Header Photo Credit:  Dave DiCello.  Website/ Pittsburgh Photo Gallery

There has been a lot of speculation around whether or not there will be a college football season.  Concerns about student and student-athlete safety are paramount of course.  Concerns about revenue are secondary only to that.  University athletic departments are likely wringing their hands behind closed doors while doing as much contingency planning as they can, and as you might expect with an organization as ineffectual as the NCAA, nobody has really stepped up to lead.

And so, the season will likely be up to the individual universities and conferences.  Here are some selected tweets and articles that I’ve found relevant, and that are meant to drive discussion.

Note:  DO NOT PULL POLITICS INTO THIS DISCUSSION.  I will shut it down immediately.  That means no references to either party, no reference to any political leaders, no reference to any news or media organization.  You get the idea.  If in doubt err on the side of caution.  Keep it around sports.  Yes it’s intertwined with states opening up, but you can have that debate without expressing your political opinion.  Example:  Georgia is currently open.  Fact.  That means universities are likely to open.  I may or may not agree with that, but it’s a possibility based on a fact.  As long as I stay away from talking about the Governor, this kind of comment is in bounds.  You guys have done a good job of self-policing so far.  Keep it up.

 

Full image of header image…may you bask in its glory…season or not

Cathedral Golden

 

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.

296 thoughts on “Is there Going to be a Season?”

  2. Below is a copy and paste from the final comment of the previous blog. It is indeed possible that even within conferences, participation will vary widely

    NCAA Pres Emerick said the NCAA will not mandate uniformity in college sports this coming season.
    As of now, it doesn’t appear the California PAC12 school will open in the fall, whereas pro sports are allowed to restart this Sunday in Arizona.

    Many conferences cover a wide geographic area which includes Northern and Southern schools as well as urban and rural schools … and certainly the ACC falls into this category

    It’s possible that some conferences will have some teams playing while others have to sit due to legal mandates and/or being in hot areas. Heck, even in our state of PA, there is a wide range of C19 cases being reported between the far eastern counties and the rest of the state. Maybe schools like Temple, Rutgers and UConn may have sit out this FB season. Maybe BC and Cuse?

    Be prepared to expect anything this fall ,,,, from full schedules to no schedules, and everything in between

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fact is there is virtually no risk of death to someone under 35 that’s not morbidly obese or have some other comorbidity. Let the boomers, super fatties, and the weak remain caged for as long as they wish. Let the normal people decide for themselves. I know what all my college friends would pick. No way KP and the rest are choosing to forfeit the season.

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      1. But here is where I think you are missing the point Mr Hoppiehead and I’m pretty sure I know who you are 😉 But I do have have kidney cancer and a known cancerous tumor remains in my body as we speak. So all you hardy son’s of guns imo can roam freely on your own will. So you become Asymptomatic and you want to come over and give me a firm handshake and or a hug. Would you consider that a responsible thing for you to do that? This is the microcosm of the complexity of what and how we handle this virus and get back to playing football. imo, it’s ok to take control of your life but leave me out of it. OR maybe you’re right, maybe I should say to hell with it and take a chance like I did my whole life. Then again and believe it or not… my family and grand-kids love me and wants me to stick around. Watch their games, see them graduate and get married way down the road.

        Liked by 4 people

        1. Amen Ike.

          You millennials can go to hell with that attitude. You have no right to pass a virus that kills.

          Come down to Texas and I’ll teach you some manners. And I’m gen X so I can surely beat your butt in any match. I’m of good health, an athlete, a former coach and take no prisoners.

          You name the game Hoopie. You’ll lose more than your pride.

          Tex

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          2. Lol now it’s “my weee pride is damaged so travel all the way to Texas and then I’ll break all important my boomer quarantine and fight you because im triggered”

            Sure thing boomer
            What’s your address

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          3. See this is what I’m talking about here exactly…

            This hypocrite gets triggered by the suggestion that extremely low risk individuals maybe should be allowed to go about their lives and at risk individuals should protect themselves. Angrily calls for the shutdowns to continue while comparing it to mass child rape.
            At the same time asking a stranger on the internet he disagrees with to travel across the country so he could break quarantine to fight him

            Congrats bro you’re boomer af

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        2. whomever hoopieland is he clearly went to WVCC, not on merit. Hail open admissions in West Virgina. Got the C myself but yours appears worse, good luck ole buddy

          Liked by 1 person

        3. Ike, I hear your concern, but I think you’re missing the larger point. Those who have risk factors (diabetes, obesity, auto-immune problems, cancer, etc.) are free to choose to continue to isolate themselves. Don’t let other people come to visit. Send a family member to the grocery store. Don’t hug people, don’t shake hands. If you stay home and stay safe your risk of contracting Corona is virtually nil. YOU control all of these decisions. Let the rest of those who don’t share in your risk factors go about their lives. Their risk of death from Corona is very small, but it’s THEIR decision. We can’t hunker down indefinitely. Time to move on.

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          1. Oh scotts I totally am in agreement with that, just hope it’s done responsibly. I’m 100% for opening up the economy and the sports seasons. There is no bigger advocate of only trying to control what each individual can control. Which is different in all people.

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      2. Boomers is now a word that is considered discrimination, pedantic ie for you hoopies that means not a nice word. Class prevents me from saying more – hang those clay pots

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  3. How do you ensure fan safety. How do you ensure safety of players and staff

    Not to say it won’t happen but it will be extremely challenging.

    I can only see it happening if all players and staff get the antigen test, get tested randomly each day or a minimum of once per week, get routine temp checks, practice safety protocols outside practice and games, constant sanitation of equipment.

    For fans, there probably should be some max capacity for stadiums. Like 20-25 percent. Constant sanitation. Required masks. And rapid test everyone prior to entry. Social distancing at tailgates.

    I’d feel comfortable with those steps for phase 1

    If that works, loosen some more for phase 2. Closely monitor and make sure to quickly react based on the data.

    Common sense approach to me

    To those who think it’s draconian, I have choice words for you.

    Tex who has no right to infect and kill someone based on his own ignorance or stupid defiance

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Here’s a common sense approach…if you’re worried about catching Corona, don’t go to the games. Your choice. Don’t let anyone in your immediate household go to games. Lock yourself in the basement if it makes you feel better. Let those at low risk make their own decisions. If you’re right and they all catch Corona, you won’t have to worry about them much longer.

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  4. Cant comment. Personal experience has made me much to jaded. Pro sports that open first will impact what happens. If successful then perhaps modified schedule. If problems then it’s a whole different thing.

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  6. Would love to see Pitt play the Tide in the opener even though we would get destroyed. I would love to see Pitt play Florida, Auburn, LSU, and USC…I bet we’ve never played them in our history.

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    1. Pitt played USC several times in the early 70s but only a few SEC teams including Georgia of course.

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    2. Pitt played Florida in Gainesville in 1977, when Matt Cavanaugh was Senior QB. Ended in a 17-17 tie. They were too afraid to return the trip to Pittsburgh. And as the guy below mentioned we had AD vs TD at Pitt Stadium in ’74 or ’75.

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  7. The biggest health risk to Pitts players is from the schools who don’t take the virus seriously and don’t follow cdc protocols.

    I think the ACC should issue some basic minimum standardsbfor all member schools to follow. And also require any non conference school to practice these min standards or else games between schools won’t be played.

    You can’t leave this up to each individual school or conference. There has to be some minimum requirements for the safety of all involved. Or else it’s the Wild West out there.

    Tex who prefers a more quiet west.

    Liked by 2 people

  8. The money machines will make every attempt at having a football season this year but insurance and liability issues after a few cases surfaces will make a full college football season unsustainable and next to impossible.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Whats the difference between an actuary and a Sicilian actuary?

        An actuary can tell you how many people will die in a given year.
        A Sicilian actuary can give names and dates.

        And I mean no disrespect Godfather….

        Liked by 5 people

  9. Proximity wristbands are being tested in Europe. Will alert you when you’re too close to someone. I’d make mine have various zap settings. Low voltage for pitt fans. High voltage for any pedo or hoopie. Who knows what you might catch from those schools

    Tex

    Liked by 5 people

  10. BigB says there will be FB …the question I have—- will the lineman taking 6 ft splits???????

    We are opening the OBX to visitors this weekend including peeps from hotspots … our area has been minimally impacted….

