in Pitt Football 764 Words

Kenny Pickett a Top 50 QB?

CBS Sports recently ranked college football’s top 50 quarterbacks.  The list, created by CBSsports.com writer Ben Kercheval, breaks the top 50 into four tiers, plus a tier for transfers.  While I don’t think anyone would expect Pickett to land in the top three tiers (All-American candidates, All-Conference candidates, and Established Starters), tier number four is the “Potential Breakouts” tier and well, someone who follows college football could make the argument that Kenny Picket could potentially be a breakout candidate.  After all he was just a sophomore last season, and he did have some ups, even though most people remember the downs.  So did he make it?  Read on to find out…

Tier 1:  These quarterbacks have All-American and award season aspirations, which include the Heisman Trophy

Screen Shot 2019-05-23 at 9.18.02 PMTough to argue with those five, and the top three really stand out.  Also note Texas’  Sam Ehligner’s 16(!) rushing TD’s to go along with 25 TD tosses.  Not even the most ardent Pitt fan could expect Kenny Pickett to land here.

Tier 2:  These players include some all-conference selections and a few fringe Heisman contenders

Screen Shot 2019-05-23 at 9.24.06 PMLots of 3000 yard / 25+ TD guys here, and then there’s Ian Book.  I think I detect a Notre Dame bias…  (or maybe they just needed an “ACC” representative?)  Noteworthy:   We played both Book and Stanford’s KJ Costello last year and we narrowly lost to both of them (and with a better OC we’d have…oh well nevermind).  This year we’ll be playing Nathan Rourke (Ohio).  He looks like a poor man’s Sam Ehlinger.  Can’t say I’m looking forward to that.

Tier 3:  The largest tier includes established starters across the entire FBS

Screen Shot 2019-05-23 at 9.32.07 PM.pngWell technically Pickett is an established starter, but his numbers just don’t stand up to the guys on this list, and so I’m neither surprised nor offended that he’s not in this tier. Note that Pickett did beat two players on this list last season, and he’ll get to play them again this year (Bryce Perkins – UVA, Ryan Willis – VA Tech).  One could argue that our running game and defense beat them, but KP did make some clutch throws against both teams, so hey I’m dishing out credit.  I will also say that if KP finishes 2019 in this range (lets say 150 QB Rating) we should all be pleased and Pitt will probably win 8-9 games.

Tier 4:  You may knows some names in this tier, and others you may not, but you should keep an eye on all of them as they’re primed for breakout seasons 

Screen Shot 2019-05-23 at 9.37.54 PM.pngOkay so Pickett is… not on the list.  And I would say that about half of Pitt fans would say “Damn right he’s not on this list.  He sucked last year”.  And they would be right…some of the time.  Everyone agrees Pickett flat-out sucked against Clemson.  Everyone also agrees he kind of sucked against Stanford…and he pretty much sucked against Miami.  But I’ll be damned if Kenny Pickett didn’t also flash.  He flashed against Wake Forest.  He flashed against Duke.  And he made enough plays against Virginia to put that game out of reach.  And so my point here is this:   Here is a quarterback who threw the ball 300 times last season, threw two TD’s for every INT, has a passer rating that is better than 50% of the names in the “breakout” tier, and who is now playing under a noted passing guru and quarterback-whisperer, and he’s not on this list?  Look 50% of the guys on this list are not going to break out.  I see a guy from UAB.  I see a guy from UNLV.  I’m see Anthony freakin’ Russo from Temple who threw 14 picks last year.  I know Kenny Pickett has talent. (You don’t drop it on a dime in the endzone to Maurice Ffrench for the Game Winning TD if you don’t have talent.  I’m sorry you just don’t.  GWTD’s like that just don’t happen unless you are actually good at football).  I also know that Kenny Pickett is inconsistent.  I think Reed mentioned something about “issues between the ears” recently, and I would agree.  But unlike many fans (Reed may or may not be among them), I also believe that a year of film study, a year of visits to the sports psychologist (Pickett would be a fool not to) and a year of Mark Whipple’s coaching can rectify these issues.  Put Pickett down for a Pitt POV breakout candidate, CBSsportsline be damned.

Hail to Pitt.

Michaelangelo Monteleone

Screen Shot 2019-05-23 at 9.45.20 PM
SO Pickett Passing Stats
Screen Shot 2019-05-25 at 9.49.27 PM
rSO Anthony Russo Passing Stats

via GIPHY

 

244 thoughts on “Kenny Pickett a Top 50 QB?”

  1. KP’s confidence was shattered last year
    If he becomes more confident, the game will slow down for him
    Whipple should be able to provide KP with situations to gradually build and sustain that confidence as well as placing him in the right situations for success
    KP will surprise people this year
    Pitt will become a passing team
    But I dont think the O will be very balanced (I’m betting the passing game will be far more effective than the running game)
    Yes – KP should be on the list for a breakout year

    Liked by 2 people

    2. I LIKE YOUR.. umm.. Enthusiasm for this young QB, TX Panther. (Gads, it’s rare to find anything positive in your comments as of late. And while I trust no one selling me kool aid on the topic of FB success, I, too, believe KP can be winner for us.
      Yet, as you mentioned, it’s obvious to MT that KP’s success (and cringing) will be measured and dependent on the OLINE.

      Like

  2. So PITT faced 5 QB’s on that list and went 2-3. Not too good but of the three loses, one came against the national champions, another loss two Notre Dame and the third against their bowl opponent. Let’s not forget two other QB’s Pickett and PITT beat in Troy from Syracuse despite his heavy heavy hangover and a top ten pick in this past draft in Daniel Jones.

    I’m a little lazy today so I won’t look it up but it would interesting to have the breakdown of the QB’s individual performances against PITT. Other than Lawrence and Jones I don’t remember big numbers from the others.

    Like

  3. From what I have been told by a close source of PITT. KP wasn’t a bad student but had a little bit of a problem juggling football and academics at first. That problem is in the rear view mirror long ago. He’s a smart young man.

    Like

  4. MM – good info to ponder. I’m thinking KP has a good season too, but what the crap do I know… 🙂

    That heads-up your gave about the Ohio game, unfortunately, is right on the money. That old coach at Ohio, can’t remember how to spell his name, will have them ready to give Pitt all Pitt can handle…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  5. KP can’t handle the pressure of a pass rush. 8 yards passing against Clemson. Look for Patti to become the starter.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Grizz — based on the spring game I’d be shocked if Patti became the starter. Just not ready.

      I look for George Jr. to be KP’s backup.

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  6. I remain a huge Pickett fan and think he is the man to lead Pitt. A horrible O line and worse O coordinator put him in bad positions this year.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. So Pickett will be a decent QB by his Senior Year. In my world you value Risk/Reward and if you have to invest in a kid to “Maybe” get a decent year by his 4th year then he was the wrong choice. The time to move on from Pickett is now. Give a new guy a chance with first team reps. This is another bad Narduzzi move. Committing to a kid countless times when he has been proven wrong. It is a pride thing for Narduzzi. Another of his flaws usually learned and corrected by his age.

