in Fall Camp, Pitt Football, Two-Deep 350 Words

Pitt Depth Chart

Here is the Depth Chart that Pitt Released today.  I pulled it from Pittsburgh Sports Now, but I’m assuming EJ sent out a press release.

My fast thoughts in italics.  Please feel free to discuss.

OFFENSE: 

QB: Kenny Pickett.   Backup- Nick Patti or Jeff George Jr.  Interesting that the backup situation is an “Or”

RB: AJ Davis or Todd Sibley  No surprises here.

WR: Taysir Mack, Tre Tipton, Maurice Ffrench.  Backups- Aaron Mathews, Dontavius Butler-Jenkins, John Vardzel.  John who?

TE: Will Gragg. Backups- Nakia Griffin-Stewart, Grant Carrigan  So Gragg beat out Griffin-Stewart.  Maybe that 20 lbs of muscle he put on in the offseason paid off.

LT: Carter Warren    Backup- Carson Van Lynn  And it’s official.

LG: Bryce Hargrove   Backup- Brandon Ford  Yep.

C- Jimmy Morrissey  Backup- Owen Drexel  Yep.

RG-Gabe Houy    Backup- Jake Kradel or Chase Brown  r-Frosh and local product Kradel cracks the two-deep.

RT- Nolan Ulizio   Backup- Jerry Drake Jr.

DEFENSE: 

DE: Patrick Jones    Backups- John Morgan or Kaymar Mimes  Mimes back to DE after TE last year speaks to a slight lack of depth at DE

DT: Jalen Twyman   Backups- David Green or Tyler Bentley Young guys making the two deep all over this line.

DT: Keyshon Camp or Amir Watts   Backup- Devin Danielson Nice to see another local guy make the two deep.

DE: Deslin Alexandre   Backup- Habbukkuk Baldonado Haba is going to have to grow up fast.  

Money Linebacker: Kylan Johnson  Backup- Chase Pine  Pine fails to grab the starting spot yet again.  When is the lightbulb going to go on for this guy?

Mike Linebacker: Elias Reynolds or Saleem Brightwell Solid and experienced MLB corps.

Star Linebacker: Cam Bright or Phil Campbell I still think this is going to be the weak link of the defense.

Strong Safety: Paris Ford   Backup- Jazzee Stocker  Ford locked down the starting spot.  Can he deliver?

Free Safety: Damar Hamlin  Backup- Therran Coleman  Coleman is a guy who has paid his dues for a while.  

Cornerback: Dane Jackson  Backup- Erick Hallett  Surprised to see Hallett here.  5’11”.  Redshirted last year.  

Cornerback: Jason Pinnock or Damarri Mathis.  As expected.

188 thoughts on “Pitt Depth Chart”

  2. No surprises outside of Pinnock being an “or” with Mathis. I thought Pinnock had that joint locked up.

    I’m so happy football is back … in t-minus 5 days …

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    1. I think they split time last year as well. I’m glad we have three guys with experience back there. (Jackson, Pinnock and Mathis)

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  3. Fran – coming to the tailgate with my son.

    My thanks to you and Wolfe and JoeL and all the other tailgate contributors.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. I like the approach of getting as many names on the “two-deep” as possible.

    Makes some people, like parents, happy and gives the guys incentive. (Even if a few of those names are unlikely to see the field…)

    My pet peeve — the “Special Teams” guys don’t get listed anywhere! Not the kickers, the blockers and coverage guys. That’s just not right.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. PK
      Alex Kessman
      Sam Scarton

      P
      Kirk Christodoulou
      Jared Campbell

      H
      Kirk Christodoulou
      Kenny Pickett

      LS
      Cal Adomitis
      Jack Hansberry

      KR
      Maurice Ffrench
      Taysir Mack

      PR
      Maurice Ffrench
      Taysir Mack
      Paris Ford

      KO
      Alex Kessman
      Sam Scarton

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      1. Thanks, wwb. But I’d like to know who’s going to be on the field with these guys.

        For example, who will be the gunners on the coverage teams…

        Go Pitt.

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    2. Fran, Kurt and I will be there. Kurt will be bringing some home brew. Do you need some food contributions??

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    1. Yea I checked out his Sr year hudl tape. He’s got speed and seems savvy, good hands too. I wonder then does Whip see something in him? Pitt’s version of Hunter Renfrow? (5’11” 185…)

      Or as was stated earlier in the comments…maybe just a feel good moment for a guy that worked hard all summer and did things the right way?

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    1. Wow. But difficult to prove unless the Dr has witnesses to the conversations (players, nurses, trainers etc)… Franklin wouldn’t use written communication like email…

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    2. I just heard about this on XM84 and of course Andy Staple is sticking up for Franklin. Staple claims he read through the report and says there are no specifics listed, so he spread some shade on this doctor for being disgruntled.