    We have newer developed a cure for the flu and even the common cold in my lifetime… only a flu shot which is hit and miss…. we have managed vaccines for smallpox and polio… so I am not holding my breath and wait around for a cure that may or may not happen- EVER!!! Common sense should dictate. Glad we are in the ACC footprint with Syracuse and BC being outliers in their proximity to hotspots…. just make sure those charter planes get the white-globe de-contamination….

    Who knows- maybe drive-in move theaters make a comeback and that’s where the POVerts circle the wagons to watch our boys…..

    Liked by 2 people

    1. OBX is one of my favorites. Duck and coralla are my preferences. I hope they are turning away any hoopie from entering though. You can catch worse things than covid from those Appalachian mountain people. Like tooth fairy syndrome. A strong urge to pull out your teeth.

      You’re right about vaccines. They may not find a cure. By the time we have a potential vaccine that can be widely distributed, there might already be herd immunity

      The NCAA will learn from soccer in Europe. They are opening up shortly. Tweaks will be made along the way. We’ll see if they can pull it off in England where cases are still increasing. I miss my Sunday morning fix of the premier league.

      Tex the soccer junkie.

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  12. Although numbers of cases and deaths and cases are going down on the east coast, numbers are still going up in a lot of areas. Too many variables to make predictions. Depends on what happens over the next two months as we relax efforts to contain this thing.

    To paraphrase “Men plan covid laughs”

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    1. covid cases are going up in areas where they were thinking they were out of danger and tried opening up. Like California and Texas will be next. Questions… how will the NCAA or any conference pull off a football season without students on campus. Do these universities expect students to continue to pay for online classes while football players are on campus?

      No aspersions to any of our fine esquires on the POV but the puddle of drool collecting underfoot of some ambulance chasers will make it hard to navigate without being adept at puddle jumping. Open season for litigation… College football season won’t happen in it’s entirety.. Maybe in some sort of fashion??

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Does everyone where a helmet with a full face-shield?

    Great opportunity for some clever entrepreneurs at Pitt or CMU to come up with some products that make it “Covid-19 safe” to play football…

    And to tailgate! 😊

    Go Pitt.

    Go Pitt.

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    1. Great time to engineer a virus certified on campus stadium.

      Much wider spaces between seats and rows. Thermal imaging. Automated sanitation. On site test lab.

      I can definitely see required visers for all helmets. Required gloves and proper disposal. Might have to go through five pairs of gloves per game.

      That social distance wristband for frans tailgate.

      Tex

      Liked by 1 person

  14. I think there will be conference games only. Each conference will have its own set of rules for safety.
    As soon as Alabama opens, if they aren’t already, you know Sabin will find a way to get practices in.

    So I believe on Friday, PA can have gatherings of 25 or less. Open the weight room and practice facilities, limit practice sessions by position group or anything less than 25 including coaches. Let’s get this ball rolling. Put the players up in an off campus facility like they do for camp.

    As far as the games, you can limit attendance, leave spaces in seating, etc. but you have to trust people to protect themselves and practice social distancing. Go to a Costco or Walmart, for the most part, people are trying to stay apart but it is impossible to do 100% of the time.

    The virus is here to stay, there will be a lot more death unfortunately and there will be another virus in the future. We can’t stay confined until science catches up. Invest in Zoom, don’t invest in commercial real estate, it will all be good. 🙂

    Now let’s play some freaking football!!!!

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    1. I hope so Ike. It is all going to depend on how the first pro sport opening goes. Everyone will follow the leader.

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  16. But Ike is right about insurance and liability. I can see players, coaches, conferences and schools all suing each other over negligence or unsafe work conditions.

    You really think a school like bama is going to practice what they preach. And they aren’t really preaching social distancing and cdc guidance. That’s why I’m concerned for any school that plays them. My belief is that they value the dollar and school pride over lives.

    Much like what penn state did.

    Tex

    Tex

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Remain in your home with the rest of the boomers and super fatties then and let the men live

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    2. Seriously the fact that there are chicken littles like this fella running around with their heads cut off comparing covering up mass child rape to a tiny tiny tiny chance of a normal young perks. dying from a flu like disease is just a microcosm of what’s wrong here.

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      2. It’s young people who are asymptomatic who spread the virus to older at risk folks.

        You must come from a privileged background. This virus is devastating certain under privileged communities all across America.

        I’m not comfortable losing any more lives but your way of thinking contributes to higher death rates than necessary.

        It has nothing to do about being a man or brave. It has everything to do about being smart and doing the right thing until a vaccine and effective treatments.

        Tex

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        1. Yup stay inside forever until a vaccine is discovered instead of taking a 0.00003% chance of dying

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          1. If you are a “herd immunity” proponent, critical mass for that to occur, 60 to 75% of the population has to have been infected. The mortality rates in such a situation would be more like 0.1% under such circumstances across the entire population, with likelihood of death being directly proportional with age. BTW, this 0.1% mortality % is just my opinion, (like your 0.00003% is). The official mortality % is more like 1.5% presently but those numbers are skewed because they utilize only “confirmed cases” of COVID-19, which are grossly under reported due to the lack of adequate testing. So I’m assuming that in real life, a factor of 10x more infections than are actually being reported. In any case, you quoting 0.00003% is fake news my friend, since that would be one death in every 333,333 of infected individuals, which of course is nonsense.

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            1. It was hyperbole but for a 20 year old athlete the mortality rate is likely closer to my number than yours

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              1. Wrong again. But that assumption of yours might be due to to the fact that you’re not real good with statistics.

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    3. very little(like zero except never zero) of this is about school pride

      there are always decisions about the value of the dollar vs lives, always

      there is value to LIFE and living and what we are doing now is not living,,,needs to end soon

      i am all for strategic planning for opening up with precautions as we are getting to the point of understanding the risks

      it won’t go perfect, keep innovating more precautions

      nothing is perfect

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      1. There is more to life than sports. Why the urge to hastily get back to ‘normal’?

        Things are opening up everywhere. It’s not like the US is in total lockdown.

        Sports will gradually open up as well. Watch and learn from the premier league.

        And I beg to differ on the school pride. It has very much to do with school pride and getting ones identity back. That return to normalcy found through football which is a religion down here in the south or plains.

        Tex

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    4. Tex

      That is why I think it will be limited to conference play. The SEC will go balls to the wall. Other conferences will be cautious. Each conference will have its own set of rules. The clean kids won’t want to play in the sandbox with the dirty kids. LOL

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  17. I don’t care what the topic is …. people will believe what they want to believe. I m a Steelers’ fan and I firmly believe the Patriots are cheaters

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  18. Will be interesting to see what the outcome of # of infections to # of deaths will be…. if it’s 1 death per hundred count me in … if it’s 1 outta 10- that’s another animal …. will Fran and the Wolfe have a drive thru window or curbside service for ole BigB who is in the high risk fun crowd…..

    Tex, you got any coal miner blood in you…. sound like Texas has softened that Indiana Penna in you…?

    Good to see my buddy Mehalovick back on here!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  19. I can’t see football with fans in attendance unless there is a sure fire treatment or a vaccine in place. Both are highly unlikely before the 2020 season begins.

    I’ve only missed one home game on 20 years or more but i regret to say my seats will be empty if they play this fall.

    I’m trying not to let this thing get to me but every time I have to go out and come in contact with people, I fret for the next 3 days about who I infected and who infected me. So moving through a stadium crowd, even a modest one, and having fans squeezing past us to and from the concessions and the bathrooms is just not a risk I am willing to take.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Why not have “crop dusters” flying over stadia, practice facilities, etc every 10 minutes or so, “dusting” with bursts of sanitizer??

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    3. Not effective enough. Parenteral administration, much more effective. A good dose of sodium hypochlorite IV QD for a few days & I guarantee you that contracting COVID-19 will be the least of your concerns.