    Like

    1. I’m not sure how the QB situation will shake out as training and the season progresses.I feel confident enough to say this though; Kenny Pickett gives us the best chance to win that first game against UVA. We can’t install a new QB and risk the growing pains that accompany such a move. And the Virginia game is a big one this year.

      Liked by 2 people

  8. Watson coached Pickett into a happy footed robot. He dropped back rigid and then fled the pocket way to soon. The O-Line was a problem but not the main one. I would love to sit down with Whipple and listen to what he has to say about the entire QB situation. I’m in Dan’s camp and stand behind KP but NFL? Not for Long. Let the kid fling the ball, he’s a gunslinger.

    Like

  9. Is there another QB that Pickett reminds anyone of? I have one in mind who played in Pittsburgh although KP doesn’t have the same arm strength. Bradshaw….. you have to let this kid play his type of ball.

    Like

  10. Pickett fled the pocket because in his head he’s a running QB first and a passing QB second. That was what all the hype was about in his HS play then again in those last three games of the 2017 season – the fans and staff weren’t excited about his passing but his running ability.

    Now, I like old-school drop back QBs because, well, you have RBs and even quick WRs to run the ball when you want to. If our WRs are as good in the passing game as the staff has been hyping up ( and of course that is all the info we get force fed us from closed practices) and Whipple can actually cite the job description of a TE from memory…then our passing targets should be good enough to win games.

    So Pickett has to get it drummed into his head that what we need from him is his arm first and foremost – that means sticking in the pocket however shaky that pocket might be and stepping up and into the throw when passing the ball. If he can’t do that on a regular basis then find someone who can.

    We don’t need another Chad Voytik – we need another Nate Peterman.

    When I said ‘above his shoulders’ I didn’t mean dumb by any means – just very gunshy and panicky and he shouldn’t have been that in his 2nd year of starting. His OL didn’t help at all last year so I think if he gets decent protection and the staff doesn’t ask too much of him he’ll be at least consistently serviceable – which save a game or two he really wasn’t.

    But I do have to say that I don’t think the WRs and TEs are going to be all that super talented. Mack and Ffrench maybe – Shocky too but all depends on the OL and TE blocking. We hear hype about the WRs every year from PN and they never seem to do anything above average ball.

    Liked by 3 people

    2. I am somewhat timid to admit this but I must say that I agree with Reed’s comments here 100%.

      This year’s success for the Panthers depends on two major cogs of the operation. Most important the playbook, coaching & game day play calling of our new OC Whipple. If he can produce a balance attack then Pitt has a winning season. Second, but almost as important, is the development of this season’s new OL. If those five starters can’t function as a cohesive unit, it won’t matter much what Whipple brings to the program this year.

      The defense will be the forte of this team, but you still gotta put points on the board to win games.

      Like

  11. Watch that GIF again folks – Pickett threw it off his back foot and Ffrench was able enough to come back for it. Of course our RB got steamrolled by the defender attacking our QB and that led to the quick throw. It was a great throw and play – but I want to see plays like that that go as planned where the WR is hit in stride and not having to dive back for the ball.

    Leading the WRs has been a continual problem for Pitt QBs lately.

    Like

  12. Pickett isn’t even a top 150 QB but Baboonduzzi will say he is our guy. Comical.

    Like

  13. Mark (PT) Bradshaw set a record for being sacked twice for safeties in his rookie season. He used his legs a lot more than many remember and not always for the best. He eventually learned to hang in the pocket but he had already established himself as a running threat.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Cousin’s kid just won NC. Md Women’s Lax. I could have helped provide a pipeline if Pitt had gotten lax in place sooner. 2 of so 5 cousin’s kids thus far on NC teams and one about to go to college.

    Like

    1. shouldnt the girls wear gloves and helmets like the boys? The ball they use also looks different. The Maryland coach has a career record of .927 (yes no typo)

      Pitt needs to start working on launching mens lacrosse. Would probably cost about $3M to support.

      Like

        1. I know. But what if that OCS happens? Theres an easy $3M in annual naming rights revenues. See how I think. Theres always a way to make a buck. But seriously, Pitt could find the money. I’d contribute to the cause. But Pitt doesnt have a cause and they havent asked me yet. Pitt would be surprised at the level of donation success if they just had a vision and asked for supporters. Pitt has to work real hard to only have 2.6% of its alumni donate to sports. I’m patting myself on the back for having donated to Pitt soccer and wallah I see a new pitch installed. But did they tell me this was in the plans? No. Heck I would have given more if I knew how my money would have been spent. Pitt makes the art of donations into rocket science. Its not science…its art.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. “Pitt would be surprised with the level of donation success if they just had a vision and asked for supporters”. HERE HERE.

            While I generally take a more optimistic view of this things this is one area in which I agree Pitt is sorely lacking.

            Like

      2. TX – Lacrosse? Seriously?

        I’m old, but why would anyone but the parents care?

        Now intermural lacrosse sounds like a go idea.

        Go Pitt.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. because its a sport that Pitt could be very successful in. The ACC is the premier conference for it. Tons of high quality recruits in the northeast. A fun sport to play and watch. Its been on espn for the last few weeks getting plenty of eyes. great way to market the university. why pass on a sport that actually gives Pitt a good chance to be a winner. and Pitt would play Penn State. Why forgo a chance to yell Penn State Sucks?

          Liked by 2 people

          1. I usually agree with Tx on most matters- but not here. Aside from my personal belief that lacrosse is a terribly unwatchable game, the only reason to believe Pitt would be successful is because money isn’t as important in college lacrosse. So yes, in that sense Pitt could compete.

            But lacrosse is played by white, middle-class kids from the East coast, named Tanner, TJ or Tyler. If Pitt can’t lure urban minority athletes to play basketball in a city, you actually think Pitt can out recruit Maryland, UNC, Wake, etc. for rich Southern white kids?

            We talk about how Pitt can’t compete with Southern schools for baseball and softball players (and football players, it appears) but we’re going to compete in sport that’s basically only played in NY, New England and the Coastal South? In a league with teams in NY, New England and the Coastal South?

            Look, I’ll root for any team in a Pitt jersey but.. lacrosse?

            Liked by 1 person

            1. It is becoming more popular even down here in Texas. Yes – its a suburban sport but Jim Brown played it.

              Pitt is situated in the right geographic area. Theres plenty of talent. Its a relatively inexpensive sport to support.

              Gives Pitt a chance to play the Pedos ( they lost to Yale in the semis). Theres tons of offense (on avg 25 goals get scored in the 4 quarters). Theres a shot clock. I never played it but I do watch college and its not boring to me.

              You dont need nice weather to play. And really its a sport that Pitt should partner with urban schools in the City. The game can be played on any football field. But Pitt doesnt think out of the box. Think of what Pitt could do if they spent about $1 million to develop a feeder system…a youth academy. Find 6 city schools and help create lacrosse programs for them by supplying the money. Tell me I convinced you now Jay. 🙂

              Like

              1. Nope. Not even a little bit. Pitt is NOT in the right geographic area. The TOP players- those you need to compete at the P5 level- lives HOURS away from Pittsburgh.. like NJ, MD, VA, NY & MA.

