in Pitt Football 216 Words

News and Stuff

Trolling Twitter (in the fishing sense) and here’s what’s going on in the Pitt Sports world.

Coronavirus has clearly given the football team time to focus on their studies:

and everybody else is smart too:

 

Pittsburgh Sales Video featuring Jimmy Morrissey (and others):

We are returning a lot of starters.  Will they get better?

Kenny Pickett throwing with glove.  I know this is for muscle memory, but sometimes I think his coach needs to hire a few local dudes to bull rush him while he’s practicing those.

If you haven’t seen the popluar “My Plans / 2020” memes, it’s a thing.  Here are a few:

Watch Patrick Jones’ and Jaylen Twyman’s Zoom call with media here:

Some Coronavirus levity…from Texas.  Too bad West Virginia isn’t on the coast.

and lastly…Pitt’s recruiting might be better than the numbers indicate:

Hail to Pitt

Michaelangelo

144 thoughts on “News and Stuff”

  3. Item from the PG:

    “…the NFL is working on a helmet face guard that might provide the same sort of protection as a surgical mask.”

    And thanks MM.

    Go Pitt.

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  4. The returning starters metric only tells part of the story on defense…

    Weaver, Camp, and either Bright/Campbell are starter level contributors and Mathis is ready to step up as well.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. ESPN FB writer … I guess we should be pleased

    Hi, I’m David@ADavidHaleJoint

    My early ACC 2020 OL rankings:
    1. BC
    2. Clemson
    3. VT
    4. Cuse
    5. UNC
    6. Pitt
    7. NCSU
    8. Duke
    9. UVA
    10. Lou
    11. Wake
    12. FSU
    13. Miami
    14. GT

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  7. It’s good that pitt athletes excel in the classroom since most don’t on the field. Directors cup anyone?

    Save for volleyball, men’s soccer and wrestling, these athletes better be pulling in A grades and saving plenty of kittens from trees and walking old ladies across Forbes ave.

    The problem is that Pitt has far too few P5 athletes and is playing in a much tougher conference than the big east. And it shows.

    Will heather turn things around? Well she’s going on year 4 Dad. I think it’s close to cut bait time and finding another fishing hole.

    I hear tressel would be interested.

    Tex the steelhead fisherman.

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    1. As long as the new AD agrees to keep the two basketball coaches and guarantees to find a football staff who will recruit better than the current staff, I’m all in…

      Go Pitt.

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      1. He or she would also have to agree to a feasibility study for a MPC and men’s and women’s hockey.

        🏒 Tex

        I’ll donate $1000 for a courtyard brick to kick off the MPC and another $2000 for a POV plaque that will hang on the pitt football media doors. But heather has never asked. I’m not holding my breath unless under water watching bow legged women.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Heather is doing a good job and Pitt is lucky to have her at a Pitt price (cheap). One by one, the varsity sports are coming back but the minor sports will take a while. She can’t print money though, and Pitt’s facilities are so bad she would need a basement printing press to come up with enough. (I see they are trying to hire an assistant lacrosse coach- wonder what that pays). My biggest regret with Heather so far is her lack of commitment with regard to an OCS. Money might be a problem right now, but she needs to plant the seed and slowly paint the vision until it becomes a reality.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. She makes $400k. The lowest among all P5 schools. You get what you pay for. Last in directors cup. Last in revenues. One of the highest subsidies to keep sports afloat. I wouldn’t have her balance my checkbook or market ice cream on a 100 degree day. And Pitt can print money. It’s called donations and pitt is dead last in that as well.

      Tex

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  9. ^^ VoR….. your point concerning Heather and an OCS makes sense but do we know if she is pushing for one or not? I have the strong feeling that subject is taboo down in Oakland. She does have the power of suggestion but has nowhere near the power to have an on campus stadium built on her own. Hopefully my grand-kids are given the opportunity to sit in a sparkling brand new on campus facility after I’m long long gone. Cause it ain’t happening anytime soon.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Instead of spending $200 million on a scaled back victory Heights, don’t you think pitt could have spent $500 million for a MPC and gotten more than $20 million in donations. A MPC that would also be home to hockey and lacrosse. Could host NCAA playoff games, the frozen 4, other NCAA championships like wrestling and volleyball, international soccer friendlies and qualifiers, high school playoffs, community events, etc, etc

    But no pitt would rather build a 3500 seat venue for volleyball and gymnastics with no configurability for future hockey. That’s how misguided the leadership team is at Pitt. Your front porch is more than just a concrete slab.

    A MPC won’t be part of her legacy. That’s why she’s not pushing it. She will be gone in 3 years anyway. Heinz will be imploded in 8 years. Pitt will then find itself living on the street and eating out of garbage cans.