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    2. i’ve seen far goofier worn,,,mostly at pro football games 🙂

      and for me, it’s not about sports, it’s life, so happens we are just talking mostly sports here

      Will got off waitlist to GT so need to either drive or fly to see the campus, there will be more on the planes this time when i called to check, 50-60 passengers booked already where 2 weeks ago 9-12 on flight to Jacksonville

      how long should we wait? what FR, CFR, MR do you need to see?

      isolate the old and comorbid and do the best you can with everyone else
      now or when? vaccine? what?

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    3. Does it come with Pitt script? Maybe we could rig it with one of those apparatus that can hold two cans of Fanta and mounted straw?

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  22. How do you get people in and out of a stadium safely?

    I think the best bet is to have made for TV events without fans, if they can figure out how to keep players, coaches etc. safe. At least you have the TV revenue. If Covid is “under control” then you can add fans.

    Although I am pretty sure Emmert said no sports if the schools don’t go back to class.

    The fact that they are not playing golf for TV tells me that the players don’t feel safe to travel, stay in hotels etc. In pro sports the Players unions will make the final decision.

    Big college football events require hotels, bars and restaurants to be fully open, just don’t see that happening by September.

    Pitt has a huge medical resource next door. What about rural schools that could’nt handle a major outbreak?
    Penn States Hospital is in Hershey PA. It is not just students that could get sick, lots of employees.

    Many more questions than answers at this point.

    We are only three months away.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Probably leave according to your section to prevent overcrowding. Your ticket will probably also have a time entry stamp on it.

      There are practical solutions. But this is a new normal and I’m sorry to say hoopie troll whose a so called millennial , it’s here to stay because the old normal didn’t and doesn’t work.

      Tex who will pay for plane fair to match up in any game of the hoopie trolls choosing

      PS And you don’t want to challenge me in any drinking game. You’re warned.

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  23. Even with mandatory virus testing of players, if a star player from Alabama, LSU, etc., tests positive but feels fine and has no symptoms, do you really think that their coach will have him put in quarantine for 21 days?

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    1. No they won’t and they will play him and he will infect other players who will eventually infect a high risk person. In my book that’s murder.

      Tex

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      1. how did it get to the high risk person? c’mon Tex, you need to do better than that

        get creative, think, solve

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        1. The economy and sports are already reopening. All different approaches. Some will be more successful than others. The answers will come in time. But one thing me and the expert scientists agree on who care about health and safety is that we shouldn’t rush blindly into opening. Human selfishness and greed will be our undoing. I’m confident that Pitt will have a solid plan for both students and athletes. Not so confident about other schools. And that should scare you.

          Tex

          Tex

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          1. Good. Good. Remain confined to your home forever. You could possibly get a flu like disease if you don’t!

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      2. Now you’re a lawyer as well as Superman, athlete, coach, fighter, advisor, prognosticator, writer, engineer, analyst, medical expert, etc. WOW

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      3. Tex, that would be an easy plea bargain down to “negligent homicide” for any defensive attorney worth his/her weight.

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        1. Yes you are correct. But you go to your grave knowing you killed someone. For most people, that scars your soul.

          Tex

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  25. It seems pretty doubtful that the ACCN will be showing up on Comcast this year. How could a contract be negotiated when the number of games played could change at any time? The ACC should offer up the TV rights to local coverage if they have any sympathy for those of us on Comcast.

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  26. So, for all you with a bad case of “Bravdo Syndrom”, who in the near future, will be passing the Corona Virus back and forth to each other: we are in the 19th mutation of this bug. What makes you so sure that Corona won’t mutate again (and/or again) developing a more potent strain of Covid to take you out?

    Although you are unaware, your theory about the old and the infirm and the obese being “scared” has a corollary. The only reason we were able live long enough to get old/infirmed/obese is because sometime after we passed the age of 35, we began to develop/increase a self-preserving property called COMMON SENSE.

    I hope you live long enough to join us – I love it when a youngster matures, and crosses over from the dark side!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Mark Twain.
      ““When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Cool story boomer. You should remain confined to your home until you die of a massive heart attack or an OD just to be sure.

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  27. San Jose St just announced plans for a Virtual online fall semester …. no students on campus. They are also the PSU fodder for Sept 19

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    1. Kids doing well in the classroom and staying out of trouble: sounds like Narduzzi is doing really well in the two areas the BoT and the other jerk Pitt administrators claim to be so worried about.

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  30. One point of view:
    Mark Cuban: When we can all test like the White House does, I’ll bring the Mavericks back.

    But here’s a letter to the editor I read this morning and couldn’t agree with more:

    “Those who disdain government lockdown, mask and distancing directives in the name of their civil liberties are violating the right of us all to be safe. While we value freedom, we cannot use it to harm others.

    The asymptomatic may unwittingly pass on the disease before they sense illness. There is no security in having had a negative test for Covid-19. One may have contracted the virus at any time afterward. In ignoring mask and distancing guidance, one increases one’s own risk of becoming infected and then spreading the contagion.

    Disdaining Covid-19 protections is not just accepting a personal risk, as in bungee jumping. It is forcing others to also accept this risk. There is nothing admirable about such an assertion of personal rights. It is a selfish threat to every one of us.”

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Obviously this person who wrote this letter to the editor isn’t keeping abreast of things. Just doing what he’s told to. And people who so easily hand over their civil liberties, are frightening in their own regard.
      If you want to hand over yours…. fine, don’t hand over ours, based on editorials and not science.

      At the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO), which have also updated their guidelines for the use of protective face masks, warn instead that “The wide use of masks by healthy people in the community setting is not supported by current evidence and carries uncertainties and critical risks.”

      SARS-COV-2 is the virus that causes Covid19

      https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/new-study-questions-the-effectiveness-of-masks-against-sars-cov-2

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      1. While the synopsis you provided doesn’t go into specifics, I read a while back that cloth masks were somewhere around 30% effective – now what that means? Do they stop 30% of particles? Better than nothing I guess. Surgical masks 60%. Clearly with updated research this may change. What this article does not touch on is the human psychology. When I see someone in a mask it’s a constant and over reminder that something is not normal. Reminds me to stay six feet away. Reminds me not to shake hands. Maybe reminds me to wash / sanitize hands more often. Are these things the end all be all? No. Can they help? I believe they can.

        Liked by 5 people

        1. Well, you wanting to wear one, cause it makes you feel better, is a far cry from mandating or forcing people to wear something, that has not been found to be effective.

          Does it ?

          And speaking of psychology. What kind of problems are some people going to have from being isolated ?
          After all, Isolation is used in some forms of military and covert agency Torture. And a lot of that is permanent damage.

          https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-covid-19-isolation-psychology/

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          1. We as a society aren’t isolated. You’re free to travel. You just might not be able to dine in at your fav restaurant or hit your fav beach. Big deal. Deal with it.

            Tex

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              1. Already had the flu back in February. Took two weeks to fully recover. Could have been covid. I actually hope it was so I have the antibodies. Need to take the antigen test but availability is limited unfortunately. My plasma could save lives and I’d be free to travel back to the commonwealth from this great Republic.

                Tex

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              2. And thank you for the mex because texmex is a great combo. Come on down to Texas and I’ll show ya.

                Tex who lives in a republic that is the face of America in 20 years and will determine every presidential election forever. How’s dem Mexican jumping beans.

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    3. Oh no someone might crash their car I guess no one should drive
      . If you drive you are forcing others to accept this tiny risk. There is nothing admirable about this assertion of rights. You driving is a selfish threat to me and must be banned.

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      1. @ hoopiehead, I was wondering when such an analogy was going to pop up from you. So here’s the reply to the driving analogy.
        There is a risk to society when a citizen gets behind the wheel, but society is willing to accept that risk because the benefits of efficient personal transportation far outweighs the risks, in order to promote a vibrant, healthy economy within that society.
        In order to minimize that risk however, there are laws limiting speeds & demanding appropriate behavior behind the wheel, like stopping at red lights, etc. Also the regulation of vehicles helps with safety by requiring inspections of vehicles while other government mandates have encouraged vehicle improvements with air bags, etc.
        So yeah, we can’t stay locked down forever. For our economy & society to remain functional, we have to open up. Doing it in a responsible manner is all that is necessary to do it safely. When dealing with the masses however, the issue is always the individuals who feel that they are above the rest of society and feel that such imposed regulations are an imposition on their life & liberty.
        From a practical point of view, successful implementation of any reopening strategy will be sabotaged by the irresponsible behavior of the few, who hold such myopic attitudes.
        When a society’s success is dependent on the actions of the most ignorant & selfish among us, then failure should be the anticipated result. Just one man’s opinion.