                Those kids will go to traditional powers like Syracuse (Jim Brown) or BC or the big school fraternity-cultured schools like PSU or virtually any Southern school.

                Just my opinion..

                For those of you from Pittsburgh… Can you imagine lacrosse programs at Allderdice, Brashear or Westinghouse? Now, THAT would be lacrosse that I would watch!

                Like

                1. lacrosse is losing its preppy image as its being adopted by more suburban schools. it may be considered an elitist sport like golf but there is plenty of numbers to draw from all within a 5 hour distance. And Pitt would be wise to strike up and support a partnership with City schools for sports like lacrosse and even hockey. They could be a leader is this outreach to under-privileged kids. And a bunch of white kids would love to play in the ACC for a P-5 school on a scholie. The supply exceeds the demand. Now is the time for a school like Pitt to get in and begin making a name for itself.

                  Like

                  1. Lacrosse is still 85% white kids and the VAST majority of them come from families with household incomes over $100k living in houses over $250k- per statistics from US Lacrosse. And the BEST kids are located MUCH higher on the socioeconomic scale. But.. I do like your visionary approach. Pitt needs that kind of thinking. We agree on that point.

                    Like

  15. The good news this year is we actually have qb options if pickett struggles again. I thought beville looked really good in spring game and patti and george could be decent as well.

    Like

  16. I don’t know if Pickett will figure it out or not this year, but I do know that a first year QB with a weak offensive line and sub-par play calling will never look good. Hopefully the game slows down for him, he gets a little more time to read defenses and he has been practicing throwing on the run. Whipple is a QB guru so that should help.

    Part of KP’s problem last year were unreasonable expectations to begin with. Sometimes I wonder if some of you ever played sports. KP will either get good enough or he won’t, none of us know the answer to that yet.
    Some said he would get drafted after three years, then last year and now people are ready to dump him for another unknown. It is just very sad. QB’s don’t play in a vacuum. The one game he got adequate protection, he didn’t look too bad. No doubt if the O-line doesn’t give him time, he will look bad again. If the O-line gives him time he will look better. None of us know how much better.

    Liked by 4 people

    2. How predictable was Watson in calling that roll-out pass play last season. In his defense, I guess that was Watson’s way of dealing with the pass rush, but I’d love to see the stats on that play for last season.

      It easily was our most run pass play and it was like the defenses knew it was coming. And 9 out of 10 times we threw to the short receiver for 3 yards…

      I hope we junk that damn play… Or run it and then run something else off that alignment…

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. If you look at one of the early whipple interviews (or listen I suppose…). You will hear one line about “spacing issues”. I am no coach but I believe that has to do with WR depth on their routes and not having one guy too close to the other. Let’s assume that is true. If yes then the WR coach needs to be let go. Oh good, he was. And so does the OC…again, house cleaned. And now that we have a competent OC and WR coach you have to assume that routes will he run to the correct depth, which will put more spacing between the receivers which will get more guys open, which will give KP more confidence to fire that ball in there.

        Just a thought on a holiday weekend…

        Liked by 3 people

    1. Just like the previous 2 years. Everyone else plays freshman and starts them no problem God forbid meatballs play a new player or put pressure on Pickett. Pickett earned nothing in my eyes as a starter.

      Like

  18. This will probably get me in hot water with some, but I am optimistic that Whipple will help the offense and hopeful that Narduzzi gives him free rein with the offense. If both of those things come to fruition, I would again hope that at this late stage of his career, Whipple would stick around with appropriate compensation for good performance. I guess no surprise that I am one of the Optimists among the POV crowd.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Where would he go good buddy? Greater at Walmart? Widdle wooden figurines at Idelwild?

      Like

          1. UPitt,
            I wish I could but unfortunately I’ll be a working class dog that day. Have a cigar and toddy for me! I’ll be looking forward to stories and pictures from the big event!

            Like

  19. As far as Pickett goes……. leave the kid alone. Upitt will enjoy this one, it’s for you buddy.. Watch out for the language though folks.

    Like

  20. I still say it’s a small miracle that none of the wide receivers transferred after last season. Who could have blamed them? Hopefully their commitment is a positive sign that they believe in Pickett.

    Like

    1. I bet they were like “hey let’s get Watson fired”. And then about halfway through the seasons they were like “actually we don’t have to”

      Like

  21. What QB depth? We have a starter that played way below average ball then only one (1!) QB in journeyman George (1 for 3 for a total of 1 yard) who took any snaps in a real game. Patti and Belville are completely untested and ones a true FR.

    We have zero depth there, and at RB, FB, OL and TE.

    But this is what Pitt fans do…they crow about all the supposed depth we have coming of a .500 season…especially on defense…yet PN has to get a kid who hardly played any LB at all at Florida and he just might start.

    I think we have the least deep roster that we’ve seen in years.

    Like

    1. Probably few teams have two QBs who have taken the number of game snaps as KP and George have…

      How well they can play is certainly still up in the air, but game snaps are a pretty precious commodity…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

    2. Reed other than OL and RB during the Paul Chryst years I’m not sure we ever had a deep roster since I’ve been a fan. Ie 1997

      Like

  22. There are 64 teams in P5, right? So our qb didn’t make the top fiddie. He may have great talent, but he hasn’t yet shown it is what i take from that. There can be a myriad of reasons why, but the first, and i have said this from the beginning and not a bandwagon jumper-onner, is that he is pulling the ball in early and running. I think the game is too fast for his noggin to process. In other words, he has little patience. This becomes evident when watching from the above cameras.

    His internal clock is not in sync with the receivers routes. He is pulling the ball down and running before the wr’s get open. If you watch closely, his trigger is about a half second off. Receivers are coming open, but it has been too late for the qb. Additionally, once he pulls the ball down, he doesn’t re-engage the route runner. Too late.

    I hope the clock slows down in his noggin. If it doesn’t Whipple got a put a squeeze on the charmin and have the next signal caller ready. Competition should occur at every position, every year. That is why i do not like pitt using the portal. They make playing time promises to a transfer which really means they failed to achieve recruiting and development success with who they got.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. whipple is a QB whisperer
      he should be able to do wonders with KP
      and yes, part of that is building confidence, getting him comfortable and the game will naturally slow down
      we’ll then be able to see what talent and ceiling that Kenny’s got

      my bigger question and concern is what is the ceiling on Pitt athletics
      there are 65 P-5 teams and Pitt is the 3rd worst overall in sports based on field results
      its also one of the worst in revenue generation
      its also notoriously bad in fiscal responsibility
      but it runs a clean program(we think), players graduate and all is well in Oakland

      since no Pitt teams are in any playoffs at the moment, I’m sure Heather is at her favorite vacation spot OBX…beach house in Corolla.

      Like

  23. Reed were you just looking to go on a rant? Not sure who said we are loaded with depth? I said that there are at least possibilities behind pickett this year unlike last year.

    Like

  24. Reed — on the roster being the least deep in years…

    Defense: I think the Dline and defensive backs are the deepest we’ve had in years. The linebackers are largely untested but have shown flashes.

