Well you have to hand it to EJ Borghetti.  His team put out so much great content on media day that Pitt was able to sneak in three more practices before we had even gotten through it all.

That’s right, Pitt has four practices in the books already, two in helmets and two in shoulder pads only.  “Shells” as Pat Narduzzi calls it.  They should be putting on full pads this week by my estimate.

Here are the interviews from today, starting with Pat Narduzzi.  He was interviewed in the morning before practice. 

DiPaola asked him point blank about transfer TE Nakia Griffin-Stewart.  “Is a he a blocking guy, or can he go down the seam?”  DiPaola asked.  Without batting an eye, Narduzzi says, “he can do both”.  Now you’ve got to take this all with a grain of salt (cough closed practices), but… fall camp is a time for optimism.

Speaking of Griffin-Stewart, he is a mature young man.  It’s also pretty cool that he is Kenny Pickett’s roommate.  Sounds like they’ve been putting in a lot of work, and you have to respect his serious demeanor and his approach to this season.  Again…fall camp is a time for optimism, and I am optimistic about Griff-Stew’s pass catching opportunities.

Since we are on the subject of the passing game, EJ chose to trot out two of Pitt’s backup QB’s for interviews.  They give some good insight into what Whipple is doing.  George Jr. also gives some great insight into how Kenny Pickett has developed.

New linebacker Kylan Johnson was also interviewed.  Sounds like he might be a pass-rushing specialist this year, given that he’s talking about shooting gaps.  FWIW, I read an article recently that Florida for the most part has gone to two linebackers and five DB’s for their base defense.  Add that with the well-documented team issues with Florida (players getting arrested, etc) and it’s pretty easy to see why Johnson wanted to transfer to Pitt.  Talk to any insider and you’ll hear that players love playing for Pat Narduzzi.  Johnson is no exception.

Finally, the media interviewed Offensive Tackle transfer Nolan Ulizio.  It’s clear that he’s an experienced hand, and it seems like he’s integrating well with group of Pitt’s O-linemen.

On that note, Chris Peak also published his podcast, and he included an interview with Dave Borbley.  Most of the content is additional to Borbley’s PSN interview and there are so many gems in here.   “Your second center usually stinks, because if he was good enough he’d be starting at guard”.   “Coming out of spring 2018 we really stunk.”   “Central Florida we stunk, I thought we had a bad game plan”.  “You want to talk about leaving it all on the field, [against Syracuse] Alex Bookser left it all on the field.”

Link to Pantherlair Podcast interview w Dave Borbley

Hail to Pitt

Michaelangelo Monteleone

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.

126 thoughts on “2019 Fall Camp – Day 4 Interviews”

  2. Good interviews, very positive as it should be. Interesting that 4 of the five were transfer players. Good to get acquainted with them and they all seem very worthy and will hopefully make big contributions in needed areas this year. Obviously the key guy is Nolan Ulizio, he can make the biggest difference in protecting KP.
    No doubt they all bring something to the table.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Interestingly enough I don’t think Borbs is sold on Ulizio at tackle

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        1. You got that right Reed. The unknowns with this OL are abundant.
          For teams like Pittsburgh who aren’t loaded with ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️s in the two deep, the 4 game limit before burning a RS helps level the playing field a little bit. It provides an “in game” preview of the highly ranked Freshman that such “middle of the road” teams have acquired on their rosters. Sure helps these youngsters get involved early, gaining valuable experience & for those few who are actually developed enough to contribute right off the bat, you’ll realize that much better over a 4 game stretch, thereafter burning a RS makes way more sense, since they may really be needed in the rotation as the season progresses & injuries occur.

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        2. Kids should be getting five years to play five due to the attrition in the sport, so I guess four games is better than how it was before.

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  3. Too bad Ford cannot play right guard and is stuck behind Hargrave. Houy at right tackle and Ulizio to right guard is what I’m hoping for this season. That gives us four returning starters in 2020.

    Warren has a huge task at left tackle.

