Need a topic to get you kids off of the shenanigans that have broken out since my last post.

Saw a tweet about the Georgia Tech 1918 season today, and well, it probably won’t get anyone off the “damn is there even going to be a season” topic, but it does make for a nice segue into Richard Hefner’s Way-too-Early Georgia Tech preview.  Gonna take a lot more than a pandemic to stop football down here in the south.

FWIW Tech went 6-1 that season and was coached by some guy named John Heisman.  Pitt went 4-1 and they were coached by one Pop Warner.  Interestingly enough Pitt handed tech their only loss that season.  A 32-0 beatdown at Forbes field.  Those 32 points represent the only points scored against Georgia Tech all season. (It’s unknown if the fans were wearing masks…)  The header image on this post is a picture from the actual game.  Per wikipedia:  Pitt’s Tom Davies runs against undefeated and unscored upon Georgia Tech in the 1918 game at Forbes Field. Pitt won the game 32–0 and is considered by many to be that season’s national champion.

Pitt 1918
Pitt’s 1918 Football Schedule.  Turns our Scott Barnes and Steve Pederson share a common ancestor, and he was the guy that made Pitt’s schedule that year. Cleveland Naval Reserve two days after the Penn State Game? What the heck fella?

GT 1918

Tech’s 1918 football schedule.  Maybe they were overconfident after the NC State game?  Note that Pitt’s attendance has basically not changed in 100 years…

Georgia Tech

A Way to Early Look at Roster Changes

by Richard Hefner (Pitt-Cocks Fan)

For Head Coach Geoff Collins 2020 was his 2nd class, and the first class he could truly call his own. His 23-man class finished #24 in Rivals ranking. This class had a 3.06 average star ranking which translates to a 5.6 3-star. One of his four 4-stars was a Rivals top 100. One other recruit made the top 250.  (Editor’s note:  I guess the cash is flowing down on the flats…)

GT 1

Per Rivals, below is the 23 recruits by position. Highlighted is the most for that position in the ACC for 2020.

Gt2

I guess they need O-linemen,  QB’s & defensive ends.  (Editor’s note:  They are switching from the triple option so OL and QB no surprise here.  I believe they are also switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 so that would explain the DE’s)

For Tex, this is the number of 5.7’s and above for the last 4 recruiting periods.

Gt4

Georgia Tech’s Record over the last 5 years:

  • 2015 3-9
  • 2016 8-4 (9-4),
  • 2017 5-6
  • 2018 7-5 (7-6)
  • 2019 3-9

(Editor’s Note:  Geoff Collins inherited at back-to-back 10 win team at Temple and never won more than 8 games.  There is absolutely nothing that suggests he can do better than that at GT, and I’d be surprised if his overall record is better than Paul Johnson’s when it’s all said-and-done).  

So far, Georgia Tech has brought in 3 transfers from the portal:

Gt5

Not a bad transfer haul. Solid in 24/7 recruiting numbers. All from P5 schools. Transfers must be looking for a good graduate school because I see no meaningful bowl in near future. Also, Georgia Tech must not be counting on the six 2020 OL recruits to be major impact players.

(Editor’s note:  Pat Narduzzi:  “I’m going to band-aid years of bad offensive line recruiting with grad transfers.”  Geoff Collins:  “Hold my beer”. )

Georgia Tech has 4 returning All ACC honorees:

Gt6

Note: The Class shown is for the 2019 Season. For the 2020 season Jr. are now Seniors, So. are now Juniors.

The above was a brief snapshot of who Georgia Tech added & returned for the upcoming 2020 season.

Who did they lose from the 2019 season?

Georgia Tech lost no senior All ACC honorees in 2019. With a 3-9 record in 2019, nothing ventured, nothing lost.

Not surprising but Georgia Tech had no early entries to the NFL draft.

But Georgia Tech has lost 5 players to the Transfer Portal:

GT7

I do recognize Lucas Johnson. He started two games while the team searched for a viable QB in 2019.

Georgia Tech should improve on their 3-9 2019 season. At the least, they should beat their FCS opponent (Gardner-Webb).  They lost in 2019 to The Citadel. (In the interest of full disclosure my son(in-Law) is a graduate of & my grandson has committed to play baseball starting in 2022 at The Citadel.)

From Chris Peak’s Rivals site – Panther-lair, a review of Georgia Tech by the Chris Peak (or equivalent) of Georgia Tech.

https://pittsburgh.rivals.com/news/around-the-coastal-the-georgia-tech-yellow-jackets

I didn’t do a review of Pitt but here is Chris Peak’s review of Pitt.

https://duke.rivals.com/news/around-the-coastal-the-pittsburgh-panthers

Editor’s Note:  A reminder on discussion.  I’m fine with people discussing whether or not there will be a season, and throwing out facts and figures.  I’m not fine with people referencing the media, or making references to the “fake media” or the factual correctness of the media. It’s all jacked up, on both sides.  We know that.  Don’t bring it in to the conversation.  Also it’s okay for people to disagree with you.  Don’t call them names, and don’t make off-color references about them.  It’s okay to be heated, but keep it PG.  This is a family website.  Thanks and enjoy the discussion.  

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.

248 thoughts on “Pitt Beats Spanish Flu and Georgia Tech, Wins National Championship. (And a Way-Too-Early Look at GT Roster Changes)”

  1. FullSizeRender.jpeg
    There was a great article about that GT – Pitt game a couple months ago In the Post Gazette. Pitt was a big favorite vs GT. In addition, as per long tradition, Pitt was jobbed by the officials in the Cleveland Navel Reserve game. Pitt was awarded a National Championship anyway.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Navy went 17 and 3 from 1917 thru 1818.

    Navy was one of the very few programs to field a football team during World War II, with John Whelchel leading the Midshipmen from 1942 to 1943 and Oscar Hagberg serving as head coach from 1944 to 1945. During those years, three of the four Navy teams finished ranked in the top 10 of the final AP poll. (from Wikipedia)

    Army won national championships in 1916, 1944, 19145 and 1946. In ’44, ’45 and ’46, they went 9-0, 9-0, and 9-0-1 respectively. Doc Blanchard won the Heisman in ’45 and Glenn Davis in ’46

    In other words …. don’t ‘F’ with a military school during world wars, and apparently especially Cleveland Navel Reserve in 1918

    (again, from Wikipedia) …

    The 1918 Cleveland Naval Reserve football team represented the Cleveland Auxiliary Naval Reserve School during the 1918 college football season. The team compiled a 5–1 record and closed its season by upsetting national champion Pittsburgh, 10–9. The team was coached by Xen C. Scott,assisted by Bob Dawson and former Yale star Ralph Kinney.