    Offense: This will be the best overall WR group in many years. There is big-time speed that Watson could nit find a way to use.

    And I think we do have the best QB depth in a while — I really think George could come in and do more than just hand off – (though INTs would certainly be a concern with him). But how many teams have a backup who has played full-time…

    The OL is a probable weakness and, despite being deep in 4-stars, the RBs don’t do anything for me. TE will be average to weak.

    So I guess I see it as a mixed bag on depth…with Coach Borbely and Coach Whipple having their work cut out…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  25. Major – What have those WR’s done?

    You can’t be serious regarding depth or QB’s with snaps.

    Like

  26. I am trying to figure out the OL 4 stars. Major, did you mean 4th year 3 stars?

    TX – I am not sure the game slows down when he will have very little time in the pocket. Our OL strength is hanging on a walk on center if he is healthy, a portal left tackle and a few guards that do not have significant experience…..Typically you don’t go into the portal if you have the talent to go to the league.

    Offensively, i think we are in trouble. The save is the ooc schedule. Should be helpful. The ACC in general and the coastal in particular has some good classes for 2020 recruiting.

    Like

    1. I was referring to the RBs as the 4-stars — must have messed up.

      Even though we have some RB 4-stars, they are not the style of runner I like to see. I like the more elusive RBs – especially when you’re trying to cobble together an Oline…

      And I realize the Oline recruiting has a gap in it and the Oline will likely be a weakness.

      (Though we do have some guys who sure look the part. I’m thinking of offensive guard Ford – walked past him at the spring game – the guy is massive. If he can move his feet some, he should be a player… Come on Coach Borbs…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  27. I am kind of astounded that you would think Pickett would have any chance of being on the list given the year he had last year. Hopefully with the upgrade we had on the offensive coaching staff, he will be much improved this year. If after the first two or three games we see no improvement, it is time for a change.

    Like

      2. Sure, it’s easy to badmouth Kenny’s performance/stats from last year. But,I’ll say this; he has talent (not NFL) and he has moxie and a ton of desire. Mix that with a competent OC and I like our chances.

        Liked by 2 people

  28. Placing the blame on Pickett and not on the offensive line is a confirmation you don’t know much about football

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s a team effort Deep. Starting with coaching and has the Nixon effect………it trickles down. Oops

      Like

      1. I’m going to file that under “history” but watch it … 🙂

        Like

  29. I’m not a QB guru and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night but it seemed to me that KP didn’t trust the play or his eyes last year. He just didn’t deliver the ball on time many plays. Hoping his confidence takes a giant leap forward this next season. I believe he has it.

    Like

  30. I went to the Bucco game today — I know, I only went because my son wanted to go…

    But I was a little surprise, when walking from the T station, that Lastrow was not at his normal tail-gating spot in the parking lot…

    Lastrow — What’s going on with the off-season tail-gate conditioning program? 😊

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  35. The Whipple Pickett combination is the key to whether or not Pitt actually can advance the level of OB play this coming season. I’m fairly confident if Pickett doesn’t show any improvement in Pitt’s first 3 games he will be pulled rightly or wrongly from the starting QB job by WHIPPLE and not Narduzzi. As Reid said and I concur Pickett has a run first mentality built up over many seasons of playing the game. Whipple has a pass first mentality over many seasons as an OC. Whether those two opposite tendencies can be meshed together will be answered family quickly IMHO.

    Like

  37. As far as Pickett…

    Number One… I was never enamored with him. Good in High School but not really good.

    But he did GET me at Miami.

    As I’ve posted before, Pickett’s one problem is that he is NOT a fluid Quarterback when it comes to throwing the Ball on the run. That’s why he opts to RUN so much. And yes he is a very GOOD runner.

    His second and probably more troublesome problem is that he completely QUITS looking downfield when he is being pressured as a Passer. This is not good considering how many BIG pass plays are done when a Quarterback finds a way to get the Ball off after avoiding initial pressure. All a matter of giving Receivers MORE time to get open.

    I am on the record saying Pickett will end up with DECENT passing numbers at Pitt. It starts this fall with Whipple’s Offense which simplifies things for a Quarterback.

    Like

    1. I think it’s do or die for KP this year. You’re right, we’ll know after a few games. I’ve got a good feeling about Coach Whipple running this O. I think he’ll do the right thing if it appears Kenny doesn’t have it.

      Like

  38. By the way… Pickett does throw the BEST Ball out of all the Quarterbacks currently on the roster.

    He just needs someone to teach him how to play the position a bit better.

    And that’s exactly what “Pappy” Whipple does.

    Lol

    Liked by 3 people

  39. Watson had no clue on how to spread a defense out. Even when a defense stacked the box he couldn’t call a play to get receivers open down field. The WF game is the only game he pulled it off. How bad was their DC, lol.

    Pickett will get two games to show something. If he sucks Whipple will take him out.

    Whipple has been around enough QBs to know if KP has enough talent to win.

    Like

  40. Looking at KP’s body of work to this point in time, Picket looks to be the definition of a practice player. Looks good in practice but doesn’t get the job done in game play.

    Watson was trying to get production from his offense, he turned away from passing the ball and ended the season with two 1000 yard rushers.

    The only 300 yard game on KP’s resume was against Wake. What kind of a pass rush did Wake have? Did they pressure KP? I didn’t see the game and am wondering.

    Like

  42. Not likely that Whipple would change QB’s before the PSU or UCF games.

    If there is any doubt about KP we will see another guy get a series or two like we did with Peterman, but I don’t see that happening, unless one of the other guys is lights out this fall. Being anointed starter in the spring says a lot about the other guys.

    Like

  43. I agree with Reed and others that said that KP tended to take off to early. IMO he also did not scramble to make a passing play, but to pick up yardage with his feet. He absolutely needs to learn that throwing is his number 1 objective, and picking up a first down with his feet should be a second option.

    Unfortunately when a QB has no confidence in his Oline or in RB’s picking up the blitz, he tends to get happy feet, never a good thing. Some QB’s have that sixth sense to feel the rush and know when to escape and extend the play. This doesn’t seem to come naturally to KP.

    The one thing that can definitely make KP a better QB is the time to read defenses and set his feet to make a good pass. The more times he gets to do that the more confidence he will gain. I also noticed that play calling rarely gave him an outlet pass when plays broke down. Most of the time as he scrambled, receivers were running down field giving him no where to throw.

    Hopefully Whipple does a better job at adjusting to his players capabilities.

    Like

    1. in the pros, there is always a running back or TE as the safety valve. Pitt needs to find them
      you really dont want your QB scrambling with his feet…best to dump a pass off
      or just throw out of bounds…something that Sackseri never understood
      if the line is as bad pass protecting this year, why not have some quick two drop passes
      even in the shotgun, if KP just moves up in the pocket, he buys himself some extra time
      all this can be taught…just might feel unnatural. Like a golf swing.

      Like

      1. Toughest pass for a defense to cover is the wheel route by a back out of the backfield. The next one Pitt runs will be our first. Watson was an idiot!