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  4. Let’s talk and compare last years O-Line and this years. This not intended to be sarcastic and my tongue is not in my cheek. I’m not going to compare by position but player for player.

    Last year PITT had Morrissey at center, this year they have an old, wiser and probably better Morrissey at center.

    Last year PITT had Dintino, with zero start on the O-line under his belt. This year PITT has Hargrave that has 4 starts under his belt.

    Yes I know the “under his belt phrase is slightly stoopid.

    Last year PITT had Bookser who many many starts but was playing out of position. This year PITT could have Houy playing with only a start or two.

    Last year PITT had Millen coming in as a transfer from the lowly Kent State football team that did in fact have one of the worst O-Lines in the country the previous year. This year PITT has Ulizio coming in from a big-time program with a half dozen starts or so.

    Last year PITT had Herndon with again no starts on the O-line. This year they may have Warren with no starts at all to speak of.

    This year PITT will have more depth in Drake, Ford, Drexel, Kradel and Zubovic, plus a few others.

    My conclusion is PITT is better position this year than last. The only thing is we all know what last years line ended up doing and what they weren’t so good at. My point here is that panic shouldn’t be the word for the day. PITT is not in as bad of shape as it looks at first glance.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Agreed. Last year’s O-line was a pretty patchwork affair. It’s not unrealistic to think this year they ought to be a bit better, even if these guys are younger.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Ike, one thing about your analysis is a certain. Next year’s OL is going to be more experienced & better than any since 2018.

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    3. Well Ike, you made one huge omission in your analysis. Its a biggie too. Dintino may have had zero starts last year, but he went to Richman’s prep school in CT. That’s got to count for something. 🙂

      Otherwise, that’s a good analysis.

      The key phrase for me in your conclusion is “better position”. Doesn’t mean they will perform better as a unit, just means on the basis of the facts we have, it would not appear that we are worse off than last year.

      I sure hope Morrissey stays healthy. He’s a leader on the team and a pretty good center – from what I read, he’s probably the best in the Coastal Division, if not the ACC.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Speaking of that JoeL… I had dinner with Mr. Dintino last month and it was a good time. he has lost like 50lbs. Wish I could do that. Since he went to my prep school he has to have at least some smarts,…somehow i got through with none. But I will try to contact him one of these days to get his thoughts on the O-Line. He is still under scholarship (in grad school) so not sure if I will get any scoop.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yes Joe, that was my point. We know how the suspect line did over-all last year and this years line seems to be in a little better position for even better things or not. Plus I agree, PITT needs Morrissey to stay healthy for the entire season.

        Side note. Warren is a very large man and if he can move his feet, he could make a very good left tackle for a few years.

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        1. Quotes from Borbs
          “I don’t know if this group has as much strength as last year but they are faster and more athletic” – that translates to better pass blocking
          “The biggest jump for an o-lineman usually happens between his sophomore and junior years”. – he prefaced that by saying the redshirt sophomores are technically juniors and he expects to see that jump out of them. His point is that it takes three years for a lineman to develop. We have a lot of lineman that have been in the program three years.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Good points Michael. Next year will be when PITT will get the best of both world out of the O-Line. Faster/athletic and strength, when they are even a year older.

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            1. Oh yea 2020 is going to be a great year for the offense. 2021 on the other hand… well we are going to be right back to 2018 ‘cause we don’t have very many guys

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          2. While Olinemen are going to improve, the key still is whether or not we brought in OLine recruits who are good enough. Looks like we have size and strength, but can they move those feet quick enough?

            And can they play with some nastiness?

            Those first three games are going to be fascinating…

            Go Pitt.

            Liked by 1 person

    1. Absolutely, & actually is what would be preferred regarding depth & solidifying the OL into the future.

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  6. After watching many player interviews, I am generally impressed at the players’ maturity level, demeanor, and ability to put one syllable after another. I do realize that being able to speak well does not necessarily translate to winning games, but, as a Pitt fan, it does make me feel a little bit better.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I agree. Easy to root for these guys and they represent Pitt well off the field.

