timeouts because the plays aren’t getting in quick enough. One was burned before the clock moved to start the 2nd half. Do you think maybe the OC and QB could have discussed (at halftime), a plan with a play to start off the next series. I believe they both knew Pitt would receive the 2nd half kickoff (sarcasm).

      Many will say the coaches did not have this team ready to play the past two weeks. I would have to agree.

      Liked by 1 person

    5. JSC — Agree. I simply want to see Pitt athletics competitive. It’s nice Pitt football won the ACC Coastal, it would have been nicer if Pitt played Clemson with more spirit and fire.

      It’s inexcusable to lose in the way Pitt lost. For example, with less than a minute to go in the first half it would have been been smart to run the clock and go into halftime to regroup given they would get the ball first in the second half. But Pitt lived up to their form of pulling a Pitt. This poor decision belongs in the coaches. Also KP has been Pitt’s starting QB all season and still needs a chest sheet. Sad and again poor coaching. Of course I could go on but we all know how it goes with Pitt, always living in the past but no vision into the future.

      My 2¢.

      Like

  366. Been laying low and trying not to comment on the game as it was terrible.

    @ Jackagain – you indicated in response to tex during the first half that heather didn’t hire narduzzi. That is false. She hired him for an additional 4 years or whatever the heck she did by extension for re-payment for his vote on the selection committee that brought her to Pitt. That was a P5 AD mistake. Take that crap back to michigan.

    Peeps are also complaining that Capel isn’t bringing in the big recruits. For the last few months specifically and ever since his hire, I questioned whether Pitt would allow Capel to play the recruiting game. That question seems to have been answered and the answer is NO. I don’t get this at all. Every AD worth their salt knows how to play the game, except ours. So we have some real nice guards with 2 star big men. Great! He needs to bring in quality big men for next year or we lose the window with X man.

    I can’t really comment on our passing game or running game as it was offensive. To fall so far in such a short period of time is problematic. We were all stoked when Canada had the offense on a roll and then poof!

    Sad to hear of the pitt women volleyball squad and the injury to our star player. Drats! They played great and unfortunately, injuries occur sometimes at the worst time of the year. Great effort from them however.

    Like

  367. Chas Rich, the owner of The Pitt Blather had this tweet last night –
    ‏
    @ChasRich27
    8h8 hours ago

    Just something else to think about. Pitt had five games where the offense scored 10 points or less. Not the team. The offense.

    Like

    1. That is what I am hearing/reading too. UAB has a rush D ranked 23rd among D1 CFB teams yielding 118 yards per game.

      Like

  369. Someone suggested a topic for discussion for this week might be the Pros and Cons of KP. Will he be able to hold his starting job next year? Obviously depends on if anyone steps up to compete. No doubt his performance has been disappointing in all of our losing efforts and some of the wins as well. I think he has been hampered by the abysmal pass protection and no tight ends or elite receivers. Watson’s play calling also seems a bit sketchy, but KP certainly has not distinguished himself with the exception of the Wake game which did get us a trophy. He definitely does not throw well on the run, which would be big considering the line play. His decision making skills are pretty suspect as well. The question is, knowing what we know now, how much upside does he have, especially when you consider that we will have a completely rebuilt line next year?