        Liked by 3 people

        1. Dan – other teams have killed us with that play.

          And with his speed, seemed like Hall would have been a natural… But, alas, we only tried it a few times…

          I’d much rather see the RB go out, and have to be covered by somebody, than keep the RB in to block. And I expect our inexperienced RBs to really struggle this season with pass protection.

          We do have some speed at RB and WR. Can Coach Whipple find ways to use it that Coach Watson couldn’t???

          Go Pitt.

          Like

  44. Yeah, I think it was a combination of happy feet, convoluted mind, a lack of confidence to zip it in there quick and the O-Line.

    Like

  45. Late in the season KP threw a quick slant to Matthews that was beautiful. I never saw it attempted again. It made no sense to me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yea it’s like they pulled that okay off the shelf for Notre Dame, used it four times and then out it back in the shelf never to be used again. Mind boggling

      Liked by 1 person

  47. But many here were excited for Watson. I remember the posts.

    You either have it or you don’t at a QB position. Kenny Pickett plays the position not Rocking Chair Pappy . To say that Pickett’s success depends on him is crazy. Quit babying Pickett. Act like a starting QB and make the throws. He has been in the system 3 years.

    Like

    1. Upittbaseball — Hope you are doing well.

      I look at it like Pitt has made an investment in KP. Playing time is the most valuable resource Pitt has to offer. Do we “sell” now or see what our investment can bring in the longer term.

      I think KP has shown that he can make plays – now he needs consistency. And I think players who are committed will get better with good coaching…

      I have seen where Coach Whipple has played 2 QBs, so I don’t think he’ll hesitate to use whoever the backup is, if Pickett isn’t making plays.

      Last season, KP played better against teams, like WF, who didn’t get much pass-rush pressure.

      I my opinion, the success or failure of this season depends on whether Coach Borbs can find 2 competent OTs, and whether Coach Whipple can call plays that help compensate for our offensive flaws – something that Watson couldn’t seem to do.

      Go Pitt.

      Like

        1. The administration cannot find a guy with a ceiling or an agent who’d let their client coach in front of empty seats at a school that won’t bend the rules to win.

          Like

  48. Which system is that Mark?

    Practically everything I read about Pickett in this thread has been very fair yet critical of KP. This free pass you speak of is just not there.

    Excited about Watson is also overkill.

    Have a great Memorial Day buddy.

    Like

  49. I will equate Pitt Football to hockey playoffs for a brief second. I think most agree that Pitt football is mediocre. What I don’t hear is that the Pitt defense is pushing the offense to improve. In the past 5-7 years, the offense was always better than the defense, which meant that the offense (in practice), would have more time to execute a play mentally. However, when Pitt plays against solid, hungry teams, the offense stutters because they haven’t practiced against a hungry defense. There is no “next level” for the Pitt offense. They have been maxxing out their offense against a bad defense for years.Very similar to the penguins when they have to play at their max to win games in the regular season, but when it comes to the playoffs, they don’t have the next gear. Maybe an improved compete level on the defensive side prepares the offense better going forward.

    Thank you to all that served in our military or are families of those that served. We are the greatest country for a reason and that is because of the sacrifices of these men and women. Special shout out to my Green Beret nephew, KIA 2007. It never gets easier for my sis.

    Liked by 7 people

  50. Rough day Huff the Third and my most sincere heartfelt thoughts. I still don’t hear from my brother who still struggles mightily with PSTD. He took his whole body over there but didn’t bring everything back.

    I now have tears in my eyes.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. God Bless you Dan………. Unfortunately they check out. You can lead them to water but we can’t make them drink. Sad indeed this day.

      Like

      1. Lots of therapy, a few rehab stints then relapse. Rinse repeat. A shame because underneath he’s a really great guy.

        Like

        1. Really sorry to hear that Dan. Here’s to going some of that rehab sticks

          Like

        2. The last time I talked to my oldest brother Dan, (Vietnam Veteran) was when I asked him to let Reed help him out. I haven’t heard back from him since. Before that, he told me he would get in his pickup truck, drive a block or two away from his house and he had to turn around and come straight back home. I salute all who served this country. Peace be to all.

          Like

  53. Dan, Huff and Ike…prayers for your families on this Memorial Day.
    And of course a thank you to all who served.

    Like

  54. Ike, Dan and Huff, words can’t express the thanks that your loved ones are owed for their sacrifices overseas. Bless all of you.

    Liked by 3 people

  57. Major Majors nailed it..
    Rick does a great job setting this up.
    Shouldn’t the FRANKCAN CUP be in all caps? Haha.

    Like

  58. While the Big 33 game certainly isn’t what it used to be, note that PA beat Maryland 21-0 yesterday

    — WR Will Gipson caught 3 passes for 53 yards and 1 TD

    — LB Brandon George had 8 tackles and a pass break-up … and also received a post-game comment form the PA head coach, Mary Lyons: ” “The University of Pittsburgh’s getting a special one, that’s for sure.”

    Like

    2. also, AJ Woods (CB) has an interception for Maryland. Woods is the Maryland state HS 110 meters champ — 10,6

      Like

  59. On the BB front, Julian Champagnie has decided to reclassify to 2019 and will announce his decision tomorrow. His brother Justin has already signed with Pitt. While Julian is not considered as good as Justin at this time, he is considered a solid 3-star. If nothing else, it provides another body to the roster which (I believe) currently stands as 8 players. Ideally, Capel will pull in another 2 (grad) transfers, and Julian will play 10 or less games, and redshirt this year

    Pitt is considered the favorite … but as we are fully aware, you just never know

    Like

  60. and now back to the topic of this blog article ……

    Like

  61. Summary: do all of my above posts guarantee that Pitt will have some studs in the near future? Heck no!

    But it shows the promise of 3-star athletes

    Like

    1. until they get to Pitt where they fail to develop, play out of position, arent utilized in the right scheme, and the promise ended up being false hope. 🙂

      we all know that most 3 stars take time to develop but can be solid contributors with the occasional star
      Pitt needs some 4 stars now that can make an immediate impact on the field (wont find them in PA)
      otherwise in 2 years, Pitt will be lucky to have 30k in attendance

      Pitt had one first team all-ACC player last year right? It really needs about 2-3 on both offense and defense. So either these 3’s need to get developed better or Narduzzi needs to go after blue chips and snag some just like every other P-5 team and many have more constraints and excuses than Pitt…yet they find a way.

      Again, I do think Kenny has promise and has a higher ceiling than what most people think.

      Like

  62. Since Pitt joined the ACC – the Coastal has been won by ; GT, NC, VT, Miami, and Pitt. All of these schools lost to the Altantic Champion (FSU and Clemson (4 times)) both of these schools made it the FBS playoffs and I think there was one or two National Champions out of the mix. Pitt won’t have a winning OOC record until 2020, then you can start complaining about Narduzzi’s overall record, until then the OOC schedule has has will continue to have an impact on Pitt’s record. In 2018 Pitt was 6-2 in the conference and 1-3 outside.