    Tex

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    1. Dude why in the hell would someone as fiscally prudent as you be stumping for hockey which is expensive and does not draw in revenue? Show me a business case for that hickey rink … man

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      1. Hockey is one of the few sports that makes money. It makes a profit at penn state. If you build a MPC, you don’t have to spend $80 million to build a stand alone hockey arena. The extra configurability of a MPC addresses this money issue. The only hockey specific cost is for the refrigeration. $20 million. How’s that for thinking smart. My Econ degree was not wasted.

        Tex

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          1. Feasibility study

            I know the cost. That’s easy. It’s the revenues. That depends on projections for gate receipts, game day monies, merchandise and very important third party contracts, advertising dollars and license fees.

            I have no doubt that hockey will be very popular. Probably as much as basketball. They would also be very successful. More so than basketball.

            Look at all the talent within 500 miles plus Canada.

            Tex

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  12. Tex = shockjock. Not sure if you guys are familiar with the term. Think Howard Stern. Although Howard Stern was at least funny. Tex is not a fan of Pitt. Stop falling into his amateurish verbal traps. They are just sad.

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    1. I’m not a fan of Pitt leadership. Big difference.

      I’m not one that accepts last in directors cup and wandering the desert for 40 years as signs of being blessed by God.

      Tex

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      1. As it stands now Tex………. PITT is not last in Director Cup points and would be much higher if the wrestling season would or could have finished. Second, I don’t care about the Director Cup.

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        1. Last year. This year is only half. Helped only by soccer. Only difference. The only remaining points would have been wrestling. Just like every year. Pitts points are front loaded in the cup. Pitt would have finished around 110 and not 140 based on my back of envelope math. One of the worst among P5. Why it matters is because heathers Job performance is tied to it. Most directors comp are as well. If it didn’t matter, why tie the comp. just face it, pitt sports has a tough time winning in the ACC. You get points for winning and getting to the playoffs. That’s why what men’s soccer did this year was remarkable. Not enough talk about that. First time in 50 years. And going up against 7 teams in the top 10 at one time. That’s a very marketable success story. Tex the realist.

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  13. WordPress is awesome.. takes 2 to get 1 comment. I am somewhat consistent I guess. But at least a Pitt fan.

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  14. Ike, I would start with an OCS feasibility study. If McKinsey and Company comes in and produces a report that says it is feasible and gives 3 alternatives with associated costs, well then we now have a discussion going. Another outside firm could then come in and put together a timeline, spending plan and fund raising program. Outside revenue sources from events, concerts, etc. could pay the dept service on any required borrowing. This is how it was done with Three Rivers, Heinz, PNC, etc.

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    1. They are reportedly already doing a feasibility study. And not McKinsey who are smart but know nothing about sports but our new boutique sports marketing girl who did the same thing for several other schools. Now when will it be done? And how will it be socialized with the fan base is another story. (Or is it even real? This was a Facebook rumor from six months ago)

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    2. There will soon be negative interest rates. The government will practically pay you to build right now. Money is free and will be for some time. Just need to be able to pay back the principal over 30 years. Gallagher even commented that $200 million victory Heights could become a mortgage on our future. How can it not since none of these sports make money.

      Having multiple revenue streams is the key. You get that will high utilization rates. Hence multi purpose venue. Stade Pierre mauroy

      Tex

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  15. Again my friend VoR I agree but that takes money and permission. I’m guessing…. hint hint….. Heather doesn’t have that kind of power. There are no answers blowing in the wind. Know when to hold them, know when to fold them and know when to walk away. I understand it’s very sad to say that…. Hope to see you at a game this year??

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  16. Can you imagine the Steelers saying that they would not consider moving to Washington County or Cranberry because it could disrupt future Pitt plans? They would throw Pitt under the bus in a heartbeat!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Steelers won’t need pitt the second go around to get a new stadium. They tolerate pitt. But indeed Pitt will have tire tracks on their backs. I think pitt is too stupid to see it coming.

      Tex

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  17. Tex is correct about hockey. For those that dont know, hockey talent in WPA is as good as Detroit and Chicago. Teams are ranked A, AA, and AAA. Triple AAA meaning elite. Pittsburgh has 5 AAA teams and consistently place their players in Division1. Close to Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Columbus have 1 AAA team each. New York has alot. Mercyhurst and Robert Morris play Division 1 and both make money from what I am told. Ohio State plays Division 1 and makes money for mens, and womens is a wash.

    Its a wash on Title 9 with respect to schollies. It’s a good call to add the sport and commit to it. There is way too much young hockey talent in the back yard to miss this opportunity. Also, Pitt could pluck some very good high school talent as well.