    Like

  370. Yes, Pitt football needs to improve. The play calling on offense was not good at all. Where were the screen passes? Where were the quick slant passes over the middle. Were any deep throws attempted? It definitely was a basic and not very creative offensive package. Less than 10 yds. passing is pathetic.Thought the D played well overall. The KP fumble return and the interception just before the half were terrible and mistakes that can’t be made against very good teams.. Given the poor field position, Pitt should have just run out the clock before half as they were going to get the ball to start the 2nd half. However, Pitt did (but for NC), win the games they should have won this season. Other than NC, the losses were vs. top tier teams. Winning the Coastal Division and playing in the ACC championship games were awesome steps forward for the program. Winning a bowl game and finishing 8-6 would create a good vibe for next season. H2P!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  372. I have so many thoughts after yesterday’s game. Now that I’m dry I’ll just put a few down before hitting the road for home.
    1) Big difference in size, speed, and athletic ability.
    2) Difference between a team that’s been there before and a newbie
    3) Major difference in coaches who have been there before, and those who are still learning on the job.
    4) Difference between an average team and the elite. Very, very wide gap.
    5) We need a qb. If this was atypical I’d say so, pretty much what we’ve seen all yea.
    6) It’s better we won the weak division than lost. That was nice, but any one who thinks progress was made is just kidding themselves. It’s the same team, others just had a down year.
    7) If you are a partisan on either side ( told you we stink, told you we were good) you are both very much mistaken. Don’t pound your chests either way. This is a flawed team, from coaches on down, who, for them, had a good year. They are not very good compared to the top programs. They stepped up in class and got whacked.
    8) I was shocked with the attitude and behavior of Clemson fans. The ones around us made the WVU fans seem like they had class. What a bunch of jerks!

    Many, many more thoughts once I get home. I doubt any bowl with power 5 team will want to touch us.

    Like

  373. Well that was very disappointing to say the least. I agree with almost all the comments from the game thread. It was a poorly designed offensive scheme with zero imagination. It’s not a matter of what or which is the problem there. Pickett or Watson, I think it’s both.

    The coaching gets an F as well.

    I COULD point to three plays in the first half that put PITT behind the eight ball but I won’t. What difference would that make when PITT was not attempting to play the game like they wanted to win. Pickett will be back next year, I’m hoping Watson is not.

    One other thing, the constant juvenile ranting blaming the PITT AD is adolescent at best. It was like the little kid in the back seat of the car cyring like a baby and constantly asking…. are we there yet? are we there yet? are we there yet? are we there yet? are we there yet? are we there yet? are we there yet? are we there yet? are we there yet? are we there yet? are we there yet? ……………etc

    Liked by 5 people

  374. Another topic, I would like to see discussed is coaching vs. talent. A lot of blame was laid on coaching yesterday and they are certainly not without fault. Getting plays in late is certainly on the coaches, but how much of the blame is theirs for the repeated motion penalties.

    My position has always been that great players make great coaches and not the reverse. Yes coaching makes a difference, but only on the margins. It mostly gets down to the better athlete wins the day. That is why we can’t compete with Clemson, it all goes back to recruiting. You have to have guys that make plays.
    It wasn’t the coaches that missed the tackles on Etienne’s second great run. Guys were in position to make the tackle. I also say it wasn’t coaching that made Carter run wide when there was an open field available with a cut. Athletes make plays and not coaches.

    The last two weeks we have been up against D-lines that have multiple players that will play and star at the next level. No amount of coaching will make average players beat them on a routine basis. They are bigger faster, stronger and more athletic than our guys. Plus we had a new center and guard going at the worst possible time adding to the difficulties.

    While I will continue to criticize recruiting, I really can’t be to hard on the coaching. Yes hind sight tells us running the clock at the end of the half would have been preferred, but it really didn’t matter. If you were going to win, you had to complete some passes at some point. KP hadn’t thrown an INT in 145 passes or so the announcer said, but in any case players must make plays if you are to win games.

    I say that Tony Dorsett made Majors a great coach as Marino and Greene made Sherill a great coach and not the reverse. Great coaches are made by great recruiting before anything else.

    Our current recruiting will keep us competitive in the Coastal, but expecting us to compete with top ten teams is folly. Clemson is in the big leagues and they are there because of who they recruit, and yes their second string players are better than our first string.

    Coaching can only do so much.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Agreed but coaching at this level should be good enough not to have all of the mistakes that occur week in and week out. The number and timing of penalties all year is unacceptable.

      Pitt was not ready to play. That’s coaching.