      Staple is ESPN-trained, thus sticking up for the 10% no matter what. Staple’s the one who supported Franklin a couple of years ago when he iced the Georgia State kicker up by 56 points in the final minute

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    1. Maybe I will write one about theirs … The only P5 school to lose a coach directly to G5. Ever. 😂😂😂

      Liked by 4 people

    2. but still hard to argue against anything written here — heck, all of it has been written on PittPOV before

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  9. I think it was jimmie “one finger’s” long lost aunt from Homewood, you know the one he hadn’t visited in 35 years until he got the psu job and exploited her for recruiting purposes, told him to do that? It’s not the young men that chose to go to psu that bothers me, it’s more that I don’t understand why a parent would approve of their young son or girl going there?? It boggles my mind!

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    2. Haha. So true. I was actually banned by my parents from even applying to Penn State, and I had the grades and test scores to get onto main campus as a freshman.

      In hindsight that was some damn good parenting.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. My dad went and flunked out of Penn State, his brother went and played in Blue Band, my grandfather and 8 brothers went to PSU, I had a scholarship set aside for me to go to Penn State…..I went to Pitt!

        Liked by 5 people

  10. Dam right it was good parenting Michael and look at where you at now! Owner of a PITT football blog babysitting a bunch of grown men debating over who his is negative or who is positive let alone the “realist’s” who keep it real? Your parents saved your ass, literally!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. OT: A tip for those that can’t make the game and have Comcast as their cable supplier. You can stream Hulu LiveTV for free on a one week trial. Also and here is a great idea, you should be able to subscribe around 4pm eastern time on Saturday and the free trial will last you through both the Virginia 7:30pm game and the Ohio game that starts at 11am the following Saturday.—Then hopefully maybe Comcast will cave in by then and commit to the ACCN network.

    Liked by 3 people

  14. The two-deep makes me wonder if Coach Whip is trying to hide Shocky.

    The way Shocky can fly, I got to think that Coach Whip has a few Shocky-specific plays up his sleeve…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Word is Shocky is hurt. Not sure how accurate that rumor is since Narduzzi has a way of hiding those facts.—-Some other interesting notes on the 2 deep Hallett a backup to Dane Jackson when last year I think M Williams was his backup. Also walk on Vardzel a walk on redshirt Junior a backup to Ffrench. The word on his is he is very fast and maybe our OC Whipple has elevated him much quicker than some would have thought over some names not mentioned. By the way he was hurt last year and did not play at all for us.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Biggest surprises to me on the two-deep:

    Defense — Kylan Johnson as the starter at Money Linebacker. Transferred in to an immediate starting position over a player who seemed to be coming into his own…

    Offense — Will Gragg at TE. I think this is an indicator that WG will be a factor in the passing game. Adding the 20 pounds paid off maybe (last year he just seemed like a large WR – course that seems to be the trend for TEs in the NFL…)

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Bernie cudda been the starter, except he got hurt on the last day of Camp!

    Fran deserved the honor – he’s had a really good summer. Plus he worked out all winter while Bernie was fishing/golfing!

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Fran, If I can get Mrs. JoeKnew out of her funk over not having Panera coupons on the season tickets we will both be there!
    BTW, when my daughter was very young she was worried about how hard school would be. She very seriously asked what would happen if she didn’t get good grades. I told her she would have to go to Penn State. She immediately broke out crying and saying Please daddy please don’t make me go to Penn State. She and I still laugh about that, Mrs. JoeKnew not so much.

    Liked by 4 people

  20. jrnpitt and others considering the Hulu Free Trial, I just looked on Hulu’s signup site and its says’ “30 day Free trial for new and eligible returning subscribers”. Although I am waiting until 8/29 to also see the
    Ohio and Delaware games, the link I saw this on is: https://www.hulu.com/start?&cmp=7957&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BM%20Search%20BrandTerms&utm_term=how%20to%20get%20hulu%20for%20free&ds_rl=1251096&gclid=CjwKCAjwkenqBRBgEiwA-bZVtpmw_AFukAPSYyK9aqeDLkgeBBU92yHz2mjU_zh6iDYTjs82qcYhLxoCyZYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

    Hope this is correct and helps!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Just when I was expecting a ho-hum season, the Nits go and brighten my day.

    All of the injuries a D-1 athlete incurs are documented…as are the treatments. There is no doubt the orthopedic surgeon documented his assessment and recommendations. And if Franklinstein played the kid against medical advice, he won’t have a leg to stand on.
    So go ahead mom’s and dads, send ur Jimmys and Joes to cult land.

    Liked by 2 people

  25. Fran, I’ll be at the tailgate along with my son who will be floating between tailgates I expect. I’m bringing a Prantl’s Burnt Almond Torte cake and bottle of Chardonnay. Thanks to the tailgate leaders, looking forward to seeing everyone!

    Liked by 2 people

  27. I see where we will be honoring Pitt great Bill Fralic at the opener.

    While this is entirely appropriate, I’m afraid it dooms us to a poor performance. That’s been the history – anytime the Pitt greats are honored or in attendance, we fall on our faces (and it usually rains…).

    The lone exception, ironically, was the final game at Pitt Stadium…

    Go Pitt.

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  28. Up all night with stomach issues again, I’ve been downgraded to questionable for the game. I’ll be calling Hulu later on when and if I ever get up again.

    Bill Fralic will not allow PITT to stumble on the day he is being honored, he will simply just not allow it!