        Liked by 6 people

        1. Oooo so the benefit of working and going outside and celebrating life events is not worth the tiny tiny tiny chance of contracting and dying from a flu like disease…

          Hot take Doctor 😂😂

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          1. It’s not worth you infecting innocents. That’s the point but selfish people like you will never get it. It’s always somehow about my liberties being taken away. And it’s not fair. That’s big baby and bully behavior.

            Tex

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            1. … says the person crying and demanding for other people to destroy their jobs and remain confined to their homes indefinitely.

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  31. Looks like we need to talk to the Russians and find their secret for surviving the coronavirus. The US is reporting 1 death for every 17 reported cases.

    The Russians are reporting 1 death for every 110 reported cases…

    Of course the numbers are suspect…but, just in case, maybe we should start recruiting in Russia…🤔

    Go Pitt.

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  32. And, for Hoopie, this is from a recent article by a noted scientist who has studied this extensively:
    “Symptomatic people are not the only way the virus is shed. We know that at least 44% of all infections–and the majority of community-acquired transmissions–occur from people without any symptoms (asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic people). You can be shedding the virus into the environment for up to 5 days before symptoms begin.”
    So Hoopie, PLEASE wear a mask and stay as far away from other people as possible.

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    1. Or if you’re that frightened you can just remain confined forever. Problem solved.

      Like

      1. Not really. But you have a right to your opinion, irrespective on whether or not it can be substantiated & defended by referring to scientific fact, logic, or historical perspective.

        Like

        1. You have not presented any facts, logic or scientific perspective except at all. Again, if you are so frightened stay in your home.

          Like

  33. ^^ or Hoopieman can do the world a favor and stay in west virginie while not wearing a mask down there. cough cough….. sneeze sneeze. but please don’t travel north to Fayette County, good people down there.

    Like

  34. I think you see every team do it differently just like 1918. Pitt was the national champion with a 4-1 record I believe. Teams played shorter seasons then but there was a discrepancy between schools due to flu and World War I. I suspect schools will play between 6 and 10 games and perhaps a playoff will be expanded just for this year as a result.

    Like

  36. How many scholarships does Capel have available for 2021? He seems to be in on some good players for next year.

    Like

  38. Unless there is some insurance protection I dont look for playing this year. If there are no games this year then are all the players granted an extra year? I would think so/
    I nominate Hoopie for the person to be infected and given the placebo vaccine. Any one second that?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hoopies carry diseases far worse than covid.

      Tex who has a half hoopie wife and should know

      Like

        1. Well her moms side is west virginny. Their dog was named the N word. I can’t make this stuff up it’s written on a black and white photo. Her dads side is Erie and Pittsburgh. Her dads side is also Sicilian. Hence my fondness for meatballs.

          Tex

          Like

    2. “Derp somebody disagrees with me let’s hope he gets infected with a disease I’m deathly afraid of derp”

      ^^^^ This boomer ^^^^

      Like

    3. Not me. Since giving a vaccine, even if it was 100% effective in producing immunity, is therapy that is a day late & a dollar short.
      I’d suggest internal UV light irradiation therapy instead, preferably applied rectally.

      Like

      1. That’s how you guys react when someone doesn’t agree with being confined to their homes. Good sheeple

        Like

  39. Can’t think of any matters more taxing than this.

    Fact: In PA 80% of all deaths from COVID occurred in nursing homes.
    Fact: In PA 6% of the 20% non-nursing home deaths (1.2%) occurred in the age group 19-24.
    Fact: Testing is projected to increase geometrically over the next few months
    Fact: According to the CEO of UPMC less than 2% of its beds were used for COVID,
    Fact: No hospitals in W. PA were ever close to being strained by the virus
    Fact: COVID treatments reducing the impact exist now and more will in the future per CDC
    Fact: Fauci (no comment permitted) indicated it is “highly-likely” anti-bodies will provide protection

    IMO every conference should develop its own guidelines and limit play to only inter-conference games. Every player should be tested for anti-bodies. Players without anti-bodies should be tested every day and if infected quarantined. Due to the co-morbidities potentially in fans, and the contagious nature of the virus, games should be played in empty stadiums (sorry, but its the right thing to do).

    Conferences should renegotiate and insure its games are readily available to fans with any cable system, and cable systems which refuse should be fined or sanctioned in some manner. Referees, coaches, etc. should be subject to the same testing guidelines as the players.

    The seniors on every team deserve to play the game they dedicated their lives to for 22-24 years and based on 3 months experience the risk of serious health implications to these healthy young men is extremely small.

    It won’t be the same, but then again, until a vaccine is developed and widely distributed nothing in our lives will be the same, but we should still endeavor to make it as much the same as possible.

    We should NOT give in to this damn thing, out of fear.

    Like

    1. The risk to young healthy adults is small but the risk of that population passing the virus to their coaches, referees and others associated with practice and games is high. They would need to be tested daily. Ideally have antibodies.

      Tex

      Like

    2. Fact: These PA statistics were assembled in an environment of sheltering in place of it’s population with an economy slowed down allowing only for “essential workers” to conduct business since March 23rd, (7 weeks at this point in time).
      Under such societal circumstances, the hope would be that the RO (R naught) of COVID-19 would be less than one. It wasn’t, since proliferation of the disease continued to increase under such circumstances.
      Therefore IMO, we will see a secondary spike in the United States to COVID-19. Unless there is some game changer breakthrough in treatment or prevention therapy around the corner, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this spike will occur as our economy reopens, NONE!
      The determining factor on how severe this secondary epi curve spikes will depend BOTH on the responsible conduct of the individual as well as appropriate actions by authorities in reopening the economy intelligently.
      In that regard, circling back to the subject of “will there be a college football season come September”, the probable answer will unfortunately be NO, at least not with fans in the stands.
      IMO, if authorities allow such “nonessential” events like viewing college football games in person, in crowded stadiums, in the midst of what will be a secondary wave of infection by that time, it would be inexcusable. I’m so disappointed about this, because Pitt’s defense this year would have been stellar, but alas there will be no Pitt football this September.
      You heard it here first.

      Like

  40. and some wonder why sports need to get back on the courts and fields? Maybe now we understand why these athletes make millions of dollars to break and throw their bodies around? We miss them!

    Like

  41. Wednesday night and I looked at my wife and said…… ” we need to have house party Friday night even if it’s just the two of us… and no I’m not playing the song just the two of us.

    Liked by 1 person

  42. Remember you heard it here first…..

    Around late July/Early August a miracle drug will be found. It will not be a vaccine (they’re may never be a vaccine). This drug will be a Covid 19 flu shot. It will prevent you from getting it, keep you from re-getting it. And if you have it, mute the effects. Sports will return to normal with fans and proof that you’ve had the shot. And Pitt will go 7-5.

    I have scientists that tell me this.

    Like

    1. There is a job opening just waiting for you to fill it. However it will require relocating to the Nation’s capitol.
      (As with your comment, sarcasm intended)

      Like

      1. The most sarcasm from your comment being applied to the final regular season record of 7-5 of course.

        Like

  43. Dan – let me know the conpany who will make that drug please so I can buy 50k of stock and retire by 2022 and just run the POV Open. Hope you are well friend. Upitt

    As a side note I ate at On the Border today inside the Eatery. Haha. Everything was fine albeit slow.

    Like

      2. and if true, that’s all i need to know to get back out of cash and metals
        buy air, cruise, energy and banks,,,,really everything

        Like

  44. Gilead was founded in 1987 and is based in Foster City, Calif. The company had 11,800 employees in 2019 and $22.45 billion in revenue.