      HTP!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I agree to some extent but are Bookser’s numerous fouls on coaching or on him? Granted he is playing out of position, but I don’t think coaching has much to do with it. Getting plays in late is inexcusable and inexplicable, definitely on the coaches.

        Like

  376. How would KP do behind the Clemson O-line and with their receivers? I’d say he would be immensely better, but not nearly as good as Trevor in that he is 6’6″ and runs like the wind also much more accurate a passer.
    No matter how good a coach you are, there is only so much to be done.

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  377. BTW , PITT get their annual 4* running back last night. That moves PITT up to # 32 in recruiting if you care about things like that.

    That loss last night and the way it happened is demoralizing for sure, still licking my wounds this morning. Narduzzi had to find a way to not make it seem so disappointing. I think a couple of coaches needs shown to the door. I say that because I think PITT is close and had a great season. One brick shy of a load as it were. The bowl game win is now on the board. Laying an egg is NOT an option!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. close?? close to what ike?? great season?? we are one loss from going 7-7. that to me is very mediocre. i guess it depends on one’s definition of great.

      Like

        1. i’m not mark, and i don’t think winning the coastal with 7-7 record defines the season as great. if they win the bowl game, then i would say it was a successful season, but certainly not great.

          Like

  378. men against boys

    pros against amateurs — players AND coaches

    That has got to be the most poorly assembled coaching staff in D1.

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  379. Pitt ranked #67 on SB Nation, behind several teams the Panthers beat, Lyke Duke, Viginny, cuse, etc.

    Weren’t we #24 just two weeks ago?

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    1. EE (Rick) – while I enjoy reading SBNation college football articles on a daily basis, the ranking SBNation used is based on S&P+ an advanced stats driven ranking. PITT S&P+ has never been higher than 59. PITT only dropped 4 after loss to Clemson in S&P+.

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  381. Execution is key to success, something Pitt’s coaches do not stress or practice. Knowing when to come out of or go into a game should be automatic.

    Calling-in plays should not take more than 10 seconds leaving plenty of time to call and execute the play.

    Attention to detail does not require 4 or 5 star athletes. Pitt needs to learn the basics of football execution, something coaches get paid for.

    Average athletes become better athletes through good coaching and discipline.

    There is no substitute for preparedness, something Pitt coaches need to work on.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Two years ago the offense played pretty close to mistake free. How much of that was on the coaches vs the players. I would say 50/50. More experienced line with higher quality players, better tight ends more experienced QB,and also Canada, and I believe Peterson.

      This year a makeshift line and no tight ends and a rookie QB.

      Coaching or players?

      Like

  382. How about this. Duzz to Rutgers.
    Pitt hires Matt Canada as new HC.

    Maryland looks like they’re going to let him go.

    The greatest coaches pay the most attention to detail….. and then are good enough teachers to instill it to players. At this, Duzz and staff are miserable failures

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I think Duzz only leaves if he can go to school where recruiting is easier, certainly not Rutgers.
      He found out how tough recruiting can be at Pitt.

      Like

  383. Like it or not poor execution and penalties are also product of being out-manned.

    Guys jump off side in anticipation of getting manhandled. Guys hold because they are getting beat.

    Plays don’t work because the other team blows them up.

    Sure some of it is on coaching, certainly not getting plays to the huddle quickly is all on the coaches, which creates stress all the way down the line.

    Liked by 1 person

  384. On detail…. always liked how John Wooden of UCLA started each season teaching his players how to properly tie their shoes. Best BBall coach ever. Details, details, details.
    Almost as important as talent. Very important when you don’t have talent!

    Like

  385. Yesterday was disappointing obviously. Only one upset in yesterday’s championship games — Fresno beat Boise State, and Boise was only a 1.5 point underdog. It just wasn’t our day. We seemed a little intimidated by the moment; that seemed apparent to me during the early parts of both halves. And it’s clear Clemson was superior to us. We played good games away from home against UVA, WF, and ND. We played very poor away from home against UNC, UCF, Miami, and Clemson. Not sure if there anything to make of that.

