Athlon published their preseason all-ACC selections yesterday, and Pitt cracked double digits.

There are four ways to make this team, mind you – first team, second team, third team and honorable mention.  The conventional wisdom is that anything third team and honorable mention or a little bit more like participation trophies, and exist so that all the ACC members can have some kind of representation.  Still, top-four in a sixteen team league means you are better than 75% of your competition, and I suppose that’s better than being average.

There are a few ways to slice Pitt’s 10-player haul.  The first and most obvious is that THIS IS THE PRESEASON and really none of this amounts to a hill of beans.  But if you are talking about actual analysis (because it’s June and we are bored as hell) then first and most obvious is to look at Pitt’s total number of selections vs other ACC teams.  Only Clemson and Virginia Tech had more players named than Pitt (Clemson had 14 and the Hokies had 13).  The much-hated UNC Tarheels were nipping at Pitt’s um…heels with nine selections.

The second way to slice this is to look within the tiers.  For example if Pitt landed two first teamers and eight honorable mentions…well, that looks a lot like the 2018 team that went 7-7 and (barely) won the Coastal.  It’s worth noting that the Tarheels had four second-team offense selections and one first-team defense.  That’s a total of five in the first and second teams.  Same total as Pitt but ours are the exact opposite.  We had one first team offense, two first team defense and two second team defense.  I guess that technically means we are better, but lets see us actually win in Chapel Hill before we start giving each other high-fives.

This year’s breakdown:

First Team – 3

  • Center – Jimmy Morrissey – Not bad for a walk-on.
  • DL – Jaylen Twyman – Given that he made Walter Camp preseason All-American he damn well better be first team.
  • S – Paris Ford – Finally getting the respect he deserves

Second Team – 2

  • DL – Patrick Jones – He’s behind Miami’s Greg Rousseau and Wake’s Carlos Basham.  Both are bona-fide studs, but so is Jones.
  • S – Damar Hamlin – Was completely snubbed last year and didn’t even make honorable mention after the season.  Here’s to hoping that put a big ‘ol chip on his shoulder.

Third Team – 3

  • OL – Bryce Hargrove – I’m pleasantly surprised to see an offensive lineman besides Morrissey on this list, even if he is a Guard and he’s all the way down on the third team.
  • DL – Rashad Weaver – Didn’t even play last year and made third-team preseason.  This says as much about Charlie Partridge as it does about Weaver.
  • CB – Damarri Mathis – Kind of a sleeper pick here, although 11 Passes Defended is nothing to sneeze at.  Needs to develop consistently to live up to this third-team billing.

Honorable Mention – 2

  • WR – Taysir Mack – Any Pitt fan will tell you that Mack is one of the best pass catchers in the ACC when he’s healthy, and his contested catch ability is something not seen in the ‘Burgh since Larry Fitzgerald.  But he’s been in a walking boot by midseason two years in a row.  If Whipple and company can figure out to keep him healthy honorable mention is probably a sandbag.  If they can’t then it’s probably too high.   I’ll also add that he only caught three touchdowns last year (to go with 736 yards on 63 receipts).  He needs to at least double that total this season.
  • LB – Phil Campbell – Interesting choice here because Cam Bright is typically more of the media darling due to his scoop-and-return in last year’s Georgia Tech game.  Their stats were nearly identical though.  I first I thought maybe they were throwing a bone to the senior, but upon closer inspection Campbell’s 5.5 sacks gives him the statistical edge.  Given that Campbell and Bright platooned at Star last year there is a possibility that one or both of them could break into 100 tackle territory if things go right this season.  (Bright:  62 tackles, 9 TFL and 0.5 sacks.  Campbell:  56 / 8 / 5.5.  I’ll also throw in Kylan Johnson for comparison, because he’s been the most productive Money linebacker that Narduzzi’s had so far.  55 / 11 / 7 + 2 FF)

The third way to slice this is to compare to Athlon’s preseason list from seasons past.  When’s the last time Pitt had 10 preseason All-ACC players?  Actually it was not too long ago.  Pitt had ten preseason selections in 2017 and the promptly went out and posted their  worst season in recent memory.