    Money isn’t that different between vic heights and ocs. It’s just not. No leaders.

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  18. I guess sports blogs like these are the stuff dreams are made of:

    1) Pitt Fb once again becoming a national power
    2) an OCS
    3) a OCHA (hockey arena)
    4) a 4-star OL

    wake me up when you guys want to return to reality

    PS – while there is indeed a lot of hockey talent in this area, the thought of building an arena now when schools are dropping programs left and right is hilarious

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nobody is saying pitt elite. Some like me are saying top 25 and ten win seasons.

      Don’t say OCS. That will never happen. But a MPC will. Home to multiple programs and usages. Year round revenue streams. Built with social distancing and virus certication in mind. First of its kind in the wave of new stadium design.

      Pitt can recruit a four star oline player if nardoozi wasn’t so lazy. But he destroys team chemistry with all these grad transfers. That’s a lazy approach to take.

      Tex

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      1. LOLZ. Yes Narduzzi is lazy. Lazy coaches go 5-7 three years in a row and get thrown out with the bath water. He may not be able to reel in the 4 star o line but he’s not lazy

        Liked by 1 person

        1. He’s lazy to rely on transfers. Because he doesn’t hustle enough on recruits or is smart enough to know what the sales pitch and value proposition is.

          Tex

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  19. Could it be that a feasibility study was already done, an OCS was found non-feasible, and the results haven’t been released?
    PittPT

    Liked by 2 people

    2. More likely the other way around.

      There are at least 7 viable site locations

      Money can always be found

      There just isn’t an immediate need

      Those are the 3 categories in any study

      Need
      Financing
      Location

      Tex

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      1. You need to find a place to park you car. Shuttling people in and out is the same thing as using Heinz except it’s the regular fans in place of the 10,000 students who may attend. Give it up already.

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  22. Fascinating how we end up with our go to discussion of an OCS when there is little else to discuss, even when there is a global pandemic that threatens our way of life in general.

    While pro sports and college football struggle to find some way to stay in business this year an OCS is even more of a pipedream than ever before.

    We have no idea what will happen as health restrictions are relaxed or when Football players are allowed to come on campus for voluntary practices. Even how many schools will actually have students on campus is in question.

    June, July, August, not a whole lot of time to develop a whole new way of doing things. Even if these are just for TV events, what about the guys in the booth and all the ancillary jobs that have to happen?

    Because of all the money at stake people are working very hard to make something happen, we all hope it works out, but we are a long way from normal. Numbers are still going up even with drastic measures being taken. We are over 1.5 million cases and near 100,000 deaths. Pandemics historically come in waves. Flare ups are still happening and will continue to happen.

    How do you isolate a football team?

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    1. My opinion is there are those who favor the herd approach like Sweden. But this approach results in more death and the rate of infection is no different

      Sweden has seven times the rate of death relative to locked down neighbor countries

      Only 5 percent of their population has immunity. The US has estimated 5 percent with stay at home and social distancing.

      Meaning that 95 percent don’t have it and within 2 years, 70 percent will have it. We’ll be herd at 70.

      That’s fact and opinion from epidemiologists.

      Until then there will be death. I doubt we ever see a proven vaccine that is effectively mass produced and distributed. But I’m the realist here.

      Tex

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tex there was never a vacinne for the Spanish flu in 1918, heck they didnt know it was viral till 4 or 5 years later. It just runs out of people it can attack,. Perhaps Gordon should quit watching his TV in empty airports (hint only 1 station on in there).

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  23. Here are some REAL numbers.

    98% of ALL infected by the virus recover. 99% of those under age of 60.

    20% of ALL infected are health care workers who’ve come into CLOSE contact with patients.

    40% of ALL deaths occurring in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living facilities.

    39 MILLION people UNEMPLOYED.

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    1. That’s only 350 dead each game! (Under sixty…)

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    2. (Well 350 dead if 100% of attendees get infected).

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  25. Cardiac hill is just another opinion, not necessarily the truth.

    It’s like responding to GC immediately above and saying it’s all overblown. I can argue if I want that the science is still clueless and there isn’t consensus on whether C19 comes back bigger and badder, or that the numbers were all inflated based on how certain states were required to report deaths. If anyone knew everything about this dreadful disease, we wouldn’t be in this position. Even people that do know, don’t always share information because it hurts their personal motivation for outcomes (see joepa).

    In life there is the truth….and our personal truths. At some point (and I think it started with the advent of the internet), everyone’s personal truths started turning into the gospel truth in peoples minds. There is no respect for other thoughts or beliefs. It”s the people that challenge the status quo and turn things upside down, going against regular thinking, that drive innovation and success.