    Fun season nonetheless, it was a true rollercoaster ride with the highs and lows.

    Like

  386. Other than the two big running plays, I thought the defense had a pretty good game.

    Also not mentioned, KP is no mudder. His throwing is far worse with a wet ball. Small hands?

    I know a lot of you want to blame the coaches but Clemson is bigger, faster, stronger, more athletic, much deeper, more experienced, they had home field advantage and have played there 4 years in a row. I really don’t think any other coastal team would have done any better.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. being bigger, faster, stronger, more athletic, deeper, is a direct reflection of recruiting, which is entirely is on the coaches.

      Like

      2. Yeah, Narduzzi needs to snap his fingers and wiggle his nose and 4 and 5 star players will flock to PITT just like that? It’s Heather and Narduzzi’s fault?? Brilliant!

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  387. How many times did we all talk about/debate PITT’s OOC schedule this past season? One of the toughest in the entire country. So I read that PITT is ONLY 7-6, which is the truth, the fact of the OOC schedule is totally dismissed. Yes you play who is on your schedule. Just like Syracuse did. Here’s who they played this year… Wagner, Western Michigan, Connecticut and Notre Dame. << That’s two more wins for PITT and two less losses.

    The loss to UNC was terrible but until schedules are uniformed I don’t get fussed up about records but more impressed by goals achieved during the season. Like a division crown and a banner waving at Heinz Field.

    Liked by 2 people

  388. and not only does that change in scheduling get you directly more wins but then also better recruits, better bowls, better financial support, less injured players to compete against the tough teams

    it snowballs in so freaking many ways…good if done right and conversely bad when not

    why don’t people get this damn simple concept?

    Liked by 2 people

  389. Ike,

    You are right about OOC schedule and records. You are also right about sniping on our AD (which I might point out has been going on for a long, long, long time – I remember the Posvar days and hell there wasn’t any social media back then 🙂 ).

    Pitt finds itself in a catch 22…

    Record does matter with recruiting (not the sole component, but it is an important part). Butts in seats matter in recruiting (you don’t want to Woo 17/18 year olds to a 66% empty stadium). Gate revenues matter in recruiting ($$$$ always matters).

    And therein lies the problem. Pitt schedules patsies then they will be sparsely attended. Gate revenues fall, recruits are unimpressed at the collegiate(?) atmosphere. But we do have a solid record, going into conference play.

    They schedule tough guys they get the gate receipts, but they get slaughtered and the recruits leave unimpressed.

    The record this season is irrelevant IMO. even if they would’ve replaced PSU, and Notre Dame with Akron and Buffalo – that is two games game (and I refuse to say UCF – we made that commitment long before they were the UCF they are today…so Pitt thought this would be an easier matchup – hey sometimes you get the bull, sometimes the bull gets you) and you end up with 9 – 4 today with some really bad losses.

    Does a 9-4 with the pounding of last night make you feel better heading into the bowl games? Do you think that this team could go head to head with other P5 9-4 teams out there? My point is it would be a pyrrhic victory and you would see on Jan 1 the third and final double digit blowout loss in a row Miami/Clemson/Texas (another team with a 9-4 record as an example).

    And the above assumes Pitt wins both of those games against teams like Buffalo and Akron …which is not a gimme with this team (especially early in the year where they had trouble playing two halves of football).

    But if they do that…can imagine Pitt bringing recruits into that Buffalo game to impress with 15,000 fans? Can you imagine how Heather would have to present financials in the red because of the lack of interest in Pitt FB? Can you imagine how hard (given how hard it is now) to ask for more money for the FB program to keep our great (?) coaching staff…or luring new coaches here?

    It’s really not an enviable position to be in as far as a program is concerned.