    The team was led by a backfield consisting of former Ohio State quarterback Gaylord Stinchcomb, former Minnesota halfback Walter L. Holmgren, former Georgia Tech fullback Judy Harlan, and former Auburn fullback Moon Ducote. The highlight of Auburn’s previous season was its tie with Ohio State. Georgia Tech then dominated Auburn to claim the South’s first national title. A game between national champion Georgia Tech and undefeated Pitt could not be scheduled, and was moved to the following season. Georgia Tech having lost several players to the War, Pitt won 32–0.

    The Cleveland Naval Reserves managed to upset Pitt with a 10–9 victory. “I intercepted a pass and returned it to midfield in the fourth quarter. I felt I at least had evened up some of the losses we had at Tech” said Harlan. Pittsburgh coach Pop Warner refused to acknowledge the loss, but declared Ducote “the greatest football player I ever saw”. Warner, along with some reporters covering the game, insisted Pitt was robbed by the officials who, claiming the official timekeeper’s watch was broken, arbitrarily ended the first half before Pitt was able to score and then allowed the Reserves extra time in the fourth quarter to pull ahead. It was Pitt’s first loss in four years, since Warner had started coaching there. Ducote had a 41-yard field goal, and Stinchcomb scored a touchdown on a pass from Ducote, and kicked the extra point.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. knowing Pitt FB’s karma, it will have an OOC schedule of Army, Navy, Air Force and The Citadel at the outset of World War III …. which will likely be the last football season in a very, very long time

      “I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.” — Albert Einstein

      Liked by 1 person

      1. In 1968 Pitt hit the trifecta losing to Army, Navy and Air Force in the same season! Good thing Coast Guard was not on the schedule. William and Mary ( then the Spiders) was the only win in the first of three 1-9 seasons. I was there for all but AF.

        Liked by 2 people

  3. Great stuff, so long ago. And to think if there is a season, people will be wearing masks again that look pretty much the same. It took 3 years to build up herd immunity in 1918. Science has come a long way baby, let’s hope it has answers soon. Here is an idea, space suits for football games.

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    1. First time in a long while I had to copy and paste my post. So much for science.

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  4. The Georgia Tech scores are incredible, ove 100 points three times and no one else but Pitt scored on them.
    It must have been a grand old time at nine year old Forbes Field.

    Thanks for finding this stuff Maestro. Too bad much of Pitt’s great football history happened before motion pictures were common place. Even photography was still pretty weak.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Tech is well positioned to be a power in the Coastal given the recruits in the state. As long as they continue to run a conventional offense and coaching doesn’t get in the way, they will be competitive every year. Now I don’t know if their admission standards are higher. And it’s a tech school that doesn’t offer easy majors. So it takes a different type of recruit. And it’s a private city school like Pitt. I see tech as being Pitts southern cousin.

    Tex

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    1. Collins averaging 3.06 stars in his “23rd ranked” class. I think Duzz averaging like 3.03 across all five years. You rail against Pitt being mediocre and then praise tech for being the same thing!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I rail against narduzzis record. He’s mediocre in a weak division. First bowl win ever only last year against a scrub team. No final rankings of any sort. Saragin and rpi average rankings between 50 and 60. Yet he’s a top 40 paid coach.

        To be tech and go from averaging 5 wins per season to possibly 9 wins would be impressive. I don’t expect them to consistently be ranked given their tech school status and admissions.

        I do expect Pitt to do better because pitt does offer majors that athletes can hide in. Pitt should have more than one top 25 ranking in the past ten years

        The only thing holding tech back is the academic side yet Stanford pulls if off. And schools like Michigan and whisky arent slouches either. So you can excel in both the field and classroom.

        Pitt is mediocre in both depending on sport and major. See directors cup. See latest US news rankings where pitt gets beat out by every ACC school except three.

        I’ve always said no reason why Pitt can’t be the Stanford of the east. But Pitt has no will. And for that it’s leaders need removed. There is always a way to do things. The paths are present. Pitt refuses to put one step forward to begin the journey.

        Tex

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        1. Tex, you have all the answers but have all the questions at the same time.. you said this:
          +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

          “Well pitt doesn’t have the assets, mentality or leaders to be elite in football again.

          The recruiting talent is south of the mason Dixon line.

          The elite schools pay their elite players

          The elite schools have large fan bases and wealthy donors

          The elite schools have world class on campus facilities

          The elite schools all cheat in some way and always play in the gray or shadows

          The elite schools have the revenues

          I don’t expect to ever be elite again given the BoT and Pitts culture and mission statement”
          ++++++++++++++++++

          Yet PITT should win 10-11 games with all those obstacles? Your words not mine.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Pitt should be consistently ranked in the top 25 now. Elite is top ten.

            With a top third football spend in the ACC and real stability within the program and conference, you should be by now.

            You can blame your gal pal heather for the ooc as an excuse though.

            It will never be elite until certain fundamental things change. I’m not recommending seismic shifts. Besides different leaders.

            My idea to reorganize the BoT however would fall under the category of earthquake. No reason why now that 33 percent of the board is appointed by government bureaucrats when only 8 percent of funds are from the state.

            It can excel in both academics and athletics

            But it will never be a Alabama until it generates their dough and sells their soul.

            I’m not advocating the bama model.

            I have always championed the Stanford model. First step towards that approach is to go 100 percent private.

            Tex

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            1. I disagree that Pitt should be consistently ranked in the Top 25. IMO those of you who feel this way is living in the past and hasn’t been paying attention to Pitt FB and college FB over the last 30 years.

              Pitt should not be better than Coastal teams like Miami, Va Tech, UNC and even UVa. All these teams have a similar or higher recruiting budget, and even if a little less, they wouldn’t need it because they don’t have to travel to see quality recruits nearly as much, as they are surrounded by substantial more quality FB talent

              And all except Miami have a right-sized OCS. Even GT has this, not to mention that Georgia has MANY more quality FB recruits.

              Liked by 1 person

  6. Nothing has changed much in 100 years in that home teams win more often. The one thing that did change to help visitors is TV replays to make refs more accountable. We need to let computers set the 10 yard distances as well. H2P

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    1. Maryland at Happy Valley this year, and the Terps are on the verge of a major upset …. and they execute on a key 3rd down late in the game to maintain possession …. but a flag is thrown … Personal Foul on the Maryland fan section for not complying to social distant guidelines

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      1. If the schools, conferences and NCAA allow fall games, the cdc and the who will have a real easy time pinpointing the covid hotspots and outbreaks. I don’t want to be within 100 miles of creepy valley pre covid. Now it’s more like 500 miles.

        Tex

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Maybe I missed this but I don’t think enough has been made of the generous gesture and donation from the PITT AD and head coaches of the major sports to the PITT research department. Yes, maybe PITT isn’t the school that cheats to win at all cost and one that we can all jump up and down on our couches with huge victories all the time but I’m jumping up and down with pride for my PITT! << Just not quite as high as I use to but the spirit is still there. A half million dollars. Pretty impressive.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I commented yesterday. I just don’t like to over beat a thank you. Heather and patty need to do a better job getting those sports teams with far bigger pockets to give to Pitt. Dokish even agrees.

