Day 13 is in the books, and the Panthers are scrimmaging today.  Looks for some meaningful depth chart updates to leak out (or be straight up published by the SID…) next week.

Here are yesterday’s interviews and Narduzzi Transcript.  My only observation is that both Linebackers, Pine and Reynolds, appear to have turned the corner from a maturity standpoint.  This will especially help Pine.  Hopefully Reynolds has worked on his speed and quickness over the offseason, as he’s always been good between the ears.  Hail to Pitt.

INTERVIEW VIDEOS

Head Coach Pat Narduzzi

Linebackers Coach Rob Harley

Wide Receiver Maurice Ffrench

Wide Receiver Aaron Mathews

Linebacker Chase Pine

Linebacker Elias Reynolds

 

PITTSBURGH—The Pitt football program held the 13th practice of its 2019 training camp on Friday morning at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side of Pittsburgh.

Head coach Pat Narduzzi met with reporters prior to the session, while linebackers coach Rob Harley, wide receiver Maurice Ffrench and several other Panthers answered questions after the workout.

 

Head Coach Pat Narduzzi Transcript

 

Opening statement:

“Practice 13 today. We had a very solid practice yesterday. Obviously, today is a little lighter; we’re out in shells. The kids always love to not have those pants on. That will add a little bit more energy and freshness to their minds, although it will be the same tempo. We didn’t have any live periods yesterday or today, so we’re trying to stay healthy that way. Tomorrow is jersey scrimmage number two, which is important. It’s like game day; we try to keep them fresh before game day. Tomorrow is a big day. Tomorrow is really that last chance to try to make a move on the depth chart. I think that there will be some moves and solidifications of the depth chart after tomorrow. Next week, we get into a lot of game-planning in preparation for Virginia as well as continuing to work on our trade.”

 

On what position group he will watch closely in Saturday’s scrimmage:

“I’ll be watching the quarterback to make sure that he doesn’t get hit. It’s always intense out there on game day; it scares the heck out of me. That’s what the tape is for. I’m looking for details. I’m watching where the ball is on offense, missed tackles. It’s not like I’m watching just one position. The film is for that, the videotape afterwards – and it’s every position. It’s not like, ‘I’m good there, don’t worry about that,’ because that guy that you think you’re good with, he has to show up ready to play, too. It’s every positon, it’s not just one focus.

 

The offensive line is going to focus on the offensive line. Coach [Dave] Borbely is going to be all over them. But as a whole, my job tomorrow is to just focus on the team, making sure that we get into situations that we need. Then we’ll focus on certain positions. Every position is open, really. There might be a solid one, but who’s the two or three? Those are all huge battles that are happening at every position.”

 

On the importance of Mark Whipple’s offensive identity:

“It was important, obviously. When you’re hiring an offensive coordinator, you’re looking for some diversity as far as what he does. It was important that he was not a fast-tempo, spread guy like really 90 percent of what college football is. I didn’t want that. I wanted to have a different identity. He gives you the same identity of a pro-style. He likes to run the power; he is going to do things old school with a little flavor of some new stuff. He’s a gym rat, as far as football goes. There’s not a day that he’s not just watching our videos, but he’s watching NFL football. He’s evolved through the years, but he’s still got that old-school mentality.”

 

On if he has considered taking the team abroad to another country:

“I’d consider it. I’d love to go to Italy, back to the home country. However, it’s just time. I think that It’s a recruiting… I don’t know. Talking to people at different places that do that, people don’t get real excited about it. It’s just more of the grind. Our kids need time off. They need time away from our coaches. It started as a way to get more spring ball somewhere else, like spring training. If it was that exciting and everybody heard rave reviews about it, everybody else would be doing it. I don’t think that it ever comes down to money; it comes down to what’s best for your kids. That’s my opinion.”

 

On linebacker Saleem Brightwell:

“Saleem is doing well at that Mike spot. Elias [Reynolds] has done well, too. It’s a battle there, of course. I feel like we have two starters there. Saleem can also play the boundary, so you feel good about that. He’s worked both.”