    Like

  45. I read in USA Today they would have to configure the locker rooms for distancing which is ludicrous because as soon as the players go on the field they are on top of each other anyway.

    Like

  46. Dan, did the scientists also tell you that Pitt would go 7-5? What formula did they use to predict this? 🙂

    Like

  47. Per Dan above, Johnson and Johnson has been working on a Covid flu shot since January.
    There must be other companies too.

    Like

  51. My prediction: The ACC plays with a reduced schedule. Pitt has their best team in years. We win the Coastal but with an asterisk.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. all things considered, I will take it … especially if they play a full league schedule

      Like

  52. @VoR from last night …

    according to my count, Pitt currently has 1 open schollie. T Brown will be the only Sr so Capel will have 2 openings for 2021.

    Of course, I wouldn’t be surprised if there is some attrition. The roster looks to be overloaded on the wing and frontcourt so maybe you will see a transfer or two.

    Like

  53. I was trying to respond to Ike above but got wordpressed, so let me try again. I need to leave so this will be quick and I have NOT read all comments above so sorry for any duplication.

    I respect Ike’s situation very much, we ALL have loved ones that are vulnerable, myself included, but I do NOT understand the logic of trying to quarantine the entire country instead of the vulnerable, it strikes me as bass-ackwards. I am not a millennial by any stretch, but I will act to go about freely and prudently wherever I go, and if football games are open to the public as they should be, I will be happy to attend. I will take my own risks as I see reasonable, and I will stay away from loved ones that are vulnerable until we have a vaccine or other treatment, hopefully end of year.

    Again, the “logic’ of quarantining the entire country instead of the vulnerable strikes me as laughable, if not selfish in many cases, and is a detriment to society as we speak. Nobody is suggesting we should operate in public as things were prior to the virus, but we should and can act prudently.

    Those are my opinions. Hail to Pitt.

    1618mt

    Like

  54. When quarantines were put in place, New York City hospitals were very close to being overwhelmed by the disease. We have obviously learned a lot since then and continue to learn from experience. We now know that the disease does not just affect the respiratory system and that younger healthy people can also die although not as frequently as older people especially those that are frail. We still do not know the long term affects on healthy people that survive the disease.

    So how do you protect the more vulnerable when they live amongst the less vulnerable? Easier said than done. Stay at home and social distancing is saving a lot of lives, but is causing tremendous economic pain and suffering. As these requirements are lifted we will learn even more about how to handle the spread.

    The balancing act has begun and we will continue to learn as we go.

    There is no right or wrong answer at this point and a lot of risk/reward decisions to be made.

    Liked by 5 people

  55. I prefer to have a retirement and a job to protect. Stay home another 2-3 months and those will be gone. This mindset is great for you over 60 people but not me with a young family and life to live. My state is open. Progress is being made.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I have no quarrel with that. We all hope it works out. One size does not fit all. Texas numbers are good by comparison. At your age and fitness your risk is low, but not zero. Healthy guys yor age have been clotting and dying of stroke but not many. Don’t lick any door knobs and you should be fine.

      Like

      2. in SE PA, Philadelphia County has > 15,000 cases and > 900 deaths; in NE PA, Warren County has 2 cases and 0 deaths. While I still think it wouldn’t hurt to wear masks in Warren Cty, certainly they can take more liberties.

        The issue I see is when outsiders start to infiltrate. If precautions are not taken, things can change

        Like

    2. Preach Billy, preach 🙂 You need to change that to Billy Graham.

      The economy is taking a huge hit now and it will continue struggling for a long time because of the shut down. The state governments screwed up by shutting down all businesses except essential.
      Perfect example is letting Home Depot stay open, but closing some poor mom and pop nursery that will now go out of business. Where is the risk greater? Certainly at Home Depot. I can give hundreds of examples. They could have done a blanket closure at first for emergency purposes, then backed off it for small businesses.

      In the government’s defense, there is no playbook for something that hasn’t happened in 100 years.

      Like

    3. I agree Mark and 1618, you got to go back to work while there is still a job to go back to. Doing that as safe as possible is the best bet or they will shut down this country again. The fact that my mother who was in her mid 30’s died on the living room couch of the 57/58 flu pandemic because there were no beds available in the hospitals, has no bearing on my decision to stay safe but does linger in the back of my mind.

      Like

    4. Actually, you youngsters have plenty of time for things to recover.
      Not good for those approaching retirement and find themselves out of work.

      And retirees aren’t imune form the market woes either.

      But fully get the family to feed and saving for college argument.

      Like

    5. Another 2-3 months won’t kill you like the virus

      The economy and market will come back.

      You have the next 30 years to make up for a lost 3-6 months.

      Tex

      Like

  58. I go to one game each year as it is not easy to arrange for more than that. I will miss this year and hope everyone who goes to be safe. Money will drive whatever is decided. I hope the players are protected as best as possible. I will insure my TVs are properly adjusted for the best picture. I assume the ACC will not be on Comcast. H2P

    Like

  59. I’m not sure if this will qualify as political, so no offense taken if removed. I just came back from golfing at Quicksilver. I play early and by myself most days, and I seem to enjoy it more that way.
    Anyhow, after my round I was complementing the head greens keeper on the great conditioning of the course. He was all smiles, but said it would be even better but they are waiting for the Mexican crew that comes up every year ( these guys are really great, they all come from the same village). I questioned weather they are coming this year, and was told, yes, but they are waiting for the bus for the past week. I said, huh? And was told the bus waits until it’s almost full before it will come, and they are having trouble filling it because people now do not want to travel here!! Honest, true story. I’m not sure why, but I found that amazing! Oh, I played really, really well. 39 on the back, 83 overall, who needs practice!!

    Like

      1. Thought they should have an white aiming stone like Lahinch in Ireland…moved daily depending on pin placement.

        Like

  61. One would think this would be a good time for the ACC and Comcast to come to an agreement. Demand this coming year will never be greater. It seems like the ACC finally has a bit of the upper hand or do they?

    Like

  63. Hopefully, common sense will prevail with regard to Comcast, ike. It seems like not knowing how many games would be played makes things more difficult to negotiate. With NBC advertising tanking due to scandal, I would think that any additional revenue would be desired by Comcast. They have certainly been sucking us dry over the past year with the new fees for TCM. I’d say it’s all about power and control of the game options…

    Like

  64. wwb, thanks for the information on Pitt BB scholarships available for 2021. With only 2 available, I would think that Capel will need to study his current roster and encourage some players to move on after this year. The BB recruiting is starting to take off now, and he is offering to a lot of really good players, so some scholarship flexibility may be needed.

    Like

  65. I just read where in the event of no fans, the NFL is planning on both fake crowd noise and virtual fans on NFL telecasts. If CFB does the same, I wonder if there will be virtual yellow seats for Pitt

    Like

  67. Pumping in noise is a good idea. Tarping. Maybe cutouts of people. Anything to improve the atmosphere. Under the right guidelines, I see no reason why fans can’t attend.

    Max capacity at 25 percent
    Screened for antibodies
    Tested for covid
    Low risk population…young and healthy
    Temp checks
    Constant sanitation
    Possible mask requirement
    Time stamped entry and exit tickets

    That’s a common sense approach to me

    Tex

    Like

    1. Tex, no one is moving my seat over so far to distance when they allow Notre Dame fans into the game. I just don’t see how a reduced crowd can possibly work. People have season tickets.

      Like

      1. Had season tickets Ike. New rules for this season. But if you’re a young and healthy season ticket holder I’d think you get first shot at seat selection. If Pitt doesn’t allow fans, some school will. These are things they are all thinking about and have a list of potential solutions for various issues.

        Pitt needs to do things safely but I don’t agree with playing in empty stadiums. I run a greater risk shopping at Walmart each day.

        Tex

        Tex

        Like

        1. hopefully they wont add IQ to the qualifications or all Texans and Hoopies would not be eligible. 🙂
          OMG you are a Walmartian

          Like

  68. My philosophy in life has always been do what you have to do to survive. Have a smoke, have a drink or just have at it. Life can throw all of us curve balls, some are hanging curve balls and we can smack them out of the park. Others, maybe not so much. I’ve said this a few times on the POV, I’ve pretty much been in self isolation for a long time but I still need something to look forward to…… LIKE SPORTS! Sports are my Sanctuary..