      On a lighter note, I’m glad pitt stadium was given a number 1 seed.

      Tex

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        1. I don’t see any obvious slights at the selection. I quibble over some of the seedings, But the O and Pitt stadium are worthy.

          Tex

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          1. Frankie Giustine’s is a miss.

            Wooden Keg drawing the Decade is an injustice compared to some of the other places that made the list.

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            1. Tex

              Liked by 1 person

          2. Syria Mosque, The Decade, PItt Stadium, Forbes Field…some very serious losses.

            Think Duquesne Gardens is getting shafted a bit. Ought to be higher than an 8.

            And therein lies a point…..people under 60 perhaps aren’t qualified to judge this.
            I think someone who is 70-75 yrs old needs to officiate.

            And another thing….take your pick from Giant Eagle, 7-Eleven or Chik-Fil-A and toss one. Put Anthony’s (on Baum across from Graffiti) in its place. 😉

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            1. Whichever two are left from that list of three above… toss one and replace with Isaly’s on Blvd of the Allies. The remaining one…toss and replace with the Pittsburgh Playhouse.

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            2. Dude someone whose my dads age didn’t frequent the places I did and someone my age didn’t frequent the joints of these whippersnappers. My dad Ike didn’t hang out at Zelda’s on a Tuesday afternoon like I did.

              Tex

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              1. Swear to gosh sonny, I looked high and low for Zelda’s on the bracket but I just gave up cause the print is so small and I figured Zelda’s was on there but my feeble eyes couldn’t find it….

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            3. And you’re more than just a dude joe. You’re a dude who has a squirrel drinking a Guinness as your avatar.

              🤠

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  8. The entire neighborhood of Soulf Oaklin should be on this list of things that aren’t there anymore. I’d vote for that.

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    1. That barber shops and nail salons are opening under certain guidelines?

      Texas did just jail some business lady for violating a dallas judges order to remain closed and now our Texas AG is fighting on her behalf. Nothing new here.

      Did I mention I saw the blue angels the other day?

      Tex

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      1. My understanding is only ONE study debunked it. That would be the VA study which I also understand neglected to include something called “dosages.”

        “The results of the study, which included physicians at VA’s Columbia, S.C., hospital, were not part of a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial and have not been peer-reviewed or published in academic journals.” – Washington Post

        Seems a little anecdotal.

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        2. From what I hear – from a reliable source – Hydroxy doesn’t work on seriously I’ll patients. My brothers Girlfriend is an ER resident in an NYC hospital. Says it has no effect al all and it’s been the standard treatment for a while. In fact she thinks it’s actually killed at least one her patients that had a pre existing heart condition. Basically if you get to the point where you are on a ventilator you’re a goner. Hydroxy or not.

          He’s not a doc but cognitive neuroscience degree from Northwestern and and has managed a neuroscience research program for U of Chicago. A heck of a lot smarter than me…i can tell you that!

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          1. You can’t put a band-aid on a mortal wound and come to a conclusion that the band-aid didn’t work?? Please, not saying Hydro is an answer.

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        3. Don’t believe anything that has not been peer-reviewed. You can make the numbers reflect whatever your beliefs are.

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    3. Texas being one of the states where cases are spiking?

      Just flat out say your point and don’t beat around the bush. I’m a black and white guy. Simple mashed potatoes unless I’m drunk.

      I live here and I know it’s gonna get a lot worse here before it gets better.

      And I’m truly concerned about the second wave come Fall.

      I take this seriously because despite social distancing and other protective tactics, this virus has killed nearly 80,000 in a mere 3 months.

      My perspective is that the number of deaths exceeds my towns population. Dfw would not be dfw without my town although I’m sure UPitt would say the same about his neck of the woods in north Dallas. I’m Tarrant County. Where the West begins is Fort Worth and not pretty hair Dallas.

      Did I also mention that my town had more four stars than the entire state of PA last year?

      Tex

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        1. Let’s just hope we all do it in a safe way. Remember that the old normal got us to this point. There is now a new normal going forward. Personally we all need rapid testing and the antigen test. Like right now. Boggles my mind. I really want to attend one of frans tailgates. My parents of all people one upped me on that pleasure. I’m as selfish as the next guy. I really want to fly back come October.

          Tex

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Tex, Oct is a lifetime or two away right now. I haven’t canceled my hotel reservations just yet. I’m in a holding pattern hoping I don’t run out of fuel before then… and sorry I missed your parents last year, I have some serious questions for those folks… 🙂

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            1. My parents say I was their first child and I’m of the same genes, but I’ve always suspected I was adopted and my real parents are martians.

              Tex

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  10. Get ready to groan for the “social distancing” wisecracks when a corner gets beaten badly or the pass-rush isn’t getting near the QB…

    Thanks for the article Richard and MM.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Does anyone remember the year and final score when Pitt played the Nitters at Unhappy Valley and they got two horrible (pass catching) calls to win the game? I know this is rather vague, but I think the PG made a diagram of Pedo’s field and showed two extended (out of bounds) areas, one in the end zone, where Nitters made catches that were clearly out of bounds but ruled good. To this day, that game was the most outrageous display of homer refereeing that I have ever seen.

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  12. That was Nebraska. One time called in when out, the next year called out when in. Ya, funny stuff.

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  13. No doubt everyone wants to get back to work and rightfully so. The question is, is it too soon? Are we going to squander all the hard fought ground we have gained. Even according to the official White House/CDC plan for re-opening, infection rates are still too high.

    So Florida, Georgia and Texas and others including parts of PA are going to try. I hope it works. No doubt we need to get back to work. Hopefully it doesn’t backfire. There is a good chance it will since the bug has not gone away.

    let’s hope enough people are smart enough to not totally abandon social distancing and avoid high risk behavior even when they are permitted to.

    Outbreaks in the meat packing industry and in prisons are like the canary in the coal mine. Letting kids go back to school or allowing large assembys of people is asking for trouble.

    We all want our lives back in one way or another. Like Tex said hopefully in the safest, fastest way possible.

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  14. Had a crew come to do a roof job today. Crew of five and not a mask in sight. The roof looks pretty good though.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. ^^ John, I have a bunch of jokes and comments for your post but I should keep them to myself.

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    1. Good for him…lotsa money to be made on the PRO Bass tournament circuit… gotta earn it.. no gimme’s….carp and catfishing tournaments on the Mon don’t pay too well…

      Liked by 1 person

  17. VOR you may be thinking of the 1982 game Pitt 10 psi 19 at that time the most ever fans at slappy valley around 85000 maybe 25000 Pitt fans I was there one of the worst officiated games I have ever seen 2 touchdowns taken off of Pitt and one given to ps receiver clearly out of bounds on catch the only good thing to come out of that game was a great fight after still remember ps fans running

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I did a quick search and I think he is referring to the Nebraska at Penn State game in 1982. Penn State completed a pass from about the 20 yard line to the sideline at the 2 or 3 yard line. The PSU receiver came down a full stride out of bounds with 9 seconds remaining. To the surprise of no one outside of State College, the officials ruled it a completed pass. Penn State scored on the next play to win 27-24. One of the most painful aspects of that bad call is that Penn State lost their next game, which was against Alabama, but still went on to be voted National Champ that year. They certainly would not have won the NC is they had also lost to Nebraska.