    If we all were happy with the sky being the limit, we would not have gone to the moon, or to Mars (not in pa), etc. If we keep limiting our thoughts to status quo, we are nothing but sheep. Dropping mic…..exiting, walking backward so i can see the knives coming at me. puffdaddy!

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  26. Yo yo Huffdaddy…dont be drizzling on some bloggers shazzizle.
    Totally agree we dont know a lot…many reports of Corona being the default reason on a death report to inflate numbers.
    Polls report more Americans are optimistic than a few weeks ago.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Career leaders for rushing touchdowns at Pitt:

    1 Tony Dorsett 58
    2 James Conner 56
    3 LeSean McCoy 35
    4 Ray Graham 32
    5 Dion Lewis 30
    6 Qadree Ollison 29
    Elliott Walker 29
    8 Craig Heyward 24
    9 Darrin Hall 21
    10 Kevan Barlow 20
    Billy West 20

    (And Shady did that in only two seasons).

    We need a TD scoring RB to emerge this season…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

  29. Whether it is overblown or underblown, doesn’t really matter. The fact is there are 39 plus or minus million people unemployed, with many of those jobs never coming back. Fear is real whether it is rational or irrational doesn’t reall matter. It will take a long time for the fear to dissipate, when you can’t even keep the disease out of the White House, people are going to be scared.

    We are lucky that the percentages that POD states are true, but do you want to be a health care worker in Brazil where they let it take its course? Or work in a meat processing plant? It is correct that no one knows the specifics of what will happen next, but what is 2% of 350 million? Of course that is not going to happen because most people are smart enough to take precautions. Do you want to roll the dice and be that 1 out of 100 that dies? I get it it, many are willing to take the risk, but we don’t even know what long term effects go along with surviving the disease.

    Full disclosure, as many of you know, I am in the high risk population, so naturally I understand that younger people don’t look at this the same way. Hell, when I was a young lad, I would have been acting the fool out on a street corner with my buddies. I could tell you stories.

    Are you really equating going to the moon with building a new OCS? Just kidding.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. there are other tV stations than CNN. Over 65 is due to PA, NY and others shoving over 65 people back into nursing homes., Get a grip

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  30. yes, the % of dying is very small for people under 60. But while it still exists, the % of spreading it is obviously pretty high …. which leads to more people >60 dying. This is why I cannot comprehend the reluctance of wearing masks and taking other precautions.

    This will not end until there is a vaccine

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Although we are hearing good things, it is possible that there will not be a vaccine. There are plenty examples of this. This is why testing and contact tracing are so valuable. Death rates may actually be way lower since we have tested so few people and don’t really know how many have actually had the disease.

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  31. One Stat that POD did not mention is how racial minorities have been affected by the disease.
    Since a high percentage of athletes are minorities it may factor into what happens with pro sports.
    Although they are young and healthy, they all have kids, parents and grandparents.
    Pro unions are very strong and will have a say in what happens.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Correct you are. Many of these minority kids come from backgrounds where there is obesity, heart disease and diabetes. All high risk categories. And access to health care is limited.

      There will be players coming to school and picking up the disease and killing some relative while on break. Not all schools will have tough protocols and enforcement of them.

      That’s why I like Notre dames approach. You stay on campus and you get tested regularly. And then put in isolation if positive. But it depends on execution. I have no doubt they will execute because they are a religious school that values life and is heavily influenced by the Catholic Church.

      Who is pitt influenced by.

      Seriously, I’d require all students and players to wear ankle bracelets for surveillance and testing if they want to come back. All would get regular tests. All wear masks. All get temp checks. Those are requirements at many companies today. Haven’t heard of any lawsuits because liberties are taken away

      We lost liberties because of 9/11. Anyone on here complain then. Thought so.

      Tex

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    2. Is it that minorities live in over crowded poor communities or the virus? YOu are such a doctor/ Get a grip

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  32. Pittsburgh does not have a viable MPC or a transit system to the east. Oakland is an island. Negative money should be used to fix this. Squirrel Hill tunnel is a choke point. Will anything ever happen?

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    1. Good points Frank. I have always wanted the T to go east through Oakland which should be the highest priority. The busway is not nearly enough. Parkway East was obsolete when it was built in the 50’s.

      Although at this point in time Pittsburgh is lucky it doesn’t rely on mass transit like New York. Hard to social distance.

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      1. The new normal will impact facility design in the workplace, sporting events and transportation. Expect less crowding everywhere. There are many practical solutions to meet this need. Humans will adapt. But don’t expect to go back to the old way. The old way brought us here. The old way failed.

