590 thoughts on “Pitt at Syracuse Open Game Thread”

  2. I’m looking for a pretty extensive run game tonight. With Pitt getting so much recent publicity concerning the passing game, Cuse will likely neglect the running game.

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    1. Theirs would have been a TD. They picked on the free safety (ie Paris ford’s replacement) and it worked

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  16. Other than getting stuffed on 3rd and 1 , the running game looks pretty good

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    1. Syracuse defended that screen really well. Earned the stop. We are really struggling to pick up their blitzes

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  18. You can’t rely on the run but right now you also can’t rely on Pitt protecting Pickett for very long. He may not finish the game.

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    1. May be the same shoulder as earlier in the year… hope Patti is ready.

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  21. The OL doesn’t seem to be pass blocking very well. Pickett doesn’t have much time, and now seems to be hurt.

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    1. They are like a different defense after a turnover … I counted three missed tackles on that pitch

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  26. There has to be a better answer than Ffrench on punt returns. He can blow a game open but the risk/reward just isn’t making sense anymore.

    Liked by 2 people

  28. Anybody else worried that the refs will screw up this fourth and goal from the 10? (where Pitt stopped em on third and long?).

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    1. Not sure I agree. Their kicker is automatic from anywhere inside 39 yards. With ford out our pass defense is just a tick more suspect. I’ll take the guaranteed 4th down and 10 but that’s just me

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Do we have anyone with half a brain that can return a kickoff or punt without getting us into trouble?

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  35. This whole operation looks JV. From the broadcast to the refs to the game. Those ribs from that restaurant were the most solid part of the last 45 minutes

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  36. If Narduzzi accepted the penalty they would be 3rd and goal from the 25 ydline. A sack could have put them outside of fg range.

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  40. Anybody else worried the refs are going to screw us on the dazzle? Thank god we aren’t playing UNC…

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  43. That’s a GREAT play call when your line is struggling. You gotta give it up if ur gonna criticize every other decision

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    1. Oh the call was tremendous, as was the execution. I’m just complaint about the refs

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  52. Its a rivalry game. Chippy down thereZ. freakin great (and legal) body slam by Hamlin, and a goal line stand to back it up. Our boys need to keep their heads when it gets hot down there though

    Liked by 2 people

  53. Pitt is just asking to get penalties more called on them if they don’t get their emotions under control. Looks like they haven’t learned their lesson from games past.

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  58. On that drive …

    Two dropped snaps
    One false start
    One egregious dropped pass by gragg
    😡

    Liked by 2 people

  65. Let’s talked about launching ones-self at a defenseless player on that punt return.

    Kidding kidding.

    But if that had been a Pitt tackle against UNC, Duke or UVA…guaranteed flag.

    Liked by 1 person

  68. Ffrench needs to be off punt team. Put Valique the freak back there! Gragg is another that can’t see the field again.

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  70. Sooo would anyone like to state the obvious here now that are are down inside the 10?

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  72. Can we actually run it in at this point? Anybody got any confidence in that taking place? I’d run a QB seek right now to see if we could get the first down first.

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  73. Mo Ffrench needs saved from himself on the punt returns. He makes plays on offense but he has the yips when the punts in the air.

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  76. I’ve been waiting for AJ to run like the hammer he is, and he’s doing it tonight. Methinks they worked on the running game during the bye.

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  77. They’re goin behind the frost right guard a lot and he’s getting better and better as the game goes on. Hopefully we have something there

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  78. So how hard is it to figure out that when #11 checks into the game … he’s gong to freakin run it

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      1. You are right Richard.

        AJ channeling his inner Ollison who was channeling his inner Conner

        Liked by 1 person

  90. AJ Davis and Ffrench made fout big time plays on that drive.

    Also Kenny. Heck of a throw on that TD

    Boys are looking good.

    Batten down the hatches ladies and gents. Third quarter just 23 seconds away…

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    1. Hell yea. And he continues to improve. I don’t think we get any points on that last drive three weeks into the season. That back shoulder fade to Ffrench? A thing of beauty

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      1. I’ve already stocked a cooler full of beers for the second half. Self medicating starts now

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  97. Don’t light the cigars yet fellas, this is Pitt.

    Excellent first half, despite the muffed punt, Ffrench redeems himself again.

    What a difference AJ Davis is making adding a little more power to the running game.

    A big difference is that our D-line has been better than theirs, just outstanding.