Pitt all-ACC preseason 2014-2020 (click the links to go to that year’s Athlon All-ACC preseason page):

  • 2020:  Ten (TBD)
  • 2019:  Six (8-5, W Motor City)
  • 2018:  Four (7-7, Won ACC Coastal, L Sun)
  • 2017:  Ten (5- 7, Quadree Henderson was listed three Times – All-Purpose offense, PR and KR.  So technically this could be eight.)
  • 2016:  Eight (8-5, L Pinstripe)
  • 2015:  Six (8-5, L Military)
  • 2014:  Four (6-7, L Armed Forces)

The last way to slice this is offense versus defense / by position.  And I don’t think there are going to be any surprises here.

Pitt has any many guys listed on offense as they do on their defensive line (3) an in their secondary (also 3).  Great for the defense, but pretty scary when it comes to moving the ball.  And if you think about it, who else on offense could even be in consideration.  Kenny Pickett?  His QB rating has been treading water for two straight seasons.  AJ Davis?  C’mon you’ve seen him run.  Jared Wayne?  Vincent Davis?  Maybe, but Wayne could be a flash in the pan and Davis will break if you use him for more than 10-12 plays per game.  God forbid we even dare to suggest an offensive tackle (Oh but we’d dare to dream).  Meanwhile I can probably think of three or four more guys on defense who have a legit shot at being on this list at the end of the season.

So what can we take away from all of this analysis?  Nothing really.  Pitt is shaping up to have a great defense.  Pitt has tons of question marks on offense.  Southern ACC Sportswriters are probably not going to give Pitt players the credit they deserve.  Move along folks, nothing to see here.

Hail to Pitt

Michaelangelo Monteleone

 

 

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.

349 thoughts on “Ten Preseason All ACC Selections”

  1. whether it’s team standings, coaches or players …. recent history shows that any ACC prediction not involving Clemson is pretty much a crapshoot (although most were right about UVa last year). As a rule, Miami and Va Tech are usually overrated and Pitt is usually a bit underrated …. but who in the heck knows.

    About the only sure thing this season (if there is a season) is that there is going to be some whopper fish stories at the POV tailgate (if there is a tailgate)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s a whopper of a photo of the POV4 with the catch of the day. Well done, gentlemen!

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  2. It sure goes against the wisdom of some on this board the Pitt’s low star recruiting doesn’t produce many positives.

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  3. I’ve seen AJ Davis run – actually I’ve seen every one of his runs (4.2 yds per carry in each of the past 2 years and 11.7 yds per reception last year). What is it that convinces you that he merits such flippant disregard?

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    1. I trust you’ve also seen the likes of Shady McCoy, Dion Lewis, Ray Graham (pre-injury) and James Conner run? Can you honestly say that Davis comes close to any one of them? Davis better have had a monster offseason if he wants to make this list after it’s all said and done.

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      1. Yes, AJ Davis is not Sean McCoy or Dion Lewis or Ray Graham (well, he’s not as fast off the block as Ray Graham) or James Conner (either the 250 or 235 lb versions). My comment was directed at what amounted to mocking him when I don’t think he merits being mocked – not by a long shot – both because he really hasn’t performed badly and because he is a Pitt student athlete who I might add seems like fine young man. I do think AJ falls forward really well which given the quality of the offensive line he had in front of him was a much needed specific skill and as I have previously mentioned on the POV he has an interesting ability to use his hands to gain extra yards. Whether he can do much better than he has if he had more carries or had a better offensive line we shall find out or maybe we won’t if another back or two takes carries away from him.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. I kind of have to agree 6&34, the jury is still out on AJ, he hasn’t been the splash player but he could very well carve out 12,00 yards this year with a diverse offense and decent O-Line play.