 

On Mychale Salahuddin’s recovery:

“He’s full go. He’s been full go for a couple of days. Sorry, I didn’t let you guys know that. He’s been full go. We slowly got him into it, and he was full go this week. He did not go full go in the scrimmage. He was upset about it, but we were live. ‘Hey Mike, you’re going to take a day off. It’s a recovery day for you.’ This week, we started to get him hit. We could have put him out there week one and said, ‘hey, you’re live. You’re just like everybody else.’ It’s just being smart, letting his feet get back underneath him. It’s been a year. God forbid anything happens, then at least you won’t have regrets as a coach.

 

Our main concern is the safety of our football players. I think that everybody will look at it and say, ‘They did that guy right.’ So, we’re just taking our time, even though he’s battling – ‘Coach, I’m ready!’ It doesn’t matter. I’m not ready. ‘I want to make sure that you’re good.’ So, he’ll go live tomorrow. It will be a great opportunity for him.”

 

On how excited he is to see Salahuddin in the scrimmage:

“I’m excited to see everybody. But him and Haba [Baldonado] are in that same boat. Those two guys were on the same track. He’s done more live all this week, and he’s been impressive this week as well. The basketball team went to Rome… well, we’re going to see a defensive end from Italy that is going to play for the Panthers this year.”

 

 

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Michaelangelo holds a degree in Travel Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. He was a former staff writer for InPittsburgh Newsweekly, and currently resides near Atlanta, Georgia. He has been a Pitt fan since 1997 after he witnessed Pitt upset #22 Miami on Thursday night at Pitt Stadium.

137 thoughts on “Pitt Football 2019 Fall Camp – Day 13”

  1. Thanks again Mr Michaelangelo Monteleone for keeping the football rolling, wobbling or tumbling.

    Check your email guys, season tickets are on the way. Some were delivered last night. I can’t remember if we need to sign for them though. I think you do?? Anyways, staying close to home isn’t a problem for me.

    Like

  2. MM — should I be excited about what Coach Duzz said about Haba at the end of his interview?

    “…he’s been impressive this week.”

    “…we’re going to see a defensive end from Italy who’s going to play for the Panthers this year…”

    Haba is 6’5” and 250 pounds…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Haba sure looks the part. What worries me is that he’s so inexperienced that he would be eaten up by the run option plays…

        Maybe he’ll be a 3rd-down pass-rush specialist for a while…

        Go Pitt.

        Like

  3. College FB just 1 week away. UF vs Miami nest Saturday. The following Thursday is Clemson vs GT, although much of the country may not see it since it’s initial game on ACCN

    Liked by 1 person

    1. also next Sat is Villanova vs Colgate on CBSS, YSU vs Samford on ESPN, Arizona at Hawaii on CBSS. UF-Miami is on ESPN

      Like

  4. Thanks Bill, I’m ready for some meaningful football. NFL exhibition games do not satisfy my hunger for football competition.

    Like

  5. FWIW, I have contended that College FB openers should be considered pre-season and should be a chance for low level D1 and D2 teams earn a good paycheck. But the TV networks are too greedy for anything like that

    Like

    1. On the flip side Pitt – UVA should be one of the marquee games of the weekend

      Like

  6. Bowl games mean soooo much to the players and coaches … https://twitter.com/247sports/status/1162775048891043841?s=21

    I’ve been saying for a few years now that bowl games are overrated … Outside of the New Years Day games (and the playoffs) … And even the NYD games lose kids with pro aspirations. They are strictly a ratings grab for ESPN. Pointless exhibition games outside the scope of the regular season.

    Obviously some exceptions, especially with non-P5 schools vs the goliaths. And some kids playing their last games in college, but rarely do you have an entire P5 school all in and moving in the same direction as a team.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You beat me to it TT. But there are also some serious culture issues at VT

      Like

    2. the only reason bowl games are important to some here is because Narduzzi is 0-3. If he was 2-1, it would get no mention whatsoever

      Liked by 3 people

    3. But if a bowl win allows you to become ranked, that matters

      But most are meaningless and a money grab.

      Like

      1. last season Cincinnati finished ranked beating that VT team that didn’t wat to play 35-31. (how bad did VT lose to Pitt?) Their biggest OOC win was vs UCLA , a team that finished 3-9. In fairness, Cincy had some nice wins in the AAC but they played only 1 ranked team all year.

