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

653 thoughts on “Same Old Pitt Open Game Thread”

  1. Pitt must have a running game today to win this one. Unfortunately I don’t feel good about it. Hate to say it but I’m predicting Hokies 21/17…

    Liked by 1 person

  5. I understand the weather is just horrible in Blacksburg. If their QB runs the ball as well as PSU’s 2nd string QB Pitt could be in for a very tough game.

    Like

  18. Pickett’s first pass should have been picked off. He through into what looked like triple coverage. The pass to Mack looked like it was tipped by the DB.

    Like

  19. The only good thing so far is that VT fans are probably complaining about their running game as much as we are complaining about out passing game

    Like

  25. I think mack actually interfered with shocky jocky on the first pass. He waived right in front of shocky’s face. The second one was a drop and the 3rd, Mack didn’t shield the ball with his body. He looks so small…..

    Like

  30. Receivers getting zero separation…still I’ve seen Mack make that catch before.

    Like

  33. The defense will ultimately get tired with all 3 and outs from the offense.

    The D is bringing a lot of heat!

    Like

    1. We are what? 0-5 passing? I’d say two passes were defensed. The rest???

      Like

  47. offense really struggling…..but you guys knew that!

    our running back that is left in for protection, can’t hold his block

    Like

  48. Our running backs are 0 for everything on picking up blitzing linebackers

    Like

  50. Kenny is so up and down (up last week), but he does not look good so far. Feel very bad for our defense. If not for tv timeouts they wouldn’t have time to get a drink.

    Liked by 2 people

  53. Our special teams are very slow getting down the field. VT will take one of these punts from Pitt a long way back if we don’t just some on those punts quickly.

    Like

  59. The entire broadcast is a VT commercial and now we make a broken coverage for a Tech TD. This could get uglier if we can’t get off our asses on offense.

    Like

  67. If this continues It’s going to be 63-21 the other way this year …

    Like

  70. With the turtle out, the D and the O dig a big hole.

    14-0

    No chance Pitt wins this one, no chance.

    SOP is alive and kicking!

    Like

  73. I hate to turn out the lights this early but it looks like Pitt is going to get a good a** whipping today.

    Like

  76. Need a spark. Get Kenny out of there. This D is good and he usually plays scared under pressure.

    Give another QB some time. Not saying they are better – before I get blasted by the Kenny fan boys – just that a change cannot be worse!

    Like

  78. 14 points in nine seconds… I told myself I wasn’t going to drink today.

    Like

  101. Mercifully the first quarter is over.

    Good thing we are a second quarter team

    Like

  103. Like I posted yesterday Foster will pressure Pickett all game long and it would appear that’s exactly their game plan. I’m not sure I can stay watching this disaster in the making much longer.

    Like

  106. Just had a beer. I’m switching to gin.
    I can’t take:
    Pickett
    These sickening announcers
    Dropped balls
    SOP

    Like

  107. Can’t blame announcers, you had to know it would be a Foster love fest. If you want to be upset there are lots of guys on the Pitt side to take it out on. This O is what we’ve seen all year, with a couple exceptions. Oh well.

    Liked by 1 person

  116. Well Bernie … is you put $100 on the Hokies as a good luck charm, this could be the week you get paid back

    Like

  120. There is the dreaded defensive TO. If I’m Fuentes, I throw one over the top and secure the win.

    Pitt won’t score 20 today – the turtle is too slow.

    Like

  124. Welp, just wait til we make adjustments at halftime like we always do!

    Also, Mack is not playing well on offense. The rbs are not picking up the blitzes and our OL is terrible.

    Dane Jackson not playing with enthusiasm. I think he spent it all in the pre-game jabbing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Gimme the long drive and rest those horses on D. Course at this stage I’ll take a few first downs in a row just as a sign of progress

      Like

  142. Hey mike – while we are in tv timeout… I used to live in Brookstone CC for 10 years. See you are in acworth.

    Like

    1. Nice. Yea I’m off wade green. About a mile past the Kennesaw line

      Like

  150. I can’t believe I’m gonna say this, but these announcers are nowhere near as biased as the clowns who did the Nitters game. Never, ever heard two guys so in love with one team.

    Crap, how many times have we used that play on short yardage. Think they may have seen that one before.?? Whipple, well, there are issues.

    Like

  151. Should have kicked the gdam field goal. A coach needs to sense when points, and hence, momentum are needed. Now you let VT keep the momentum

    Like

  155. Better yet, let’s lose to BC too, so we can get the Military Bowl. Then we can get embarrassed by Navy.

    Like

  156. Our tackling is so piss poor today. Should have sacked hooker three times on that third down. Ford petty much the only one playing up to standard today IMo

    Like

  163. I wasn’t going to be able to make it to charlotte this year anyway…

    Like

  168. This is the worst we’ve played all year. Perfect timing.

    I’m going to go ahead a retitle this thread right now

    Like

  172. It’s a game of emotion and the Hokies have revenge on their minds. They aren’t used to being humiliated the way they were by us last yr.

    Like

    1. And I already feel stupid about my 4-5 point spread prediction.

      We need some offensive playmakers to step up. Give the defense hope guys or it’s going to be a total beat down.

      Like

      1. At least i predicted we would lose. But not like this. Not that it makes me feel any better

        Like

  176. No the VT offense is taking advantage of an overly aggressive Pitt defense.

    Our offense needs to get a bit more creative and take advantage of the VT defense.

    Plays are there we are just not executing on offense, dropped balls and receivers need to get some separation and hold onto the ball.

    Like

  179. Every…..single…..time…….I……..get…..my….hopes…..up……That is what I mean by SOP. If it didn’t hurt so much…..Wait till next year……we’ll make adjustments at the half……..take another d time out………Big game, team goes MIA.