      The next year Alabama played at Penn State and scored what should have been the winning touchdown in the final seconds with a pass completion in the back of the end zone. The receiver came down about a yard inside the end line but was ruled out.

      I’m not sure if Mike Guman’s father was officiating either of those two games. Bad memories all around.

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      1. Or, Pitt could have beaten the Nitters in the final game to go to the Sugar Bowl but lost, 19-10. Pitt had a huge punt return early in that game and the ref said the return man called fair catch when he waved the other guy off. Ball on the Nitters 23 instead Pitt was inside its own 20.

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  18. The ventilator is the new hospice care unfortunately. MM, say thank you to your brothers GF. She will have some ptsd if she is treating folks so keep an eye on her. That was a serious message.

    There is one thing in common with the current Pitt Football Team and all the contests and the play in game from souf. They are all AWAY games!

    Broke my silence for that….back to work.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. On a more positive note he did review the scientific papers on remsidivir (spelling?) and said that while it doesn’t increase cure rate, the speeding up of healing is legit and worthwhile, so there is that.

      I believe that American ingenuity and hard work will lead to a cure or vaccine, but until then … wear your masks, wash your hands and for god sake keep six feet apart

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  19. There is clearly a history of questionable refereeing up there in Pedoland. That 1982 Pitt-pedo catastrophe is burned into my memory forever. Glad to hear that Pitt fans kicked the crap out those Nitters after the game. 25,000 Pitt fans to 60,000 Nitters sounds pretty even to me!

    Liked by 2 people

  20. Even though tex is holed up and I live 25 mins from him my area is normal. Did a lot today and saw less than 1/3rd wearing masks. If any of you old farts need any I can send you some just email me.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Back to places missing in Oakland. Chiefs and the strip clubs. Can’t remember the names. Maybe they are in the bracket, don’t have my cheaters on.

    Our PA governor sucks. No reason some small businesses can’t be open. Home Depot but not mom and pop nurseries, golf courses should never have closed, drive in theaters for God’s sake. Unnecessarily killing small businesses that could open with proper precautions. It is not one size fits all in the business world. Man, I hate politicians.

    Good morning, lol.

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      1. A friend of mine said she went toChief’s last summer so it may still be open. Some of the coldest beer in town.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Yes Larry V. I remember Chiefs being one of your favs. I only went there once or twice and always with you. Chief didn’t want money laying on his bar, he wanted it in his pocket. “You’ve got a $ there. What are you going to buy with that $?”

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      2. Anthonys as well. Mitchells Tavern. One of the strip clubs had .25 pizza and a buddies grandma made it.

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      3. The Chiefs theme was a mix of fire chief and indian chief decor which always struck me as funny. It was a weird mix of older hill residents and college students.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Lived right down the street on north Craig my senior year. The Luna and Mitchell’s were nearby.

        Tex

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    2. See comment above regarding Anthony’s on Baum.
      Not only was the entertainment good they had a bullpen for warm ups.
      “Bring in the lefty!”

      Liked by 2 people

  24. that bracket of famous Oakland area institutions was pretty fascinating, even for a non-alum. I must admit to not knowing at least 25% of them. In addition, while I have been to Roy Rodgers, I have never been to that Roy Rodgers.

    Like most electronic polls these days, the results will most likely be skewed towards the most recent places. For example, the first round match-up between Forbes Field and Qdabo should be a no-brainers IMO, yet I wouldn’t be surprised if it lost. Probably most of the pollers have no memory of FF; ironically, most of the people with memory of FF may have never been to a Qdabo

    FWIW, I like Qdabo … it is less crowded than Chipotles and it has limes as one of its condiments. But those FF hot dogs, taken fresh out of the steamer and then having spicy stadium mustard and pre-dices onions added is another thing.

    I assume the Qdabo in Oakland is not much different than thousands of other Qdabos around the world, but there was only one Forbes Field

    Liked by 1 person

  25. BTW, Rich in SC, as always I enjoyed your analysis and appreciate your efforts. Keep it up. The lack of response directly to it I believe has much to do the subject matter …. the current Coastal cellar dweller.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Oh and thanks to Mike and Richard comes through again as well. Thanks again to both of you.

    ^^Bill, the smells that wafted through the Forbes Field air on game-days are something I will never forget, including those hotdogs, cigars, etc. It reminded me of a circus.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ah, the FF memories. I grew up in Oakland and went to around 50 Pirate games a year. I’m including all the games I went to during the 7th inning stretch when they rolled up that huge garage door gate between the bleachers and third as a convenient exit point. That also allowed a bunch of kids to go in and watch the last couple of innings for free. I always sat in the bleachers — three reasons. 1. The hot dogs were grilled, over little charcoal grills. 2. You could go down to bottom of the bleachers and talk with the guys in the bullpen. 3. I got my baseball education sitting amongst the old retired black guys from the Hill; man, the stories they could spin!

      Liked by 3 people

  27. I think it was determined that Chiefs is still open?? Pete, I never sat in the bleachers but I did sit behind an iron beam a time or two.

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  28. Richard – in my excitement over Souf Oaklin’s bracketology, I neglected to thank you for the analysis. Good stuff and I hope they don’t surprise us this year.

    Liked by 1 person

  32. A story I heard about Chiefs circa 69′-70 was that the Flinn family from Penn Hills, a wrestling and fighting family beat up a large number of Pitt Football players in a major brawl. This Flinn family is not to be confused with the other Flynn (Tommy) family from Penn Hills.
    I never frequented Chiefs it was always the Luna and sometimes Haddon Hall on that side of Oakland. Mostly stayed at the Wooden Keg and Wohlfarth’s Pub, and after graduating and Football games, Chances Are, Zeldas and Hemingways.
    Only witnessed one major brawl at Wohlfarths. I was playing pinball in the back when mayhem broke out, mugs and bodies flying. Ended as quickly as it started. Thankfully never made it to the Pinball area although a few beer mugs came close. Did have a gun pulled on me outside of Haddon Hall, a very unpleasant experience.

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  33. a very unpleasant experience gc? I had a gun pointed two inches from my belly and the junkie was sweating like a loon. It was a little more than unpleasant. So I ripped the gun out of his hand and pistol whipped him. << So OK that part of the story is untrue. 🙂

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    1. Not ashamed that we turned and ran while they laughed. I was pretty fast back then.

      Like

  34. Also missed were Quinques(pronounced CheeChees) Cicero’s, Cum Laude, Flo’s records, Canters Deli and Sonny Daye’s, a great Jazz Joint.