    It looked early on like we would miss Ford, but the others hung in there and Hamlin is playing lights out with the double suplex tackle.

    Now if we can just keep the pedal to the metal.

    Kenny has been pretty sharp and the O-line playing it’s best game so far.

    Even the announcers are complimentary, although the refs still suck, at least they have not hurt us.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. If the coaches can clean up the middle draws on defense this should be an easy one. DeVito is 2 sacks away from the injury tent….

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  99. Jus asking……… what kind of halftime adjustments should Narduzzi and the PITT staff be considering right now? Other than not losing the lead?

    Both teams made big mistakes and that has to stop. Especially this second half.

    Anyone still wondering why Paris Ford was back to return that fumbled punt he had a couple weeks ago? PITT needs to find a reliable punt returner ASAP! Turnovers are killers. How many does Syracuse have this game? Makes the first half all the more impressive.

    Whipple can yell at the players who drop passes and make mistakes all he wants as far as I am concerned.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. You are right sir Ike. My only halftime adjustment is “know when freaking #11 (on Syracuse) is in the game”

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  101. Anyone here think could make an adjustment at half when #11 entered the game at QB for the CUSE to run the ball? I guess Pitt has no way to adjust the defensive play call when that situation takes place. Bring on Paris Ford to blow that play up in the 2nd half.

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  102. Being an old Pitt fan, emphasis on “old”, I can’t get confident at this point, because anything could happen in the second half.

    BUT, I sure hope Andrew Filiponi, who revels in taking shots at Pitt, was watching that first half!

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

  105. I will never diss any guy that has the balls to catch punts. It ain’t easy to make the right split second decisions and field a punt cleanly. I got no problems with Ffrench or Ford. They are the best playmakers on the team and will win more than they lose.

    The Steelers are using one of the best college return men ever but he can’t cut it in the bigs.

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  106. Pitt trivia: Tonight’s game occurs 100 years to the day of Syracuse’s first victory against Pitt, 24-3, on Oct. 18, 1919.

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  108. Observations observations

    Our offense appears to be more talented than their defense
    Our defense appears to be more talented than their offense
    Out DB’s are defending the short passes really well, and it’s completely screwing up their offense
    ‘Cuse OL is as bad as advertised
    Our OL started to figure out how to pick up the blitz in the second quarter . You can see them talking and pointing at guys out there pre snap. It’s working
    I don’t know what kind of work they put in on the running game last week but it really worked
    Announcers seem pretty pro-Pitt. Can we get these guys every week.
    This all goes out the window if we lay an egg in the second half

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  109. Note: DeVito is dealing with an upper-body injury. Syracuse.com reported DeVito wore an extra layer of padding around his torso and reached for his rib area during warmups before last week’s 16-10 loss to N.C. State.

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  115. I know it was a TD play, but when they review the video, AJ Davis is really going to get the business from his teammates about that backward pass to KP.

    That was one ugly pass!

    But we’ll take it!

    Go Pitt.

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  117. Let’s play the Pitt third quarter drinking game.

    Every time Pitt lays and egg, drink.

    That sack was one.

    Missed tackle on the punt was two.

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  119. That was an ugly first series for Pitt. There is no reason Pitt can’t use up more of the clock when they run the ball.

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  122. Welp. Paris ford is backed. What a hit.

    And if they freaking call that targeting the world is just crooked

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    1. Adjustment Syracuse. Screwup pitt. We’ve seen this movie before…

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    1. Was a zero blitz, which has no safety over the top, You can debate the call all night long but pinnock stopped running and was looking in the backfield. If he just covers like he’s supposed to he may have defended the pass

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  136. I’ve stocked four beers of this half. One for each TD I expect Syracuse to score. One down

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  139. This officiating crew is embarrassing. No one is watching this game anymore except fans of both schools and people with $ on the game.

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  157. Referees ineptitude helped us there. Bright could have easily been called for roughing the passer. He took three steps (maybe two) after the ball was released and leveled the QB 😜

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  158. if Syracuse keeps throwing deep long passes they have a good chance to score a couple more touchdowns.

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    1. You want to talk about a$$es puckering. It’s like one giant team picker.

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  165. There goes Pickett into the dressing room again. Not sure he’s going to make to the finish line in this game.

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    2. And baldo should have tackled 11 no matter what. Freshman mistake

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  171. The thing is that #11 can’t throw. Pitt just need to go into cover 2 with a qb spy (and not make any stupid penalties) and this game is over

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  187. Well… Syracuse is basically giving us this game … backup QB that can’t throw. Tons of penalties on their side.