    Like

  63. I think that the key words in apittfan’s comment are that the Atlantic champion made the FBS playoffs and won a couple of national champions as well. So the Atlantic happens to have some superior teams nationally right now, and the Coastal doesn’t need to apologize. ike is right that winning the Coastal is an important achievement Tex, which gives them a trophy and merely starts the long road back to respectability. But I wouldn’t oversell it with the season ending 7-7 record.

    Liked by 2 people

    2. This might offend some folk, but a coastal team has not won the ACC championship since VT did in 2012. That’s almost 2 full recruiting cycles (8 years). Pitt did win the coastal last year which was good. However, in my mind, it is akin to Wisconsin winning the big10 west and then losing to OSU like 61-1, or something like that.

      Tex, i think Pitt is going for the big haul in one weekend type thing in the next few weeks. That was fun last year, I ain’t going to lie.

      Like

      1. fingers crossed
        but this talk of winning the coastal creating momentum is wrong
        only 3 recruits
        season ticket sales?
        donations?
        positive media coverage?

        Like

  64. its an achievement. a marker for the program. but I doubt it carries much weight with recruits. Otherwise, Pitt would have more than just 3 recruits now.

    it would be too easy for me as a recruiter to diminish the accomplishment. Me: ‘So you know Jimmy that right after Pitt won the Coastal, they were blown out by Miami, destroyed and embarrassed on national TV against Clemson, and then lost their bowl game against Stanford that rested 6 starters. If you like the number 7, then Pitt’s for you.’

    Liked by 1 person

  65. My take on KP….he better to be ready to go from the opening gun…he has plenty of starts under his belt and no a lot to show for it….he is a gamer but they all better be gamers…I try to focus on what he did in the Wake game and make believe….I was.there but I can’t get that bad taste out of my mouth ” holding the ball too long…really bad sacks. and an accuracy issue…as UPitt would say ” He is no Dave Havern !!!

    EE..FRANKCAN IS ALL CAPS MAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF LIKE OUR HERO DID

    Like

    1. That would be awesome to meet Davy “White Shoes” Havern…

      I was in the stands for the amazing comeback win against WVU engineered by Dave Havern…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

    1. The very first Pitt game I ever attended, I saw Biggie Havern (all 5’9 of him) being chased by PSU All-Americans Steve Smear and Mike Reid every time he dropped back to pass. Come to think of it, not so unlike Pickett vs Clemson last year

      Like

  69. It seems to me that recruits, being young kids after all, probably look back only about 3-5 years when assessing a program. Beyond that is ancient history. So the Coastal championship is worth something if Pitt can string together 4-5 decent years, another Coastal championship, and maybe get lucky and win the ACC.

    Like

    1. get ranked and win bowl games and the recruits will come. You dont need a string of 5 years. Sometimes just a big year does it. Then you do it again as validation.

      the coastal is not a championship…its a division title. Only the Pitt womens volleyball team has actually won a championship.

      Like

      1. and the coach, just landed a top 20 recruiting class…the best ever at Pitt. Thats what championships get you…noticed.

        Like

  70. Thanks all for the kind likes about my nephew. He was an awesome person. He had a 6 month old boy when he was kia and his wife and son continue the daily battle of life. It means alot and was threrapeutic for me to share. Maybe I will come to town and get his 12 year old to a Frangate this year!

    Liked by 5 people

  71. Dave played against some national heavy weights… I took one look at him and thought..” Shute.. I could play QB for PITT( 6’1” 185) then I looked at the size of the linemen all 230-245 lbs of them and thought “no way” I gotta study…. organic chemistry then proceeded to beat my ass way harder than any FB player… cool thing about Haven and Hogan – they represented us and were one
    of us WPA kids who shared much common ground with all of us. They sacrificed their time on the gridiron taking on all challengers… so easy to relate to those PITT men… I really miss that aspect of sports… a true home team

    Liked by 1 person

  72. Huff the Third, again prayers to you and your family and many many thanks for your nephew’s service and sacrifice.

    Now about your post above. PITT winning the Coastal and reminds you of Wisconsin? I ask, isn’t that what PITT fans aspire to be?

    Like

  73. when Wisconsin finished 1st in the West Division, they ended up winning 11 and 13 games. Pitt winning the Coastal reminds me of a Rutgers team getting lucky.

    Like

    1. No. When Whisky won the Big 10 West under Chryst, they won 11 and 13 games. When Pitt wins the Coastal, its 7. Pitt is nowhere close to the Whisky level of success. And Rutgers like Pitt has only won 10 games or more once in the past 40 years. Winning a weak division doesnt make Pitt like Wisconsin.

      Like

      1. So why don’t you think PITT won 10 games Tx? psu, Notre Dame and UCF have anything to do with it?

        Like

        1. there is no guarantee that Pitt would have beaten 3 different teams
          and I would argue that a tough OOC better prepared Pitt for ACC play
          Pitt is their record

          Like

  75. So I see where the Pirates are having a Chris Archer Bobblehead Game…

    Huh???? 🤔

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    1. I believe he pitched his college days at Miami.

      Never did like him as a Devil Ray in Tampa.

      Like

  77. Friday’s weather has improved slightly (from my last report) for the FRANKCAN CUP chase to “mostly sunny with a high of 77 degrees with a mild breeze of 5 to 10 mph”.

    My POV is that this will be a great day for a golf tournament.

    There are (7) teams scheduled to arrive in Lancaster (28 golfers) – all with their eye on the CUP.

    Liked by 3 people

        1. If Julian picks Pitt, then we add some talent & depth as part of our rebuild, and I’m good with that, and if he chooses elsewhere, I’m equally good with that. In a sense, given how close the brothers are, it would really be a shocking development if they separated, but ultimately for Pitt’s sake, I guess I slightly prefer he chooses St. Johns given his overall talent assessment combined with our depth at wing. Frankly, I’m equally indifferent about Quinerly, I could definitely see value adding him, don’t get me wrong, but I guess I’d slightly prefer he go elsewhere; what matters is what CC wants.

          Bilau would be the one guy I’d like to sign the most and it sounds like he’ll make his decision within the next few weeks and frankly Nigel John would be fine at this point. Heck, I’d take both if we could.

          Like

          1. Yes, I want two big men with one possibly being a grad transfer. I hope Capel has three of four scholarships to use in 2020 since he would have had more than enough time to build relationships with those kids. I think one big to go with Brown and the three to-be sophs will make Pitt much more competitive in 2019-20.

            Like

  80. since 1990 when Barry Alvarez came to Wisconsin until when Chryst took over in 2015:

    — UW record was 208-104-4 (which included Alvarez going 1-10, 5-6, 5-6 in his first 3 years

    — his successor, Bret Bielema, had 4 double digit win season in 7 seasons at UW

    — his successor Gary Anderson had 20 wins in 2 seasons (and yes, had 11 wins in 2014 but lost 59-0 in B10 final)

    — both Bielema and Anderson were fired from their next jobs

    UW is a large school that constantly sells out 80k Camp Randall, and OCS.

    Pitt had 9 HC (all but Graham and Chryst were fired) compared to UW’s 4 (none of UW’s coaches were fired.)