    Also name changes of bars, Cozy’s/Peters Pub and Wohlfarths/Sanctuary/Chances Are. although both
    Gustines and Hemingways are listed.

    How about the Honus Wagner Statue, moved to PNC Park?

    Lots of great memories.

    Like

  35. If there is a season, Steelers play the Ravens at home on Thanksgiving night with Pitt scheduled to play Syracuse at home 1.5-2 days later. I would expect the field to be pretty chopped up.

    Like

  36. Is the Cricket Lounge still open? I was snuck in as an 18 year old frosh and went through puberty in about ten minutes.

    Liked by 1 person

  37. If I’m reading the schedules right it looks like the PITT vs Notre Dame game is the same weekend the Steelers play Cleveland at home at 1:00 next day.

    Like

    1. ike, that looks right to me. If Pitt/ND is a night game there will really be a quick turnaround for the field to be ready for the Stiller’s on Sunday.

      Like

  38. Pete, Uncle used to take my brother and I and his 5 boys to FF. Always left field bleachers and got there for batting practice because the long foul balls hit from the cage ( that was stored in center field) would always end up down the steps where that roll up gate was. Man, did we get a lot of balls that way. And the dogs were some of my favorite memories.
    Some people are hit harder with this virus than other. Have lost an aunt and cousin so far, also another cousins kid is a doc in Boston, she had it and said it was the most awful experience of her life. Guess everyone’s view is shaded by personal experience.

    Liked by 1 person

  41. From JoeKnew – “Some people are hit harder with this virus than other. Have lost an aunt and cousin so far, also another cousins kid is a doc in Boston, she had it and said it was the most awful experience of her life. Guess everyone’s view is shaded by personal experience.”

    Excellent observation, JoeK and my condolences to you and your family.

    Like

  42. new 3-2-1 column at Pantherlair suggests we may be seeing a few more Pat Signals this weekend. Two 3-star OLs from Detroit and a 3-star LB from Georgia appear to be leaning towards Pitt according to C Peak. There is also a TE announcing this weekend with Pitt among the finalists but Peak thinks he is going elsewhere.

    Yes, Tex, I know they are only 3-stars

    Like

    1. The fact that we will have potentially four OL’s in the fold in May is a step up from the past few seasons. Granted the bar was set pretty low…

      Like

    2. If they are 5.7 rated threes, then I’m ok. And if they don’t have offers from Elon and holy cross, I’m estatic.

      Tex

      Like

        1. My son Tex can get pissed off about anything to do with PITT football. Yet I understand, we all want the same thing. We just express our disappointment in different ways.

          Like

      2. Agreed Tex. ALthough I would insert “only” between “from” and “Elon” and am guessing thats the spirit of your comment.

        It was argued in this space a few years ago that the move from 5.7 to 5.8 was a higher leap than from 5.6 to 5.7. Somehow there was some sort of hughe jump and that that point system wasn’t linear. That argument was used to discredit the 5.7’s as “almost 4 stars”. I later learned from Rivals that was a load of crap and indeed the scoring is linear.

        Im saying this again so that whether one favors vinegar or koolaid, its importnat to at least know what is in your beverage. FWIW…I will take bourbon – or some Crown with BigB.

        Like

  44. The recruit sucks because Elon offered him? That’s some convoluted logic son. I recommend you don’t reach too far as you may tear your virtual rotator cuff.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s the P5 offers that matter Dad. I can get an offer from Elon at my age. I jest you not. You might get offered by holy cross.

      Tex

      Like

  45. Per PSN, Coach Borbs told a recruit that Pitt plans to take 5 Olinemen in this recruiting class.

    Good news.

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    1. Should do it every year. If only two pan out you still have a decent OL with your Sophs, jrs and seniors

      Like

    2. OLmen recruits are a real crapshoot for the most part. Several high profile programs recruiting many 4 stars are still deficient when it comes to OL play. Getting 5 OLmen this year only suggests to me at least how little faith they have in the group in house today.—-By the way that Grad Transfer from Hampton also said he will be announcing shortly. I don’t think Pitt will get both those recruits from Detroit. i think we need the Grad Transfer to shore up the OL for this season if only as a reserve.

      Like

  46. Oline recruit numbers have been down – though we have moved some TE recruits to Oline. Hasn’t worked except for O’Neill, though I do expect Van Lynn to start the next time we get to play.

    Bringing in a ton of DEs has worked to upgrade that position. I guess the trouble is that you can’t bring in extra guys at every position…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  47. John, I would prefer bringing in more O lineman than D lineman…always thought it was easier to move linebackers to DL than tight ends to OL.
    Never saw data on that…just my thought.

    Liked by 1 person

  48. Right John and it’s a two fold dilemma as well. First it’s a hard position to project average to good to great. Second, I think Narduzzi figured out that you don’t bring in recruits at that position just for the sake of filling a void or slot if he isn’t certain the young man will help the team down the road at some point in time.

    Throw in the new transfer rules and it’s going to be tough to keep a budding star who has to wait his time on the bench for a few years, which is the best medicine for an O-Lineman and all players.

    The world of litigation, have the “KIDS” sign a contract and not a letter of commitment as well as the coaches that sign the kid. . and yes the schools too! Pay the young players.

    Like

  49. I think that something that ties in with Oline recruiting is the size of the pool of high school recruits, literally and figuratively.

    There are way more athletic 6’, 180# guys (DBs and WRs), than there are athletic 6’2, 220# guys (LBs…). And more of these guys than the 6’4”, 240# guys (DEs and TEs). And the smallest pool are the guys who are athletic and go 6’5”+and 280+#.

    The athletic guys in the jumbo size category are going to be swarmed by the already rich teams – leaving the rest of us slim pickings and looking for “late bloomers,” late growers, roughened diamonds, position changers, and what have you.

    Since that is tough business, the transfer portal now offers another option…

    I don’t think it’s easy (or just requires effort) to get a 6’6” 280 pounder who can move their feet well to come to Pitt. This kid would have the option to go anywhere. So we need to find the best available. Some say all you need to do is coach them up. Obviously that helps, but knowing nothing about Oline techniques, I feel like I can tell after watching one series how well an Olineman is capable of playing. You can just tell by how well they move…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 3 people

  51. Pitt should bring in 5 OLs every year and not worry about losing some to transfer. Same goes for DLs. Quantity breeds quality and the quality guys who start won’t transfer.

    Like

  53. So I was sitting here and I realized that don’t feel anything. I mean nothing. BLAH! I remember the days that I couldn’t wait for the weekend to get here. Now the weekends are the worst. In recent years I’ve noticed my passion for sports other than PITT football was waning and waning badly, now, I yearn for anything live and wasn’t played in 2002 on the TV. So I sit here in WPA with 27 degree temps outside and so depressed I can hardly collect my thoughts. Anticipation is a good thing…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I second that “Hang in there, ike!”