    And we are pissing it away with our own stupid sloppy play

    Until we can play four quarters I agree Pitt does not deserve to be in the top 25.

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    1. I would say more that players are being outplayed… but same result

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  191. Syracuse is just throwing the ball up for grabs and Pitt is continuing to get call for pass interference. That’s all the Cuse has to do and they will move the ball down the field. And by the way they are not bad calls on interference. For some reason Pitt CB’s like to grab the WR they are defending.

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  192. Pound the Syracuse QB’s, they are trying to pound Kenny. You never feel sorry for an opposing QB getting pounded unless your some kind of snowflake.

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  194. UCF, Delaware, Duke and now this…lousy team down to their second string community college QB.
    This is coaching, or the lack there of.
    Someone needs to check HCPN’s shirt after halftime for mustard and onions.

    Liked by 1 person

  197. Needed that sack. Jones having a ice game. Needed that missed FG too.

    Momentum swinging ever so slightly back to our side.

    Offense needs to man up.

    If wait. Hargrove tips over his own feet on false start . Drink

    Liked by 2 people

  201. Kick it away you can’t depend on our OL to get us any push. Pitt must rely on their D to win this game. Giving Syracuse field position only will swing the momentum to them.

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  205. Fourth and one.
    Whipple: I’d like cream-filled on the flight home.
    HCPN: I want cinnamon swirl. And I got a Pac-Man game I started at halftime.
    Borberly: Am I still at Maryland?

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  207. Finally we play a team less disciplined than we are. Pretty Ticky tack but I’ll take it

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  216. On the positive side kessman is 100% on field goal tries since he switched to the blue suede shoes.

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  218. Should Pitt even be playing any of their TE’s? Pickett couldn’t have handed him that ball any better than he threw it.

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    1. No. He is what he is. He’s a motivator and a pretty good evaluator of defensive talent.

      He is a piss poor gameday coach

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    1. Yes. Yes they will. But for the love of god they should win by three touchdowns not three points (or 7)

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  243. A 4th and 25 play as a DB you can make one chuck at the line and then just run with him. Our DB coach certainly can’t be absolved from the play of our DB’s this game that’s for sure.

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  251. He was down. TE runs up the middle for first down on 4th and 2. Breaks two tackles. Drink

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  257. Cuse TD. Pound your beer.

    Kylan Johnson having a very off night

    If we lose … bump and run on 4th and 25.

    Btw that’s Bates’ call not Nardduzi

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  262. This is a horribly coached game. Narduzzi should be fired out right for this malpractice!

    Any HS coach would have Pitt up by 20. Only a pompous arrogant ass like Narduzzi would have our D playing on an island up 14!

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  264. i would have called my last time out on the 4th and 25 play. For some reason some of our DB’s need instruction that should not be needed at this stage of the season.

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  271. He was down. He was down. Was he down? Terrible call on the field. We may well lose this game

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    1. Running game played well in 1at half. O line and backs. But sucked after half time

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  298. Idiot that contacted Davis early went for the strip instead of just stopping him short of the first down

    Syracuse would be worse to root for than Pitt…easily

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Would you trade a 5-7 season this year for 10-2 last year (I’m talking ‘Cuse here)

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        1. Tvax said that it would be harder to root for Cuse than Pitt. I think Cuse will finish 5-7 this year. They finished 10-2 last year. It’s a hypothetical question

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  305. Announcers “[pat narduzzi] is a really good football coach”. Discuss

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    1. Pitt is 0-7 in the second half. (I’m channeling my inner Reed here).

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  308. 3 second half points and we almost blew another game. I would throw 15 long passes against Pitt every week and i’d be get at least 7 interference calls on those 15 passes.

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  310. Well, we still stink in the 2nd half. We won’t win many more games this year using that stale formula.

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    2. Haha love this. Can’t wait for the hatemail from JayfromTowerA, telling me I don’t know anything about college football

      Liked by 2 people

  318. I suggest respectfully that we don’t hold winning a football game against PITT with their second half play. They won! How about applauding their first half play when they actually and factually get the lead where it stands up for the win?

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    1. I’ll tell you what I told Carlo Veltri on Twitter. Yes, we won but if you take the first half press copy paste in the second half we win by 21.