        Tex

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      2. After Oakland keep shooting the T out to Monroeville while they are at it. WPA terrain makes it a must for mass transit on the east side of Pittsburgh. Maybe up to Harmarville as well.

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  33. The real concern for Pittsburgh is the great restaurant business that is flat on its back all over the town.
    It is a real shame because it was awesome and won’t be the same for a long time if ever.

    Liked by 1 person

  34. Tex, you mentioned that with Heather you get what you pay for. Well, what about Narduzzi? Many of us think that we are in fact getting what we pay for, a top 40 program with a top 40 salary. So why so hard on the Duzz? You want top 20? Pay the man.

    ike, with regard to power, leaders will tell you that power is something that is perceived of the holder, not necessarily granted in a contract (everyone knew JoePa ran Pedo Valley, for example). Heather can harness the power of the position to speak out more, build relationships in Harrisburg, and to ramp up her fund raising efforts. The press seems to like her, which means she can do more press conferences and can mobilize the public relations arm to advocate more for things like fund raising and a MPC. This is the vision part that is lacking.

    And MM, the feasibility study should be launched from the perspective that an MPC WILL be built, not IF it could be built. Tell a story often enough and it will be believed. McKinsey could do the study without knowing sports since their mission is not to design the facility but would be to produce a roadmap to build and finance a public multipurpose facility. Outside revenues would be focused on non-sports activities such as concerts.

    My two cents for today…

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    1. I’m hard on Narduzzi because it’s taken so long to assemble a good staff and his recruiting is still mediocre. Football results are about commensurate with his pay. Saragin rankings around 50 most years. So technically, He’s a bit overpaid. But I’m not going to quibble. I’d like to see top 40 pay and top 25 results. If Narduzzi does that, he’s worth top 25 pay. But based on what I know and feel, he’s a 9 win ceiling coach. Until I’m proven wrong, I’m right.

      I’m hard and harder on heather. She gets an F in my grade book. Her pay brings her grade up to a C minus on a curve.

      Narduzzi gets a B minus. That’s not bad but just slightly better than mediocre. I want better students in my classroom.

      Although you and I don’t see eye to eye on many things, we do agree on a MPC. Why it won’t happen anytime soon. Not part of heathers legacy. Victory Heights is her stamp. No immediate need. Steelers won’t move to Washington or cranberry for another 10 years. And Pitt lacks vision and is lazy. They have lazy thinkers and fundraisers. That stuff requires real brains and hard work.

      You have to work real hard to be this bad at sports though. So there is some effort in the leadership.

      Tex

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        1. I never claimed to be right on anything or to have all the answers. It’s just a good probability that they leave the north shore despite all the economic development around Heinz. I wouldn’t bet against it.

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    2. There is NO power with her in the position. That is why there was a hankering for a big name AD. She doesn’t demand respect because she hasn’t earned it. In higher ed, nobody says anything bad about anyone else unless it is widely known and published. You ever wonder why Phil Mickelson never ever commented on Tiger Woods activities? Think about that golf fans. It’s because he did/does a lot of the same things.

      ADs, chancellors, coaches, players are all in on the same scam. Every visit is amazing. Anyway, she flopped at ECU and left before the walls crumbled further financially.

      Where else can you work and make the kind of money they do for mediocrity? I’ll answer. Next to steeler stadium, called the Pirates. Who are the sheep? The fans who say year after year that this is the year. The expectation should be that Pitt has a great chance and is in the mix every year.

      I think cbs just ranked the top 65 P5 coaches. Narduzzi was at 40 or 42. All the new coaches typically get the 65th spot just because they are unproven at school x. So let’s say 8-10 new guys get a lower ranking because they are newbies. Our guy is in the 40’s which is where we end up ranked most years and where we recruit most years. Mediocrity breeds mediocrity. Want mediocre, have your coach approve the AD. Stupid is as stupid does. Who upsets the gravy train?

      Extend Don’t Tex and Drive.

      Remembering my nephew KIA this weekend and all those that fought for the freedom to post koolaid nonsense.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. And the cost for a MPC is relatively easy to peg. Yes it depends on location, design and bids. But the range will be between $500 and $800 million. Bear in mind, the scaled back victory Heights project is projected to cost $200 million prior to inevitable overruns. Ike – scaled back meaning no demo of fitz and construction of new garage, no outdoor track. All were part of the initial plan. And there are 2-3 others that got left out. You’re talking about roughly another $50-$75 million.

    The revenues depend on projections that go out 30 years. You have to if the debt financing is 30 years. And frankly any project like this should have a 50 percent cash commitment before greenlighted. That means a massive fundraising campaign and upfront monies from naming rights and advertising.