    Finally, my only counter argument to your point about records is that winning the coastal division is almost meaningless as their record. Given the 7 years of domination by the Atlantic division, there is increasing pressure to do away with the divisions and have the two top teams play (btw looking at the standings it would’ve been Pitt anyhow because they were tied with Syracuse with a 6-2 record and beat them H2H, lol)

    In the end, I haven’t really been complaining much as I predicted 5 wins and this has been like playing with house money IMO. But I will say this…

    Shame on Pat Narduzzi. I got to hear about these kids and they are good group of guys. Hearing about Darren Hall and Qadree Ollison’s stories last night made me angry.

    He had 4 years to recruit a better QB, better athletes on the OL, TE, WR and he did none of that…

    He used 5th year senior QB’s as a stopgap for several years but did nothing on the backend.

    He did nothing to gameplan on the Offensive side of the ball to account for the limitations of his team against a dominant Clemson team.

    Seeing what Hall and Ollison did on the field last night with Clemson D knowing what they were going to do was Herculean to say the least.

    They deserved better from their coaching staff.

    I will say this you can give this man 100 years more with an extension and you will be right here 100 years later. He isn’t a good head coach/CEO whatever you want to call him.

    I wish I had answers…but I do not. The fact is they need the PSU’s and ND’s to give them their yearly pounding in order to keep the money flowing. Unless they decide to invest in improving the organization (head coach/staff), I just don’t see this turning around.

    Thanks for letting me type away…you may resume with your regularly scheduled programming…

    Dave

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Dave I do not disagree with much of your comment. What you are saying imo, is that there may not be a right answer/ catch 22? I believe that’s why you need to start off with wins…. It’s a proven concept that works eventually. ike

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Pitt fans don’t show unless it is PSU or ND.

      Why the awful attendance versus Oklahoma State? Texas A&M in 2002 was pathetic.

      The school continues to and will schedule tough teams, unfortunately. If fans hate cupcakes then they don’t have to go. Sad because Pitt fans should go to see Pitt win, whomever the opponent.

      The 2020 schedule eases up and there are three openings in 2021 to schedule three easy wins. Maybe Pitt should schedule light in 2021 and see what happens with the program since what it has been doing the past 35 years isn’t working.

      Liked by 1 person

  390. I believe if you took all the flags thrown on Pitt last night (most I’ve ever seen in my life) due to OUR failures, and gave them all to BigB – I think B could sew them all into one Pitt flag that is 30 feet x 20 feet.

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  391. Apparently 8 wins is the limit for Pat Narduzzi… Along with getting the crap knocked out of us when we play anyone decent…save one team in ND.

    Funny that fans point to a close ND game then tend to forget our loss to a 2 win NC team, which we do on a regular basis.

    I hope we win the bowl game…but if not and we lose three straight to end up 7-7 it will be just another .500 season to me – regardless of the Coastal title

    It may feel differently to other fans but in Year Four we should be up to 9 or 10 wins if PN is the coach some think he is.

    Like

    1. Why do you constantly and consistently dismiss the OOC? It is A if not THE BIG KEY.

      Someone suggests above doing it short term, YES, start somewhere, but realize then that the effects take a few years to play out. But YES for God’s sake let’s start.

      I appreciate DD’s long post and disagree but yet don’t disagree necessarily he is wrong but in that you can’t judge fairly HCPN and the program without factoring in his limitations. You can argue the penalties to be directly coaching based but if you have weaker recruiting due to things out of your control, then switching out players who lack focus for others with focus but much less size or strength or quickness or etc. keeps him handcuffed.

      It is a process, it takes time, it takes support, it takes great organization and commitment. I don’t necessarily think the Duzz is the guy, but without the rest, WHO IS?

      Liked by 2 people

    3. The BoT is content with eight wins as long as the Mission Statement isn’t soiled by a rogue program. Narduzzi isn’t running one, so the school should be content with him as the coach and let him to continue building a roster of outstanding young men.