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      1. LOL Mike. Take away the fluke 94 yard hope and a prayer fling in the second half we would have all been sitting next to the firepit a little earlier.. 🙂

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        1. But we were again sitting in bump and run in 3rd and 13 from their 14 TD line and our corner but on the fake. If you’re sitting in a zone and willing to give up a short pass (like every other p5 team in the USA, that doesn’t happen.

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          3. Dan.. remember back when we all bitched when PITT played 15 yards off the WR’s? I do. Now, I do agree, Jackson, should never have left that play happen.. I don’t think he was coached to do that??

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          4. Same as 4th and 25! A soft zone make the tackle. Further, a back up QB that does not even know the offense. I can guarantee you the coach just told him to heave it up on the single coverage on the long TD.
            It was all completely idiotic. The qb would have had trouble even finding someone in the zone!
            No coach in America would have played either down like those 2.
            I call out Bates too. If you are the co pilot and know the pilot is going to crash you call him out.
            KMAN

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          5. Same as 4th and 25! A soft zone make the tackle. Further, a back up QB that does not even know the offense. I can guarantee you the coach just told him to heave it up on the single coverage on the long TD.
            It was all completely idiotic. The qb would have had trouble even finding someone in the zone!
            No coach in America would have played either down like those 2.
            I call out Bates too. If you are the co pilot and know the pilot is going to crash you call him out.

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    2. Drink ! Cause what should have been an easy win, is seen as…just hanging on and subject to a officials call. You ONLY impress the pollsters with blowouts. Not hanging on against scrub teams.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Is this the first FB you ever watched? How many sacks did we have and for the grace of god we were dependent on V Davis’s knee touching the ground before he fumbled to win it?

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  322. It’s a win and I ask myself why I can’t feel any joy in getting this win.—If you think Pickett was under pressure this week wait until you see what the Miami DL does to our OL next week. Only way we have chance against Miami is to blow up their QB before they blow up ours.

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  323. MM, a 5-7 record is never good! The good, bad ugly will be interesting this week. ESPN should also be ashamed of this announcing crew. And the ACC should be embarrassed over this officiating crew. Overall, except for AJ Davis and the DL, this performance really sucked in every way

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    3. Agree on all accounts voice. My point earlier was that if we keep playing like this – especially in the second half, it will quickly catch up to us. As bad as some of our future opponents are, we could easily lose most of not all. We have been lucky. Am I happy we won and sitting at 5-2? Of course, come on but there is a lot of obvious work to be done. I do think the program appears to be in really terrific shape and think we are (dare I say) on the way back.

      H2P

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  326. Just my opinion, but this game wouldn’t have been close if they ran AJ Davis early in the second half instead of Carter and the other Davis. Also what about Sibley. The problem with Carter and the other Davis is they cannot break a tackle. Carter should be moved to receiver for the rest of the year.

    In any case we found a way to win because of a great pass rush and just enough offense.

    My biggest fear right now is will KP make it through the Miami game. Their pass rush can be as good as ours.

    Can’t wait for the tailgate now. Booked at Hotel Monaco Friday night.

    Remember last year when Syracuse won 10 games?

    If we ever learn how to play in the third quarter, we are going to be tough.

    Every game in the ACC is a war not a work of Art.

    Our guys are warriors.

    For years I wanted to see a team that hit hard. There will be a need for Ice Packs and Pain Meds tonight.

    Of course that is my normal regimen.

    Liked by 4 people

  327. must admit, this game was far more enjoyable only because of this thread

    if I had to agonize through this alone I’d have smashed up the place

    or worse yet if with just the wife, I might have killed her for her stupid commentary

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I liked all of that except the third phrase . But I know you’re just joking.

      Always sequester yourself for the second half!!!!

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  328. Disagree with VoR, I really like Jim Mora, former NFL head coach with no filter, very refreshing.

    Much better than the Billy Bobs on the ACC Network.

    The refs were pretty bad, but at least the calls went our way, after they went to the booth.

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    1. I admire your optimism Mike. Considering I live 20 mins up the road we should watch one of these games in person sometime

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        1. 26 mins from me to Pope. I’m off of wade green road just inside the Cobb-Cherokee line

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      2. Problem is he is “owning up” to the same stuff each and every week. At some point when does the “owning up” result in sound disciplined play?

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  335. What I like about the direction of this team is that now we’re complaining because a win on the road against a soft rival wasn’t a blowout.