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          1. If AJ Davis was the real deal he’d have made an impact in his redshirt Junior year. He’s a nice player and a good kid, but I don’t think he’s all-acc material

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          2. Actually I want to retract that statement. He’s not a kid. He’s a young man. They all are. Is still don’t think he’s all ACC though

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  4. Mike – I took a break from posting because of numerous reasons, one being my frustration with WordPress.

    Most times I post and move on with my day – this morning I have time to get caught up, reading & posting. As of this posting, my earlier comment has not made it to the reader stage. Similar to past experiences.

    I had several choices this morning, read & post on the POV, pay my quarterly taxes to help support the unemployed or workout.

    I chose to invest that time with the POV –

    Moving on to supporting the unemployed and rewarding myself with a workout.

    EE – wishing he was golfing…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Erie. I noticed a lot of comments getting caught up up spam – and not showing up in the app that I use to manage the site during the day. I’ll try to log into my computer to see if that’s the issue

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  5. Two Pitt players who do not show up in this pre-season listing, but who I expect to show up with post-season accolades, are CB Jason Pinnock and TE Lucas Krull.

    A reason — they both have excellent speed for their size.

    Hail to Pitt.

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    1. Twyman a few hours prior to the Ford AA announcement.

      If prior season is your question, lil Q (Henderson).

      EE

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  8. FWIW …. the make-up of the 10 players are:

    2 4-stars / 5 3-stars / 2 2-stars / 1 walk-on (and btw, AJ Davis was a 4-star)

    No, this is not a campaign for the acceptance of 2 and 3 stars. Obviously Clemson is doing very well with its 4 and 5 stars, thank you.

    The issue is the campaign that Pitt has to make-do with what it can recruit. The issue is that Pitt has to settle for what it can bring in from such states as VA, GA, FL, etc. after the elites in those areas get their fill. The issue is that even an elite like PSU, with its 107k, national primetime exposure and helicopter, has recruited two less PA 4-stars than Pitt has this past year and thus far this year.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. off topic but if you turn on MLB Network at 11 am, you will see a replay of the 7th game of the 1952 World Series between Yankees v Brooklyn Dodgers. (what were there …. maybe 2,000 tv sets back then?)

    Mantle, Berra, Snyder, Furillo, Campanella, Robinson, and Billy Martin (as a player)

    But further, what you won’t see are …

    1) any metrics other than runs , hits and errors (and not the % of getting a hit when they are 2 out and 2 on in the 8th down by 2 runs)
    2) pitching changes in the 6th inning as soon as 2 people reach base
    3) the ball being thrown out of play when a catcher scoops a ball out of the dirt
    4) a checked swing actually being called a ball, and
    5) the batter stepping out of the box after every pitch and readjusting his batting gloves …. there was no batting gloves then … heck, there weren’t even batting helmets

    PS — this will be be followed by the 1971 7th game at 2 pm

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Football has changed as well. Pretty much ever sport has and will continue to evolve as times change. Key is adaptability to remain popular and relevant.

    The viewing experience will also continue to change and to be influenced by younger generations and current events.

    Players will have to adjust to fewer fans in the venues. The future stadium design is towards smaller and more spacious venues. I know that doesn’t make sense on the surface but architectural design is moving down this pathway and it’s very achievable engineering wise. Actually an exciting time to be a designer or engineer.

    Covid and future diseases are reshaping builds and interior floor plans. There will be a huge demand for these services. Pitt has a chance to become a leader in this field and use its alumni to build and reshape its sports and academic facilities.

    Tex who will find every angle to justify a MPC.

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  11. ^^ Tex/son, what you say makes a lot of sense but how long will that take? Plus I highly doubt that the Bama’s, Ohio State and other big-time football program will ever go along with this. Another plus is that a vaccine will be available soon or at least at the beginning of next year. This will all be over soon enough. BUT!! What I really love are your signatures these days.

    ike who loves Tex signatures.