    Like

  69. ike, I see where there are some made for TV sports that may entertain you. I saw a good bottle cap throwing exhibition the other day, and maybe you could join Heather for a good cornhole match! The international puke spewing championships have been cancelled for this year, however… 🙂

    Like

    1. I just signed up for a spit puddle contest in Cook Forest that’s still a go. I’m just so dam out of practice since my wife domesticated me I’m a 25th seed.

      Liked by 3 people

  70. Here’s a peak at what ND plans to do…..

    https://fightingirishwire.usatoday.com/2020/05/12/notre-dame-to-limit-attendance-for-2020-home-football-games/?utm_source=smg&utm_medium=fishburne&utm_content=home-hero

    As Tex has joked, this approach won’t hurt Pitt as much in a year whenthere isn’t a PSU game. Regaridng the ND game, perhaps they only allow season ticket holders (and perhaps further narrowing that group by only giving access to those who have held their tickets for the those who have had them prior to this year the prior season as well as a number of ND fans may have bought season plans.

    One of the few things Swarbick has ever siad is in this piece. The “other students will be given priority over anyone else. Good move.

    Like

  71. Like

  72. Various fashions will depend on that schools culture, need for gate revenues, desire to return to normalcy, appetite for risk, where their community is relative to the curve and their readiness and capacity.

    I can see Pitt going without fans initially. I think that would be a mistake. Based on some common sense rules backed by science, I see no reason why 10-15k Pitt fans can’t see the games in person. I’d start with players families, students, season ticket holders and then everyone else. I’d probably ban any out of state ticket sales.

    But the guidelines or rules are important. All it takes is one person spouting off my liberties are being taken away to endanger all of us abiding by the rule of law and having respect for human life.

    I would most definitely ban the hoopie troll who lives in his mothers basement and acts like a baby and bully.

    TexMex

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tex, word from the wise, don’t worry about the things or posters you can’t control. We got your back…. not that you need us ole folks…..

      Like

    2. So 15k fans. How is that different than a normal pitt game? Heather will announce 35k whereas maybe 20k are there anyway.

      Like

      1. It won’t be any different. That’s why pitt is least impacted by covid. Pitt is in the drivers seat. The elite schools with large fanbases will get crushed. Finally Pitt wins at something that was used against them. A true blessing in yellow.

        Tex

        Liked by 1 person

  73. So PITT won’t play Duquesne this year…. that sux for local fans… someone at PITT should get a swift kick in the a$$ for that decision… ‘fraud they might lose to the Dukes is my tasks on it…

    Liked by 1 person

  75. Never understood the dukes thing. I can see it being good from a city standpoint but I’d rather play g town, UConn, St. John’s. The school does nothing for me.

    Tex who went to a real school

    Like

  76. I think there will be a season. Not sure what form it will take.

    I’m curious who will round out the two deep at the LB positions.

    Starters likely to be:
    Chase Pine at MLB
    Phil Campbell at OLB
    Cam Bright at OLB

    If healthy, the starters could be solid.

    2nd Team might be:
    Wendal Davis/Brandon George at MLB?
    Leslie Smith at OLB?
    Sirvocea Dennis at OLB? Seems big for an OLB…

    Thoughts?

    Like

    1. that appears to be it … Bengala Kamara Fr from Akron 3/4* may get some PT later in the year I guess.

      I think Campbell and Bright are real solid, Pine got some PT in the 2nd half of last year and has a mean streak

      Like

        1. Forgot about Kamara. He must not have enrolled yet.

          Good point about playing behind a good DL.

          The dropoff from the ones to the twos appears to be significant at LB.

          AJ Roberts and Solomon DeShields are two additional Freshman LBs. Roberts appears to be a MLB.

          Like

    2. Rocky — thank you for posting about Pitt players.

      I remember reading where Sirvocea (love the name) ran a 4.5 at a Northwestern camp. He was injured in his senior year, resulting in teams shying away from him. Then he did a prep-school year. Could be that Pitt lucked out getting him.

      BTW, Sirvocea grew up in Syracuse…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

    3. My first thought is how it sucked Reynolds got hurt last season and then ended up transferring. He was a thumper in the middle. I hope it comes together for Pine as a senior because George will be riding him hard. I still wish Brandon redshirted last season but he too looks like a thumper.

      Coaches seem high on Leslie Smith. This unit has been an eye sore since McKillop. There have been some terrible linebackers to come through the program since 1992 and finding an adequate trio since that time has been difficult. Narduzzi has done some decent work with at the position.

      Like

    4. Good one!!!!!!! Now remain trembling and huddled in your house while challenging strangers on the internet to travel across the country to fight 😂😂😂

      Like

  77. Just back from golfing in Maryland. Most aggravating day on the course ever. 1 person per cart unless you drove with someone, then you can share a cart. I quit after 5 hours and 13 holes when on the tee at 14 there were 9 carts and 14 people. But I lasted very well. 8 over.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Huh, I would have thought one per cart would speed things up a bit ….. shows you how much I know.

      Like

  78. At the entrance to steeler stadium, you give every fan a 1oz taste of a cow pattie smoothie. The ones that spit it out can go in. The ones that drink it down must be quarantined. Loss of taste and smell is more indicative of the covi than a temperature……

    I have already advised my wife that if I eat any of her home cooked meals, she is to get me to the hospital right away. I am in the doghouse…again.

    Me staying away from serious commentary.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Haha Huff the Third………….. imo you should stick to your serious contributions.. 🙂 Otherwise give Mrs Huff the Third my Swiss Steak recipe.

      Like

  80. This is where heather steps in and makes it happen. Even though I don’t really care and don’t consider them a rival by any means, I do understand the importance from a historical and city standpoint. It should be played. It’s the city’s game.

    Tex who Longs for the old big east.

    Like

  82. Its why dairy college ducks pitt. No upside to the game. We are officially the arrogant dairy. How do you think the dukes feel? We should know. Its the dukes march madness and for pitt it is just another game. Plus, pitt is not out of the woods from laying a turd, so you dont want to risk a loss. Schedule them out 2 years when our good talent gets better. Understanding opponents 101.

    I don’t like it at all because it makes us look like the Dairy.

    Liked by 1 person

  83. Playing Duquesne is a win win for everyone and not anything else. It’s called the city game because it’s for the city. Is Capel capable enough to get into anyone’s doghouse like Narduzzi has? I doubt it would go that far but this was a BS move by PITT!

    Liked by 1 person

  84. I hate when we act like the Peds. This year with its uncertainty no big deal except less risk of travel related virus problems. Duquesne played Pitt in the 60’s when Pitt stunk. We are acting like the Peds. Jeff is not from here, heather not from here. It was a historical rivalry. Boy cant wait for Arkansas Pine Bluff, Maryland Eastern Shore or Elon to come here. Five years from now and Capel goes to Duke and immediately announces he wont be playing UNC or NC State or any other North Carolina university. Shame on you Heather. On the other hand Huff and Heather finally agree. 🙂
    HAIL TO PITT.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I agree. Total crap — and just plain stupid — for Pitt not to play the city’s other major BB program, IMHO. And play Bobby Mo too.

      We can still lose to anybody – but play the teams that it makes sense to play.

      Pettiness…

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

  85. 212 comments when I started reading this. I saw it said no political views should be stated yet 1 of 5 seemed to keep pushing views. It is a tug a war and power fight. I wish it would all end.

    Hail pitt, sports and working on today, not October.

    Like

  86. Hmmm.. let’s play Arkansas Pine Bluff in front of 2500 fans and pay them $100,000 to come, OR PLAY THE DUKES AT THE PETE AND SELL IT OUT??? Seems simple. Also, Heather, don’t publicly commit to playing the game and then renege. It’s a real bad look.