    The revenues all require different scenarios and assumptions. Assumptions based on attendance, ticket prices, licensing fees, ongoing donations, naming rights, utilization rates, etc, etc. all your potential revenue streams.

    Any feasibility study will run multiple profit and loss scenarios. If Pitt paid me, I’d do it since I’m perfectly capable given my background. But they couldn’t afford me since I’d have to assemble a team and companies already exist that specialize in this work and have economies of scale. But it’s not rocket science if I can do it. I’ve cash flowed out multi million dollar projects and data modeled scenarios before. I know databases and Exel is my best friend. I’ve also read countless feasibility studies for stadiums. To me they are a good read but I’m different than most. They are well done papers. Pitt could have one for about $5 million.

    Again the main components are need, location and financing.

    I’ve done the first two already for them. Free of charge if they bothered to read my two published interviews and my comments on blogs. I have the answers because I take time to find them.

    Tex

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  36. Tex, I believe you are hard on Narduzzi and Heather because they are current …. just my opinion. Right now Capel is OK but that may change as early as mid December

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I admit. I’m probably harder on the Dog than I should be. He doesn’t get enough credit for running a clean program with high character kids and scholar athletes.

      But heather fully deserves my disdain. That’s more on the BoT for hiring her. But my personal opinion is that they wanted a women and valued her compliance background and stint at tOSU. But she had no solid experience in finance, fundraising or marketing coming in. All those are core competencies for any AD.

      She will ultimately be judged based on the men’s basketball programs success and victory Heights.

      She’s gone in three years anyway to a Big 10 school. I would have loved to have gotten F’ and D’s in school and have it be good enough for Harvard.

      Tex

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  38. Good, forward looking stadium designs will allow for expansion options if additional seats are eventually needed, either permanently or occasionally. Actually, many smaller studies could be done at the same time to bolster the on campus MPC argument, such as bringing in a small specialty firm to scout sites and determine with good accuracy the best site location and acquisition cost, including any demolition. A second firm could focus exclusively on forecasting an accurate revenue stream through advertising, signage, concerts, naming rights, etc. as Tex mentioned. A third firm could put together the financing package to accurately determine the borrowing and the annual debt service that must be covered by outside revenue.

    Tex, you may be a real pain in the a$$ at times but you are a very knowledgeable pain in the a$$! This whole MPC issue has not been looked at seriously enough by the Pitt administration. 2030 is not that far away, and the Steelers and City will soon have Pitt by the short hairs; there will not be sufficient time to come up with an alternative to further subservience to the Steelers and the City. Pitt will be forced to take the crumbs it is offered. I just don’t get why a major university with billions in endowments would tolerate being controlled like this…

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  39. FWIW, I have never attended an indoor baseball or football game … and never plan to. For that matter, I would rather bundle up and walk in 30 deg weather than to walk on a treadmill in a stuffy, crowded gym. In fact, I just now got back from an hour walk that was partially done in a light mist ,,, and feel much better than I did an hour ago.

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  40. Before I head out of town, I want to set the record straight. I’m not on here to be liked or make friends. I’m on here thanks to Chas and Reed period. This is a great forum to express all viewpoints and thank god michael has allowed this site to exist because it is much needed for Pitt fans.

    What does strike a nerve with me is being called a non pitt fan. Anyone who posts as regularly as me is a fan. I’m just one that often provides the constructive criticism and fire bomb name call. I’m often cast as the villain in movies and books. Can you guess my personality type. That’s just my nature and it’s not changing. But it doesn’t mean I don’t care about Pitt.

    What Pitt fan helped create a site advocating for an on campus stadium. I can name them all on one hand. What fan has been interviewed in two school newspapers about bringing football back to campus. I’ve attended many a tailgate with Chas after graduating. I’ve donated and continue to donate to programs that meet my criteria…see soccer and volleyball. I try to make it back for one game every year but it’s not always possible. I proudly wear my Pitt gear.

    I’m as much a fan as anyone who drinks Koolaid. I just prefer the vinegar. I have expressed facts and opinions. My opinions are often backed with supporting evidence. I don’t just make things up. I don’t just complain but I provide solutions. I do stir the pot because many of you are sleepers. The jolt is meant to awaken you. I am the spice…you know the book.

    I’m not going the UPitt route of leaving although he’s made a comeback recently. You’re stuck with me. I like the healthy debate and difference of opinions but when you are wrong I will be direct and tell you so. I’m always a straight shooter.

    I hope to meet some of you this Fall at Frans tailgate. I’ll be the tall skinny guy with a goatee and mullet in longhorn gear…I mean Pitt script.