    Like

  180. no need for any revenge emotion……it’s a game of emotion and we don’t have any except for ford! you don’t tackle by waiving your arms at the ball carrier. We have no legs. We are playing flag football against a team playing tackle ball.

    Like

      1. This game is clearly fueled by revenge. VT is playing with a lot of edge

        Like

  182. Die hard Pitt fan. May be the first time I’ve ever given up on them. We SUCK BIG TODAY! Think I’m gonna go take leaves in them rain.

    Like

  183. Wait, another score after a Pitt d time out. Sorry, that’s SOP at its finest. Time to go watch the Mr. Rodgers movie, see ya.

    Like

  184. Game. Over. I would have held out hope that we could come back from 14-0. I don’t think we can come back from 21.

    We don’t have an answer for Bud Foster.

    Fuente has plenty of answers for our defense

    Like

  185. if you are going to get beat on the pick play, the dback needs to collide with the picker….we are soo soft

    Like

  191. It would be such a Pitt thing to go down in the history books as the team that Bud Foster pitched a shutout against in his last game at Lane Stadium

    Like

  195. Put Patti in NOW. You’re down 3 touchdowns and nothing is improving. Make a change. Picket is just off today and you need to move on.

    Like

  197. I don’t want to be negative or say anything bad and be called a person that shows up just for the bad games, so I am going to go watch the fence rust

    Liked by 1 person

  198. Welp all Pitt has to do is pitch a 2nd half shutout and score three touchdowns. We should be able to do that

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Agree. I’m stating the obvious but a touchdown would have put us right back in it.

      Like

  202. These announcers are absolutely horrible. Really sick of listening to them, I should have stayed at the bar where the sound isn’t on.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Something is going on with the Aussie. I have no details but my spider sense is tingling. Note the commitment of a punter to the 2020 class, just this week.

      Liked by 2 people

  205. Good news:
    No drops by the tight ends.
    No missed field goals.
    Less penalties than usual.
    No injuries.
    And only a half to go before the salivating over Bud Foster and Frankie ends.

    Liked by 2 people

      1. It started with the drops. Gained momentum with the Pickett fumble-scoop-and-score and went full on dumpster fire when tech figured out how to beat our defense

        Liked by 1 person

  207. well, it isn’t a blood pressure/cardiac risk event

    it is a gut wrenching, gastrointestinal illness, puke fest – different part of the medicine cabinet in play today 😦

    Liked by 2 people

  208. Crap, movie doesn’t start till 7:30. Let’s see, watch second half or put lit bamboo under my fingernails. Oh how I miss Upitt at times like this.
    I fail to see how anyone can’t say SOP. Game for chance to keep season going, top 25 ranking, national TV, pretty much even game, and did you expect anything less. Only thing worse will be watching hoops this year. Sigh, well, at least we are a Women’s volleyball school.

    Liked by 2 people

  210. Totally immaterial to the current status of the game, but if they afforded Pat Narduzzi 10 timeouts per half, he’d burn 8 of them before the second quarter starts. Please my buddy Iek, please don’t defend this nonsense. This team looked TOTALLY unprepared to play a football game today. Offense, defense, coaches. A total embarrassment. And typically, I’d say if we score on our first possession after the half, we have a chance. But not today. Unless we clone Paris Ford at halftime. He seems to be only guy that brought the juice today. Of course even he was out of position on VT’s biggest offensive play of the game. What a mess.

    Like

  213. Losing French finally caught up with us. Mack just not able to carry the day. Surprised no passed to Carter though.

    Need more RAC yards.

    Like

  216. Halftime.
    Pitt locker room:

    HCPN: Hey Whip, got any Kohl’s 30% coupons?
    Whip: Don’t you think we should game plan for the second half?
    HCPN: What For? We don’t do sh#t after halftime?
    Whip: But we’re getting slaughtered.
    HCPN: Slaughtered is what’s gonna happen to me if I don’t get my shopping done before we head to the Military Bowl.

    Like

  217. Worst half Of football all season. Glad we saved it for our most important game. At least we don’t have to worry about the second half collapse frustrations

    Like

  220. No one should be surprised.

    Very wet day on the road with a passing game, without it’s number 1 receiver, and no running game against a good running QB and a stout defense.

    Cards kind of stacked against us.

    Liked by 1 person

  229. Pitt takes time out on 2nd and 15 on first possession of 2nd half 🍻

    Like

  232. pretty sure I’ve never seen that word in writing, only ever HEARD it

    not sure how I was able to spell it without looking

    Pitt helped of course

    Like

  233. What your seeing is a team coming out of halftime and still being in total confusion. But this isn’t really something new. This is entirely on the coaching staff. Just a hot mess that finally caught up with them. Well, at least he didn’t use the TO on D.

    Like

    1. At this stage in the game and the season those I think those that are in the “narduzzi is a 7-8 win coach” camp seem to be in the right

      Like

      1. Maybe, they made a great hire on the defensive coordinator Bates, Narduzzi had a great offensive coordinator in Canada, I’m not sold on Whipple, he left UMass in a mess.

        Given the right circumstances Pitt could be a really good program but that’s hypothetical and today the offense is playing their worst game of the season.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. No that’s fair Wlat. This defense with even a middling offense (let’s not sugar coat it we are 79th in yard and probably close to 100th in points per game – that is bottom third at best) and the right schedule this could be a 9-10 win team. The question is how bare is the offensive cupboard (pretty bare…) and just how good is whipple (up and down and best…but again what does he have to work with? And is that going to get better?)

          Like

    1. In some ways they’ve done us a kindness by not showing the product on the field

      Like

  246. Wayne has looked good whenever he’s played, if you are looking for a bright spot. Ya know, at least the Nitters and hoopies gave a great effort as much, much bigger dogs. We are just dogs.