    Liked by 1 person

  87. Skipping out on the City Game makes no sense ESPECIALLY this year. Each team would be able to minimize travel which reduces viral spread and save thousands in travel costs when the Athletic Department coffers have been so depleted. This looks like a dodge plain and simple. Very sad.
    PittPT

    Liked by 2 people

  89. Heather can step in and schedule the city game with proceeds going to the local Covid Relief fund…all in attendance (if allowed) get a school logo face mask.
    Good pr and can right a wrong decision IMHO.

    Liked by 3 people

  91. To the OT, I’m flip flopping back and forth on the three questions. Will PITT play football, will the season be canceled and or will football be played in front of fans? Throw in a fourth question and ask, will football be played and start up later then Labor Day? I’m guessing now that college football will be played in some form but if isn’t….. we are all in for serious trouble.

    For those of you that don’t like Heather here’s your chance to really let it out. I can’t believe what PITT has done in stopping the city game once again. She’s the AD and needs to step in and put the game back on schedule. I don’t give a hoot if this is Capels idea or not, she needs to take control. I get a feeling that there may be an underlying issue we all don’t know about but that shouldn’t matter in this case. Hell, the game may be cancelled anyway. Reschedule the dam game Heather!

    Like

  92. On the LBs…

    DeShields did enroll early, I believe.

    Wendall Davis looked good in limited playing time.

    And if Sirvocea and Leslie continue to develop, we should be decent at the LB position.

    Time (and injuries) will tell.

    Liked by 1 person

  93. Wait, let me be clear. I do think there is zero upside for Pitt playing the game. My expectation would be that Pitt would beat the Dukes 9 out of 10 games. The strategic point is that if the first loss is the first game of those 10, it potentially kills momentum in the media for Pitt and Capel. That is short-sighted thinking by the AD and coach. For Dambrot, it could be a program enhancer by beating Pitt now. He knows it. The duke AD needs to make a statement now that they are moving in a different direction now and in the future to not play Pitt. Not because they are afraid, but rather because Pitt is afraid and only wants to cherry pick when their talent is better. He needs a pre-emptive strike so that our AD looks even more foolish when she says next year that Duquesne won’t play and hopes Pitt fans back her. They wont. Pitt fans are dumb, but not stupid.

    That said, Heather handled it like a rookie. Who is running athletics at Pitt anyway? The AD says, this is who I scheduled and why (taking finances, scheduling times, balance of schedule, team, etc. into play). The AD then says to the coach, “absent any compelling reason that we should not play team x, y or z, please advise”. This mess starts with the AD and continues with the coach.

    I still feel there is no upside to the game and to say “the fans want this is bs”. So, I agree that the game doesnt make sense now. And to be consistent, I have also said that Pitt shouldn’t play the community college of west virgina for the exact same reason, yet our AD scheduled that. It’s inconsistent at best on her end and not well thought out.

    You schedule city games and rivalries when you are convinced you will win. That is what the Dairy college does and they are typically correct. It’s a shame but that is how it works. Unfortunately our AD only gets it half the time.

    Personally, I don’t think Pitt would beat Duquesne this year. Duquesne plays hard all the time. Pitt plays soft and entitled. Maybe the new blood changes that, but it will take a year to come to fruition. I expect to see the dukes back on the schedule when this recruiting class gets some experience.

    Like

  95. As my late Aunt Helen used to say, “Pitt could F up a two car funeral!!” Absurd that we are not playing the Dukes! Reneging on a promise and the arrogant look of a dodge makes us more like our Ped friends to the east. Sad, very sad.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. dan72…. I would only include our coach and administrators being up there in the fog of arrogance with the WE ARE nation…. that’s where I draw a line along with the so many who cheer for PITT…. At this moment I am utterly embaressed with their disgusting decision!!!! GUTLESS!!!!!Go Dukes- my daughter is a Duquesne grad..,

      Liked by 2 people

  96. Also curious about DB two-deep, and the transition to 2021 when we lose all four starters from 2020…

    Likely starters:
    Hamlin
    Ford
    Pinnock
    Mathis

    A really good group. If healthy one of the strongest units on the team. All gone after this season, I believe.

    2nd team:
    Marquis Williams
    Erick Hallet
    John Petrishen
    _______??

    There may be a big drop from the ones to the twos…

    Others:
    Brasser Stocker
    Brandon Hill
    AJ Woods (fastest guy on the team)
    Tallander
    Scott-Naji
    Mack

    Will be important to use the first few games (if played) to allow the younger guys to get some experience…

    Liked by 1 person

  97. Right you guys are. If PITT wanted to stick their noses up in the air and snub a college it should have been pedophile u getting canceled and telling them to go take a hike. It is an embarrassment imo.

    btw, I got a call from hairy arms Pat Narduzzi this morning. He didn’t take any of my questions but it was still much appreciated.

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  98. Heather is not dumb. I suspect that she wants to cut off the possibility of any potential City series all together, and this gives her a face saver if the Duquesne AD pulls the plug. Now she can say that because it didn’t work out this year it is Duquesne that doesn’t want to play in the future. If they played this year, they would be stuck playing again. If Pitt lost, it would look like they were afraid to play again if the series was then cancelled. Better to avoid the entire series now and blame it on the Duquesne AD. This was probably Pedo’s thinking with Pitt FB also.

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  99. Pitt should always play wvcc, domers and Nitters in football.

    Should always play Robert Morris, dukes and old big est teams like UConn, nova, g town and St. John’s in basketball.

    Fans will attend these games. Pitt will be competitive in all. Some might draw a national tv audience even.

    I hate chicken crappers. That’s you heather and Capel. Way to screw it to the fans.

    Let’s schedule umass and Tennessee instead for football. Let’s schedule some crap basketball school from Michigan instead.

    Heather is s dotard and Capel is just plain limp chicken. At least Narduzzi bends over and takes the ooc punishment that heather dishes out. But with Capel, she has kid gloves. What gives.

    Tex who doesn’t shy away from an old fashioned shootout at high noon

    Liked by 2 people

  100. Didn’t you mean, signed Tex with no shortage of monikers? Love it……. Yeah Heather dropped the basketball on this one.

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  101. I don’t get it either. Pitt -Duquesne is history. Was PPG to expensive? then play home and away. It is good for the City, just like Pitt -Penn State (Football) is good for the State. Hard to understand what the deal is.

    Pitt-Duquesne is a no-brainer, unless Stallings is the coach.

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  103. Unless there is a underlying issue here…… Heather should be ashamed of herself for this. I’m pissed about this.

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  104. Covid can be spread by just talking. Big medical news

    NASCAR is starting in less than 48 hours. Without fans.

    We’ll see if these teams, staffs and athletes get infected or not. All these sports will have testing multiple times per week. Big question is how does one remain contagion free and what is the plan for the inevitable outbreak.

    I can see players saying you can’t pay me enough to do this. They aren’t getting hazard pay. They won’t be sacrificial lambs for us sports junkies. They aren’t dispensable and they aren’t mission critical workers. They are well paid entertainers who also value their lives.

    I see player strikes ending any season startup. Owners are all about the money. Players like the money but their egos need fans.

    Tex

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  105. Duquesne wanting to play for free at the Pete was confirmed by their AD yesterday. He seems really irritated. And when you think about it, this is money in Pitt’s pocket …. the game has drawn > 12k at PPG and apparently, it now doesn’t even have to pay the opponent

    The only thing I can think of is that there is a rift between coaches; Capel doesn’t want to talk about this.

    In fairness, Pitt played a pretty representative pre-season last season. In addition to playing FSU in Nov and LVille in Dec, they also the FT Myer Tip-off Thanksgiving week playing Kansas St and Northwestern, played Rutgers in the B10/ACC and also WVU. This season I assume that it will be pretty much the same …. a couple ACC teams, a tourney, B10/ACC and at WVU on 12/12.

    Still, that is no excuse for not playing Duquesne

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    1. Do they have to pay PPG? And does the extra attendance vs the Pete offset that?

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      1. Duquesne is willing to play at The Pete for free … so Pitt gets all proceeds. When they played at PPG, they drew > 12k, so it stands to reason they will sell out or come close.