      (I’m thinkin’ you may have just encountered a minor distortion in the space-time continuum located somewhere near Lay-trobe…😊)

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 2 people

  55. Sorry to hear about your family Joe Knew.

    Hang in there Ike. this is definitely tough to take, but many, many have it worse than us.

    Liked by 3 people

  59. Ike – you really need to move south and take up golf. Sunny most every day; 8 weeks max with temps in the 30s (30s only till noon); golf only frustrates for a couple hours.

    We’ll keep the light on for you!

    Liked by 1 person

  60. Gee whiz guys, thanks for the encouragement, I’m not on the edge right now but it’s getting a little tedious. Last thing I ever thought would happen when I retired was that I would ever be bored to death. Our daughter and two of our grand-kids are coming over today to drop off a Mothers Day surprise for my wife. But they aren’t coming in the house. Ouch!

    Defrosting a prime rib for Mothers Day big enough to feed a family of ten but we will be alone tomorrow. Glad we have Eli to keep us company.

    Here’s something sent to me…….

    https://hosted.ap.org/post-gazette/article/16fb37ea28d558942d1cb40304bd672c/emmert-unlikely-all-schools-will-start-seasons-same-time

    Like

  61. BL I use to golf but never had the time to commit to the sport. Never really good, actually teetering on lousy at times. I could hit a tee shot a mile but too often it was a mile away from the intended hole. I’m a very competitive person but the funny thing is, I never took golf as a competitive sport. Never got upset or threw a club. Just enjoy the birds singing in the mornings and took in the beauty of the nature surrounding me. I have too big of a family in Pa to move away for now but moving south has crossed my mind quite often. Thanks friend

    and again thanks to all for your kinds words of encouragement. I’m fine just venting on a slow day in hell…….

    Liked by 1 person

  62. Pitt transfer V’lique Carter ends up at Albany. IMO should have done better, but on the other hand, good for Coach Gattuso

    Liked by 1 person

      1. He’s too talented for that place. Wish he’d stuck it out at Pitt but hope he succeeds

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Can’t ever fault a kid for wanting to play. But you are right MM, this seems like a big step back. He did have a niche here and was going to play.

          Like

  63. Here is something to ponder on this Sprinter day… I got this from Jeff Feruzza on the Pitt Fan Fanatics FB page. I hope he doesn’t mind if I post the survey here.
    If you were going to put together an offense to make a National Championship run, which set of skilled players would you pick….

    A. QB Kenny Pickett, RB Curtis Martin, WR Larry Fitzgerald
    B. QB Dan Marino, RB James Conner, WR Tyler Boyd
    C. QB Rod Rutherford, RB LeSean McCoy, WR Jon Baldwin
    D. QB Tyler Palko, RB Tony Dorsett, WR Antonio Bryant

    Much to Pat Nardozzi’s chagrin, I would take the B group, although it would need a good line to protect Dan Marino.

    Thoughts?
    PittPT

    Like

    1. I’d go with A. Kenny just needs to put the ball in the right zip code and Fitz comes down with it.

      Like

    2. Why not Marino, Dorsett and Fitz, then there would be no contest.

      But playing the game as drawn up, have to go with Tony Dorsett, he is the only one in the group to actually have earned a National Championship Ring. One of two with a Super Bowl Ring which he earned on the field.

      Like

      1. Marino couldn’t win one with the greateast assembly of college players of all time.

        Like

  65. That’s a tough one Mark and would absolutely depend on the O-line strengths. That question will have me scratching my head all night. Right now I’m going with D

    Like

  67. The final should be Forbes Field vs PITT stadium and should end in a tie………… You had to BE THERE!!!

    Like

  68. For sure should be be Forbes Field and Pitt Stadium in the finals with the game called due to lightning. There are few Pitt fans bigger than me but tough to vote against the site of the amazing epic HR to win the 1960 World Series and I believe the site of Babe Ruth’s last 2 HRs.
    PittPT

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ruth’s last 3 HRs including the 1st ever over the right field roof. Opened in 1909 with Honus Wagner at shortstop and closed in 1970 with Clemente in right. Also hosted many a Crawford and Grays’ game with the great Josh Gibson.

      Like

  69. !00% agree with Forbes Field. Peter’s Pub, give me a break!
    Plus how does the O not make it at least to the quarter finals.

    No one has even mentioned Children’s Hospital.

    Liked by 1 person

  72. Bunch of millennial voters who know nothing about history. And I have a History Minor from Pitt. Russian and the Classics. My history with Pitt begins in 1976 when I begin to have memories of Pitt sports. Remember I’m a Gen Xer.

    I’m sure you baby boomers are about to go nuclear over the results

    Tex

    Like

  73. FWIW, Herald Standard reporting that locally Cal U and Waynesburg U planning for in-person fall semester.🤞
    PittPT

    Like

    1. Hopefully they can pull it off. But managing 3000 students is far easier than Pitts 30,000

      And Pitt has one of if not the highest student density populations in not just the states but the world.

      No other college crams this many on less than 100 acres and has upmc and multiple other businesses and transients.

      Not going to happen at pitt unless pitt catches the stupid virus

      Tex

      Like

    2. There is a lot of planning going on. NFL planning to open practice facilities.

      The damn bug is going to have a lot to say about whether those plans get implemented, along with
      all the constituent users.

      Liked by 1 person

  75. Tex, I know this is next to impossible but if we could ever find all the players that made it big or ended up at a big school that had an offer from Elon your jaw would drop like the Texas oil prices.

    Like

  77. I know Tex understands this already and I consider him a good friend but I have to say. Tex speaks his mind and much of his thoughts I can agree with while some, maybe not so much BUT! Which is what makes Tex special. He can give it and be given it back. Good on you my son.

    Like

    1. Thanks Dad. I’ll send you a special gift for Fathers Day next month. Text me your email dad since we’ve been estranged since the Narduzzi hiring. 682-209-7602

      Your run away son Tex

      Like

  78. Pat Signal at 8:22 pm.

    No 2021 hashtag, so likely a transfer. Hopefully it is the Hampton kid. Wouldn’t hate if it is the Ohio State receiver either.

    Like

  79. Forbes Field memories:

    —Attended an All-Star game in 1959 when I was ten. Remember Maz knocking in a run with a liner down the left field line. NL beat the AL.
    —Attended first game of the 1960 World Series – Bucs beat the Yanks 6-4. The Deacon got the win.
    —Played a few games in Forbes Field. I think Pitt played a few games there – but I played some games there for the “Little Pirates” when I was 16.
    —Saw the Pirates beat both Koufax and Drysdale in a twilight double header in 1965 — when Koufax and Drysdale were at the top of their games.
    —Had another interaction with the Pirates in Forbes Field while I was at Pitt. Unfortunately it was the highlight of my baseball career 😊. A story for another time, perhaps.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I have the Pittsburgh Press “Never Was There Any Doubt” page of pics October 14, 1960 showing Bill Mazeroski coming to home While a “stunned” Casey Stengel watches. Often wondered if it had any value.