    Like

  247. This game is fixing to be the first time under Narduzzi we sack the quarterback 5 times and lose

    Like

  248. `This just saves the ACC trouble later in finding a way to bypass us for the Orange Bowl or Camping Bowl. I mean, c’mon, who would want to go to Florida in the winter anyway…

    Liked by 1 person

  259. Illegal formation on a play where we convert 3rd and 17 in the pouring rain. On Ulizio. 🍻

    Like

    1. “We had a great week of practice. The team is really focused”. -Pat Narudzzi actual quote

      Like

    1. Kindly explain why anyone besides us idiot fans should care about Pitt

      Like

  267. I thought the earlier calls for a new QB were knee jerk, bu think it may be wise to put Patti in next series.

    I guarantee the Hokies want a shutout for Fosters last home game and are going to keep the pressure on.

    Get Kenny out and let him watch for a while.

    Like

  269. I’d ask that reference be made to my prediction from the thread yesterday. I was never more sure of an outcome than I was of this game.

    Liked by 2 people

  278. Dan – just catching up. With you on the MSU job. Worthless bowl gane which we will lose in embareassing fashion.

    Like

  279. Just one more quarter to go. A competent offense would have this game at 14-21. Sadly…

    Like

  280. Please do not have Kenny do an interview after this game… I get so tired of hearing “we didn’t make enough plays… Left some plays out on the field… I didn’t play good enough… Taking it all on my shoulders…!”

    Like

  281. We still got our volleyball team in soccer team to be proud of… I’m hoping for the military bowl is we can have a big POV get together… That’s where I met JoeL, Joeknew and Reed….Guaranteed a great time…

    Like

  283. If he gives VT more credit than the obligatory “VT is a good team” in the post game presser, I’ll puke. This game was about our ineptitude and nothing else.

    Like

  284. The sharing of the UPMC practice facilities with the Steelers should result in better recruiting. It really hasn’t.

    Like

  288. A couple of series ago with about 10 minutes to go in the 3rd Q, Pitt got to the VT 38 and punted ???
    Kick went in endzone for a net gain of 18 yards. Down 21-0, with this offense, you gotta go when you
    have a chance to score. Any remote chance of a comeback, was over then.

    Like

  289. Lol incomplete on 4th and 1 foot. 🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻. I am going to be waking up in the middle of the night with the homie fight song in my head

    Like

  293. Why not run the QB for half a yard?

    This offensive team STINKS!

    There is no fluidity to the players, play calling nor motion of the plays.

    Like

  301. This offense is absolutely putrid. The D allows 14, has multiple sacks, etc. offense is putrid. And I don’t think it is whips fault.

    Like

    1. I think we have to look ourselves in the mirror and admit the cupboard is bare

      I also think that whip is an idiot about 10% of the time. For example…that 4th and 1

      Like

  302. For all the Pitt fans who wanted a passing offense – there you have it – we pass on 4th and less than a yard.

    I miss the power football side of Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. In order to have a passing offense you have to have a passing QB. Pickett isn’t even among the Top 50 in Passing Efficiency. He’s 92nd(of 105). Which is horrible.

      Like

  312. Since we are already assured of a bowl game, does anyone on God’s green earth, think THIS team will maintain discipline to win any bowl game?

    maybe EVER under HCPN?

    seriously best bet ever is against Pitt in late December

    Like

    2. Correction Gasy, I wasn’t chiding you for this weeks prediction, That chid was meant for your previous ten predictions. 🙂

      Like

    1. But the time December 23 rolls around we’ll be ready for one more game

      Like

  318. Starting to see another 3 game losing streak to end the season. BC can pound the ball on the ground. Ford is our best tackling DB. Out for 1st half.

    Like

  319. If KP is the QB I’m turning to another game.

    Pittiful performance by all involved with Pitt FB –

    Heather: hold off on the extension until after we are 7-6

    Most fans won’t be paying attention.

    Like

  321. Perhaps our 2 and 3 stars aren’t all that? Or is it that our coaches aren’t all that. Or perhaps both? However you look at it, this was a terrible performance.
    In all seriousness, if it’s raining Pickett should never get a helmet. Some are mudders, some aren’t.
    They got outplayed and out coached. Hey, we won a heck of a lot of close games with a offense, so winning 7-8 with half a team is OK, I guess

    Like

  331. 2 games this year to make a statement and get ranked and Pitt blows them both.
    Man today is just pathetic. I can not summarize it any other way.
    Kman

    Like

    1. That is SOP, happens just about every year. Or they beat a ranked team and then lose or almost lose the next week to a scrub.

      Like

  333. Gee, I am sure all those Va recruits we want will come running after seeing us play. Better load up on the 2&3 stars cause they will lead us to the promised land ( of 8-5 ). Heck, after seeing this coaching and offensive performance we should go for walk Onsen, cause, you know, percentage wise they are so very successful. Yup, 22 walk inside it is. And maybe Cherpuk as the coach while we are at it. Heck, get rid of ROC and replace him with Upitts goat.

    Like

  334. Stopped watching at halftime. Listenening to Billy and Pat while making broth for my wedding soup for Thanksgiving. At least I get some enjoyment from my wedding soup.
    Not so from the Panthers today.
    How does a team look so totally inept this late in the season?

    Liked by 4 people

  335. Yeah I love us Pitt fans screaming about not the disrespect of not being ranked. It seems everyone knows who we are…except us.

    Like

  340. After the NC game was totally thinking I would spring for club seats next year.
    Rethinking that now. How do I justify spending that kind of $ to watch this????

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh they’ll be better next year.

      Everybody is coming back, even Kenny!