    It would have been easy though if Bates didn’t have them in press coverage on 3rd & long downs.

    Next year with the other guys back on the D-line and the offensive line being stronger is a lot to look forward to IMO. That and the BB recruiting picking up. I’m really looking forward to Pitt sports the next 2 year after this season is over.

    Will still have a decent chance to repeat in the Coastal too.

    H2P

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I never thought I’d be so passionate about Duke football as I will be this weekend

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  336. Okay all my vitriol is out. Cracking my fourth beer in celebration. I don’t like to go to bed angry and 5-2 feels pretty damn good. Even if we didn’t look good getting there. 🍻

    Liked by 4 people

      1. Fun fact: the archaic meaning of vitriol is “sulfuric acid”. 🔋🔋🔋

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  337. Marietta, I’m just having fun. I tried to keep up with the Maestro’s drinking game and will really feel it tomorrow.

    As for the missing posters, they probably will have their chance soon. I know one of them was a huge fan of Babers and his team looked like the worst coached team I’ve ever seen….including Youth League football

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  338. How about the 4th and 25 call on defense I think both the coaches and Jackson could take a good deal of blame on that play.

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  339. I think the Maestro would have been really dangerous to know while I was at Pitt. Truth is, I had enough of those friends anyway. I think I was one for that matter….lots of fun over 4 years.

    Liked by 1 person

  340. I will hopefully feel better tomorrow as it was a win on the road. Were 5-2. The collapses and mishaps were not as bad the first time they happened. But after seeing them every week it just takes the luster of these wins. Good night!

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  341. Broken record – but Pitt needs to score more in the second half.

    Didn’t like that Pickett took several hard hits in the first half. OL needs to step up some.

    Drop passes by the TEs and another fumble on a punt return. Ouch.

    Too many PIs.

    I like our grit and toughness.

    Would like to be able to put one away and not let it come down to the final series.

    Syracuse is below average, but with some good players.

    A win.

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  342. You have to admit one thing is for sure, Narduzzi knows how to recruit D-lineman. After losing Weaver and Camp we are still unreal. Johnson must love that he came here with all the free shots he gets at Running Backs, because of the guys in front of him.

    That was not a good O-line and Our front seven + feasted on it.

    Better players better test next week..

    We need a big homecoming crowd.

    Miami usually travels well, Pitt Fans need to show up.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I agree. Very even handed. Very pro Pitt when Pitt was playing well.

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  344. One thing you have to like as a player is that Narduzzi plays lots of guys, should pay dividends in multiple ways. Pitt continues to overcome a multitude of mistakes and is the master of keeping it close.

    You have to be tough to be a Pitt Fan.

    Liked by 1 person

  346. Randy Bates, needs a shout out imo. Charlie looking good tonite as well.

    KP made some really nice throws. PITT needs to clean up some drops.

    PITT lost the turnover battle but won the war!

    Tx, Hargrove must have had a hangover when he fell flat on his ass? Never saw that one before.

    Stewert-Griffens drop was almost a killer. It’s the small things that the coaches aren’t accountable for unless they keep happening. Dot the I’s and cross the T’s Pat!

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    1. Stewart-Griffin may well have scored on that play and sealed the win…

      He peeked — We’re not consistently watching the ball into our hands…

      Go Pitt.

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  347. All you guys are too hard on Narduzzi. Remember the other team’s coach is trying to stop us and win too. I’m laughing because I read the same type of remarks about Johnny Majors the year we won the National title.
    Narduzzi has finally given us a team with “HIS” players that win! This should be the best win-loss team since the Wannstedt era. Moreover this record will include more upper level teams. I’m a happier alumni.

    Liked by 4 people

  349. Offensive line is just, well, offensive. Officiating across the entire spectrum of televised football can simply not be any humanly worse than it is. Time to let IBM’s Watson have a shot at calling games. And it’s not that I’m not thrilled that we’re 5-2, it’s just that the game of football has become unwatchable.

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    1. Sorry to respectfully disagree Bobby but I was riveted to my boob tonight and by that I mean my TV.

      Eli “The Lucky” 4-0 and PITT hasn’t lost a game in five weeks since he joined our family!

      Liked by 3 people

    2. But even on Broadway or in Hollywood, you can’t find drama and emotional roller-coasters like watching a Cardiac Panthers game…

      Go Cardiac Panthers!