        You want to finish ranked with an average program, then play a weak OOC like everyone else

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        1. being ranked can help with recruiting
          and being ranked each week allows your name to scroll on TV and you get noticed
          and scores are always by top 25 and conference
          being ranked during and at end of season matters
          if a bowl helps you get ranked, you must win your bowl
          and Narduzzi had a chance in his first 2 years…his second year, the team was ranked heading into the bowl game I believe
          cant blow opportunities like that

          Liked by 1 person

              1. TX – In a regular game, Nate and Conner stay in. They were removed because it was an exhibition game and their careers were on the line. Against Navy the year before Duzz was so afraid of injury that DL would not engage Navy’s OL at the snap. Automatic 5 yard rush at that point. If it takes winning your final game getting you ranked it will have little impact in anything, including momentum the next season or recruiting. Coaches like bowls for extra practices and players like them for free bowl swag … when it comes to the actual game all parties involved would pass if they could.

                Liked by 2 people

  8. My son just sent me PG article from 10 years ago about new Pitt recruit Aaron Donald. Is time flyin’ or what?

    The article said that when AD verbaled to Pitt, his other offers were Rutgers, Toledo, and Akron.

    Says AD was 6’1” and 270# at that time, having put on 20 pounds from the previous year…

    Can’t believe that’s been 10 years…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. TX and a few others that post here from time to time would have trotted out AD’s lack of offers to make their point about Pitt’s poor recruiting results.

      Like

  9. MM – I get the culture issues but still it’s very hard to get an entire team excited to play a bowl game with no stakes.

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    1. I don’t disagree. I read an article – written by a former player (not Pitt) who described the whole season, offseason grind. And it is just that, a grind. But I doubt many players will openly suggest losing a game to avoid a bowl trip. Many may think it though.

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  11. Michaelangelo Monteleone great work keeping what Reed started!.

    I live in Charlotte, NC and when the ACC held media week I was listening to a local sports radio show and they were reviewing the upcoming ACC season team by team. Late in the segment the host asked about Pittsburgh and the guest commentator stated Pitt is just going to Pitt and that was all that was said.
    Full transparency the guest was a Miami football alum.

    We all know Pitt does not get any respect from the ACC footprint. Until we “get over the hump” and win consistently we will be an after thought. Yes, last year we won the division, however, the entire division was down and we lost the bowl game(again)

    This year again a lot of potential but many question marks which have been well documented on this site.
    I am looking forward to watching Pitt on the new ACC network !!

    Lastly, I can’t over emphasize how much I like the new uniforms. In the future when someone turns on a TV to watch college football they will look at the uniforms and say that is “Pitt” – which I believe will pay dividends many times over. . Also, will be looking forward to the reconfigured Petersen with the Zoo / students prominently displayed !

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Well if by “Pitting” he means going 6-2 in the ACC I’m all for it. Our ACC record is as good as Miami’s during the Duzz’ tenure.

      Like

  12. But Pitt is only 1-3 against them. In two losses, it wasn’t even close. They have the right to dismiss Pitt.

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    1. Well I can’t argue with that. Head to head they own us. And with the talent on their roster they damn well should. The fact that Pitt has the same record in the ACC as Miami with far inferior talent is both a credit to the Duzz and a serious inditement to the Miami program .

      And yes Tex — I know we need more four and five stars to truly and consistently be relevant on the national stage. That’s not the point of what I’m writing here.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes. It’s a credit to narduzzi and indictment against richt. Given all their recruiting riches, they have underperformed. I bet they eventually go back to their cheating ways.

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  13. Concerning the “grind” comments above – this year-round conditioning, film-study, practice and playing (so few games for so much preparation…) is why I think any player on a varsity team should get academic credits for being a member of that team…

    Does the grind and being on a team teach them anything? You bet your sweet bippy it does…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    1. Totally agree. All else being equal I’d hire a DI athlete over a non athlete because you can’t be a four year athlete without serious commitment and drive.

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    1. 3 per academic quarter. Although you could argue that some sports like football require more time than a 3 credit class.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Ike, the Pirates game is starting early to give them more time as both teams are traveling to Williamsport to play in the Little League classic tomorrow.

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      1. Ike, on the radio last night the Pirate broadcasters were spinning that the reason was because of the Williamsport game, but I forgot about the Steeler game.