      Like

      1. And I think the schedule gets freakin easy…

        So those who contend it’s our scheduling will have a chance to see it play out.

        Like

  344. I would start Patti next week. Send a message and really, what are we playing for?

    The team is (offense) horrible. Coaching just as bad. We are already bowl eligible. No longer playing for a Coastal.

    Let’s see what team 2 offense can do.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Yea but that might promote an actually QB battle if Pitt or Patti plays well. Can’t have that …can we.

      Like

  345. Finally mostly moved in after 2.5 months of a crap show.

    Looked forward to watching this…

    By halftime I got a call that the carpet cleaner could squeeze me in today so I could get my apartment ready for final walkthrough.

    Guess what I did?

    Btw, SOP means many things, but what I have come to find for me over the decades is that it means…every time Pitt gets close to getting on the radar nationally as a serious team, they pull this crap.

    Dave

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Start with Miami (OH), Marshall, and Richmond before playing Notre Dame at home next year.

      If they aren’t 3-0 heading into that game, I don’t want to hear lame excuses.

      Dave

      Liked by 2 people

  346. We got Pickett and this offense to look forward to next year. Perhaps he graduates early and transfers.
    Only hope !

    Like

  352. Well glad that’s over.

    Pitt with the storybook ending … for Bid Foster.

    What a letdown.

    Hail to Pitt.

    Liked by 3 people

  354. Offense never progressed the entire season, put Whipple up in the press box, they continued running back and forth is comical and needs to stop.

    Very dissatisfied with offense this season definitely the teams glaring weakness.

    Liked by 4 people

      1. Let’s see…from 1938 to 1976 it was 38 years(with a couple good years in between). From 1983 + 38 years……2021. Mark it down 🙂

        Like

  356. Hats off to Virginia Tech.
    They have a competent coach who will be in demand.
    They have an excellent coordinator.
    And they have loyal fans that filled their stadium during a cold rain and they stayed until the end.

    And we, well, we have none of those.

    Liked by 3 people

  359. Well I’ll break out the cheap bourbon after this one. Narduzzi isn’t the answer people. Been saying this for 5 years like a broken record. The sooner y’all realize that, the better off you’ll be mentally. No ten win seasons or final rankings with this coach. But if you like saving kittens in trees and walking old ladies across Forbes, he’s your coach. I want killers who love concrete.

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Indeed they weren’t. In fact they were saying it when he got his a$$ kicked by Duke 45-10 this year

        Like

      2. But Tech fans arent me. I’ve been sayin for 5 years. I’m Fn consistent. And I’m brutally right on this. Stop denying and just let go people. Repeat after me: ‘ Narduzzi is NOT the answer.’ He never was and never will be. I want 10 wins and top 15 seasons and nice bowls in Florida. I dont care about the players graduation rates, GPA’s or life skills and community service badges. Like I said before, I want players who like to kill on the field and I want players who love an urban campus with concrete and not grass under your feet. Defending this coach has gotten old with me. Its time to move on. Heather – I’ve got 5 coaches on my short list. You commission a feasibility study for an OCS, and I’ll supply my list.

        Like

  360. 267-177 total yards and 28-0. SOP. Sad because va tech not much better than pitt. Just a pathetic performance

    Like

      1. Maybe he can take Pickett with him. Not a D1 QB in the slightest. Pickett is a Navy or Airforce type of QB at the most.

        Like

      2. You can’t fire him after one year with marginal talent.

        Also please type a handle, can be in your post

        Liked by 1 person

  363. anyone want me to link some girls lacrosse videos?

    Hey, 3 of my daughter’s female cousins were on national champion Maryland women’s teams

    Liked by 1 person

  364. I am not surprised because I never thought we were good.

    Facts are that Pickett is decent at best. Without French receivers are below average. O-line is below average, running backs are way below average and tight ends stink.

    You can’t win without scoring no matter how good your defense is.

    What does surprise me is that we have seven wins and a chance for two more.

    I saw this coming from a mile away.

    You guys are acting like Charlie Brown when Lucy pulls the ball away. Really, you didn’t think she would this time?

    Like

    1. I thought UNC WOULD BE THE LOSS…. beat BC and win a bowl game when good KP gets back from “Disney World!!!”

      Like

      1. I agree. If Pitt wins a bowl all will be forgiven. But they also need to beat BC to save face.

        Like

  366. Post Game Presser

    Coach, your thoughts?
    HCPN: Wet and cold. Difficult day for football. Good thing I bought this coat. Had it delivered at halftime. Kohl’s. Whip had a 30 percenter.
    Why was the offense so anemic?
    HCPN: If you watched any of our games, you noticed we cannot run the ball worth a damn. And passing the ball, particularly when the kids don’t have a warm coat as fine as mine, well…you saw them…like they were grabbing at a greased pig.
    Thoughts on losing Paris?
    HCPN: He going pro?
    No, I meant the targeting call.
    HCPN: We’ll address that with the league office. But they don’t care about us yanks…you know, still stuck in that War of Northern Aggression stuff.
    Coach, last season you lost your last three games. Any worry about history repeating?
    HCPN: If it does, we’ll be ready for it.
    Can you explain that?
    HCPN: Not really. But then, why are you asking me hard questions after all the boneheaded calls I’ve made. You should know better.

    Liked by 2 people

  367. sports fans …. you have to love them. No doubt, a year ago the VT fans were writing the same thing about their team and coaches after Pitt ran for 492 yards against their defensive genius, leading to a 30 pt win

    Like

  369. The Pitt AD office sent me an e-mail this week with an offer of a complimentary tickets for the BC game next week.

    I’m going to reply and ask if “Complimentary” would lyke my 2 season tickets.