    Bernie is home from what I understand. Hope all is great BigB!

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    3. Ike, sorry to hear you’re not feeling well, hope you get better soon!

      Ike, a few days ago you came across as having some insight into the Comcast-ACC Network negotiation rumors, just wondering if you’ve heard anything since? The Clemson-GaTech game is Thursday night and I believe its an ACC Network Only game, so I’m really hoping the pressure will be ramped up on Comcast. Any thoughts?

      I saw that Youtube TV upped their trial period to 2 weeks, so I plan on adding that on Friday to grab the ACC Network that way at least for starters…

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  30. Pitt is in Elliot Donalds final 8 along with ND, Michigan, LSU and Dairy High…
    Get well Ike and if Biggie is home he’s probably already practice putting from 40 feet.

    Liked by 2 people

  31. Pat Narduzzi and Larry Richards in preview show tonight at 6 on KDKA radio. I assume it’s 1020 am, and not The Fan, since Larry Richards is host …. but not sure

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  32. Been watching a bit of the ACC network with its talking heads… seems like all I am seeing and hearing is Clemson and Miami… they are also talking bot Urban and Saban…. almost like watching the talking heads on ESPN and the heating about the same 2-4 teams.

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    1. same old formula … > 90% of the time spent on < 10% of the participants. Pick your sport … they have been doing this for years

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    2. Yep…they keep underestimating us Bernie. And that’s how we’re going to beat ‘em

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  33. Not much has been said here about the lack of the Fullback position being listed. While I have no doubt that we will see many more 3-wide receiver sets this year, don’t be surprised to see a FB in there especially when protecting a lead in the fourth quarter. It would seem very Narduzzi-like to run a con game here but I’m sure Mendenhall will not be fooled. He has enough tape from last year

    But again … we will see more 3-wide sets, no doubt. And another thing we will see that we haven’t in the last 2 years are screen passes …. remember those? I can see a lot of bubble screens being run which would allow Mack and Ffrench the opportunity to show their athleticism. Many times, if you are able to break the initial tackle, you can get a pretty good gain on the play

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well who the would play fullback? George Aston was a generational talent at the position and I’m not exaggerating. The fact that he wasn’t drafted and in really only been thrust into the spotlight because of injury in the NFL speaks volumes to the lack of a use of fullback in modern pro style offenses.

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        1. Haha give it up Wwb. The fullback ceased to be a thing by 1980. Last year’s team was just a throwback to a bygone era. I know this makes you sad

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  34. wwb – love to see some screens, especially with the level of pass-blocking being uncertain…

    ike – you nailed it above on Coach Duzz’s presser. He did a good job. Seems to me he’s not trying to be TOO clever, which didn’t come across well in the past…

    Coach’s line that it’s EJ who decides which names go on the “two-deep” made me laugh… 😊

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. So Kylan Johnson comes in, without the benefit of Spring ball, and immediately wins the money linebacker spot. So much for all the coaching BS that everything is so complicated and it takes years to fully understand the intricacies of a complicated defense. It really is all about how good a player is, and the coach speak is simply another way of saying a player is not good enough to win the job.

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    1. I’ve been reading between the lines on Pine for a while. “He’s still a puppy mentally” was a very telling quote from the Duzz this spring. One thing we’ve seen is that Duzz and co seem very unwilling to put talent on the field unless mental errors can be kept to a minimum

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    2. Voice – one thing that might help explain this development, which I think is surprising, is that Kylan Johnson said in an earlier camp interview that he felt good being back doing what he used to do. Apparently his previous team changed their defensive scheme after Kylan’s first two seasons. Going from something that suited his skills/knowledge to something that didn’t…

      I don’t know if this explains it or not, but it’s a possibility…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  37. Takeaways from Bronco Mendenhall’s News Conference…

    A few highlights…

    Apparently, Quarterback Bryce Perkins has a much BETTER grasp of the Cavalier Offense this year compared to last.
    Apparently, Linebacker Jordan Mack is the BADDEST Dude on the Cavalier Squad. At 6-2 230, the STRONGEST Player on the Team and one of the FASTEST.
    And a Starting TRUE Freshman Nose Tackle who also sings in the Choir.

    https://247sports.com/college/virginia/LongFormArticle/Virginia-Cavaliers-Football-vs-Pitt-Panthers-Bronco-Mendenhall-press-conference-Ten-Takeaways-Bryce-Perkins-UVA-Jordan-Mack–134818139/#134818139_5

    Liked by 1 person

    1. If Pitt had a true freshman starting at nose tackle it would be all doom and gloom. Not for other schools I suppose. Morrisey should have a huge advantage with his experience and strength, but if he struggles I’m sure we’ll read he may not be fully recovered from last season’s injury.

      Missing Aston will be huge. Last year’s game the Cavs defensive players were really hooting and hollering and it was George who started blocking past the whistle and refusing to back down and the tide seemed to turn. This offense I assume doesn’t have that kind of player.