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    1. Covid is just the beginning. There will be future and far more deadlier viruses. And covid is already mutating making a vaccine impotent. I don’t want to sound alarmist but social distancing is the future for mankind’s survival. It’s the new normal and humans will adapt and thrive. But this means fewer fans and frankly the trend was already away from venues and to TVs. If the bamas think they are smarter than world scientists, there won’t be anything in Alabama but graveyards.

      Tex who will outlive an endangered species…the bama fan.

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  12. Speaking of architecture, I did my daily hike on the CMU campus one day last week. What a beautiful campus with great architecture that has meshed the new with the old and loads of green space. Took some nice shots of the Cathedral from there. Have seen the changes since my Dad went there and took me there in the early fifties, and when at Pitt in the late sixties early seventies and now. It is an oasis and a totally different feel than Pitt.

    My fantasy has always been a merger of Pitt and CMU which has less of a shot than Tex’s MPC. But talk about your world class University! I just learned recently that Mellon Institute wanted to merge with Pitt but for some reason Pitt didn’t want it. Probably just a myth.

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    1. Pitt and CMU do partner on many things. There’s already a symbiotic relationship. Architecture on both campuses is impressive. Probably the best combination of any college in the states. The large suburban or state schools just can’t compete. I feel sorry for them.

      Tex

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  13. In the far distant past when I was at Pitt, CMU were the brainy guys and Pitt were the engineer guys. A merger makes to much sense. Everyone has turf issues that make me scratch my head like a poor transportation plan that stifles growth.

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    1. CMU takes a reputation hit if they agree. What’s their incentive?

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      1. There is no incentive. But a very strong partnership exists today. Particularly with covid. I’d like to have Pitt stay less geek. I don’t want to be like my son.

        Tex whose apple fell far from the tree.

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        1. Btw
          My son was ranked in the top 50 academically among over 2500 senior students in the district. He is a nerd and far smarter than me. I’ll be devoting some time this coming year to Texas Longhorn sports but I’ll still be posting Pitt. I’ll post a selfie with Mathew mcconohay. That’s my goal.

          Tex whose blood runs blue and gold

          Liked by 1 person

      2. CMU would gain a medical school, a dental school, law school, health professions, not to mention big time Football and basketball. But generally you are correct. the hit to the rep would be severe.

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  14. Pitt and CMU could merge through the shared use of combined facilities such as a reconstruction of CMU stadium. I wonder if Heather has even considered this option… BTW, if Heather would ever want to leave for greener pastures, wouldn’t it be a great addition to her resume to say she launched construction of an OCS or MPC?

    When watching those old MLB broadcasts it is hard not to notice how slow the play-by-play calling is, and the lack of good color commentary is really noticeable as well. I sometimes find myself thinking “so say something, already!” during the many pregnant pauses.

    VoR who loves ike’s comments who loves Tex signatures

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks VOR. Glad you’re a supporter of a MPC. Hope my left of center views were listened to on the black lives matter piece just like my MPC opinions. Sometimes I just don’t understand the vitriol and complete shutting out of perspectives. Our country was built on compromise and consensus building, a rarity these days. Many may not agree with my views. I’m fine by that. I like the challenge of persuading you. I’m not one to go packing because I have few friends sharing my views. Many of the most powerful changes started with a single lonely thought that gradually became mainstream and accepted.

      Tex the trailblazer.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. mutation isn’t necessarily bad for vaccine or mortality with a virus, right Tex?

    i haven’t read any on that recently with COVID but iirc it was generally not happening quickly with this one when I read on it about a month ago

    slow is good and some mutations weaken it and can make it less contagious and lower mortality too, that’s not to say the opposite can’t happen either,,,,i don’t know

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    1. Well with mutations that means different strains. Just like with the regular flu you could be vacinnated for the wrong strain. That’s why the flu shot fails many times.

      The most recent evidence suggest that the mutations are allowing the virus to spread more quickly.

      Knowledge is time consuming on any virus. We learn something new every day.