    I can think of only one good from today’s game: Pitt will finish the season with a better record than last season regardless of the outcome of the next 2 games. SMH

    Enjoy your Thanksgiving all.

    Like

  370. There is no Pitt game on tv Thanksgiving…so it should be enjoyable. Even when this team wins, it’s ugly, almost unbearable to watch, cause what should have been blowouts to the likes of GT, Ohio, UNC, Delaware & Syracuse were nail biters. All horrid teams.

    Like

    1. 2008 Sun Bowl….who can forget the 3-0 game. Where another Pitt QB couldnt throw the ball hard enough against the wind to complete a pass.

      Like

      1. Incredibly Pitt had almost the same Total Lack of offense in that Sun Bowl game. 178 Total Yards. 177 today. Nothing has changed in 11 years. 36 years, really.

        Like

  374. The Miami & GT games were among the worst games I’ve ever seen. You’re not going to grow the fan base with games like this. Today people want to see exciting high scoring games and NoDoz’s philosophy is the exact opposite of that. Pollsters like to see and reward teams for running up scores. Again not in NoDoz’s makeup.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Pitt was ranked #18 going into that game against #24 OSU and promptly fell out of the Final AP rankings that year. Following Pitt football is literally GroundHog Day on steroids.

      Like

  376. After watching the VA Tech lovefest on ESPN2, I wonder if Whipple is the problem or if he just does not have the personnel (QB) to run his system. One thing for sure is that he should move up to the booth and save his QB’s legs for the actual game. His advice cannot be worth all the effort of the QB running over to him every play based on Pitt’s body of work this year.

    Looking forward to tomorrow’s Pitt men’s soccer game and the Pitt volleyball game. How many on a side in soccer?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. He was 16 wins and 44 losses at UMASS. His system didn’t exactly translate to wins in Amherst.
      Picket has stunk in 3 different systems, so unless Pitt goes to the T formation(haha), he’ll stink next year too !

      Liked by 1 person

  378. BC needs a win next week to obtain the Toilet Bowl magic number of 6. How many Turd bowls are in the ACC lineup this year ?

    Like

    1. Uh oh! Pitt is in trouble – BC has a reason and motivation to show up.

      Wait, Pitt had a reason and motivation yesterday to show up. And did not.

      Like

  379. Glad I went back for the UNC game last week. A very good win, still walking out I (and many others) felt that the Pitt players overcame Pitt’s horrible coaching. When games like today occur, I question the “Harry high school” habit of the QB walking over to Whipple to get each play. We are the only college team in the country that uses that practice. And…how did our coaching geniuses think we could survive without a full back??

    JoeL said it best. We are an average team talent wise who will occasionally rise up but also occasionally sh-t the bed. I don’t think our coaching is average….it is below average. Hope against hope MSU beckons. H2P better days ahead. Oh and don’t forget “ next years THE year”!

    Liked by 2 people

  381. PITT really crapped the bed today, a real head-shaker. Same problems and same mistakes. That falls directly on Narduzzi’s shoulders. Yes, I blame him. PITT needed to play a flawless game and they did everything but that. They played a flawed game! Bad coaching, Bad play calling, Bad play by the players……… Bad Bad Bad all the way around. Had a houseful of people today and happy they were all here, helped to keep my sanity. PITTiful performance.

    Like

  382. My guess is that Kenny runs to the sideline because he has issues with the system.

    He needs to sit against BC it be on a VERY short leash – like the first quarter.

    Like

  384. Back from movie. Upon reflection:
    1) methinks we get a lot of sh*7 shoveled our way every yer from the Southside
    2) I have no idea what Whipple is doing with this offense. Sure not playing to strengths of personnel. I’m beginning to realize he is just as much an egomaniac as the head coach.
    3) Please, someone track the number of times Duzz calls a defensive TO and the times we actually stop them on the next play. It cannot possibly be as bad as I think it is, or is it?
    4) SOP is what we see today. Every single year, just when you think we can break thru because we see a glimmer of hope, they play like they did today.
    5) As much as we want Duzz to succeed, a performance like today’s shows how bad a game day coach he really is. And even worse, the undisciplined mistakes at this late date ( btw, great point Annie) should make even the most ardent supporter question his ability to ever get it together.
    6) Kids loved Foge also, but he just wasn’t a head coach. I really, really, do NOT want to start over, butttttttttttt.
    7) I wonder if this is lost on Heather. When 9500 show up for BC she might realize we can’t get people in the seats giving away tickets. I wonder if the women’s volleyball team will outdraw Pitt vs BC. Take the under, lol.
    8) Picket has serious problems in weather. I know games have been vs better teams, but he has stunk. And next week early forecast is rain turning to snow.
    9) Ya know, I can actually live with 8-5 ( gasp!) as long as they play a good game. I mean sometimes the other guys are just better. But to look this inept? Man, that’s tough to take.
    10) All that smoke blown up our zzz, I just feel like a Bucco fan listening to Nutting. Believe what I tell you, not what you can plainly see.
    11) The Duzz is trying, but, well, sometimes you are just not good enough.
    12) I’m beat, it has been a long day. BTW Mr. Rodgers was a little deep.

    Liked by 2 people

  387. Does anyone remember when our Thanksgiving Friday game had passion behind it?

    BC? Meh does nothing for me.

    Boy how I miss those WVU matchups.

    Dave

    Liked by 1 person

  388. Penn State or WVU on Thanksgiving Friday.

    Yes – Pitt has a chance to win 8 regular season games plus a bowl win makes 9

    But it will amount to just an ok season

    I predicted 7-8 regular season wins with a chance at a bowl win for a possible 9 wins (Narduzzi’s ceiling).