      (Now to do better at that annoying but necessary on-the-field stuff…😊)

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  8. I like the 4 game/ redshirt rule… provides a reward for players who are progressing to get on the field- learning experience for all and highly motivation for the kid who would otherwise be a spectator for a year … heck of a lot better than the old way “ play a couple of plays and forfeit the whole year- that’s nuts.

    Maybe just give them 4 years to play period !!! that would be to drastic a change for theCFB industry……

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    1. I was thinking similar thoughts, B.

      I generally like the 4 game rule as it gives some kids an earlier opportunity to see the field. It gives coaches an incentive to do it was well. At the same time, it might force the hand of coaches who may have used the argument of “we don’t want to burn your redshirt” with kids who deserve playing time, but just happen to be behind an upperclassman.

      If they got rid of redshirts altogether, perhaps we’d see more activity in the transfer portal than we have now – 3100+ kids used it last year. That might result in kids moving from the Alabama’s and the Ohio States to other P5 schools where they will play sooner. Having said that, I don’t like that as I think a freshman has a lot to adjust to – the same things as other kids plus the demands of playing a sport. I think the air cover of a year is a good thing.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That could work in reverse for PITT as well. For example and I know this isn’t the same thing but Cam Johnson who actually did graduate moved on to a better school UNC and played there for two years instead of PITT. In other words, if a player comes in as an under-recruited player and bursts out he could move up to greener pastures. Not a big fan of the portal.

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        2. implement a transfer fee
          easy solution
          they do this all the time in professional soccer when ‘loaning’ their players
          so if a kid plays 1-2 years at South Florida but transfers to Clemson, Clemson pays South Florida a fee and the kid is eligible right away
          otherwise the kid needs to sit a year

          but if a kid has already graduated, I have no problem with transfers and immediate play

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          1. I don’t think that’s a very good idea Tx? Seems to me it’s more like the rich getting richer. Alabama wants a good QB from a floundering school they can just buy him? Sounds more like the big time schools stealing players scheme?

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            1. if a kid wants to go to Bama he can today. he might be able to play right away or have to sit a year. right now the school isnt being compensated. at least a school would get compensated for those transfers. most likely the cost of a scholarship. Jim Harbaugh also brought this up at the Big 10 meetings

              Liked by 1 person

              1. The point is Tx, Bama can pay the fee to let the kid play right away. That’s the part I do not agree with. This college free agency is crap. Any undergraduate transfer should have to sit out a year.

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              2. Tx, the sitting out a year part is what keeps most players from leaving their current teams. Schools spent a lot of money and time with a young student athlete only to let Bama come in a pay a few bucks and take them? No deal buddy.

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                1. but its not fair to require a kid to wait a year. let the kids transfer 1 time without penalty to prevent abuse. the school then needs to pay a transfer fee. its fair to the player and programs

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              3. Tex you realize that your transfer fee idea would adversely affect Pitt right? We have way more inbound transfers than outbound. That’s the reward for having a coach that players like and a good locker room culture.

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                1. if Pitt or any school wants to use this tactic, Pitt would have to compensate the school. Money wouldnt be an issue. We’re just talking about the cost of a scholarship for remaining eligibility. The fees would probably range from $50-$100k. Take in 3 transfers each year and its $150-$300k. Cost of doing business.

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                  1. And that takes $1M away from where? Pitt’s recruiting budget? The “general fund” that you think Pitt shouldn’t be using?

                    Tex it’s an innovative idea but it does not help our school, makes he rich richer and also penalizes schools with strong locker rooms.

                    Fortunately this is just some message board and this idea will never get implemented 😀

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                    1. Harbaugh and other coaches support the idea. Kids should be allowed to transfer one time. Schools should get compensated if they lose players. Pitt can find $150k for transfer fees in a $90 million dollar budget for sports. It’s pocket change.

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                    2. I still don’t like it. But hey that’s just my POV…

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  9. Well considering that most (not all but most) star players Pitt has have have left Pitt before their eligibility is up that may be a moot point – Fitz, McCoy and Lewis all took off after their 2nd!! year at Pitt.