      Too bad Pitt didn’t play Rutgers and UConn in the OCC for more wins. Oh, wait, Pitt fans want tough teams and won’t bother to show up for whomever that team is anyway unless it is PSU or ND.

      Like

  392. For me it’s more than wins and lot, although that expectation changes over time.

    The simple fact is that the team was not prepared to play the last two weeks. How can that be possible?

    I think it was so unfortunate to have the injury to Morrissey. That changed the momentum of the O-line significantly and it seemed any confidence that the offense may have developed in general.

    For the scheme to have zero chance and for the execution to be so poor is a disgrace that played out for the entire nation to see.

    The embarrassment is that the team either did not play up to any sense of their capabilities or that I underestimated what those capabilities apparently were after there 4 game winning streak.

    Perhaps the biggest embarrassment is that the ACC Coastal is so poor in talent that even Pitt could win it. At least it was enjoyable for a moment or two.

    HTP!

    Liked by 1 person

  394. Again Reed, what about the OOC schedule? This season was set up to fail, yet somehow PITT won the ACC coastal. << Color me not embarrassed.

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    1. Ike, For me it’s not about losing, it’s how one loses.

      Had Pitt looked like a team determined to play to the best of their abilities and still lose, most Pitt fans would be happy. However, going 1 for 16 for 8 yards passing is on the coaching staff.

      Throwing sideways instead of down field is not very smart play calling given the lack of speed of this Pitt team.

      I don’t recall one screen pass tried to slow down the defensive rush. I didn’t see the QB throwing the ball away to save a sack.

      Narduzzi is an adequate head coach. However, he and his staff need to get back to basics and plan for injuries and insist on discipline. For example, did you check out the decorum of Alabama’s sideline vs. Pitt’s sideline last evening? Champions act and play like champions.

      Liked by 3 people

  398. I sat in 85 degree heat watching OSO pummel PITT in front of practically no one a few years back. psu I understand but the scheduling has been a problem. So when we are judging a head coach. How bout using common sense like the previous two AD’s never did. Get off your agenda soap box and use your brains!

    Liked by 1 person

  400. Except for getting the final FB four, the rest of the ranking is based strictly on wins against anybody, anybody.

    So why are we playing 3 top ten and 10 bowl teams? Do we have that kind of talent? Adopt the SEC league scheduling of 3 cupcakes every year. FB money comes form TV,.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. How about this question.. how is central Florida able to go 0-12 then go 25-0 in that quick of a time period?? My guess is a committed university. Must be nice.

      Like

    2. frankmd: Pitt, like other schools schedule games years in advance. What looks like an easy game can change from year to year. I’d rather Pitt play ND than Youngstown State and so would other Pitt fans.

      Like

  401. Because Frank…. some people want to defend the tough scheduling and then complain about wins and losses. Very easy to see were their heads are at.

    PITT is not a have your cake and eat it to kind of football program. For now, it’s one or the other..

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Better idea – make it Matt Cavanaugh. Continued to call fade pattern routes in very high winds that day. It was no wonder Stull couldn’t hit his receivers that day.

      Like

  403. Captain Obvious here. PITT played two of the four teams in the NCAA playoffs, both losses. So let’s all join in and complain about PITT’s (the ACC Coastal division winner) over-all record.. Not to mention losses to UCF and psu……… and a one and a two and a three….

    We get it, some do not like Narduzzi and or Heather….. Sometimes it’s obvious to the Captain that 1 plus 1 equals 2

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Not just losses, but blow out losses. U can also put Miami in a beatdown as well. I’m with you and think it’s stupid to schedule such a difficult ooc schedule. Aside from nd they weren’t even close which was disappointing.

      Like

  405. Although schedules ARE typically made a few years in advance, each team can break their contract for a small fee and schedule someone else. This happens all the time. Michigan just did this for next year. It’s having an AD that understands that wins drive the bus. Wins help recruiting (whether they are easy wins or not). Wins, especially early against inferior teams, gives your team confidence. Weak OOC scheduling lets those games be your pre-season so you can figure out who will be playmakers and who won’t. Easier OOC let’s you work on multiple OL combos. Wins get you to better bowls.