    Any comparison between Pitt and UW is futile

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I wasn’t comparing Pitt to Wisconsin. I was comparing the coastal division to the big11 west and the overall weakness of the red headed stepchild conference that gets no advantage from winning the coastal or the big 11 west. Those teams just get slaughtered against the real teams of the big11 east and the ACC Beach Teams.

      Now the trend may change, but it hasn’t in nearly 7 or 8 years.

      Wisky does play an easy ooc and does win its bowl games.

      Like

  81. Mike, can you make arule that debating whether last season was a success or not is banned like religion or politics? That discussion of whether the coastal championship means anything, should ooc be considered, etc is about as tired an argument as possible!!! I partook in the debate for a while but I just have to agree to disagree with the tex/reed/upitt side.
    Neither side of the debate has moved an inch! It is just painful to read anymore.

    Like

    1. success is in the eye of the beholder
      last season met my expectations…7 wins and no bowl win
      now what I want and what I expect are two different things

      I want Pitt to be a consistent 9-11 game winner
      I expect Pitt to win within the range of 6-9 games

      Only better coaching and recruiting will elevate Pitt to that next level. That is opinion backed by tons of evidence that support it. What is debatable: does Pitt have the right coach? how much longer should Narduzzi be given? would an easier OOC help improve Pitt’s record? Does a Coastal mean anything in the eyes of recruits (I have not heard one recruit mention it so far). Does Pitt need an OCS? Are fans happy with the new colors? How does Pitt end the cycle of mediocrity?

      Like

    2. I am general y pro-Narduzzi here but have stated on a handful of occasions that I evaluate the Coastal title to that of the BE title in 04. And when both teams met its reward (ACC title and BCS bowl), they got their butt kicked. But winning the Coastal is still better not winning it.

      I just think you Pitt alums have way too high expectations for this program. There are just too many constraints, many not even of Pitt’s doings.

      Can Pitt have another 10 win season? Sure. But I really don’t think you can ever expect a 10 win season

      Like

    3. Haha well that’s the problem with what Pitt did last year, it is result a 50/50 result. 2019 can’t come soon enough

      Like

  82. and you’re right Tx, PITT is the proverbial Panther chasing his own tail, which came first the chicken or the egg and who’s on first.

    Like

  83. Would anyone want to win the Coastal again. I dare say everyone. A title is a title. By the way will the trophy be displayed at Heinz this year?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. its probably displayed on campus now in a trophy case next to Pitt’s Ultimate Frisbee championship

      Like

  85. 6-2 in the conference regular schedule – with a first year QB and an OC who’s play-calling really requires an excellent OL (not a cobbled together Oline) to be successful – seems decent to me.

    Now, can the QB step it up and can the new OC more effectively cover for the flaws???

    Oh, and can the defense be consistently stout and get some turnovers????? 😊

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. To answer your last question, Paul Zeise thinks Pitt’s D will win some games in 2019. He believes DC Bates is the difference maker – per interview last week with Chris Peak.

      Paul also thinks that last season should be a step in the right direction, BUT it was also deemed a failure in his mind when you consider the season ending skid.

      Liked by 2 people

  86. The only point I try and make is, if you want to try and diminish PITT winning their division then don’t count the Clemson game as a loss. Clemson won the National Championship. Everyone lost to them.

    Liked by 1 person

        1. Thanks Ike. For a guy who likes ZZ Top, James Gang, Mississippi, I forgot how much I liked the Moody Blues. Heard that song on Sirius & it just keep running through my mind.

          Like

          1. face it … while the Baetles, the Stones, the Who and Zeppelin have received most of the attention, it’s amazing the quality of music that was produced in the small country of England in the mid to late 60s.

            The Moody Blues, The Kinks, The Animals, Van Morrison, The Zombies, The Yardbirds, Traffic, Humble Pie, Procol Harum and later, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, ELP and Deep Purple, and that’s not all of them. And Cream is probably more responsible for Southern Rock and Hard Rock than any other band (it predated both Hendrix Experience and Zeppelin).

            These bands were mostly influenced by American blues and R&R but outdid many of their US contemporaries by a wide margin

            Like

            1. Lots of great voices on that list along with the great musicians. I love Humble Pie and Steve Marriott could really belt out a tune. The Small Faces put out lots of great stuff.

              Like

  87. Sure it does Bill and thanks. It gave PITT the opportunity to lose another game. When was the last time PITT played 14 games in a season and won a division? Some take the high road and some take the low road. I think it was a major accomplishment.

    Like

      1. That could be a false statement.

        If you don’t win your division but do get picked for the CFP & do make it to the championship game, you can make 14 games.

        Out of town, so can’t check but Alabama may have played 14 without winning a division.

        Like

  88. OT, some advice from a simple man. I learned a very long time ago………. If you go looking for trouble hard enough, you will surely surely find it. You people figure that one out….. That advice has served me very well in my hard life.

    Like

  90. Ike, the foursomes are not set in stone yet…some adjustments are still being made. More like tweaks.

    Like

    1. Good luck to all the POV-outing golfers!

      May the competition be good and the putts be fallin’ for ya! 🏆

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 2 people

  91. Sorry I won’t be around for the festivities on Friday. I am excited though to be going to see The Who tomorrow night!

    Like

    1. Have fun Mark. Live at Leeds is still one of my favorite albums…yes, album.
      Do they still trash their equipment?

      Like

  93. Weather update for Friday’s chase for the FRANKCAN CUP –

    Mostly sunny – 77 degrees with 0% chance of rain from 11am to 5pm

    You can thank Heather for the weather…

    Liked by 2 people

  94. At least she finally did something right in 3 years.

    Other than firing Rockports.

    Extending Gorilla Glue wipes that positive away.

    Hiring Assistant Coaches to be heads also returned terrible records.

    But she smiles and hands out certificates at every commercial break and paid Nike to design our uniforms.

    Uses Recruiters to fill jobs, consultants after consultants. Remember when you paid an AD to be an AD.

    Like

  95. Fran, I saw them 2 years ago. Glad to say they are no longer destroying their equipment! It’s funny though when Roger Daltrey sings “Hope I die before I get old”…he’s 75!

    Like

    1. Safe travels to all. Update on the weather – at tee time (noon) tomorrow – full sun and 77 degrees – by 3pm the temperature will be 80 with a 15% chance of showers.

      I am on my way to the club this morning to finalize the tournament details. There are 7 teams with 28 total golfers and 2 non-golfers joining us in the afternoon. We have golfers flying in from Texas, Louisville, Maryland, Virginia, Hershey, Pittsburgh, Palmyra, York, East Berlin and Lancaster (I may have missed a few location) – but you get the gist, golfers are coming from all over the US to battle for the rights to get their name on the FRANKCAN CUP.

      H2P!

      Liked by 1 person

        1. Can you imagine the ratings Richman alone would have pulled in?

          Watching Tiger or watching Richman? ⚖️

          No brainer!

          Go Pitt.