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  106. Based on my experience, there is some grievance or grudge. That’s petty but that’s reality. Something got under capels skin and heather wanted no part. But she really should have told him to grow up and stfu. But that’s heather for you. Never thinking big picture and long term and what the fans want and what the city needs. She’s a coward and selfish. Sue me for slander Pitt. I dare you.

    Tex with a battery on his shoulder.

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    1. The Ohio State Prez once said ‘I don’t fire Tressel, he fires me’ (or something like that.) On many campuses, the prominent coach outranks the AD. That may not be the case here (yet) but pretty sure she doesn’t want to upset the apple cart

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  107. Could it be that control of the OOC schedule by the HC was a condition of Capel’s contract? I’m pretty sure that Jamie was in control of the OOC during his tenure, but I have no idea if that control was contractual.

    If that’s the case, Heather may have no say in the matter. Maybe…

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  108. I hope, and expect, that Coach Capel has final say on the schedule. I just don’t like his thinking on this one game…

    Go Pitt.

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  109. Even so, I miss the city game. Back in the 60s Pitt lost consistently to the Dukes but Red Manning and Mossie Murphy were so much fun to hate…

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  110. I just don’t trust Dambrot. He seems a little too arrogant and cocky for me. Capel must know something but is keeping quiet about it. No one really knows what happened.

    Liked by 1 person

  112. JC has a good head on his shoulders. I’m sure he has reasons for the divide. And, he knows that winning will make fans forget a lot of sins. Us old guys dislike this move, but I wonder how the younger alumnae and students feel.

    I don’t recall going to the DU game as a student, but I did go to the Civic Arena when St. Bonaventure came there to play. The Bonnie’s were my team growing up.

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  113. Pitt looks petty for avoiding the game with Duquesne. Capel is making a big mistake,and is tone-deaf to the masses, from both schools. He’s always seemed smarter than this, but then again, he has coached under the King of Petty from the other Duke.

    Liked by 1 person

  114. Yeah BL, I rooted like hell for St Bonaventure back then when Bob Lanier played there but then he got hurt during their run to the NCAA finals. Matt Gantt picked it up and played his butt off only to come up short. That dude could jump like a kangaroo, David Thompson like.

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    1. Funny, I was a St. Bonnie fan back in the day too. Side note, I went with my son to see St. Bonaventure when he interviewed for a Master’s program there. They have one of Bob Lanier’s shoes in a display case. I could have used it as a canoe. Also, I was surprised how off the grid the school was. Only about 2.5 hours away but very isolated, north of Bradford PA.

      Liked by 1 person

  118. I remember about 6 or 7 years ago wondering how does Sean Miller keep reeling in top recruits from all over?

    I am starting to wonder the same of Maryland

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    1. The Terps were 3 and 9 last year. They sold out vs PSU (52k) in late Sept 59-0. After that, except for 40k versus Mich, they averaged about 32k (60% capacity) even with an OCS

      I highly doubt that the campus’ proximity to Reed is a selling point

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      1. They would have made a good division rival for Pitt. I looked at Maryland for grad school. Didn’t like the neighborhood. It scaried me more than South Oakland.

        Tex

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  120. PSN reporting there may be a new PITT football recruit soon. I wish Elliot Donald would just commit already and get that behind us all. Of course there will always be a spot open for him so I expect the recruit will be someone who needs to commit or face the possibility of losing his offer.

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  121. I swear I am not making any of this up. First off, I admit to being a salty, old curmudgeon … BUT

    I remember when I was living in Mentor OH and taking my early Saturday walks, and going past a field in May where spring flag FB practice was being held for 7, 8 and 9 year olds … in pads

    Now, less than an hour ago, I just walked past a girl, approx. 12 yrs old, practicing her fastpitch softball pitching to what I assume is her dad with her mom behind him holding a jugs gun. I swear!

    WTF … cue Roger Waters

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    1. Glad we didn’t have a jugs gun back when I pitched. I’m sure I would have been disappointed in the velocity of my fastball.

      As it is, I can just go on believing that I could really bring it…👍

      Go Pitt.

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      2. I threw at a Tidewater Tides game 2 years ago and couldn’t pass 45mph on the radar gun….crazy how the body declines…but I will be a boy to the end…!!!

        Liked by 3 people

        1. Hey Biggie, I hit around 90mph way way way back in the glory days. Now? …… I may need a paramedic on standby if I even tried to throw a baseball. Arthroplasty on my thumb/hand and rotator cuff surgery have me on the permanent injured reserved list. I’m not even a bystander……. I’m a standby-er.

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  122. I heard the other day that there are travel Little League baseball tournaments planning to go on as planned over Memorial weekend. ???

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  123. live sports tomorrow… Golf and auto racing.. I’ll admit to watching both on a Sunday or two in the past and I’m looking forward to watching something that I already don’t know the outcome of. Having said that… I have no clue where the golf outing or the racing venue is……. So I’ll probably turn them both off after an hour of so. 🙂

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  124. RIP Fred Willard. Some of you may remember how funny he was teaming up with Martin Mull on Mary Hartman and Fernwood 2 Night back in the 70s. But I will forever remember him as the clueless announcer in “Best in Show”

    Liked by 1 person

  125. Sad to hear the news….. He played Phil Dunfey’s father at the end and I told my wife how bad he looked. “Best in Show” is a very underrated movie imo. We’re losing too many iconic people that made my life so much more bearable. Jerry Stiller and now Fred Willard. That sucks.

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  128. Just got back from opening day on the OBX beaches….1st step back towards the ole normal…. BRING ON THE IRISH….

    Liked by 1 person

  130. Major, you can still bring it in many ways my friend…
    Loved Fred Willard…sad day.

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  132. RIP Fred kept me laughing from May Hartman and Fernwood til the end. Key to life, stay a boy and laughing till the end, now if I could only convince She Who Must Be Obeyed.

    Liked by 1 person

  133. Radar remembrance did it once at 3 Rivers and it said 40 something. I just muttered “fing thing is broke”

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  134. Sitting here, reading Mark Madden, the lunatic, go off on Pitt. My whole career has been involved at turning things on their head for an alternative that would win. I posit for Huff’s tasty food deprived life:
    What about starting a Pittsburgh Classic fundraising charity game that Pitt always goes to. You could have Pitt, RMU, Duquesne (PItt was once in the A10(, WVCC and several more teams for a weekend tournament for something all can agree on like Jimmy V Cancer? Now Huff what is the downside to that?
    We cannot and should not ever play Nits again and we must be consistent by not treating other D1 local teams like we are better, the Halycon days of the Big East are gone, Pitt FB is slightly above mediocre.Maybe we come up in ACC but so what Capel said today his goal “while he is here” blah blah Most schools are similar, there are up and down years. Add WVCC to a 20 year FB deal and tell the Peds to take a permanent hike. get the community college to make a joint pledge. Heck when they scheduled us in FB for four years after telling us to kiss their butt for years is was when Sandusky sanctions were put in place, they had no bowl game to take their team to. I told all I knew we were being used and when those so called “sanctions” were done the arrogant cow patties would drop a cow pattie on us and they did. Draw the line in the sand, the Peds will not figure in Pitt’s future period. Get the other schools to agree. The Peds will sooner or later go down – in fact they may never win the Big. I am rambling now but come up with a plan Pitt that does not embarrass us by backing out of a commitment and treat teams as we want to be treated. Good night to all. HAIL TO PITT

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    1. Madden and his partner in crime at the Trib, Tim Benz, only talks about Pitt when they have something negative to say. Other than that, they don’t eve know Pitt exists

      But one of my favorite moments happened 2 years ago when Madden wrote an article for the Trib entitled ‘Heather Lyke is over her head’ That afternoon, Jeff Capel was hired

      Liked by 1 person

  135. Pitt should have a b ball tourney every December with temple, nova, st joes, dukes, Bobby mo, and find two others like wvcc and another. 8 teams for some participation trophy. Make it some kind of cup with the winners names engraved. School that wins keeps it until relinquished. I’d pay to watch it. Nice weekend event. Have the site rotate between pitt and philly. Leave the pedos out.

    Tex

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