    To answer a question from above, the answer is yes, i would prefer 9 wins versus 7.

    Butts in the seats are not the issue. TV money takes care of shortfalls in ticket sales at our off site location. Pitt will always average around 34-40k. That is completely acceptable if you build a 40k-45k stadium. That set up means supply and demand, creates a great gameday experience and helps recruiting.

    As far as Heather is concerned, year three for her is quickly coming upon us and no chnages in sight for the main revenue producer, other than a long extension of a coach and staff that has proven nothing, nothing. Puffing out your chest for winning the coastal is plain silly. This is like maybe seattle going to the nfl playoffs with a record of 7-9. What exactly is the achievement? You were the best of a terrible bunch. Would be excited for the Pirates if they won the division with a 62-100 record?

    I was embarrased watching the game again today. This isn’t about Clemson having a bunch of superstars. Pitt didn’t gameplan anything that gave them a chance to compete, let alone win. That is a problem in my opinion. Pitt played like its coaches were just happy to be there.

    Liked by 2 people

  406. Early line Stanford by 8.5

    My line Stanford by 21.5.

    Pitt has no chance with this O line.
    Stanford is huge and nasty on both lines and to say they are better coached s well…… you know.

    Like

  407. Huff the third, I do agree with most of your comment but I have to come clean here. You’ve been on Heather’s ass from day one. Kind of makes me leery on exactly where you are coming from. I read everything you comment on as I know you are a smart fellow but you haven’t convinced me of what Heather has done that is so bad or wrong?

    Like

  408. We are in the weakest major college division. The ACC teams we play at Heinz all bring about the same crowds as do the YSU, Buffalo, Ohio, etc. schools. They are all or will all be on the new ACC TV Net.

    A win is a win. Who cares who it is against and more wins bring the rankings, better bowls, recruits, and possible title type games. We need to get to 6 EVERY year any way we can.

    Liked by 2 people

  409. Finally home. Will write a detailed experience tomorrow. One thing , in my quick glance at the posts I see a lot of stuff about out OOC schedule. Yup, it was brutal, but by the same token, we benefited with one of the easiest in conference schedules in recent memory. Those teams may have made bowls, but they were really bad this year. Night all.

    Liked by 1 person

  410. Right you are JoeK. PITT defeated that easy conference schedule won the coastal and lost to the tougher OOC games. Exactly my point.

    Like

  412. Stanford is a good match-up for Pitt because they play a standard pro set. It is also not one of Stanford’s better teams and Pitt can beat them although I understand why they are favored. Common opponent — Pitt gave ND a much better game than did the Cardinal

    Like

  414. Right now I honestly don’t think Pitt should be worrying about game attendance. They will be getting a nice ACC check while they build the program up. The question is who to do it. Will scheduling cupcakes prepare Pitt to play against teams like Clemson or FSU in the title game? Will a 9 win season and a crushing loss in the title game help or hurt recruiting? Pitt’s complete ssceduling strategy must be built around whatever is best for recruiting.

    Liked by 1 person

  415. This isn’t about opponents, it is about competing.

    I get that the record can improve by playing more of the lesser teams. I am on the side however that I can take a loss as long as the effort to compete is demonstrated. That hasn’t been the case with the exception of the ND game.

    We have been manhandled too many times with not a glimmer of any scheme that looks promising against real opponents. Add that to the apparent lack of preparation or focus resulting in all of the penalties and you have to question how good the coaching is.

    Look, it was fun during the drive to the Coastal crown but as a whole it is hard to look at this “progress” as inspiring for getting the program to a top 25 level where they need to be.

    HTP!

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  416. But can you take 6 losses and be happy as a 40th ranked team every year while everyone in P5 but Pitt schedules so they don’t end up like us. Not a good argument in my opinion. Moral victories, get you losses. Losses get you forgotten.