    I think Donald was the only real BIG star to use all four years in modern (post-2000) history. Remember Conner opted not to petition the NCAA for his lost year of 2015, which he would have received an additional year and so declared for the draft.

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    1. That’s correct Reed, its probably moot for the elite players. But as the rule benefits the entire scholarship roster it helps some kids work on Masters and perhaps an extra semester helps some to simply get their bachelors. It probably also helps when a kid decides they chose the wrong major.

      Nice to see you back here and I hope you are having a nice summer.

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  10. I always thought that the old rule was a bit ridiculous when a player used a year of eligibility as soon as he got in a game. On the other hand, playing one-third of the schedule without losing a year of eligibility may a bit too much.

    Yes, Pitt is like most schools in that the vast majority of the players are here for 4 or 5 years. This is part of the nurturing process where many players don’t see much action until their 3rd and sometimes 4th year. Optimally, Pitt would have more Fitzes, McCoys and Boyds but it also rewarding to see Herndon become 3rd team All-ACC and Dintino become All-ACC Honorable Mention in their final years, their 1st year as starters.

    Liked by 3 people

  12. Tx, It’s called a commitment and yes I know scholarships can be pulled but it is almost never heard of where a kid is told to get lost before he gets a degree or has been at the school for at least 4 years. Which is what he and the school committed to. Can’t let the inmates rule the asylum.

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    1. if a kid wants to transfer, allow him one time without penalty. i just dont think its fair for kids to have to wait a year particularly if they are eligible grade and credit wise

      if a player sued, they would probably win in court

      the ncaa will not be allowed to limit movement between schools and will be forced to pay athletes at some point. theres already cases in the courts addressing issues like this

      we should all be rooting for the fall of the corrupt ncaa. they make FIFA look like a small time thief.

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  13. Obvious that Defense is the strength of this Team. Most of the questions lie with the Offensive side of the Ball.

    BIGGEST question on Offense?

    While most seem to have their worries focused on Pickett and the Passing Game, my MAIN concern is Runningback.

    What Runningbacks… (you need MORE than one)… are going to show themselves to be Gameday Players and not Pretenders?

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  14. And the other question about the Offense…

    In case Pickett does FALTER, who will be the Guy to save the day?

    Based on the interview above, I would say Patti.

    He’s got that look about him. Nothing fancy. All business.

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        1. Haha. He was a young guy. No substitute for experience. (Which is what worries me about the o-line)

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          1. Actually feel MUCH better about this year’s O-Line than last. This is mainly due to the numbers and what at least appears to be an IMPROVED athleticism.

            However, there are sure to be some “musical chairs” early on as Borbely goes through the pains of finding out who his BEST “Starting Five” is.

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            1. POD— Not sure we’ve yet seen any evidence of improved athleticism along the Oline…

              I doubt any of the new guys are as athletic as Bookser, for example. And both Dintino and Herndon were “big-guys-who-could-run” – the type of guys Coach Chryst’s always targeted late in the draft…

              Biggest concern on the whole team to me is whether we have two OTs who won’t get eaten up by quick outside rushers…

              We have decent talent at all other positions, IMHO…

              Go Pitt.

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          2. George has got experience but no mobility. With our OL questions I do believe we will need at QB back there that could run at least as well as Peterman did.

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    1. Yep, the few that spoke up on Pitt were not very complementary were they? I would think that Narduzzi can certainly use some of those comments as bulletin board material.

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    2. Dang did Texas Panther write that article? Kind of brings you back down to earth. On the other hand, opposing coaches have no idea what kind of talent is waiting in the wings. We’ll find out if they are right…

      Liked by 3 people

      1. I like their brutally honest assessments. Those coaches are outside the Pitt bubble.

        They also bring up talent when talking about schools. They know players matter and recruiting is key.

        Again I see Pitt as a seven win team this year. Good enough for third in the division. Depending on the bowl matchup, they might win 8.