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        1. “Spinning”, great choice of a word Mark. Same scenario with PITT playing Ohio and they would have been playing at 11:00 AM. oops they are. 🙂 Hope to see you in a few weeks my friend.

          Liked by 1 person

  16. So just to be clear, Tx and Tex are 2 different people? Their comments eerily coincide. May be something in the water in the Lonestar state!

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Both of their first names are Mike so there’s that as well. I also assume Dallas Mike’s first name is Mike, not a great leap imo.

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    2. Same panther in Texas. Just got lazy loggin in. Using iPhone and not PC. I’m not aware of any evil twin.

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  19. Invited EJ for the Friday pre tailgate golf outing but he is busy working with television peeps from ESPN (I think… darn short term memory !!!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. You are correct Biggie…you told me the same.
    BTW, never thought I would hear the phrase bet your sweet bippie again.

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    1. My bad, Fran.

      Getting old – I guess I let the old man in…😊

      BTW, Fran, remember this one?

      The Dirty Old Man walks up to the park bench and sits down next to the woman holding a purse. He says to her “Do you believe in the hereafter?” She just leans away and gives him an odd look. He then leans in with a leer and says “Then you know what I’m here after…”. She hits him with her purse… End of skit.

      I know, it’s a strange old TV memory – but it makes me laugh… 🤔

      Go Pitt.

      Like

      1. A boy born and raised in Pittsburgh would never sit out. I hope that thinking continues in this generation. A man doesn’t desert his team in times of need.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Don’t disagree TX, certainly never was anything close to my style but the point is…………… Bowl games to not mean as much as they use to. they just don’t!

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        2. I’d desert my team if I thought it could cost me plenty when the NFL draft rolls around. That doesn’t sound very loyal but then again I have to think about what a high NFL draft position would mean for the remainder of my life.

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    1. I remember that. Johnny would say something like: “I don’t know how good we’ll be, but we’ll play with pride and enthusiasm!”

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  26. The players put in so much time for so few games, you’d think they’d want to play a bowl game – at least the ones who get to actually play…

    It’s a chance to show your stuff on TV. Uncle Andy and Aunt Flo, and all the people who said you weren’t good enough, get to watch…😊

    Plus the players get a nice gift bag with goodies!! There’s some incentive for ya…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  27. It is another way the game has changed. Getting hurt in a minor bowl game can cost a kid millions.

    It is the same reason kids go pro early.

    Money talks BS walks.

    Liked by 1 person

  28. If it’s not a New Years Day game or playoff game … it’s the NCAA equivalent of the preseason. Practice, protecting key players and vanilla strategy are the themes of the day.

    You do your best to motivate kids but at the end of the day it’s a game that has no stakes. It’s not a playoff game where you win and you keep playing. It’s doesn’t help your ranking the following season win or lose. Generally, not many fans travelled to see you play. It’s the end of the season and everyone is looking forward to some time away from football.

    More and more kids are not playing in them. VT players openly disclosed to a journalist they would have rather lost than kept playing. Hell, some players have refused to play in the New Years Day games.

    You can be in denial all you want but it’s a trend that is snowballing right now. More and more kids every year decide not to play in them.

    https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/12/22/18127862/skipping-bowl-games-contracts

    https://www.latimes.com/sports/more/la-sp-bowls-wharton-20181214-story.html

    https://www.theringer.com/2018/12/17/18144071/top-prospects-bowl-games-nick-bosa-will-grier

    Here is a list of everyone who sat out last year …

    https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/25443485/players-skipping-college-football-bowl-games-nfl-draft

    With Stanford, it started as only McCAff a few years ago. Last season they had like 7 sit out. It’s snowballing on individual teams, let alone across the sport.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I disagree that it doesn’t matter if you lose, especially to Pitt. Pitt could have had two nine win seasons and even last year 8-6 is far better than 7-7. It also ends a season with a win, which is always better.

      When you look at total wins and losses every game counts the same. The same reason Pitt needs to lighten up on the OOC and to win Bowl games.

      I can understand kids going Pro have mentally checked out and can’t afford to get hurt, but great athletes cannot stand losing no matter what, no matter the game. So if you play you play to win.