    So to me, this season has run its course with few surprises. But I will add that I expected more from this offense and better second half performances and did not expect a undisciplined team (so much for helping old ladies cross the street).

    If the bowl is in Nashville, I’ll be there; otherwise, I’ll read about it on here just like today’s game.

    Pitt soccer plays Sunday against the #2 team in the nation (Georgetown). Lets beat some ugly Hoya dogs with a rusty chain. I predict Pitt 2 / GT 1

    I’m afraid Pitt football will never sniff a good bowl with the Dog in charge.

    Like

  390. Messes are made and most messes are able to be cleaned up. Pitt has a mess on their hands after yesterday’s game. You also need to establish a plan to clean-up the mess.

    The offense and coaching are a mess. The D is the stable factor. The special teams are below average but not a total mess – Kessman punted 8 times for an average of 43 yards yesterday and the Aussie once for 38. Kessman had 5 punts that ended up inside the 20 to the Aussie’s one punt that was a touch back.

    The first 4 offensive series were horrendous – the first three were 3 and outs and the fourth was a 1 play KP fumble. First task for cleaning-up the mess is that the coaches need to agree on play calling that will win ballgames, not turtle dove stuff. Second, find a QB who can play in bad weather conditions. Saturday is forecasted to be bad (rain, to snow, which also means cold). The bowl game will probably be in Annapolis, NYC or Boston where the weather is probably going to be cold. One of the four QB’s on the roster has to be able to manage the O in bad conditions – we know KP is not the guy, unless the others cannot either. But at least try to find one this week and let KP watch from the sidelines to start the BC game. He’d be a good back-up if needed.

    Third, strip the Duzz of any time out calls – if the rule is only the HC can call them, then make sure DC Bates and OC Whip are mic’d up to Duzz and they make the TO call in the Duzz’s ear. That requires Whip to be in the press box (IMO) calling the game with signals on the sidelines to the QB.

    Fourth, establish the run game – there are at least 3 candidates on the team (that I know of) that could be placed at FB besides Wheeler – Brandon George, Ky Wright and Chase Pine. Amongst the 4 star RB’s left on the roster, find the hot hand and feed him the ball in a more balanced play calling set-up.

    Fifth, no more end around sweeps and passes behind the line of scrimmage. Go downfield when passing and bench the guys for a full quarter when they drop a pass.

    Sixth, if a lineman, DB or other player commits a stupid penalty, then sit that player for a full quarter, like I suggested above for the receiver dropping a pass. Next man up will help develop the depth and hopefully the player sitting for a quarter will re-enter the game focused.

    The entertainment value of Pitt FB was lost on me yesterday. These 6 clean-up suggestions are made in order to get me to renew my season tickets next season. One last suggestion (# 7) – tell us fans what the plan is to clean-up this mess and then go do it, because Pitt FB really is a mess.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. agree to a point. He also is getting much help from his receivers. While I see other teams; receivers often making a catch that they had to stretch or jump for, I don’t remember anyone from Pitt doing this. I’m sure it as happened but just can’t remember. I do remember countless drops though

      Like

  392. The team ranks 123rd out 130 teams in Div I in Penalties. (thru yesterdays’ games)
    They play an UNDISCIPLINED brand on football, which is a direct reflection on Coaching.

    Additionally, Pitt is trying to run an offense without competent FB’s and TE’s. Certainly limits your possibilities for different options based on WEATHER, field position, opponent, etc.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 3 of Pitt’s best 4 offensive plays were called back yesterday. Two of them due to illegal formations

      Like

  393. and we were just mentioned on ESPN game day for the first time in forever- Herbie, Corso and company all picked us to lose!!!
    So back into the PITT we fall… winning the last 2 is the only way we can regain some momentum going into 2020 but no chance of being ranked. That baby was thrown out the door with the bath water!!!

    Like

  394. Last year we had a real good run game, a poor pass game and good defense. However, even the run game failed mightily in the 2nd half vs PSU and ND, the entire game vs Miami and most of the game vs Clemson

    This year, we have a poor run game, a decent pass game and a real good defense. But the pass game failed vs UVa, Miami and VT.

    I thought we would see progress this year but I was wrong. We are above average but that’s about it

    Like

  395. Duzz made a comment on the Packer and Durham Show how he couldn’t relax in the 4th quarter referring to all the nail- biters we have been in this year…. he could relax yesterday for sure!!!

    Like

  396. Hi guys! Just dropped by to say hello and to say wasn’t it just fantastic to hire Whipple from the powerhouse UMass program?

    How did the VT game go ? Wait…let me check the news since I was busy with other things yesterday. Oh Hell – is it OK if I keep writing a comment even though I only do it after a loss?

    Thanks, I will! How’s this for starters?

    Stat. Rank Value
    Total Offense 96th 372.3
    Rushing Off. 112th 125.2
    Passing Off T-53rd 247.1
    Team Pass Eff 104th 119.06
    Scoring Off 114th 20.2
    Red Zone Off. 104th 0.765
    Pickett Pass Eff. 97th 115.8 (horrendous)

    If we had just a decent offense we may be looking at double digit wins at this point. Our four losses we have is with our scoring as 14 points, 10, 12 and 0.

    Look, it’s a bad loss but with our great defense we can beat BC for an 8th win and that ain’t shabby. I hope we do get the Military bowl and I hope we do play Navy even if that would be a tough win for us. At least it is a quick drive for most Pitt fans.

    So, here’s hoping we win out so you don’t have to read any more of my comments… (although it is a lot milder than some comments above)

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Reed, ur just manipulating the numbers to bash Pitt. We know those can’t be real numbers….lol.
      Navy would kill us..just like a few year ago.

      Like

    2. Pitt’s O/U in Vegas was 5.5 and has exceeded that total.

      Losses like that are the norm for teams stuck in the middle of the pack in college football, so no need for anyone to get worked up.