        I see latest projection is Pitt against Temple in the Military bowl. I’ll put money on Pitt.

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        1. That assumes the talent level is equal to or less than last year. I am betting that it is equal to or greater than. I only get one chance to be this optimistic Tex. Don’t ruin it for me

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    4. If you want to feel good about Pitt read the Louisville, Georgia Tech, even Syracuse and Boston College. Also Virginia tech. Virginia didn’t get a much better write up than Pitt if you read between the lines.

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        1. “First Beamer, then Bud…but we’ll keep winning. “

          The thought of the Wahoos winning the annual matchup is starting to weigh heavily on some of them.

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  17. Keeping things in perspective here. Does PITT really deserve being talked up going into this season? I really don’t think so myself. That’s not my real problem, it’s more with this disrespect perception that pervades PITT football. No one including many PITT fans give them one dam bit of credit for last years success. Until PITT’s own fans start to respect them, I don’t see it coming from anywhere from outside of PITT. Yeah the Coastal was weak crap talk. Bunch of bs imo.

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Red wine, cheese, bread, salami and prosciutto made a wonderful tailgate …. then and now

      Like

  19. That idiot major of Pittsburgh is trying to force the stadium parking authority to allow for development to parking lots 2 and 4. What an ass. Probably wants to make lot 2 a bicycle playground and lot 4 some type of gay rumpus room house. Better leave Red 5-A alone!

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  20. Ike, if 2 and 4 lots disappear we will get pushed back farther…maybe Bloomfield. Haha.
    I thought the mayor was an ass before this…

    Liked by 1 person

  21. The one thing that Heinz has an OCS beat is the tailgating space. But The lots are too valuable to be left open. Heinz will soon lose a major advantage over a campus stadium.

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  23. It seems to me that last year’s OL got by because they were focused on run blocking only. This year’s line is supposedly getting prepared for a balanced offense, which would require both run and pass blocking skills, a much harder task. So it might not be easy to compare last year’s performance with this year’s potential. Also, an injury to Morrissey could be devastating, and I haven’t heard much news about who is backing him up. What kind of line shuffling would ensue?

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    1. VoR, Drexel and Kradel seem to be the backup centers. I like them both. Drexel is a natural center from childhood who’s put on a lot of weight, a good attribute imo. Kradel a high rated PITT recruit.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Interesting development on the ACCN, YouTube will carry it per announcement this evening.

    Like

  25. How many walk ons is a team allowed, or is there no limit? It seems that teams like Alabama who have charismatic, nationally known coaches like Saban can bring in tons of players like that WR from the Pittsburgh area, and then verbally offer them a scholarship that is not backed up with paper. They will be completely enamored by the attention but when the time comes to commit it becomes a walk on situation. So tons of players arrive as walk ons only to find that there are a dozen other good players at their position.

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    1. Some interesting stuff in that article…

      These players do have to spend an incredible amount of time on their sport and conditioning. I think they should get academic credits for being on a varsity team.

      You learn some life lessons from those experiences…

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. it’s not just football players who spend a lot of time year round conditionally. Basketball…both men’s and women’s, are now year round prep for the season. I think you have a great idea giving them some academic credits. Hell, I took basketball for 4 semesters at 1 credit each, swimming (a requirement back in the day) was 3 credits. I wouldn’t have graduated without them!

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  27. you might be right, ike that it is 105. But the rich just keep getting richer to the point where the game is becoming ruined. Those back up centers you mentioned have no experience, and if true let’s hope that Morrissey doesn’t miss any time when games are close.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. How many teams in college have backups in all positions with experience? It’s very difficult to have solid backups at most positions when you lose 1/4 of your roster each season.

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    2. A this point if Owen Drexel cannot be relied on to fill in adequately for Morrissey then he should transfer after the season. There cannot be another disaster like last year when Morrissey got hurt. That would be unacceptable.