      My intuition tells me that the virus will be back with a vengeance come flu season and school openings.

      Tex who is an Misunderstood INTJ.

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      1. references?

        i just read more and see some of what you are posting but can’t say i agree yet with what i saw.
        i saw MAYBE more infectious, no more virulent, nothing commenting about vaccine issue and so nothing that concerns me significantly more at this time, yet no less either.

        i’m still ok with my kids getting it and even myself

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        1. Much is still not known. When the kids go back to school, that’s when we know. Come October. Coincidently when I fly back for the domers.

          Tex.

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          1. Tex, you can fly up to watch the domer game but you’ll be watching it sitting on your Dads living room couch and 65″ TV

            Question: If PITT did come up with a credible vaccine, would they have farmed it out to a big company like Johnson and Johnson/Pfizer or conducted their own validation testing?

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            1. Well I can’t watch with dad. Immune compromised quadruple bypass just three years ago. I’ll be at Heinz. And I’ll be the only one with cowboy boots and a black hat.

              And unlike polio, pitt needs to patent the cure and make it available to everyone for a price. The governments can pay. Or surely the governments will pay.

              Tex with pitchfork.

              Like

            2. Good luck arresting this Texan over a peaceful tailgate. If PA cops do that, I won’t be the one saying I can’t breathe. But I’m sure reasonable minds will prevail and there will be some fans allowed inside and some outside practicing social distancing. I’m for practical and common sense solutions. But there’s no stopping me from coming in.

              Tex who has crossed the Mississippi.

              Liked by 1 person

              1. A few of the biggest donors may be allowed in………… so you’re saying you have been a big football donor? I doubt I get a go ahead myself.

                ike who hasn’t crossed the Mississippi. Hey first time I ever typed Mississippi. I like it.

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  16. “No reason to get excited”
    The thief, he kindly spoke
    “There are many here among us
    Who feel that life is but a joke
    But you and I, we’ve been through that
    And this is not our fate
    So let us not talk falsely now
    The hour is getting late”

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  17. You’re right Tex but I can squeeze it into our ongoing scenario in this country and btw………. so was I…. I feel like playing a Doris Day song right now but I’ll spare Huff the Third the awful painful agony of another video.

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  19. In my opinion, the 3’rd & 4’th team honorees are not “participation award” winners but is Athlon’s best guess at who will make an impact in the 2020 ACC.

    Why do I say that? In 2019 there was 68 Fr, So. or Jr.’s selected to the 2019 All ACC team. Of those 68, 64 made the Athlon list. Most were concentrated in Athlon’s first (26 of 28) &second (22 of 27) teams with 13 of 27 on the 3’rd and finally 3 of 32 on the 4’th (HM). That’s 64 total of 114.

    There is a sprinkling of transfers (Miami’s transfer QB.& DE & FSU’s 3’rd team RB) & prior All ACC honorees (think Weaver & Hamlin amongst others). The rest are players from last year who were previously blocked because of the 37 gradating seniors,8 early NFL entries & 3 portal transfer entries who made the 2019 All ACC team.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Ike, a little Hendrix is always good. Best guitarist I ever saw. Did Bob Dylan write that song?

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  23. I don’t really know off the top of my head ( too tired and tried to find a video of Dyan and The Band version) but I’m thinking Hendrix played it live and/or recorded it shortly after Dylan?

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    1. I think Dave Mason recorded it too, not to mention the guitar beast from Canada, Frank Marino (and Mahogany Rush).

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  24. My work from early this morning never did get posted regarding the upcoming football season.

    Such a waste of time…

    EE signing off for a long, long time again

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    1. Sorry to hear that Erie. Your comment was not “held for moderation” nor was it in spam. The best I can tell you is to try I a different browser. Hope to hear from you when the season starts

      Like

    2. Erie this is something that may help you.

      If you are getting the “This comment could not be posted” error message

      I have a couple things I’d like everyone to try if they are running into this error message:

      1. First, please make sure you have third-party cookies enabled in your browser: Third Party Cookies

      2. If you still get this error message after enabling third-party cookies, please try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies.