      Liked by 1 person

  352. I’ll take the win and move on. This is Pitt football. Need to just not take it too seriously and if you are gambling on them you are just plain nuts!!!

    Miami is next and it will take a better effort from the offense to win that game.

    Fantastic day for Pitt fans. Pitt men’s soccer beats an undefeated # 1 ranked Virginia team 2-0 at Virginia, the Volleyball team sweeps UNC in three sets, Pitt football team won, and the men’s basketball team got a huge verbal!

    Liked by 2 people

  354. MM — agree with you on the GAME BALL for AJ Davis for getting that first down on his final carry. That was so big-time. He carried that Orange guy on his back for two yards.

    (But don’t agree with you on the drinking theme – but realize that’s a minority opinion…)

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  355. Maybe our offense fades in the second half of games because our QB is exhausted from running back and forth to the sideline after every play. That ridiculous process has to go! However, I’ll take the win and be happy.

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  356. So many plays that went against Pitt tonight and the team dug deep and won. Refs made the right calls on those defensive holding penalties. Our guys need to stop grabbing and holding these receivers.

    O-line grinded out those first downs to seal the deal. Loved it. That unit has room to get better as well.

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  358. Tonight was not a performance that will win over Miami. The OL had trouble in pass protection all night. The DBs just seem out of control with the number of pass interference calls. The second half offense was basically inept…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. This team has an abundance of talent. I honestly don’t think Pitt should be underdogs the rest of the way. Not saying they’ll win every game, but it’s not out of the realm of possibilities. The defense is so fun to watch as well…aside from the penalties. 5-2, H2P

      Liked by 1 person

      1. And I know everyone was looking for playmakers at the beginning of the season. Well, I think it’s safe to say we have plenty of them. Undisciplined, but talented.

        Liked by 1 person

  360. aside from the W, probably the best thing about last night was PN’s brief post-game interview on The Fan when he said we “called the wrong defense a couple of times”

    Liked by 2 people

  362. Chris Dokish@ChrisDokish
    10 hours ago

    Pitt football won, Pitt volleyball won, Pitt men’s soccer beat the No. 1 in the country, and the basketball team got a big time recruit. I’ll be outside waiting for the asteroid.
    wbb

    Liked by 2 people

  363. I’m just happy for the win. There’s always something to worry/complain about. I’m sure that this style of play will catch up with them but it didn’t last night.

    I hope to have this feeling 6 more times.

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  365. In years past, we’ve had games where many noted that “we should’ve won that game”, only to be countered with, “but we didn’t”.

    This year people are saying, “we could have lost that game”.

    You can guess my response….

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    1. Yeah I slept on it and feel a lot better today. In the past we lost games like this, but now we are hanging on to win. We have to clean things up but we are a good enough team to withstand some pretty spotty play and still win. Syracuse wanted that game badly and we showed we are clearly good enough that we could have blown them out .

      Liked by 2 people

  366. I had to record the game and watch it late. For health purposes I should have checked the final score before watching, it would have kept my BP in check. Another close one, but I agree with JoeL, this outcome is better than the SOP. On to Miami, H2P!

    Liked by 3 people

  367. I was wrong about one thing, although turnovers made the game closer, they were not enough to defeat Pitt.
    Pitt did cause fumbles, but couldn’t recover them and nearly intercepted at least twice, also making the game closer than it could have been.

    I was right about one thing though, Pitt plays to the level of its competition and still hasn’t figured out how to put a team away in the third quarter. Lots of pass interference, but needed one more on the long bomb. Syracuse receivers are very fast and very good, good thing our line didn’t give their QB’s much time to throw.
    We have not seen our corners look that bad all year. Their early drops helped a lot as well.

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  368. When this Pitt team is clicking, and granted it only happens in spurts (and in certain quarters), they play at a higher level than we’ve seen in a long time.

    I mean when Ffrenchy caught that TD pass right before halftime, that’s the kind of throw and catch you see the elite teams making…

    This team has plenty of room to grow, but this team is different…

    And we should be enjoying this ride…👍

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 3 people

  369. Forgive me if I’m in Captain Obvious territory, but we’ve talked Ad Nauseum about the Narduzzi secrecy/paranoia. It seems to me that once Pitt gets a lead that he thinks is safe,Narduzzi shuts down the offense and doesn’t want to show ANYTHING else from the bag of tricks that he may need in a future game. That may have worked well as far as the win column goes this year, but I can’t imagine it does a lot for your offense players confidence/draft potential or future recruiting on the offensive side of the ball.