      Like

      1. Gordon Conn – Important in the grand scheme of things and important in the moment are two different things. In reality, it’s nothing more than an exhibition game. It’s less important than a scrimmage where depth chart positions are on the line. You play to win but not at all costs.

        Like

    2. They will pay players to play or give them more swag

      The NCAA needs the bowls for money. And people do watch these meaningless games and they are generally well attended. These meaningless games still draw far better than an nba or nhl game.

      So if players begin boycotting, the NCAA will be forced to pay them as an incentive or penalize them.

      Too much money involved for this to get out of hand.

      Like

      1. Now, if you start paying the players and paying the winners significantly more … then you got yourself games with consequences. Good call, TX!

        Like

  29. You want to win every game you play, but a meaningless bowl game is no more than another OOC game. It is certainly not as important as a league game or an OOC game vs ND or PSU. That’s it …. except for the fact that it is often played on a weekday (mid-afternoon) the week after Christmas just like most of the 30 some other meaningless bowl games.

    Like

  30. Watching them Stillers…

    Shocked to see their special teams Coach is back. Talk about being stubborn. Seems to me that for the last few years them Stillers rarely have a kick return without a penalty…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Bazooka Joe is an awful coach. Butler and Smith should not have been brought back. It stinks that Scrap is coaching the secondary as well. Lots of negatives on the coaching staff and nothing seems to change.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. A big reason for Pitt’s losing streak of bowl games is coaching changes, starting with Chryst leaving, then Chaney, then Canada, then Watson. The only year a coach didn’t leave was the 5-7 year. Hard to win a game when the guy responsible for the game plan and in game adjustments is gone. Mentally and/or physically.

    Liked by 1 person

  34. Put me in the middle of the Bowl games debate. While I do agree that the average Bowl game has lost a lot of it’s luster, I still think it’s important to win every game you can. At the end of the day/season it just looks better for the winning team.

    Like

  35. The game probably has the most meaning for those middle of the road teams like Pitt. If you are at 7 wins and can beat an equally meh team, you can sneak into the bottom rungs of the top 25. Lose that game and you remain stuck in the depths of irrelevancy. By contrast, if you have 9 wins and win or lose to a similar team, you will move up or down 5 spots but remain ranked.

    Liked by 1 person

  36. Regarding “playing to win” a Bowl Game… compiling lists of how many Players sit out due to injury or fear of injury because of the upcoming NFL Draft is not germane to the argument.

    It’s the Players who actually strap it up TO play.

    Like

  38. If you don’t think it’s germane to the debate then you miss the point of players who are actually sitting it out. Apparently they don’t think winning the bowl game is all that important.

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  39. Meaninglessness or not, I’m happy to have some unique match-ups to watch in December and January. I don’t fully “pivot” to basketball and hockey until the new year, so it’s a bit of a sports desert for me coupled with time off around the Holidays.

    And I’d rather see these matchups and perhaps go to one in a different place than extend regular seasons by a few weeks.

    Liked by 2 people

  42. imo, it seems fairly straight forward. 8 playoff positions with each P-5 conference getting an automatic bid with 3 at large bids including one that is not a P-5 team. Recent example being UCF.

    Liked by 1 person

  43. I’ve always thought Top 10 would be perfect. No one cares about #11. If you’re at 8 then you still have the 9/10 controversy.

    Top 10 would work like this … Wildcard round of 7 thru 10.

    8/9 Play-in game
    7/10 Play-in game

    Then re-seed …

    #1 plays lowest ranked of play-in games
    #2 plays second lowest of play in games

    4 v. 5 and 3 v. 6

    Then re-seed again for the semi-finals … This way the highest seeded team always plays the lowest seeded team.

    It’s a four week playoff beginning after the conference championships. Seeds 1-6 get a bye week. You can also have a bye week after semi-finals for the NYD games.

    Liked by 1 person

  44. This discussion brings up the obvious question: with NFL guys opting out of meaningless bowl games, how long before those same guys on unranked teams opt out of last part of season (2-3 games) for the same reason? We’ll prolly start seeing that soon???

    What can a coach do – kick him off the team? His head is already off the team.

    Like

    1. I was wondering the same thing…

      And, even on good teams like Ohio State, Bosa got hurt in like the second game last year and was out for five games. He decided not to play in games 8 through 12 and to leave the team in order to prepare for the draft.