      Liked by 1 person

  40. Shout out to Gordon Conn’s POVert friend Andy that provided our tee times at Willowbrook Friday!
    Thanks buddy! We all owe you one…

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  41. Andy, thanks for helping in getting us set up for the POV Kick-off Golf Toutrnamemt….. a winner will be guaranteed on Friday !

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    1. I add my thanks to Andy for helping to get a group of POVers together to golf. Always a good thing.

      Thank you, Andy.

      Hail to Pitt

      Like

  42. I hope Paris Ford has his head on his shoulders this year… I remembering losing his guy in coverage a couple of times last year- at least once costing us a TD … The self- marketing bravado without backing it up is just a lot of hot air… he did see the field much after that… he has the physical tools but the gray matter must also be on top of the game…

    Liked by 1 person

  44. You are probably right Major that Kylan Johnson had a good understanding of the position before coming to Pitt. But I think that the terminology and calls for the defense are probably unique to every team, what formation and calls to make under different circumstances, etc. I don’t want to oversell this since I just made the case that it is easy to pick up! 🙂 But as Michaelangelo suggested, Pine’s relative inability to grasp the finer nuances of the position may make playing him somewhat more risky.

    Liked by 2 people

      1. BTW, did you Florida’s defense the other night. If you followed UF over the past few years, you know that the defense wasn’t the problem. Johnson probably has as much or more natural talent than anyone on Pitt’s squad

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  46. Couple observations from the practice clips on PSN:

    —The WR are making right-angle cuts – not rounding routes off like we’ve seen some with the previous coaching…

    —The QBs are releasing the ball as the WR comes out of the break – not waiting until the guy looks open…

    Not to state the obvious, but these two improvements should lead to a better passing game…

    Go Pitt.

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  47. Here’s something interesting…

    (V’Lique) Carter was working with the first group of backs in drills, even ahead of starter A.J. Davis at times, so it seems pretty clear that he’s ticketed for some playing time.

    Alan Saunders PSN

    So much for the Depth Chart.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well thanks for blowing our cover Alan Saunders. Guess it’s time to scrap the game plan (haha)

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Already I see Whipple in charge if Carter is getting snaps ahead of AJ Davis. I was concerned that Narduzzi would utilize his upper class RB’s before his younger alternatives. I’d also like to Vince Davis in there before AJ Davis but that may be asking too much at this stage.

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  48. You play with the players you have. Last year Ollison, Hall and Aston were the stars of the offense.
    This year will be a lot different. Hopefully the balanced offense will create a new group of stars.

    Liked by 1 person

  49. Virginia is well balanced. They will be prepared. Bronco is a good coach. Going two, six eight wins in his first three. On target for ten come year four. Y’all would be calling me an optimist or Koolaid drinker. 🤠

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Last year, UVA wins were against:
        Richmond
        Ohio
        Liberty
        Louisville
        Miami (16-13)
        Duke
        UNC

        They very well may win 10 games this season – but so far they’re beating teams that are down…

        Go Pitt.

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        1. and remember that Narduzzi inherited Chrysts players who were more talented than his own recruits

          Bronco inherited jack

          Bronco said that not even 20% of his team was ACC caliber

          Narduzzi inherited players that are in the NFL today

          How bout them apples?

          Take off your Pitt blinders

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          1. Well that’s the difference between two wins and eight i guess …

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        2. and Pitt beat a bunch of Coastal teams that were down last year as well yet still only managed to secure a 7 win season

          u would think of me as a Nitter troll but I’m actually UPitt’s long lost Texas cousin

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          1. So one win less than bronco against an infinitely tougher schedule. And a better in conference record against similar teams. Sounds like a better team to me. Thanks for pointing that out tex!

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      3. u are assuming that Pitt would beat those teams
        the same Pitt team that has lost to NC for 4 years straight
        o…..k

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  50. Not surprised at all Tx. A koolaid drinker for the other team. 🙂 jus kidding. Yes I woke up. Called Hulu, transferred my tickets to the UCF game and cancelled my hotel reservations. I’m devastated I won’t be at the tailgate. I’m sorry. Breaks my heart!!

    golden years my ass!
    H2P!

    Liked by 1 person

    2. hope u get better ike
      go easy watching the game
      most Pitt fans will have high blood pressure after the game
      u wont like my prediction

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  51. and remember that Narduzzi inherited Chrysts players who were more talented than his own recruits

    Bronco inherited jack

    Bronco said that not even 20% of his team was ACC caliber

    Narduzzi inherited players that are in the NFL today

    How bout them apples?

    Take off your Pitt blinders

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    1. TX – UVA obviously has the better coaching and a better team. But we beat them last season and upsets happen.

      I like the under-dog Panthers in this game.

      Go Pitt.

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      1. Like NC upsetting Pitt every year. I don’t believe in playing upsets. A prepared team will win. A more talented team will win. A better coached team. There is a reason why the smart money is on Virginia away.

        My better bet is on the over/under for turnstile attendance. Not paid. I’d wager the line at 48k. That means 20k empty yellows.

        I’m sure other bets will include first sleeping fan caught on TV, the name of the free beverage to give to students if they stay the whole game, if there will be a tent popped up outside, if Kenny will pass for more than 8 yards, etc.