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    1. I agree Mark to a degree. BUT! If PITT players makes the plays the coaching doesn’t look so bad. In the second half, The 4th and 25 interference penalty, the hope and a prayers fling for a 94 yard TD, Ford drops an interception and Stewert-Griffen drops a crucial 3rd down reception that could have been a TD. This and many other plays. Sure Syracuse made a lot of mistakes as well but they are not PITT!

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      1. And I kind of agree ike, but to me, in the second half there were two dropped passes by the Pitt Tight Ends and a whole lot of crappy play calling.

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        1. OK Mark, I gotcha. PITT’s play calling does leave little room for error. Just not sure if that’s not the case in both halves though? PITT just doesn’t seem to make the same mistakes in the first half as they do in the second half?

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    2. Mark — seems to me that one thing that’s happening is that when we get a nice lead, then we try to go more to the run game. This makes sense to run clock and not risk an INT. But since our run game isn’t there yet, we get 3 and outs…

      I suspect the Duzzer tells Coach Whip to try to run some clock – or Coach Whip knows at that point what Coach Duzz would want to see…

      I think it boils down to we need somewhat better offensive tackle play and decent TE play and we won’t be having these problems nearly as much…

      Might be time to try Van Lynn at OT, at least for some series…Warren looked lost a couple times…

      Go Pitt.

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      1. John, that makes sense to me, but my memory of the second half is that we continued to in many situations pass first, and even when running the ball, would give it to the smaller backs instead of pounding it with AJ Davis Jr and Todd Sibley, again, like Narduzzi is “saving” those players for when he is going to need them.

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        1. Good point, ike.

          Last night, AJDavis averaged over 6 yards per carry on 16 carries.

          His TD run was impressive, but his final carry, where he gained maybe 3 yards and got the crucial first down was his best.

          AJ runs hard into contact like Hall did over his career…

          Go Pitt.

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  370. My game balls go to:

    Kenny Pickett, this young man is one tough SOB!
    AJ Davis, we missed this young man as he ran hard and held onto the ball

    Kylan Johnson, Another great pickup by Narduzzi
    Damar Hamlin, wow, played a great game

    Special game ball to coach Randy Bates. This PITT defense is rounding into something very special…

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      1. ha ha, yeah T, Narduzzi said they may have called the wrong defense there but I’m sure the defense they did call wasn’t to hold and maul the receiver on 4th and 25? imo, that play was more on the player than the coach.

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  371. Saw this on the Lair:

    COASTAL DIVISION SINCE 2014:

    Pitt 26-17
    Miami 25-18
    VT 23-20
    NC 21-22
    GT 20-23
    Duke 18-25
    UVA 16-27

    Go Pitt!

    Liked by 4 people

  372. No doubt Pitt must play a much stronger game next Saturday. Have to clean up the mistakes and keep focused on the game and off the extra-curricular stuff which Miami excels at. Our guys get to watch Miami vs GT today to get fired up. Miami’s players are much more individually talented than anyone we played since PSU.

    I will be very disappointed if the homecoming crowd isn’t the best we have seen in a long while. I think moving forward, Miami is a best bet to become one of our big rivals. Even though it has been a while, they are the team to beat in the Coastal.

    Beating them is probably required to have any chance of winning the Coastal.

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    1. GC — really need to upgrade our offensive tackle play next week, or KP is going to get pounded.

      We need KP for the rest of the season…

      And have the WRs and TEs catch a thousand passes in practices this week! 😊

      Go Pitt.

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      1. Yes, disappointing that none of the younger guys have taken the job from Ulizio.

        Will need some quicker passes next week, also plays to take advantage of the blitz.

        Unreliable tight ends have really hurt the short passing game.

        Obviously Shocky has worked his way out of the dog house.

        They also need to have Patti ready this week, because KP looks to be one big hit from being in the tent.

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  373. I’ve been watching for that asteroid since early this morning

    Good day for Pitt sports

    National TV saw a Pitt win. My soccer donation has a high ROI. The womens volleyball team is the best sports team in town.

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  375. I do agree that AJ Davis was a big difference maker. Still think Pitt puts Syracuse away in the third quarter if they run AJ in the first and second series. Maybe they feel they need to rest him because of the injury and maybe they think Carter or the other Davis will break off a big run at some point. Carter’s two biggest plays have been pass plays. I don’t know if Sibley is hurt, but he was the most effective when AJ was on the bench and can break tackles, better than the other two.