          Like

  97. SAFETRAVULSTOOALLTRAVLING TO LANDCASTR TO BATTLEFOR THEFRANKCANCUP!!! It’s a THE “Memorial” in a different way..BigB has a dance recital Saturday. Heading to the HOOTIE and the Blowfish in Virginia Beach tonight.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Enjoy the show Bernie! We can rate our concerts tomorrow. Always liked Darius and the boys!

      Like

  98. FYI, the FRANKCAN CUP has a 4 drink capacity and keeps’em really cold…enough for the winners to throw one down in a victory toast..how do I know? ask lastrow! I’m a poet and don’t know it…….

    Liked by 1 person

  99. Good luck guys have a blast and make sure you wear two pairs of pants tomorrow, you know, in case you get a hole in one. Yes I had to say that again. 🙂

    Like

  100. Headed to the airport. Dallas to Philly, Philly to Harrisburg then Jay’s Hacienda. I have golf elbow and plantar fasciitis so it may not be pretty. Haha

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Excuses already…cigars are light weight, so that shouldn’t bother your elbow.

      See you at lunch tomorrow – tee time is noon.

      Like

      1. Maestro – another really good article. Not really concerned about Pickett’s preseason ranking – especially after last year. I’d hope to see him with a significant position at season’s end, though.

        I don’t think he has to be a Top 25 QB this year, but he does need to be good enough to keep all defenses from putting 9 up front. Would love to see backs and TEs VERY productive in the passing game

        Liked by 1 person

  102. ike — I see that Todd Rundgren is appearing at the Palace in Greensburg on June 25…

    He’s had an interesting life…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  103. The “Runt” Saw him at Three Rivers Stadium.

    We both have the same mentality, his was, he didn’t want to work and mine was, born to retire. I think he lives in Hawaii. This is pretty cool.

    Like

    1. Since I’m a big Beatles fan, I got gift tickets a couple of years ago to see Ringo’s All-Starr Band in Pittsburgh. Not exactly the Beatles, but I went.

      Todd Rundgren was part of the All-Starr Band. They put on a surprisingly enjoyable show…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

    1. for the over 50 crowd, they are a rival
      the under 50 crowd is much larger
      so screw them
      I’d rather play the Domers and Hoopies
      Any school that allows child rape to occur and has a cult of followers that will do anything to protect the school’s reputation and enable the cover-up, is just plain immoral.
      Joe Knew and Penn State Sucks

      Liked by 2 people

  107. BTW the Pitt-PSU game will be on ABC and start a whole hour after the previous week’s game

    Like

  108. PITT vs state penn game at noon. The start time is mitigated by the fact that it’s a nationally televised game so I don’t think there was much say in it? I’ll add though, with the limited lodging up in that hell hole will make it difficult for PITT fans to find a room a drive up there on game day would be an early start to their day. It won’t matter though… PITT will end the series with a victory that they can sit on for eternity.

    Liked by 2 people

  109. If PSU losses they may want to schedule us again as they will have a sour taste in their mouth. Just saying and not a prediction.

    Liked by 1 person

  110. Erie: people are coming from Germany? 😉
    Yes you all should watchme golf, i am very entertaining…as in cussing like a sailor, throwing clubs, drinking, you know same old stuff.
    Erie, of course I won’t throw any clubs but the whole cussing thing is another matter.
    BIG B: the Francan cup may hold 4 drinks, but the BEVBuckle is unlimited refills.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. I can attest to Richman being quite entertaining on the golf course…👍

      In fact I have a video of Richman bombing a drive, but I can’t post it because of what Richman yelled as the ball was soaring down the fairway… 😊

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

  111. Rerouted to Raleigh because weather in cess pool Philly is atrocious. May or may not make it out of NC. Lovely.

    Like

    1. You may miss the connection to Harrisburg, but would imagine you will get to PHL tonight. Its only a 90 minute car ride to Lancaster from PHL.

      Like

      1. I’m aware. I have little desire to rent a car because I have no time or energy to return it since heading to Pitt. POV 2020 Scottsdale AZ. Haha. Sunny 99% of the time. You coming Joe?

        Like

        1. UPitt – I hope you can make it. Be safe – we’ll keep the lights on.

          Played 18 with Lastrow today – beautiful day in Central PA planned by Heather tomorrow for the FRANKCAN CUP.

          You will be missed if you cannot make it –

          Like

  113. He’ll make it.. It looks like he’ll arrive in Harrisburg around 10 pm. If necessary, I’ll make the 3 1/3 hour round trip drive to Philly to get him.

    However.. it does mean tonight’s drinking will commence much later than originally planned and end much later. We may just have to stay up through the night.

    Rick. You wanna just swing through Hummelstown on the way to Meadia and pick us up? We’ll be the ones sleeping in my front yard, surrounded by spent stogies and empty Bulliet bottles.

    Fore!

    Liked by 1 person

  115. Jay – I’ve never done illegal drugs in my life but may consider to help me through this debaucle. Been on this plane 6:45 minutes.

    Like

  118. Jay.. your post was hilarious… you will have to do the HEAVY LIFTING til UPitt rolls into Dodge… I can testify to your heavy lifting capabilities!!!!!!

    BTW… HOOTIE and Blowfish concert opened Bare Naked Ladies… amphitheater was at capacity… Excellent Show… checkout “ The Group Therapy Tour “ if it’s near you…well worth the pesos…..

    Don’t have to worry about our golfers having fun… the BEVHolder is “ locked and loaded” or is that “ loaded and cocked???”

    Like

  119. Funny one Biggie. For you viewing pleasure and I’m not sure if this is not the Apollo high school dance champion up on the stage here?

    Liked by 1 person

  120. Bernie, The Who show was fantastic too. They came on at 8:30 and played til 10:45 with no breaks. They played the entire Tommy and Quadraphenia albums with some other hits and a couple new songs too. Pete and Roger really seemed to be enjoying themselves.

    Liked by 1 person

  121. Congrats to all participants in the FRANKCAM CUP — glad it was a great day. Here’s at tribute to you from back in the good old days when there was not only an OCS but an OCMLBS …. as well as 3 straight 1 and 9 years

    Like

      1. I remember going to Pirate games with my Dad when I was a kid. We’d park out in Schenley Park and walk across the bridge to Forbes…

        Roberto!

        Go Pitt.

        Like

        1. after an approx 1 1/2 hr drive from Lawrence County, we would usually park at the lot adjacent to the Syria Mosque. Needless to say we didn’t go to too many weeknight games, Nowadays, that drive would be about an hour

          Like

  122. How time flies and weren’t those the days? Story goes back then that “The Who” played so loud that people left the concerts with blood coming out of their ears. Watch out for some language on this one. Glad you had a great time Mark.

    Liked by 1 person

  126. The PG had a tease yesterday — “Can this rugby star help the Steelers?”

    I thought maybe they were talking about Richman, but it turned out to be some English rugby guy who’s giving it a go at tight end for the Steelers.

    Oh, the guy is 6’9” and 275 pounds. Rugby’s version of Gronk?

    I guess Richman is the POV version of Gronk…😊

    Go Pitt!

    Like

Comments are closed.