    Hope everyone enjoys this Memorial Day weekend and takes a moment to say thanks to all who gave their lives so that we can live free.

    Tex

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Tex, we love you brother and all the time and effort you put into this blog- words spoken from you heart!!! Bring you Mom and Dad when you come to the tailgate… me n JeanieB missed them last year….. Have a great week-end….

      Great to have UPitt posting some… we need some games to get the juices flowing…

      Down here on the OUTER BANKS things are starting to normalize… living life “trumps” staying in lockdown…. but be vigilant- Let the FORCE and odds be with you!!!!

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  41. You have a great and safe Memorial Day weekend as well Tex and wherever you’re going…….. don’t be driving 90 mph to get there. I’m not sure if you’re the Ying or Yang but your give it and take it like a true PITT fan.

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  42. Tex, never once did I think you were not a fan. If nothing else, you put way too much research and are too knowledgeable about Pitt athletics to not be.

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    1. It wasn’t directed at you brother or shall I say uncle. Just something I needed to get off my chest. I feel better now. Heck one of the reasons I even post is to be a ying to your yang. Ike is more like tang.

      Tex

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  44. Tex, I would bet anything you would like that the Steelers will not leave the North Shore in my life time. For two reasons. Same as PITT will not have an on campus stadium while I roam this earth. One reason is common the other one for PITT and the Steelers are different issues. No room for PITT and the Steelers own the North Shore.

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    1. There is room Ike. It’s staring at you in the face actually. I know it might not be popular but it would be karma. Can you guess?

      And the Steelers will follow the money. If the ownership group can get a heavy subsidy from some county, they’re gone in a heartbeat.

      Remember the dallas cowboys never played in dallas and still don’t. Jerry Jones isn’t a multi billionaire by mistake.

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  45. The 3 Rivers Arts Festival can be experienced this year online. Looking forward to virtual funnel cakes, expect a lot less calories

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  46. some fuel for you anti-Heathers. Bama and Arizona just scheduled a 2 game series for 2032-3 whereas Pitt only goes as far 2026-7 (Wisconsin)

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  47. Interesting tidbit I found……….. Aaron Donald back in the Burgh, which isn’t all that surprising. He’s working out in his fathers basement (called “The Dungeon”) where he developed his amazing strength and skill with……… his nephew. Gee I wonder who that is?

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    1. doesn’t seem fair that he probably can’t access his $1M workout center (or whatever it was) at the SS facility

      Liked by 1 person

  49. A little PITT trivia I ran across tonight…..

    Swimming pools open here Sunday… we went out to a restaurant tonight… HOORAY!!!!! Getting back to normal !!!

    Needed to buy a stud finder at LOWES to hang stuff for JeanieB and actually found one MADE in the USA…..Go USA….LETS GO PITT….

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    2. Bernie, Jeannie IS a stud finder…. after all, she found you! ( Try not to choke over your corn flakes while reading this) 😉

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Billy Nardozzi, I didn’t see your comment when I wrote mine. I guess great minds think alike…

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    1. Perhaps Richman, also from Mt Lebanon, could use his influence to persuade Cuban to join the famous Fran and friends POV tailgate for a libation or two pregame? …and party like it’s 2021 after the the big PITT victory………!!

      Liked by 2 people

  54. Was watching a year old Shark Tank and Cuban took 25% in a fast food place called Fat Shak. It is a late night fast food venture. They are putting them in college towns. They started with 3 now there are around 10. Maybe that is what he would put in the O.

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  55. Ike – Mark Cubans grandfather changed his name from Chabenisky to Cuban.

    Nice piece of trivia. (Thanks, Wikipedia)

    Liked by 1 person

  56. There’s an interview of Jaylon Barden on PSN. Interesting.

    —He’s coming to Pitt because of Coach Whipple and the stats that the Isabella kid put up at UMass in Coach Whipple’s offense.

    —Jaylon is super confident. Okay, Jaylon is downright cocky.

    —Incoming players walk a fine line when talking about how they’re going to come in and have an impact. Jaylon ignores any lines and says Pitt just doesn’t have a WR who can do what he can do: Speed+Hands+YAC.

    —Pitt has done a good job of finding speedsters lately. Guys like Q. Henderson and Ffrenchy. Hoping 4-Star Jaylon Barden is the most dangerous and productive of them all…

    —Jaylon said he wanted to get out of Georgia. Said Georgia only takes prototypical-size players…

    Going to be intriguing to see Jaylon perform (and to see how well he bold personality works with the team…). You got to love the speedsters!