        Those are the fun wagers.

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  52. Never bothered by predictions…losses however are another story. Dont care about Fantas or tarps or counting yellow seats.
    I’m looking forward to seeing my POVert friends at the game.
    Get better Ike…see ya down the road.

    Liked by 2 people

  53. Carter not on the depth chart was a big surprise to me. Can’t believe that Whipple will not want to play with the bright shiny object right in front of him. Maybe Carter’s not picking up the offense quickly enough, which would be a real shame. However, now that we think about it, he pretty much ran only one play all last year.

    Not happy seeing Brightwell at the MLB spot. He’s too small, and it seems his speed would be better served on the outside. I was impressed with what I saw out of Bright last year considering he was only a RSFr. For the first time in a long time I’m slightly confident in the DBs, especially at CB. Jackson emerged last year and is ready to be a big time player, and Pinnock played with the cockiness that a CB needs in CFB.

    Shocky is going to surprise the team that tries to cover him in the slot with a LB or big safety. I’ll believe its Tipton time when I see it. Hopefully he can get past the opener without his annual injury. The young man has been snakebit for way too long. I think Vardzel on the depth chart is a recruiting trick.

    The RB position better shake-out quickly and effectively or this could go south in a big hurry, don’t see Pitt as a one-dimensional passing team with Pickett.

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  54. Oh one other thing, Pitt hasn’t played a single down yet and I’m already missing Weaver!!! This has to have HCPN losing sleep at night.

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  56. Rewatched VA vs Pitt 2018 this afternoon. A few notes . Aston was crushing people. Shocky dropped at least 3 passes. Whoos rushed for like 50 yards the whole game and their qb was a big part of those yards. Weaver looked really good. Pitt had 5 sacks. Hall had 2 of his runs for 150 yards. Pitts secondary left uncovered receivers all over the field. Patrick Jones got jobbed on the targeting call.

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  57. all Depth Charts are to be taken with a grain of salt. Was Carter on the depth chart prior to the Duke game last year?

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  58. I missed the prediction thread but here’s mine anyway: August 31st, 2019, will be an EPIC tailgate!
    When was the last time we opened the season with a quality opponent in an uber-meaningful game on a Saturday night? (No, I’m not looking it up … “they say I’m lazy but it takes all my time”). The weather is going to be perfect! And no Pirate game to force us to circle the block for an hour and a half until the ALCO attendants deem the lot to be empty of Pirate fans and start letting us in.

    Prediction Details:

    2:00 PM. Fran and I are parked outside the Red 5A lot entrance on the chance that the attendants will open the gate prior to the scheduled 2:30 opening. Hasn’t happened yet but ….

    2:30 PM. Gates open and we claim our usual spots.

    2:45 PM. We have the flags, tables, chairs, and everything else in place. Yes that’s a full 5 minutes longer than normal due to early season miscues. We’ll get better, we promise.

    2:50 PM. Scooter arrives. Since I haven’t seen him since basketball season, he’ll have enough stories of adventure and mishap to keep me laughing throughout the evening.

    2:55 PM. Here comes MajorMajors and his son. John is excited and oozing even more optimism than usual. He pretends not to see that dark cloud hovering over his head, hiding a hand poised to fillip him on the back of the head with a voice saying “Remember, you’re a Pitt fan.”

    2:58 PM. JoeL arrives. His food makes the rest of us look like Ray’s wife Deborah on Everybody Loves Raymond.

    3:00 PM. BigB walks up. He is jovial and relaxed. But before the night is over he’ll be leading the tailgate in a good rendition of the Pitt Fight Song. Somewhere in Texas someone will be adding the “Da Da Da Da Dat Dat Penn State Sucks! Da Da Da Da Dat Dat Penn State Sucks! P-E-N-N-S-T Sucks!” But we won’t hear him.

    3:10 PM. Richman cruises into the lot in a beautiful Audi convertible with the top down. The ladies in the lot do a double take until they realize that’s a bottle in a Bev Buckle in front of his steering wheel.

    3:15 PM. Some rookie in a nearby tailgate asks Fran if he has any extra forks since they forgot theirs. Fran being Fran, he gives the kid some forks, plates, napkins and a wickedly stiff drink. Probably should have at least asked the kid if he was 21. Oh well.

    3:20 PM. The floodgates open and POVerts and their friends are arriving in droves. Soon the tailgate is so packed you need an usher to get through for another plate or another drink. The place is rockin’, people are laughing, This is what we waited for!

    6:30 PM. We start the process of lowering flags and disassembling the tailgate to get into the stadium in time for the Intro.

    6:40 PM. Someone arrives at the tailgate and plops the food they brought onto the tables we are scrambling to clear. Don’t be that person!

    7:20 PM. Inside the stadium just in time to see the brand new Intro video on the big screen and see the team charge out of the tunnel. You can feel the hair standing on the back of your neck.