      If that doesn’t resolve the issue for you, please reply here to let me know. In that case, it would also help if you could include (1) a blog where you continue to get the error and (2) the exact steps you take when you try to leave the comment (including how you logged in to your account before commenting).

      Like

    3. EE, one thing I do, when I remember, is to copy your post, then you can re-open the page and paste it in. This always works, but you have to do it before you post the first time, because the box shrinks making it impossible to copy after a failed post.
      Saves a lot of frustration, especially after you write a long post.

      Like

  26. Erie, don’t let a technical glitch keep us from receiving your words of wisdom! Maybe MM can recover it…

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  28. A player that “may” have a significant positive impact is DL Keyshon Camp. When the opposing offensive lineman think they are getting a break when Twyman, Jones or Weaver get a breather, they are going to be disappointed IMO.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hopefully Camp stays healthy this year, like Tre Tipton, much promise not realized because of injury.

      Like

      1. Juan price is a guy who springs to mind … couldn’t stay on the field until his senior year and then had an all-acc season.

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  29. I would like to know where people stand on what will happen with ACC football this year on a spectrum from no football season to no restrictions. Lot’s of hope and speculation with no clear cut right answer. For example, will fans have to sign a waiver to enter the stadium? What happens if an outbreak hits a team, or a school the week before a game? PSU has a thirty thousand seat student section, how does that work?
    What about tail-gating, busing students, transporting players? Will some teams go for herd immunity this summer, like Brazil? I’m joking on that one. What happens if a player dies from Covid? Not joking on that one.

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    1. My guess — there are too many people involved for a college football season to work. It could work if everyone did the safe stuff, but everyone won’t.

      I worry about the Coaches, especially guys like Coach Bates. Being so competitive, you know and least some of these coaches are going to whatever it takes — which I fear will end badly…

      But fingers crossed…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

    2. I plan on NOT attending a single game this year. The risk to benefit is not on the side of exposing myself in a crowded environment. Don’t know what I’m going to do with my tickets yet. Waiting for the plans to come out and also waiting to see if I will even be allowed in the stadium. If I’m allowed into games, I will hold onto the tickets and dole them out to my friends that may want to attend.

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    3. The season isn’t going to happen. A game in a stadium, or any type of large crowd in any type of large venue — stadiums, arenas, shouldn’t happen until there is a vaccine and that vaccine is widely available. A best guesstimate these days is that a vaccine is 12 to 18 months from start to finish. And that’s without any glitches or problems along the way. And there are always glitches and problems with any vaccine development.

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      1. Sports will happen because of money. Now how long they last is still to be written. Opening up does increase cases and hospitalizations. It does get people back in the workforce. It brings society back to a comfortable normalcy. It’s a catch 22. But I don’t see how you can have a healthy economy without a healthy and protected citizenry. Some might call my thinking liberal. I don’t care.

        Tex

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  30. imo, ACC and most football could/should happen with 1/3 or 1/4 stadium capacity restrictions, no concessions inside stadiums, temp checks at entrances along with social distancing and masks if the stadium locations are in states that recommend, tail-gating depends on state and local conditions and recommendations, no fan waiver, busing students at 1/3 or 1/4 capacity or not at all

    if player dies >>> depends on circumstances and timing whether preseason or in season but likely shutdown immediately yet imo not going to happen

    ****right click copy, then Post Comment EE,,,,,EVERY TIME!!!
    I use Chrome, I sign in on WordPress and haven’t lost a comment in years
    In fact, there was a time or 2 where hitting “back arrow” got me back to the comment after it vaporized and after wiping the bead of sweat from brow, was able to copy and paste my lame, mostly worthless post anyway 🙂 or 😦

    Liked by 2 people

  31. and GC, even with the “small window” you get from the back arrow, if you start on the upper left character of your post and right click then drag down as far as possible, even though it does not open up that window any wider, you still can copy your entire post,,,,I just tested that with the above post. Of course I stayed signed in with WOrdPress and maybe my browser and cache allowed something that others don’t

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  32. I just can’t see fans at games if pro teams don’t allow them. That’s why I say look to how various leagues are doing it. Right now, no fans. But I believe fans will be allowed at some point.