      Like

  45. Hey TT, in your scenario would a team making the ten team playoff and losing the play-in game be ineligible for another bowl game or would there season be over early December? imo, ten is two to many.

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  46. Ike – Over. See my thoughts on bowl games. Haha. This adds two more meaningful games.

    They should get the full allotment of practices IMO for the younger players, however.

    Like

    1. but TT, not if the #10 seed loses the first game (play-in) so essentially they would be playing their bowl and final game around Thanksgiving? I would agree that any eligible playoff teams should be allowed to have the 15 practices or so with their underclassman that will be returning.

      Like

      1. ike – If no one wants to play in Bowl Games why would anyone care fi the playoff counts as a bowl game? As a fan, you may not like it but players and coaches wouldn’t mind it being their last game.

        Like

        1. You know teams want the extra practices TT. Plus making the playoffs can change a football program around tomorrow.

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          1. I’m not sure where you’re going with this. Haha. Are you playing mind games with me?

            Players and coaches would not want another game after a playoff game … the play-in game is a playoff game. Essentially, a wild-card. I agree they should still get the 15 practices or whatever. Just do them post-playoff game. Coaches would love that.

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            1. ^^ That’s what I’m saying TT but would the NCAA allow a team to have extra practices after their season is over? Teams like Rutgers may have a problem with that. Sounds like the rich get richer again. I guess where I’m going with it is that a 10 team playoff creates more problems than what it solves?? I don’t know?

              Like

  47. anything more than a 4 team playoff would mean a possible 3 extra games in back to back to back weeks. This would be in addition to the 13 games already played. Moreover, think of the fanbase that has to travel all over the country for 3 straight weeks.

    And if you decide the higher seeds would be the home team for the 1st round, you opened up a brand new barrel of controversy. Not only will there will be the teams who were barely left out of the playoffs that will raise cane, a couple of the teams that will open up on the road will do the same.

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    1. Higher seed at home is fine by me. Keeps the highest stakes regular season in tack. Can’t get rid of controversy 100%. No. 1 and No. 2 should have easiest paths IMO. Isn’t that like the NFL playoffs? Lol.

      But Semifinals and Finals can be same format currently. Bowl Game sites.

      Like

  48. Which brings up an interesting thought, at least to me, 🙂 if a playoff team loses late November and still gets to have the extra practices without have to game plan that’s a hell of a jump start for the next year.

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  50. Hey Frank, thank you for the link……. I noticed PITT is ranked 21st only considering P-5 teams. Not bad company.

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  51. as an addendum to my post above …. if the playoff goes 3 weeks, then not only will certain fanbases have to travel 3 straight weeks, it will be during the holidays. Unless you move the playoffs back to January, which means you’re butting heads with the NFL playoffs .. which uses both Saturdays and Sundays in its first 2 playoff weeks.

    Further … many of these kids don’t want to play 1 bowl game in fear of the injury. Well, the more the playoffs advance, the more the chance that the teams involved will have many players who will be drafted. I can see a player revolt here … and frankly, I wouldn’t blame them

    Like

    1. wbb – If the higher seed is at home not many tickets would be available anyways. Just like a home playoff game for the Pats will not see many opposing fans in the stands.

      This is already done in all the professional leagues. Not sure why it’s an issue in college?

      Like

      1. it should be an issue in the NFL. Look at how many freakin’ home-field advantages the Patriots has had because of the division it’s in! And you think the Coastal in bad! Except for two years for the Jets, name one decent team from the AFC East to challenge the Pats in the last 20 years? Name one good QB other than Brady in that division in this millennium.

        In an 8 team playoff … think the advantage of the 4th seed over the 5th seed which will raise the ULTIMATE CONTROVERSY if you ever seen one.

        Like

        1. just a few years ago, the Pats breezed into the No. 1 seed while the Steelers, Bengals and Ravens all made the playoffs from the Central. The Ravens survived and then lost by 4 points at New England., which led the way to another Pat SB.

          And if you call that fair, I’m going to tell you take a hike.