    7:30PM. Ready for kickoff! What happens next, I have no clue. But as for me, I almost don’t care. My day is complete. The rest is just proverbial icing.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. in 2013, Pitt’s 1st game in the ACC was the opener vs FSU at Heinz. Pitt scored 1st, then Jameis Winston completed 25 of 27 for 396 yds. His replacement went 2 for 2 for 21 yds

      Like

    2. Wolfe — that is an awesome post. Could be the post of the year! So refreshing.

      I’m humbled to be mentioned (and you nailed it!). One correction though – I can’t arrive at the tailgate that early or I’d need a nap before kickoff. 😊

      Hail to Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I thin we are having bratwurst. My sister Liz is handling logistics while I’m on the West Coast. May need to throw a few Italian hot ones in there for Fran. 😉

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    4. Doggone you Wolfe, you make me want to either call the ticket office again and get tickets for the third time for this game or call Narduzzi and ask for a helmet to be the kamikaze old man gunner on special teams. Now I know how Rashad Weaver must feel.

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  59. You will be missed Brother Ike. Bernie can we assume you are back on the two deep for the tailgate/game on Saturday?

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  60. Wolfe, you really captured the essence of the tailgates…well done.
    Martin Scorsese can direct the movie version. 😎

    Liked by 2 people

  62. Looks like it’s Comcast negotiating with ESPN and not the ACCn? My question is, who has the upper hand here and who has more to lose each week without an agreement? Like I’ve mentioned, when negotiations are ongoing it means to me that both sides want a deal struck. I still feel a deal will be agreed upon but when? I do think sooner than later because lost money is never recouped, for both sides. By this I mean possible lost revenues from lost subscribers and hard feelings. Having said that, I think it’s Comcast that has the most to lose. I know I’ll leave Comcast in the dust if they don’t pick up the ACCn channel!

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  63. Random thoughts….

    I learned today that I’m paired up with MajorMajors at the POV Kickoff Golf Outing on Friday. Couldn’t be more excited. We are gonna plow through the field the same way Big George Aston pancakes a linebacker.

    Very much looking forward to seeing many of you Saturday at the 5A Fran and Friends Tailgate. Disappointed that we won’t see either Ike or UPitt. Then again, if they both attended, we might have to set up a boxing ring.

    Had some interaction with EJ today. He really is a great guy and a true ambassador for the University.

    Hearing that we are close to a full house on Saturday. A nice 50-55k crowd for an opponent not named PSU, WVU or ND is
    pretty solid.

    Two weeks from today I get my kidney transplant. So I’m extra pumped for the UVA game. First time in 20 years that I’m only going to make two or three home games.

    Liked by 10 people

  64. Tx, you are hilarious! For practically every Chryst recruit, POV readers were treated to a synopsis of all the MAC offers each had – implying what low grade players he recruited.

    It appears now that you are bragging about how Nardizzi and staff raised them to NFL potential!

    Liked by 2 people

  65. TX is looking for any reason to have Narduzzi replaced as Pitt’s HC. That might only change if Pitt beat Clemson for the ACC title this year. But I’d imagine TX would still come up with many reasons for Pitt’s success not having anything to do with Narduzzi..

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m looking for ways to get Pitt over the hump
      and yes, a head coach replacement is one way
      if Narduzzi doesnt win 10 games next year, he should be shown the door
      he’s paid too much and the university spends too much on the program to wallow in a 5-8 win range

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  68. PittPT, BigB is off injured reserve and back in the tailgate 2 deep… bringing BadB with me…” The Bernie’s.. one’s Big .. one’s bad” We also call him “ Whiskey” and it’s so appropriate !!! Lover of double Jim/ Jack and Cokes.

    Liked by 2 people

  69. Glad to hear it BigB! Bernie’s in stereo, that should be interesting! Should be a great Saturday.

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  70. Early line from Vegas on the POV pregame outing…
    MissingWlat and Major Majors / Gordon Conn and son.
    Longest drive…BigB (driving from North Carolina)
    Best outfit…whatever MajorMajors wears with his cargo pants.

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    1. Ha-ha, Fran!

      I have the honor of teaming with MissingWlat; he has the burden of playing with me…😊

      If only we could get Scooter out on the links! Scooter and ike would be a heck of a pairing…

      Hail to Pitt!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I wish I could still be out there John but even when I was I had a wicked slice at times. Once down at CedarBrook on the tee box, I hit not one but two slices to the far far right. On the way home up interstate 70 we saw two golf balls laying on the side of the road. We all laughed the rest of the way home because we knew they were mine. (hope I didn’t hit a car) and Scooter would be a complete blast to golf with.

        Liked by 4 people

  71. Hey Fran, what’s the line from Vegas on who will have the biggest smile on Saturday? You or Richman?

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  76. Looks like mother nature will be cooperating with the golf outing and the PITT POV tailgate/football game. Will EE be attending? How Mrs EE been doing? Midnight hour for football is quickly approaching PITT needs the a Big win!

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  77. SI article on Matt Canada asking how can the highest paid OC 2 years ago be unemployed. Apparently he turned down some offers, including TV analyst positions. One insider claims his reputation is that he is hard to get along with.

    Anyway, the article explained that his $1,5M salary at LSU was a 400% raise. (his buyout was 1.7M). Thus, he was making less than $400k at Pitt …. so even if Pitt tripled his salary, it wouldn’t have matched what LSU was paying him.