      I’m no fan of Whipple but who else was going to take the job? Pitt fans would have locked themselves in their homes had it paid to keep Canada because the Mission Statement would be soiled for getting into a spending war with an SEC school.

      Oh, those fans though demanded funds be found to get rid of Stallings to the tune of $8 million and somehow it happened. Canada still would have been cheaper in year three and Pitt’s offense with the current defense would have created that “special” season we fans are waiting on.

      There is still a chance to win nine games this season, which would be pretty good with this awful offense. I sure hope the BoT is content with that record because it has its ACC money funneling in and has a coach making average coin and is content being at Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

        1. Defense played well. These receivers can’t catch in warm weather and hadn’t a prayer yesterday. Better receivers are joining the program next year. Whipple should have run more early in the game but us fans we want to attack, attack, attack so we aren’t labeled a conservative team.

          Like

    4. What a “reward” the military bowl would be. The defense gets to practice against the triple option for three weeks and play against it on national TV, while the offense gets to do what it’s been doing all year.

      The football gods would be cruel indeed…

      Like

  397. With the loss to FIU, Miami becomes the only team in the last 40 years to lose three times as a 14-point favorite in a single season. Canes lost to VT as 14-pt fave, GT as 18.5-pt fave and tonight to FIU as 21-pt fave. Canes also won 17-12 as a 30.5-pt fave vs Central Michigan.

    I used to take solace in the fact that 4/5 star-studded Miami always out-Pitted SOP, but now that seems to be empty. Yes, 9 wins would be great but this offense needs to at least rise to the level of above average

    Like

      1. I didn’t say it was. I said that it has to rise to the level of an above average one … you implied that I think it is currently average

        Like

  398. BTW, 9 wins would be great but I believe it would be more of a function of an easier schedule than anything else ….. which I have been saying for quite a well now

    Like

  399. We have lost to the stronger teams on our schedule( exception maybe UCF) -and have beaten the rest…several games we had nice leads and blew them… terrible scoring points in the 2nd half… many bone-headed costly mistakes…. dropped passes… poor running game.. poor use of TOS….Ee just witnessed this PITT team putting together their 1st full 4 quarter NEGATIVE game… they left it all on the field…. hope they road busses or the equipment truck back to the Burgh!

    Like

  400. So, I am less critical of Whipple than some. WR’s that don’t catch consistently, QB who is adequate but probably misses too many reads, TE’s outside Wayne who SUCK, average O-line, average RB’s at best. Tough to come in and transform with that talent. IF receivers had great or even good hands, I think things go very differently.

    SHOCKED to see Reed post. 😦
    To bad he had the opportunity to.

    Liked by 1 person

  402. Well, the sun did come up today. Well, not really, but it is light outside, lol. The bitter taste remains, and it’s not just the coffee. There are losses, and there are losses.
    I could rationalize the UVa game as first game inexperienced team losing to a veteran team.
    I could understand getting beat at PSU being a huge road underdog.
    Miami, well, it’s Miami
    Va Tech, well, Blacksburg is a snake pit.

    That is being very, very, kind. A more cynical review would say
    You had all summer to prepare and you were clueless in the UVa game.
    You chocked like a dog against the Nitters making the stupidest decision of the entire college football season kicking a fg, and then, THEN tried to rationalize it being the right move. That alone should tell any reasonable person this guy is not up to the task.
    You put on one of the worst offensive displays of the year against a sub par Miami team and simply had no answers. And the stupid decisions continued.
    You showed the entire country, and all the recruits in a prime recruiting area you are inept, undisciplined, and clueless.
    These descriptions are also being kind.
    If the 4 losses were the only games in which the coaching was deficient it would be hard to stomach but understandable. However, even in games they won, I’m not sure if it was any better.
    After 10 games I expected better. The same stupid mistakes. The same undisciplined penalties, The same useless defensive timeouts. The same questionable in game decisions. The same inability to attack a defense.
    Please, someone, anyone who has defended this guy tell me this is progress?? Over, and over, and over again. Pitt football is Groundhog Day. Only, unlike the movie, it doesn’t learn from its mistakes and get better, it just burrows down and hopes for better results.
    Please, let someone at MSU make a huge blunder and hire this guy. I have NO faith that Pitt will make a better hire, however. You have a BOT who make nepotistic hires, incompetent administrators failing in both the academic and athletic areas ( in the money making sports). Let’s see if they can hold onto any of the successful coaches they currently have!
    This really isn’t just knee jerk. It’s been building up all year, and in fact for a few years.
    We have been a proud and accomplished University. In the early 20th century we were a athletic powerhouse. In the middle 20th century we cured polio and led the way in academic research and innovation. We were medical pioneers in transplant surgery. Let me ask, what are we leaders in now? A grant or two? Any successful researcher gets stolen away. Show me the results? I’m sure the school has a nice power point trying to show their highlights, but they are gaslighting us.
    Again, this may be seen as a reaction to one crappy loss, but this is systemic, and I guess my choice is to “ get over it”. Well, at least we are not Texas, oh, wait, at least they have academics to fall back on. What a mess.

    Like

  403. A few observations, Henson Hooker made all the difference to VaTechs season.

    I would say they are now the favorite to win the Coastal and have the best chance vs Clemson, although still slim to none.

    Like

    1. I agree GC. VT is surely set at QB for the next 2 seasons. Plus, they are only losing 1 starter to graduation. Good times are ahead for the Hokies.

      Like

  404. VT’s offensive plays really struck me as showing what good coaching means. Multiple players having very clear assignments and executing them.

    Question: On the last touchdown, didn’t the WR interfere with Pennock’s coverage of the split receiver?