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  417. The argument seems circular. You want cupcakes and glorious won/ loss records. But the team would still be embarrassed when they play real teams, probably even a greater letdown.

    My side of the argument is regardless of opponent, just be competitive. I expect we’d continue to win the games we should. But I also expect to have s chance in all games. That ain’t happening right now and that’s a problem for me.

    HTP!

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  418. Syracuse is 9-3 right now and ranked in the top twenty. Without looking, who did they beat? Answer, you don’t know but they are still ranked.

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  419. This ain’t about the Cuse. I graduated from Pitt and I’m interested in my team. I root for them as well as anyone. But they are just not better than mediocre and a 9 win season against cupcakes isn’t changing that.

    HTP!

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  420. This isn’t about Syracuse, but in a way it actually is. A couple of days ago Reedasked the survey question about whether as a fan you would rather see your team win the Coastal division but lose the ACC championship and finish with a .500 or win 9 games and then your bowl game and finish ranked. My exact thoughts were “Reed is basically asking whether you would want Pitt’s or Syracuse’s season.

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  421. My focus on my recent comments is more about competing. Northwestern didn’t lay an egg last night. We did.

    HTP!

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  424. Ike – I was halfway through my reasons and when I looked at it…it was already over a full page. I will send you the documentary one of these days. I re-read it and candidly, very few “picks”. Legitimate issues.

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  425. @Greg – it is easier to recruit a kid and make the kid feel he would be the one to push you to 10 wins and be a part of something special or else you can say hey, we have been 6-6 and with you, we can get to 7-5. Recruits want to be part of something special, not something mediocre. Talk to college kids. That’s what they want.

    We are getting blown out right now doing things your way it appears. I don’t get it at all, but will listen.

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  426. Again, my point is about competing. I don’t disagree that an easier schedule and more wins may help. But come on, there is something else amiss here. We have some talent and should be able to make plays, on time I might add, but that isn’t the case. At least over the last two games.

    HTP!

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    1. I think we should schedule easier as well, but the danger is losing to teams that are considered “cupcakes”. That could be really have a negative effect.

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  427. Penalties, delay of game, wasted time outs…. some of these things are due to being overmatched but the lack of team discipline is on the coaches. I really can’t see any positive trends right now. They are getting a typical recruiting class for Pitt, and they don’t have a QB. Sorry Ike, but the Coastal title is nothing special, and it took 19 Seniors to do it.

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  428. Just for the record, and regardless of how they did it, I am very pleased that they are Coastal Champions. I am not trying to take that away or in anyway diminish that accomplishment.

    But, it’s tough being a Pitt Football Fan for the most part. I’d just like to see some measured improvement that seems to be more tangible and lasting.

    Perhaps 2019 will demonstrate that improvement after the additional practices and continued coaching of the under class men. I want to believe that!

    HTP!

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    1. Greg, I believe we are in the same camp. I traveled to the UVA and W_F games, went to all the home games at Heinz Field and watched the last two defeats on TV.

      There is something wrong when you can’t even get the play calls in to the QB. Especially when it is the first play of the 2nd half and the clock hasn’t even started. That is clearly the definition of both “not being ready” and “not being competitive”.

      I love Pitt FB, and I enjoy the entertainment value that it sometimes brings. South Carolina, cuse, Boston College all played a competitive game against Clemscum. I consider Pitt in that same class of FB teams and in fact, Pitt beat cuse this season. Pitt was not competitive in the Clemscum game nor the miami game (from an offensive standpoint).

      That is why I too am questioning the measure of success for this Pitt FB team.

      I will root hard for a victory in the Sun Bowl over a Stanford team that reminds me of NW 2 years ago. Think about that…Stanford is well coached, with smart players who have had a somewhat down year by their standards.

      Which team do you believe will be ready to play a great FB game?

      Liked by 2 people

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