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  78. Well M Canada’s work history would suggest he may be a little more than difficult to get along with. He was smart to take the money and run because he knew he couldn’t and wouldn’t have duplicated the PITT offensive production from the year before. I’m happy where PITT is at with their asst coaches.

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  79. Ike, Scooter is a lefty and slices in the other direction.
    Hole 14 at River Forest has a waste area dead left of the tee box affectionately known as “Scooters Cove”
    I’ve also seen him hit a six iron 200 yards with a Happy Gilmore hockey swing.
    It’s a non stop laugh track…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Can we have Scooter address the team before the opener?

      Would definitely tip things in our favor. 👍

      Go Pitt!

      Like

    2. I played River Forest about 3 weeks ago and found out all about the Cove enroute to a snowman on a straight hole. My 3rd 8 of my round. On holes 4 thru 7, I had a 3, 8, 4, 8 … which should tell you all you need to know about my golf game.

      I was impressed on just well-kept that course was …. 1st time I ever played it

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  80. LOL Fran! Like you once said, we all have a Kramer/Scooter in our lives. Tell everyone I said hello and don’t come back without a victory.

    Bernie, any news on the arrival of your next grandchild? Good Luck!

    Still no TommyMac? Warren Panther?

    Tell EE (Rick) I made the mini Buffalo chicken balls he liked so much last year.

    I’ll be having our own private tailgate cooking steaks and building a fire in the fire-pit., of course with music blaring across the entire 3 block radius.

    Yeah I’m ready for some football!!!!!!!

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  81. I continue to be very impressed with the coaches and player interviews. Someone is doing something right down on the south-side with that team. Totally impressed with KP and Jimmy’s interviews. Narduzzi has been knocking it out of the park as well as Borbs and Bates…

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  82. Just read a piece on Pitt’s logo/color changes on The Athletic. Sounds like Pitt has gone all in on the new scheme, which is no doubt going to disappoint some. Apparently, the academic side of things enthusiastically embraced the new colors and they want a uniform look across the school. Makes sense to me, although I’m sure some will not like the change. Here’s a short clip showing the change in the crest:

    Liked by 2 people

  83. Iek… as far as the baby… it’s “ Anyday Now”

    BTW BadB/Whiskey is my Scooter… together we are like the Skipper and Gilligan

    Liked by 2 people

  84. So I walk into Panera’s in a good mood and see this dildo wearing a psuX hat, shirt, pants,and socks…almost puked.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I normally wouldn’t allow this kind of language but in this case I don’t think there are other words that appropriately describe the subject

      Liked by 4 people

    1. Ike, we will have a chair reserved for you in Red 5A Saturday afternoon on the outside chance that you can join us, even if only for a little while.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks Wolfe, I will be there but only in spirit. I have to sit this one out but you all will feel me and I will be back soon. Keep up the great work! ike

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  87. Sorry Maestro…and soon as I hit “post” I thought I would get detention and regretted the wording.

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  89. I understood what each emoji stood for except for BSU-FSU and UVA-Pitt games. Can someone enlighten me?

    Liked by 1 person

  93. Amen to the entire school being branded the same! Lots of good stuff in there, JoeL! Now, we can say royal blue and collegiate yellow are the official colors of the University without argument! These colors are not going anywhere for a long time. It’s safe to buy Pitt gear, ladies and gents!

    Here is a link … https://theathletic.com/1166313/2019/08/28/inside-pitt-footballs-new-look-and-why-it-matters/

    Some good soundbites … A hodgepodge from the article … not a fluent story …

    “This all starts back in 1997, when then-A.D. Steve Pederson — for any number of reasons, and very few good ones — switched from one of college football’s more distinct palettes to navy blue and we’re-calling-this-gold-but-it’s-closer-to khaki. Also, why say “Pitt” when “Pittsburgh” is right there? Forget that it’s how everyone knows the school. And while we’re at it, who needs an actual panther for a logo? What about the hell dogs from “Ghostbusters?” Everyone loves “Ghostbusters!””

    “The spring of 2017 brought with it a rebranding committee, a $2 million budget and, most crucially, step-by-step involvement with Nike.”

    “Two years later, after three visits to Portland, Ore., three more major conference calls and more than 200 non-disclosure agreements with retailers, the work was unveiled — and it was far from just a color swap. There was a new Panther head, and a Panthers script, and more of the script “P” used by the baseball team. There was a font set, and a numeral set, and visual cues to the Cathedral peppered throughout. Nike, Spears said, was enamored with the building.”

    This one blew my mind a little …
    “There’s no reason not to make the change; it’s already worked. When Nike’s fiscal year closed on June 30, Pitt was 37th in total sales out of about 1,100 Nike properties, Spears said. That was less than two months into the rebrand.”

    “I think if you give us a full year with all the new marks and logos, we’re going to be in the top 25,” he said. “And then when we are, you can really start asking for things.”