    Maybe stadiums at 30 percent capacity
    Maybe mask requirements
    Maybe temperature checks
    Maybe staggered entry and exits
    Maybe that liability waiver
    Maybe a strong recommendation that you can’t be in a high risk group
    Maybe instant virus tests

    The real test is when kids go back this fall and flu season begins. That’s when this nation really opens up.

    I fear we’re going to see regional outbreaks that will shut things down again

    I also see the federal government, the NCAA and certain big schools having every incentive to stay open, cheat and ignore health protocols

    A go slow approach will save lives and allow things to be semi open. It’s a new normal until the vaccine or herd immunity.

    Tex whose on the side of health over profit

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  33. be clear Tex, health over profit is more accurately –

    YOU prefer a policy of individually avoiding direct COVID health risk/costs at the cost of other risk/costs(profit losses)

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    1. Reasonable and common sense approaches. Yes the economy is important. Yes classroom learning is important. Yes fans at games is important. But when I see a packed political rally with people without masks, that scares me.

      You can’t successfully open until the trendline is moving down. I think the data has already proven that with practically every state that rushed to reopen despite increasing or flat hospitalizations.

      I also see the paradox. It’s an individuals choice to assess the risk for oneself and to ignore ‘guidelines.’ But that individual has no right to spread a deadly virus just because one thinks a mask is ‘ugly. ‘

      That’s why I personally think we’re all screwed come this Fall. Sorry to ruin everyone’s day.

      Tex whose vaccine can’t come fast enough

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Pls keep the politics out of it Tex. Including referees to political events thank you.

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  34. as usual, here are my 2 cents ….

    1) tvax, while I am inclined to agree with you, remember that we do live in a capitalist society … and profitability means a lot to a lot of people

    2) note that Camp will likely line up between Weaver and Twyman, or Jones and Twyman. This has to be advantageous

    Sadly, the last time I was so looking forward to watching a Pitt DL was 2010 when the DL had Romeus on one side and Sheard on the other. And of course, Romeus sustained an injury and hardly played (yet still was drafted) while Sheard had that pre-season incident, although still was good enough to merit a high 2nd round pick.

    Could history repeat? Yes, there is no guarantee that the offense will perform well but how could you not be excited about the defense ands especially the DL this year

    Liked by 3 people

  35. Just think how stout the DL should be when in a goal line defense! The light LBs would come out and Pitt could go with an 8 man front that could stop a tank coming through. Throw in a couple of good cover CBs to handle the WR end zone fade routes and that would be some kind of goal line defense!

    Liked by 1 person

  36. No doubt wbb that it is the financial disaster of not having football that is driving the plans toward some sort of solution. No doubt everything that can be done to make something happen will be done. For Pitt fans not seeing its potentially best team at least defense since the 80’s would be very, very sad. There is just a long way to get from here to there. Increases in cases in the South, California and Arizona are very troubling.

    As the Eastern seaboard relaxes restrictions, we should all be holding our breath, or at least wearing a mask.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. it’s ironic that New York and PA are now experiencing among the lowest percentage of positive Covid tests in the US. It is quite possible that by some states possibly ‘jumping the gun’, it may set back the start of the season …. I certainly hope not

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Texas is one of the poster children right now. Wait until Fall.

        You can’t have a strong economy or open up sports if people are still getting sick. If the spread is over 1.0

        PA and NY are well below that thanks to their leaders and citizens

        Tex who likes Ron Perlman.

        Like

    2. You can still watch them on Tv. It’s a better viewing experience anyway. And probably 80 percent of pitt fans never attend a game at Heinz.