      Liked by 1 person

  80. I didn’t know there was an OSU receiver in play. The OT from Hampton would be a good get IMO.

    Like

    1. Jaelen Gill.

      Also an NC State defensive back in play but he is likely deciding at a later time.

      Like

  82. I have to chuckle to myself, if Wilson starts and plays well he’s just a transfer because PITT hasn’t brought in good enough recruits and if Wilson doesn’t play well?? ……….. Coach Borb is a bum either way? Love the pending miss-logic like a bad moon rising.

    Like

  83. Ike thanks for the video on the way to bed.
    Do any of these fifth year seniors really produce. If he was any good why not drafted? Ho hum
    HAIL TO PITT

    Like

  84. Sounds good that USC and WVU were recruiting this Oline transfer.

    My wild guess is that he and Van Lynn will start at the tackle spots if we get to play…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  85. For the “Things that aren’t there anymore- Oakland Edition” (cue Rick Sebak…) My vote would have been for: “Top Ten (or Top 25 for that matter) football team”- you know, if it had been a choice.

    Like

  86. Hampton U beat up on my homeboyz Elizabeth City State U Vikings last year… check out the Hampton Pirates schedule…. and welcome to the big time…..

    https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=m9W3XuqQOqGk_QaemofoBA&q=hampton+u+football+schedule+2019&oq=hampton+u+fb+schedule+2019&gs_lcp=ChFtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1ocBABGAAyBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB4yBQghEKABMggIIRAWEB0QHjoCCCk6BQgpEKABOgUIABCDAToCCAA6AgguOgUILhCTAjoCCAU6BQgAEM0COgUIIRCrAjoHCCEQChCgAVC4GFijqgFgoNgBaABwAHgAgAG6AogB5RySAQg5LjEyLjQuMZgBAKABAbABCg&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-hp#sie=t;/m/0gjcb8_;6;/g/11ckvnrr7z;mt;fp;1;;

    Like

  87. We need a running game and to have a running game we need quality lineman and that includes coaching… that remains the million dollar question with this outfit!!!

    Like

  88. …. much of our 2019 passing game substituted of the AWOL running game…. we didn’t have much of a passing game either (IMO) in 2019

    Like

  89. Our offense scored 275 points during 13 games in 2019… That averages about 21.1 points a game produced by our offense… That sucks… It has down trending over the last three years… That ain’t cutting it… Meanwhile, our defense gave up 292 points a game… If this year’s defense is all that it’s cracked up to be opponents should be scoring under 21 points a game… That’s my opinion…

    Looks like there’s going to be a football season… Our stadium is the perfect size and we can fill it to capacity with our 35,000 bodies…Lastrow and Farmer’s Dairy are working on social distancing worlds. I received a leak that there will be no more passing the bottle to take a shot before the game unless you’re wearing a mask!

    Annie… Happy Mother’s Day… Same to all the wives of you good men!

    Liked by 1 person

  90. Our offense scored 275 points during 13 games in 2019… That averages about 21.1 points a game produced by our offense… That sucks… It has down trending over the last three years… That ain’t cutting it… Meanwhile, our defense gave up 292 points a game… If this year’s defense is all that it’s cracked up to be opponents should be scoring under 21 points a game… That’s my opinion…

    Looks like there’s going to be a football season… Our stadium is the perfect size and we can fill it to capacity with our 35,000 bodies…Lastrow and Farmer’s Dairy are working on social distancing worlds. I received a leak that there will be no more passing the bottle to take a shot before the game unless you’re wearing a mask!

    Annie… Happy Mother’s Day… Same to all the wives of you good men!

    Liked by 1 person

  93. FWIW, here are the tenants of Forbes Field

    Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB) (1909–1970)
    Pittsburgh Pirates/Steelers (NFL) (1933–1963)
    Philadelphia–Pittsburgh “Steagles” (NFL) (1943)
    “Card-Pitt” (NFL) (1944)
    Pittsburgh Panthers (NCAA) (1909–1924)
    Homestead Grays (Negro leagues) (1922–1939)
    Pittsburgh Americans (AFL) (1936–1937)
    Pittsburgh Phantoms (NPSL) (1967)

    I actually attended a Phantom’s game; never realized there were so many foreign-speaking people in the area (I was young) I also saw my 1st NFL game there, Steelers-Browns, and saw Jimmy Brown.

    Like

  94. I think it was 1967 when the Latrobe Wildcats won the WPIAL championship at Forbes Field in the pouring rain?

    Like

      1. Thanks Jamers, I’ve lived in Latrobe now for well over forty years and know a lot of the guys who played on that team, Ron B included. I am a 73 grad of Gbg Salem high though.

        Liked by 1 person

          1. To bad you guys lost Tim Sweeney. He really turned that football program around. My oldest son was good friends with him. I like him despite the fact he was a psu football captain.

            Like

            1. He was a senior when I was a sophomore. We would practice defensive back drills and I would regularly beat him on a route. One day he had enough. He ripped off his chinstrap and cracked me over my helmet. When the metal from the buckle hits your helmet, your ears ring for hours. He was rather full of himself. I suppose he had a right to be- he was an outstanding athlete. His older brother Matt was an awesome dude!
              Unfortunate that he left, but totally understandable. The only good thing is that maybe now Derry will go to a uniform that is less Penn State influenced. I don’t know if you noticed that when he got the job, Derry got rid of any helmet emblems and stripes and tried to plain Jane the uniforms. Funny thing is, when Tim was playing high school, we always had decals. In addition, we had reward stickers- most notably skull and cross-bones- given when we met certain offensive/defensive goals. Tim always made sure he was first in line to receive his when they were passed out and was sure to tease his teammates who had less than him. Coach Albaugh retired after Tim’s senior year. That is when they hired Baldonieri. He was a Penn State fanatic and the first thing he did was try to strip down our uniforms. The school district and boosters said “no” to new uniforms. He had to settle for no helmet decals, so my junior and senior years our helmets only had a stripe down the crown. My dad designed a decal. I put it on my helmet one day for pictures and tried to practice. Coach B flipped out and wouldn’t let me practice until I removed it. Just more reasons I hated Penn State!

              Like

              1. Sweeney left Derry under strict orders from what I heard. I met his once when he came over for a summer party. He seemed ok enough and like I mentioned, he was a friend of my oldest son. Baldonari’s son graduated with my youngest son and lives a few blocks over from us. They are nice people.

                Like

                1. Didn’t know about the ultimatum. Not easy to do what he was doing. I am happy for him to find a chance closer to home.

                  I liked Tim -and in no way meant to disparage him. I could tell some stories that would paint a more complete picture of what I meant, but that is better left to conversations you have at tailgates. Tim absolutely has my respect for how he turned out and the quality of coach he is. I wish him the best!