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  376. Speaking of being in Narduzzi’s doghouse….. I hear there is a player that has found himself there, first thought it may have been V Davis but I’m thinking more along the lines of Reynolds??? Purely just speculation?

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      1. Not sure Eric, Reynolds hasn’t played for 3 games and 4 weeks. I even looked for him on the sidelines but haven’t seen him.. I asked Narduzzi if he was injured and he looked at me like he was gong to wrap his hairy gorilla arms around my neck and kill me.. << jus kidding on that one of course.

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  377. I hated the offensive play calling in the second half. Too many running plays. Extend the lead, don’t sit on the lead. But I have a theory as to why the game was called that way, and if I’m right, I’m ok with it. Kenny had taken a bunch of hits and had clearly dinged up his shoulder again. Coaches wanted to limit his exposure to more hits and keep him available for next week and beyond.

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    1. They need to run to run the clock as well, especially when you have the lead, also to slow down the rush. Carter had one good run.
      AJ the only runner picking up first downs.
      AJ ran 16 times and the other three ran a total of 16 times. Sibley only got two carries.

      There was better offensive balance, primarily because of AJ Davis. Hopefully he stays healthy.

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      1. You are right Gordon. A good mix of run and pass is fine. But we abandoned the philosophy of our offense which led to one field goal in the second half. Almost bit us in the ass, again. A little too conservative for my tastes. But we won, so what do I know.

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    2. Too many running plays and none of them were blocked particularly well.

      Babers adjusted his D knowing we would probably want to sit on the lead and it worked

      Duzz – Bates did not adjust their defense knowing that Syracuse would need to pass and it did not. With our line a two deep zone would have shut Syracuse down in the second half and generated some nice coverage sacks.

      But hey it’s easy to sit here in my armchair and run the team…

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  378. Miscellaneous morning-after thoughts:

    —Hats off to Kessman for being solid against the Orange. Many had written him off…

    —Chase Pine had some good moments late in the game.

    —Ffrenchy continues to be a box of chocolates returning punts…

    —KP has some throws that we’re off a bit, but his receivers didn’t do him any favors on those throws. Can’t remember exceptional catches except for Ffrenchy’s TD catch.

    —Ford made a great play on that one pass but then let the ball hit him in the chest. Ugh!

    —Hats off to Coach Partridge. Defensive linemen are beating their guys on the pass rushes…

    —Syracuse always has some good defensive players. They are similar to us but seem to be a year behind us in they’re development, that is, if their QB works out. They have some nice WR talent.

    —Coach Whip is going to help attract QBs and WRs and FINALLY, a decent TE to Pitt…

    —Finally, can’t help but wonder how the game-watch went at Fran’s House. Had to be a blast!

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  379. Didn’t hear anything from the boys up in Freeport. Guess they were too busy having fun and bringing a PITT victory on home.

    Again, the passing plays are there all night, players have to make the plays…

    Eric, hope you’re doing great. If PITT threw the ball more (and I wish they would) and went three and out, there would be just as much dissatisfaction. Point is… PITT needs to get more first downs in the second half on these games.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You are right Iek. But we were trying to pound a square peg into a round hole. Like it or not, we are now a passing team. We don’t block the run game well and don’t have a dynamic group of backs. I’m not saying don’t run it, but we became a run heavy offense. Clearly it didn’t work. Except that we still won. Despite having no second half offense,

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  380. Only one pass completed to a running back, which seems odd. Carter and V Davis should be pretty good in open space. Also Davis ran for 108 yds. which is really good and important moving forward.

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  381. As Dan pointed out. The game would have been a blow out if Pitt went to a zone on 3rd and 15 and 4th and 25. It is really that simple.
    KMAN

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  382. For some reason I can’t recall many if any WR bubble screens. Gotta stop playing those drinking games with MM. 😉

    I’m kidding MajorM, I only had 2 Miller Lites and no hard stuff whatsoever. I kid around a lot,,,,plan to act like an adult, some day.

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  383. Many people say that the first drive in the second half is the most important to establish control. Pitt just can’t seem to drive the field and score a TD in this situation. Kradel started at RG, and the announcers said that Huoy didn’t make the trip. Is he hurt? By the way, whatever happened to Chase Brown? And I didn’t see Jerry Drake subbing for Ulizio last night. Is he slipping backward a bit?

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