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      1. I’ll refer you to borbs quote #1. “Your backup center usually stinks, because if he was good he’d be starting at guard”. Now I’m not saying that he’s saying that Owen Drexel hasn’t developed. And depth has probably been developed in all areas, but the bottom line is that Morrissey needs to stay healthy all season

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Drexel should be ready this year he’s only a red-shirt Soph. I know Kradel has been getting reps at center as well.

        I still get a chuckle about all the fuss about Morrissey starting as a RS freshman walk-on and now he’s a player PITT can’t afford to miss. He snapped the ball to the QB who handed off to another RS walk-on. Go figure.

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  28. M… Can’t wait until you put up your “Predictions” Post.

    Curious to see where you and some of the other POVers find Wins 7, 8 and 9 coming from.

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    1. Lets get through a little more of camp…but yes that’s in the works

      Like

    2. Liked by 1 person

  30. Point of clarification…we are looking to golf the Frifay before the opener, not the day of the game.
    Sorry if I was not clear on that.
    We’re still shopping for a course due to many outings that day.

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  32. PoD was correct in stating that the Coastal isn’t likely to be as easy this year which is why I think that Pitt may not win the division this year but be a better team than last year.

    We can only hope that the tougher competition will be offset by a better all-around offense and better defense.

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  33. I agree with PoD that ‘change is a coming’ to the Coastal. I think that overall, the coastal will be significantly better in 2020.

    I think that 2019 is a year of opportunity for Pitt. GT, Miami, NC all have new coaches and new systems – especially GT. It may take them a year to evaluate players and implement schemes. VT has possibly the best QB in the coastal and a solid defense (this is Bud Foster’s last year), yet they’ve had a lot of players leave. Virginia is solid on both sides of the ball, but unspectacular. Duke can sling it around and score points, but I’m not sold on their defense. This will be the same old Duke, IMO.

    Pitt should improve some on both sides of the ball. So Pitt should be in the thick of things if major injuries to a few key players can be avoided.

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    1. you make a lot of good points but I think Miami is too loaded. The only reason UVa scares me is that it’s the opener

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  34. Well Rocky, when I read your comment, it doesn’t sound like you are in complete agreement with POD at all. imo, the coastal will have a few stronger teams than last year but over-all it will not be much if any better than last year. There will be a bigger and wider separation between the good and not so good teams this year.

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    1. Miami has more talent and the best D in the conference. Their QB situation has improved and they have explosive elite players in skill positions

      Virginia has the best QB in the division, solid D and solid coaching; they are the trendy pick to win

      Duke lost their QB and has a shaky D but Cutliffe knows how to score against Pitt

      NC has Pitt’s number

      Va Tech should be better since they were injury ravaged last year but there is something rotten in Blacksburg

      Ga Tech has the same D which is solid but a whole new offense and their O-line is not built for it

      Syracuse is the annual cross over and Pitt never does well in the dome. Cuse’s D is solid. They lose Dungey but their new QB doesnt drink. Special teams decides this game

      BC is away and the last game of the year. Pitt has more talent and better coaching. But this could be the game that Pitt should win and falls flat instead. Weather will suck in this one.

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      1. Nice overview of the division, TX

        Not sure Miami’s QB situation has improved – not saying it won’t – just saying we have to see it.

        VT has lost players incl QB. I recognize that is what you probably meant with the rotten comment; just spelling out the visible signs.

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        1. Thanks
          I cant see how Miami’s QB can be any worse this year but how much better is a big question mark
          VT did lose some players and seems to be a team in turmoil. But Pitt seems to have their number much like NC has ours
          Miami is the only team that is superior to Pitt
          I can see Pitt winning against all these teams or losing to every one as well
          Thats why I think 3rd in the division at 5-3

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    1. 3 wins/5 losses to 6 wins/2 losses

      5 to 9 regular season wins

      I split the difference and say 7

      and maybe a bowl win makes 8

      so maybe an 8-5 record just like the first 2 years

      now will fans say its a successful season? will it meet fan’s expectations?

      To me, it would be better than mediocre but still just o.k.