          Also a few years back, the Pirates was tied for the second best record in MLB but the best record were the Cards … thus the Bucs had to settle for a 1 game playoff versus Jake Arietta, the hottest pitcher in the game. Think about it …. over a 162 game schedule, the 2nd best team had to settle for a 1 game playoff

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          1. Keep the Semi-Final and Championship games at neutral sites and the wild-card and first round at the higher seeded team’s field. Best of both worlds. Easy on fans and neutral field for Final 4.

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  52. Couple things wwb and I’m not contesting that you are right or wrong………..

    Question, how many players in the college play-offs the past few years have sat out a game due to fear of injury?

    How about the NCAA just eliminate one OOC regular season game which is a super farce practice to begin with? This could be figured out if we take the money involved out of the equation.

    Like

    1. ike, I actually like it. Each team would play all league games. The B12 and P12 would have to expand a bit …. BYU, Boise St, Houston?

      Like

  53. savannah.. ironically sounds like the players have a non- compete “ I don’t want to play and risk injury and possibly not be able to go pro” vs some who signs a non compete in business to keep them from jumping ship and sining with a competitor.

    This trend supports what I have said on here many times “ The NFL should have a minor league system. Problem is this has become a big business in Div1 and the sadly, game
    evolves around pesos.

    Liked by 1 person

  54. The NFL has it easy. they dont have to spend money for a minor league system. Colleges have it good because they receive money from the bowl games and TV contracts.

    The system wont change anytime soon

    Unless, the schools can make more money under a different system or structure and they just might after the big TV contracts expire.

    But it will only be for the elite schools or a very select group. Thats when you’ll see players getting paid.

    A conference created just for football with no affiliation with the NCAA. 28 schools and 4 divisions. It would better prepare players for the NFL particularly QB’s. The NFL would subsidize it to some degree or the TV monies would.

    So Bama football would become a semi pro team. Players would be associated with Bama but would not be required to attend class or graduate.

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  55. Tx… it’s head’n that way… the elites are already minor league FB teams with s cast of unpaid players… whether they go to class or not?????
    Just another reason I don’t have lofty goals for most teams., namely, the home town team. In college ball the top teams get all the top “draft” picks every year….ESPN is an enabler forgetting about most of the CFB world…… Do you ole timers remember the Prudential College scoreboard with Dave Dials??? All teams got covered.. heck their “fight songs” were even played!!

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  57. I look forward to this day. Pitt and 80% of the D-1 teams would be finally on a level playing field. I can see Clemson, Florida State and Miami being invited and interested. So the ACC would lose 3 schools for football. Invite UCF, SFL and WVU as replacements.

    Tough for Pitt now to become elite given the revenues required. Revenues required to hire the best coaches, charter jets and helicopters, posh training facilities, summer jobs and under the table payments. Plus the university’s focus on having players of character and actually having to attend real classes, get good grades and graduate.

    Even if Pitt was somehow invited despite having a small fanbase, the university would turn the offer down since its not part of the mission statement.

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  58. Sorry, late to the conversation, but wanted to make a point about the wwb and tex thread from yesterday about bowl wins and losses and meaning of same.:

    wwb – “yes, he definitely shouldnt have coached so many injuries to key players

    tex – he should have found a way to win and stopped making excuses. Good coaches do that”

    Luckily, the other teams don’t have any stars that sit, just ours. It.s not all about a money grab. More and more draft eligible players will sit out every year. Unless you know the economics from an individual player’s perspective, specualting as to who sits, who plays, who tries hard and who doesn’t is just fodder. Coaches don’t make those decisions, players do. Coaches agree or risk being labeled as a non-player coach.

    This game is not played on what ifs. Pitt lost, fair and square. The other team beat our team. Get over the excuse making. There are absolutely ZERO guarantees that Pitt wins if Peterman and Conner play. ZERO! The only thing in the argument that is provable, is that Pitt lost, sorry!

    Regarding players that sit, last year one of the bosa’s sat to protect his draft status because ohio state was not in the 4 team playoff. If OSU makes the playoff, he would have played for a championship. Elite players will play for championships, not the Fanta Bowl or the new york yankee bowl.

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    1. Agreed Huff the Third. Winning is always the bottom line whether the game means more to some than others. Pack Fair and Square….

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  59. New Note – Players already get paid folks. Each gets a stipend, in addition to scholarship (tuition, fees, lodging, food). That’s why you see many of them share apartments. They get paid. All of them in P5.The universities change the terminology so it doesn’t sound bad. Academics are good that way.