    “When you go into the store or you go online, you could be able to buy a Pitt logo Nike shoe, like you can for Alabama. We want to be able to do that, and not just through our own mechanism. We have an ‘H2P’ shoe, and we work with Nike on it, but we do it. I want them to do it. We’re on the cusp. That’s the goal. When we made all these decisions, it was, ‘Let’s be a top-25 Nike school.’ And I think we’re right there.”

    Whether they hit that milestone or not, the big move for 2020 is drawn up, and has been for 10 months, Spears said. This year was about reintroducing the colors and letting the new logos “get absorbed.” Next year means a new, alternate football jersey “inspired by the Cathedral,” Spears said. Told you Nike was enamored with it.

    “Wait until you see the alternates in 2020,” Spears said. “Wait until you see them. They’re so amazing — I just can’t wait.”

    “Inside the stadium is a large chunk of, give or take, $300,000 worth of new signage courtesy of Creative Graphic Services, a firm Lyke and Spears brought into the fold at Pitt after working with them at Eastern Michigan. Their most relevant experience is in stock car racing.
    “Banners in NASCAR is big, legitimate business. Everything gets bannered in NASCAR, from the seating sections to the wrap on the bowls,” Spears said. “So they can churn and burn.””

    “As much as I’d love an on-campus stadium, it’s pretty cool that we were able to rebrand this and make it ours,” Spears said.

    “One of those banners, for the first time, publicizes HailToPitt.com. That wasn’t a university-controlled domain until Spears ran into the previous owner at a Philadelphia-area alumni meet-up. After years of squatting, the owner was ready to give it up.
    “He said, ‘Hey, I offered this to the department about 10 years ago to purchase, and I probably shouldn’t have done that. I’ve had it for a decade, and you know what, I love what you and Heather are doing — do you just want it?’”
    “A decade ago, he asked for 10 grand. Now, it’s gonna be our launch vehicle for the capital campaign for all our new projects. It’s gonna connect. People are gonna be like, ‘Oh, right on, HailToPitt.com.’”

    “The yellow seats have always been an issue,” Spears said. “Part of me wishes they were all gray. But if they’re gonna be yellow, when we look at our rebrand, these are (Pantone color) 1235C. Our yellow is 1235.

    The on-field markings are mostly unchanged. The Pitt script, alone, will be at the 50-yard line for their first two games. After that, the script will be backed by a white circle. That’s necessary once the Steelers start playing home games so neither team’s logo bleeds through.

    “That’s the one thing I wish — I wish our sod farm wasn’t in Jersey,” Abrams said. “I wish we had a patch of grass there. We’d cut it out, (the Steelers would) cut it out. We’d place it, they’d place it. It’s a small thing, but people would be like, ‘Oh, cool, the logo.’ But it’s a partnership. We work together.”

    Liked by 1 person

  94. Nike knows marketing and branding.

    But no amount of banners can create a Pitt stadium college feel. They are just bandaids hiding an ugly wound.

    Liked by 1 person

  95. I’m surprised no-one on the POV has mentioned the announcement of the team for the Pitt pre-game show…. Larry Richart, Bob Pompiani, and Wendy Bell. Lots of angst on Pitt Fan Fanatics that Wendy Bell is involved and Dorin Dickerson is not.

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  97. Dorin was released but then rehired after a Pitt backlash. He was told to walk to make room for Wendy. A person who doesn’t know football or Pitt. They were probably afraid that she would sue them if she was released. Pitt nation had Dorins back. Check out his twitter feed.

    Liked by 1 person

  98. I got no beef with Wendy Bell but I’m glad Panther Nation stepped up for Dorin Dickerson. Who in the
    HE🏒🏒 is making these decisions?

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  99. I just scrolled through all my many hundreds of Comcast channels looking for tomorrows GT – Clemson football game (on ACCN). Of course the Clemson game (#1 team in college rankings) is not listed.

    What a mess.

    Liked by 1 person

  100. Saw the two deep roster – noticeably missing speed & athleticism – A) Sulahuddin ; B) ; Shockey-Jacques C) V’lique Carter ; D) Camp Sensation – Vincent Davis … Narduzzi has got to know we have to pull out the full arsenal / heavy artillery regardless of age / experience – playing only older players & seniors = continued mediocrity – you must excite the fan base for a stimulated home crowd Saturday night !!!!

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    1. 2 ways to look at this Dave. One, the way you’re looking at it. Two, Narduzzi’s way of looking at it. HCPN’s job is to win the game and he doesn’t give a care about who is sitting in the stands or watching on TV. Wins will bring fans not the depth chart. With all due respect to you.

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  102. By the way there were 4 B10 channels and 2 SEC channels. There are many other college football games on Comcast tomorrow night.

    The ACCN seems to be like a herd of sheep running off of a cliff.

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  104. Narduzzi has been mis-directing everybody with everything for going on 5 years. Why would you think he’d change now?

    He doesn’t give anyone the straight scoop. You won’t learn anything about what to expect for the game by listening to him. And I love it!!

    ” We’ll probably run 80% of the time, and pass 20. But I’d like it to be about 50-50.”
    What the what??

    Liked by 1 person

    1. with Whipple in charge, Pitt will no longer run the ball 80% of the time … it will now be just 77%

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