      Good season but nothing special

      thats why I think if there will be a break-out season, it will happen next year when Kenny is a senior. Maybe Pitt hits 10.

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Don’t be mad JoeL but thank you for the great gift. Sorry but I just had to do it… Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated. 🙂

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  38. Frankmd- predictions are tough EVERY year. We are dealing with 17-23 year old kids, all of whom are constantly trying to hone their skills. Some are fast honers; some are slow honers. And there is no way to differentiate – at least until they hit the field.

    And then, we must rely on the coaches to put the best group of honers on the field.

    Really hard to predict! (I’ve always found postdictions much easier.)

    And that’s the HONE(r)ST truth! OK, Bernie, I’ll apologize in advance!

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  39. I do find preseason predictions, (especially with this group) to be pretty much invalid. Mike, the name of the predictions article could be.. How to hedge my bets and save my ass prediction article. Upitt and a few others will be the only ones that will give their honest predictions. Seems PITT is the only team to get that lucky bounce or the favorable ref call while playing in a weak division. Most will predict 7-8 wins and if PITT reaches it, the comments will be ho hum. But if they fall short. Watch out. I always look more at how PITT played the whole season, who they played and other circumstances at how they arrived at their final record.

    Liked by 1 person

  40. Ike – I think that PoD is correct, just possibly a year off.

    Wbb – yes, Miami and especially PSU have top shelf talent at most positions. Both have an edge on us, just based on talent alone. PSU will have a 10 point home field advantage as well.

    I think that VT’s QB might be as good as or better than VA’s…

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  41. Thank goodness we can talk about actual football again.

    If Pitt’s defense does not live up to it potential, especially against the pass, it could be a very long season.

    There isn’t a team in the Coastal that really scares me.

    Miami is always more talented than Pitt and yet Miami is only 3-2 since Pitt joined the ACC. GT is in transition, Pitt is 4-1 against Syracuse over the past 5 years.. Similar to Miami, VT is 3-2 against Pitt since joining the ACC and Pitt is 4-1 against Duke with the only loss in 2014 in OT. I can’t even let myself look at Pitt’s record against NC, but hopefully even with their annual collapse, NC won’t be in the hunt for anything.

    Based on history, its a mistake to sleep on Pitt winning the Coastal Division.

    Sorry TxPanther I think Division Championships matter.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Pitt’s defense can dominate our Coastal opponents IF we can get pressure from our front 7 this year. I like our chances against any passing game in the Coastal if the above scenario unfolds.— As for the offense I believe Whipple has a chance to have the same effect on the Pitt offense that Canada had when became OC at Pitt.

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    2. i respect your opinion

      to me, winning a bowl game and getting ranked at seasons end is more important

      every school in the coastal except Virginia has won the division. it really isnt a special accomplishment particularly when its the only division in P-5 that didnt have a ranked team

      winning conference championships matter however to me

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      1. I’ll bet if you asked every coach in the Coastal if winning the division is a special accomplishment, you will get a unanimous “hell yes”.

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  42. Oh yeah, Pitt is also 4-1 against Virginia, with a 4 game win streak running.

    Including Pitt’s 0-5 record against NC (that’s right folks, this has to be one of the most mystifying facts of Pitt recent football history) they are 15-15 over the past 5 years. 15-10 excluding losses to a team that has never been in the hunt for any football championship in its history.

    Again, I wouldn’t bet your house against Pitt as a repeat division winner.

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  44. Miami does worry me a little but they don’t scare me. I’m too stoopid to be afraid of anything. It’s a character flaw for sure. Last years loss to them didn’t bother me all that much for three reasons. One, they have some beasts on that team, especially the defense which brings me to #2, PITT’s offense was one dimensional and that’s not good against a great defense and three……… The game seemed inconsequential to PITT although it shouldn’t have. Miami is the team that should unseat PITT from division champs this coming year. imo

    Waiting waiting waiting to see how this fall camp goes but I like PITT’s chances against UVA.

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  45. Some bad news for the Steelers…just when they had their CB problems about solved…

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