    Like

  405. Whats disappointing is that the nation got to see this game. Bad image for Pitt football. Sullied the brand. SOP is alive and well. Lost a great chance to be ranked heading into a bowl. I dont blame fans for not attending the BC game in cold weather and being treated to a snooze fest.

    I think 2 questions need to be asked.
    What is your expectation of the program?
    Is Pitt heading in the right direction?

    Y’all know my expectation and Pitt football to me is falling short after 5 years of new leadership.

    I cant see how the program is trending upward. 9 wins would be the high water mark thus far (assumes a bowl win). But no division title this year, no Florida bowl, no top 25 final ranking, lagging attendance, paltry donations. So really a stable and mediocre program but its not poised to take off to that next level.

    If you want to achieve a successful program, look no further than the womens volleyball and mens soccer programs. What makes them successful despite little fan support, mediocre facilities and lack of money?

    Well I’ll answer that question for you – its the Head Coach.

    Both programs have Coach of the Year candidates. Both coaches recruit well and utilize their players very effectively to maximize their talents. You cant say that about Pitt football unless you live in denial.

    I donate to both volleyball and soccer. I’m proud of what those programs have accomplished in such a short time. I wont support football until Narduzzi is fired. I’ve seen enough of this trainwreck and I hold out little hope for the future.

    If you want to enjoy some winning and be a happy and proud Pitt fan, support some programs like volleyball, soccer and wrestling. I recommend you stop enabling the mediocrity surrounding the football program.

    H2P!

    Like

    1. The truth is nobody in the nation (except for a few alum) care about Pitt football. You can’t sully the brand because we are irrelevant and have been for a generation. That is not to say I don’t care, yesterdays game killed me.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Expectation for the program? Well since you asked.

      I think we are capable of 3 top 25 finishes in a 5 year span. And within that span I would expect 2 Coastal Championships. Within a 7 year span I would hope to catch “lightning in a bottle” and win the whole ACC and finish a season with 2 losses or less. If those results were produced, 6-6 seasons would be more readily acceptable if they occurred following a top 25 season that had us playing in the Camping World bowl or the Gator Bowl.

      Are we heading in the right direct?

      No. Narduzzi is more of the same. But the bigger question is this. Chryst was the poster boy for average here and now is achieving the results I described above at Wisconsin. Did he suddenly become a smarter coach? I don’t think so. Maybe it is more than just Narduzzi. Maybe playing in a half-empty pro stadium is taking its toll on the program. Maybe not matching the salary of a superstar coordinator you have on staff when big program call, Maybe not signing local studs like Lugg, Jurcovec and though not really a stud, Lamont Wade would definitely contribute. So we aren’t heading in the right direction to answer your question, but I don’t think it is entirely Narduzzi’s fault.

      Liked by 1 person

  406. Yep, it was ugly, or as we would say in college, “Fugly” if you catch my drift. At least no palpitations yesterday. Win next week and the team will have made at least some incremental improvement in the statistic that matters most, with next year being put up or shut up time. H2P!

    Like

  407. As far as Pitt’s offense, Not enough weapons to implement Whipple’s offense, starting at QB, made worse by receivers that can’t get separation, and drop too many catchable balls.

    An o-line that is just not good enough and gets blown up too often on pass plays and can’t open holes for the run game.

    No elite running backs. No power and no exceptional speed. No vision.

    Terrible tight ends.

    No easy fix.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. I care as much as anyone about PITT winning a given football game but it doesn’t stress me out much if and when they lose. It’s way more about how they play the game and PITT did not play very well yesterday at all.

        Oh crap scus7, I did it again.

        Liked by 1 person

  409. OK.

    We are 4-4 against Power 5 teams. In those four wins three were against teams with losing records going into the game (only Duke had a winning record)…and we averaged 18.8 ppg in those eight matches.

    We cannot win the conference this season as both VA and VT beat us. So even if we beat BC and those two teams lose we would lose any tiebreaker.

    So, for those Pitt fans that said a division championship is all that matters last season…and they were legion…what do you think now? Is it better to have 8 or 9 wins if we can notch another victory or two and no title or a division championship?

    Like

    1. ^ Reed, I don’t know of anyone who said a division title is all that matters. I can only speak for myself and I said that to get where PITT wants to go they have to win their division. Winning the Coastal is most likely the first goal on PITT’s list of things to accomplish before the season starts. Reed, when you were in the Coast Guard and there was trouble on the high seas, wasn’t your goal to save everyone? I know that is a terrible comparison.

      PITT/Whipple and Narduzzi needs to open up the QB job next season and open it up ASAP and for crying out loud would someone give this Parrish kid a Cadillac SUV. << jus kidding of course. 😉

      Oh rats scus7, I did it again, tick a lock.

      Like

      1. I agree IKE. QB is the #1 concern. Look at the turn around VT has had with Hendon assuming the starting position. I remember when PITT was recruiting him hard. Unfortunately for us, he chose to go to school in Blacksburg. He’s a difference maker for sure.

        Like

      2. Look, are u going to keep ur word and stop posting?? Oh what the heck, wait till next week to stop sniffing glue. (Airplane reference)

        Like

        1. Look, are u going to keep ur word and stop posting?? Oh what the heck, wait till next week to stop sniffing glue.

          Like

            1. oh, I now get the reference, a bad day to give up things. I responded to your reply without looking at the POV comments first. Not to bum you out scus7, I dance to my own drum beat but if you take out my “I won’t post until a pitt win” post and subtract my comment and wipe it off the board then I really didn’t say anything and Hall still had a good game.

              Like

        2. I was kidding and being sarcastic but if you reveal yourself Mr anonymous I will stop posting when you stop being a coward.

          Like