                  Now, as for my coach- Ron B….let’s just say that I had a pretty good football career- a lot of kids stood on the sidelines wishing they could be me, but….hopefully someday I will make it to one of the famous POV tailgates and if you are also there I can finish the story!

                  Like

  98. Changing my vote to Forbes Field…Haha. forgot Pitt Stadium build was 1925.
    Happy Mothers Day.
    Ike, enjoy the sunshine while it lasts…

    Like

  100. Thanks Fran, looks good outside for a change. Gonna put the rib roast in the oven early so I can eat leftovers all day and all week. Fran, I took a cue from you and bought a meat slicer, looks like prime rib steak sandwiches all week coming up. I guess life could be worse. Now to get my hands on some nice buns if you what I mean.. 😉

    Have a nice day you Muddahs

    Liked by 2 people

  101. It’s about your college experience, not overall standing. Never saw Forbes Field outside of the marker where home plate was. Never made it to the Decade. The O was a great spot as a freshman. Once I moved out of the Towers, Uncle Sam’s quickly became the go to food spot on campus and you had Larry and Carroll’s for pizza delivery … steak and cheese wedge anyone?

    I went to Pitt from 93′-98′ … not many great memories at Pitt Stadium. Tearing down that decrepit stadium exercised so many demons for me. Haha. The losses. Oh the losses … there were so many of them. Getting pissed on at a trough because a guy passed out midstream and created a rainbow of urine making anyone in proximity collateral damage. F that place. Haha.

    Every Thursday night from 94′-98′ was spent at Peter’s. Every weekday in-between classes I grabbed my free beer, included with my beer club membership, at Peter’s … That was the trick … Go at lunch and they hung the mug back up … that way you could get another free drink from your mug that night. Easy choice for Peter’s for me.

    Any SAE’s on here will understand the phenomenon known as Paddy Murphy and why PHI hold a special place in our hearts.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I liked Peters. Was one of my go to places. They had bucket of beer night with rolling rocks in my day. But I wouldn’t have voted it to win the championship. To me it was the O and pitt stadium in the final. Fitzgerald also holds some good memories as well. That place doesn’t get enough credit.

      Tex

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Believe me when I tell you SAEs live to be 60, 70, and even 80 years old. Being in one of those groups and as an EA, I have to admit that I have no idea what Paddy Murphy is.

      Like

    3. TT for the win! Great story about the piss troughs. Standing in line for ever with a bunch of drunks. Somebody earlier said something about pre-mature evacuation. You could get back to the Towers faster than standing in those lines.

      Like

  104. Not a big deal, but so typical. PG has a headline about a top PA recruit de-committing from Clemson to play football at PSU.

    Turns out the kid is a top baseball recruit who had committed to Clemson to play baseball.

    Could be a good get, but a totally Nitwit headline.

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    1. get this … he is a 4-star 247 but only a 5.4 2-star Rivals recruit. But of course, I expect that to change. In fairness, he has a 4-star offer list

      Like

  105. Maybe I am wrong about this Major but I and a friend attended a game where Koufax and Friend pitched. I was in the $1 bleachers instead of studying for final exam. Pirates won and I passed the final (my friend did not). It was 1964. A great memory for sure. H2P

    Liked by 1 person

  106. Looks like more recruits rollin rollin rollin in. Maybe Tex will start dancing on table tops?? 🙂

    Like

    1. I don’t dance on table tops but have been known to swing around poles. I won’t post the disturbing video but your imaginations can have at it

      Tex

      Like

  107. Quick question regarding the star ranking…how many “experts” have input to each players score?
    And how many total “experts” have input at any one site?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Happy to see you put “experts” in quotations Fran. Any screwball could see Paris Ford is good but did the same screwball see how good Pat Jones the II was going to become? I mean besides Narduzzi.

      Like

  110. hate to spoil it but there are 3 Pat signals so you know how it ends …. just like romantic comedies or action hero movies.

    Like

  112. Biggie B just maybe happy with an O-lineman…….. or two…..?? It’s the Honorable thing to do…..

    Like

  113. Bernie – if our defense can average giving up less than 21 points a game, then our offense won’t have to score nearly as many points as we all would like them to. We could score all our points in the 1st half, and go conservative in the 2nd half (h-m-m-m, I think we’ve already tried that strategy! How’d that work out for you? “Not too goooood”.)

    Like

  114. First prediction…. PITT will not play and OOC game other than MAYBE Notre Dame?

    Second…. PITT will score more than 21 points a game IF they play any games at all.

    Thirdly….. Sammy Howell will be figured out, he’s good but a little challenged against a good defense. Don’t you think it’s a little weird that PITT finally beat UNC last year with Sammy?

    Fourth…….. Hope to see some of you guys and gals this coming season but sadly it looks like to me that will have to happen over the internet

    Liked by 1 person

  115. “Enos the Olineman” looks like quite the roadgrader. I’m calling him as a guard.

    He’s a 5.7, BTW, and apparently had an offer from LSU…. One of the stargazers even had him crystal-balled to LSU…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. well if nothing else, that makes a 5,7 and three 5.6 OL in the last class and this one so far.

      Like

  116. I don’t know much about football, but something that puzzles me is why you need 325 pound OTs to block 250 pound DEs.

    Seems like you are just giving the DE a distinct advantage in quickness around the edge by having OTs that large…

    Someone explain, please…😊

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  118. seems to me that since it’s Mother’s Day, the next Pitt commit is an extremely honorable one

    Like

  120. Based only on the very limited HUDL tapes, the OT is a going to be a road-grading OG (doesn’t stop till his man is on the ground) and the LB from GA looks to have the same quickness to the ball as the Fla LB transfer that made Pitt’s defense so much better last year (sorry forgot his name).

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Funny I said the same thing in my analysis without having read this.

        Like

  122. You don’t need a four star o line. You need four stars at skilled positions. The line is more about coaching and experience. These are hogs. You feed them slop and not prime rib. But if your hogs can’t grunt, they are no better than bacon.

    Tex who likes a good breakfast

    Liked by 1 person

  123. Lots of new bodies committing to Pitt this weekend. Let’s hope they all end playing like 4 and 5 stars.

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  124. well, Major, right now Pitt at 5:30 pm, Pitt Fb has top billing with a picture of the Duzz on the PG Sports page … likely won’t last

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  125. Nice to see the four legit-looking Oline recruits in this class. I think we all want to see more of them. (Now a legit TE would be somewhat radical, but we always need some things to complain about…)

    It’s puzzling as heck, and doesn’t account for anticipated changes in positions or transfers, but here are the number of Pitt Oline recruits by year…

    2015 — 2
    2016 — 3
    2017 — 5
    2018 — 3
    2019 — 2
    2020 — 2
    2021 —4 so far…

    Go Pitt.

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  126. Pingback: Pitt Beats Spanish Flu and Georgia Tech, Wins National Championship. (And a Way-Too-Early Look at GT Roster Changes) – College Football Gameday

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