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  57. Billy, I remember Bill Cullen from all the game shows when I was a kid.
    What brand of stud finder did you get? I need one also.
    Cuban and Scooter dont get along after Scooter stole one of his girlfriends.
    Golfing with Richman this morning…looks like a good day coming up!

    Maybe AD is in town so he can be in the family video when young Donald announces he’s coming to Pitt.😁
    Tex, I might have a mullet too by the time I meet you!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I will send you a picture when I get back to home… Been drinking and doing a little golf with my buddies down here on the Outer Banks this afternoon… Let the good times roll… Time to get back to the old normal! BigB and BadB have arrived….
      Many of you at the tailgate have met my buddy Bad B/alias Whiskey… He has committed to take an extra couple of tickets and come to the Notre Dame game…

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      2. ^^ BigB, and here I have been advocating for you to retire and then again, I think you work less than me at times?? Let me know if you need a couple extra tickets for the ND game…. no cost. I’ve met BadB as he was in our humble abode……. hmm…… didn’t so bad to me, rather very nice in fact….

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  59. looks like Allegheny Co and the rest of WPa will be going green in a couple of weeks. Not sure how it impacts Pitt athletics now that the FB and BB teams can have voluntary workouts … but at least things are looking up.

    Remember, Pitt and other northern teams only got a couple of weeks of spring FB while most of the southern teams got thru most or all of it. Just hope by early Aug, things are getting back to normal; the Pitt offense needs all the reps it can get

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    1. The ACC announced that it will be an individual team choice. With PA being shutdown on a county by county basis, my gut tells me Pitt will be one of the last teams to start along with cuse and BC.

      PSUX is lobbying Harrisburg to have their county go “green” so they can open up the shower stalls and get back to business as usual.

      EE

      Liked by 6 people

      1. apparently cow burps don’t fight off the virus; I would have thought just the opposite. Maybe they should remove the masks

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  61. If Pittsburgh is one of the last PA areas to open back up, is there any reason Pat can’t take the boys to an area that opens up early for camp – until they can come back home.

    Heck, even take ’em south- maybe use Elon’s facility, and recruit grad transfers at the same time! 2 Birds; 1 Stone!

    Liked by 1 person

  62. Can’t do that BL, Tex would have a stroke on the spot. The only other location worse would be Gannon College. Then we would have two posters stroking out. Best idea is to open up the season an let the people decide for themselves what they want to do. No one dictates to me what I’m going to do tomorrow. Well maybe one person? <<< but not without a fight. << that I always lose but I do fuss a little…..

    Right you were with the changing Cuban name crisis….

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  63. Florida is welcoming all football comers. Ship the team down there for some hot, relatively virus free practice time. Potential Florida football recruits could visit the practice field for some up close observation. BTW, I like braggadocio as much as the next guy, but Barden is digging himself a hole if he hopes to learn from any of the current WR group.

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      1. And fitz. But kudos to Frankcan. I’d want him in my foxhole as well.

        Tex getting sunburnt while tending the bbq

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          1. Fitz played only 2 years ….. Goldberg, Schmidt, Ditka, May or Fralic IMO. But since 8 of 9 National titles were won pre-1950, someone from back then … maybe Jock Sutherland

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  65. Post 70’s Mt Rushmore….. Green, Dorsett, Donald and Fralic. Try and beat the team with those players on it. btw, Matt Cavanaugh doesn’t get near the credit he deserves. Another btw, there are 25 more players who could be and should be considered. Walker and Jackson at the forefront.

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  66. Sutherland, Warner, majors, Sherrill, Goldberg, Schmidt, ditka, dorsett, green, Jackson, Marino, doleman, fralic, May, Hayward, Grimm, stepnoski, Hamilton, reevis, Brown, shady, fitz, Conner, Grossman, siragusa

    That’s 25

    You need to buy the laurel highland mountain range for those faces.

    Tex drunk on that sex concoction.

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  67. Recently read the USAToday article about Marc Spindler. He believes that Pitt has blackballed him because he left Pitt a year early. Pitt should reconnect with him and maybe have a Marc Spindler day to get him back in the fold. Tex, you and Ike have the necessary connections to make that happen!

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    1. Spindler was from my day. His mom thanked my bro for the nice sign he and his friends made at a game. Good parents.

      Tex

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    2. I mentioned this a few weeks ago, Spindler is not a happy PITT alum. Not sure if there is a bridge left to be repaired? His boys will stay in the Midwest.

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  68. LOL Tex, What I don’t get is your indiscriminate use of capitalizing the last names of the players. My mamma told me not to BBQ, Drink and Text at the same time, especially while in the hot sun in Texas…………… Tuesday is gone with the wind…

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