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  60. FWIW, I’m sorry but I will never buy into a home game for the college FB playoffs. The NFL gets away with it because they have set rules and tiebreakers, as tainted as they could be at times, to govern how the playoffs are set. And if the colleges go by win-loss record, as the NFL does, then no major P5 team will never ever play a meaningful OOC game again.

    And if a committee names the homes teams, there will be way to many subjective factors …. with the No. 1 being the TV networks having a big influence.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. wbb – I’m not following. Fair does not exist. I hate to break it to you but sports are entertainment. The entertainment piece will always win out over the competitive balance piece. College football is about rankings not W/L records. It’s ingrained in the culture of the sport. Keep the College Football Rankings they currently use that are released in the middle of the season. A committee would not be needed to figure out a top 10. Just roll with the final standings.

      Make a 4 round playoff with the first two rounds having home field advantage. Then make the Final 4 neutral at Bowl sites.

      Last year would have seen the following scenario … How fun would this have been?

      FL @ 7. UM
      UW @ 8. UCF

      Assuming higher seeds win, the 2nd round would have been …

      UCF @ 1 BAMA
      UM @ 2 Clemson
      OSU @ 3. ND
      UGA @ 4. OU

      Final Four, neutral site …

      OU vs. 1. BAMA
      ND vs 2. Clemson

      Final …

      BAMA vs. 2. Clemson

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      1. and they’re playing until end of January unless you expect to go right thru the holidays. Don’t you think you’re being a bit selfish Tossing? This is football not basketball, baseball or volleyball

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        1. Bowl games already go right through the holidays. I’m not following how a playoff would be different in conjunction with the existing bowl schedule? The sub-division does this without issue. Not sure why P5 schools can’t.

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  61. At most elite schools, players have their own cafeterias and dorms or apartments. You never see them on campus. Few take real courses and few graduate. Someone prove me wrong with the data. The student althlete at elite schools is a myth. Much like Paternos Grand Experiment. It sounds good but the reality doesn’t exist. Any school that takes their academic mission seriously is at a huge disadvantage. If Pitt was progressive, they would force the issue. They can do this behind the scenes. The sooner the power structure breaks, the better it will be for Pitt and other like minded schools.

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  62. Here’s my deal, I’m just trying to be realistic. In the NCAA bureaucracy the heavy changes would take a lifetime of lifting. Let’s face it, Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, Ohio State and a half dozen other football power houses like the playoff system the way it is….. Something less radical than more would maybe make it to the table and I doubt even then.

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  63. A highlight video of scrimmage #2 is up over at the official website.

    Sibley with a couple of nice power runs, the freshman Davis has a nice spin move, Mack caught a couple of balls, and an interception by the defense. Lots of freshmen playing. Short video.

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    1. Davis showed a little wiggle – interesting (maybe).

      Would love to know what Coach Whipple is thinking after today’s scrimmage…

      Getting close to the real deal…

      Go Pitt.

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  64. Looked on Trib this morning and not one single word about PITT football…. I needs some PITT news … somebody… anybody… rise and shine for another day of Panther FB..!!!!

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  66. Really only one thing for sure can be taken from the Scrimmage #2 Highlights… Beville still throwing “Wounded Ducks.”

    Kid still needs a LOT of work on his passing motion which was clearly evident at the Spring Game.

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    1. And he is smiling about the bionic replacement yet to be attached!!!!

      He is going to have to really strengthen the left leg to keep up otherwise he will only be able to run in a circle…..or maybe only be able to rush from the right DE position? 😉

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      1. Dr. Freddie Fu continues to perform wonders!

        We need Dr. Freddie Fu at a tailgate… Where’s BigB…😊

        Go Pitt.

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  68. ACL repair is. Flesh wound for a tuff guy like Weaver… unfortunately, ligament repairs heal on God’s time and no one including PittPT , BigB or his UMPC insurance can’t rush HIS time… Just think, 2 more years of eligibility… read those words and SMILE…

    Liked by 1 person

  69. I really like Rashads outlook. Really important to have the right demeanor moving forward. That and due diligence with the rehab work and listening to the doctors and PT’s. I suspect he will be ready and fit for next year.

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