      Butts in the seats brings about $10 million in revenues to Pitt on a roughly $80 million dollar budget. Pitt won’t be impacted nearly as bad as the elite schools. Those are the schools that will cheat and ignore health protocols. Heck they already cheat on countless other things.

      Yes players will be cheated of fans but Heinz was always half empty anyway. Again, not that big of a deal for a team like Pitt. Pitt has the advantage in this covid environment.

      Tex

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Couple things:

        Heinz wasn’t exactly half empty most games if any. Yeah it looked real bad but there was usually 40,000 butts in the seats.

        PITT and the whole city (mostly the north shore) will lose a big payday they would have gotten from the ND game.

        If they prorate attendance this year it could go into the record books as PITT may sellout every home game this year. See how statistics can lie to you? Will that mean anything in 100 years? Probably not, 8 national championships 100 years ago is often poo poo even on PITT blogs let alone the rest of the college football world.

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        1. Heinz attendance per ACC was around 52 percent last year. That’s with the fake numbers supplied by heather. Ike, you need new glasses.

          Tex who has a pair you can borrow.

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          1. Pitt has many incentives to Juice the numbers. From ACC standards to advertisers to ticket sales, perception, etc. it all falls back on heather covering up for the enormous ineptitude in marketing. She’s a compliance gal after all.

            Ike, I believe my own eyes and I talk with people who attend. Pitt blatantly lies about butts in the seats. I have a real tough time with liers. Now granted the numbers they report may be sales. But Pitt has a tough time even giving away free tickets.

            They have gone back and forth on how they define attendance throughout the years. Now we can’t even get transparency and openness. Where is the media asking these questions?

            A lie just doesn’t stop at attendance. What else are they lieing about?

            Tex

            Like

            2. That was suppose to say:

              “With the home schedule completed, the Panthers drew a season average of 41,696, a 14.9 percent increase from 2017. The Panthers finished slightly down from 2016 — the last season that they had Penn State on the home schedule — when Pitt drew an average of 46,076 to Heinz Field.”

              Goes to show what having a big-time local team and rivalry can do for attendance.

              Like

        2. IKe
          Those numbers are inflated
          They must be counting at least 5000 fans each game who go through the turnstiles and then immediately exit
          There is no way pitt had 60 percent capacity last season
          I believe my eyes and people who attend
          I don’t believe heathers lies
          And let’s just say those figures are sales and not butts in the seat, heather still has 27,000 more tickets to sell
          Why can’t she sell?

          Like

          1. Just like the Fanta give away she didn’t invent number counting. It’s practiced all over the country and I’m sure your buddy Tressell and/or Riddick would do the exact same thing and that’s just saying if it does happen. You have three poster in this article that are season ticket holds that go to every game who say your TV eyes need checked. 😉

            Like

            1. They would have real butts in the seat and they would have a feasibility study done by now with a fundraising campaign already in motion. But heather would rather be the compliance savior of Michigan state so her moves reflect that. Seriously some people have heather on their mantel as some false idol. I have her as a voodoo doll.

              Tex

              Like

        1. If I’m wrong, why is college attendance down. Why are there these big tv contracts

          I personally like attending. You get to see so much more and on your terms. You get the smells. You get the sounds. And of course you get to meet strangers.

          But the facts are that most fans prefer TV. No hassle getting up early and traveling. No long lines for the bathroom. No over priced bad food. No traffic headaches. Inexpensive. No drunk and obnoxious fans. No being rained on or being sun burnt.

          Staying home and watching is better for the vast majority of people.

          Tex the MPC advocate

          Like

          1. Im speaking of actually watching the game…. a play develop. Holes open. Receivers making a break and being open before the camerman or booth guy sees it (or doesnt at all in many cases). The cable suspended camera is a nice breakthrough, but one is still required to watch what the booth wants you to see, not necessarily what you might want to focus on.

            In other words, whether a fan prefers TV or not is not the question. In staying home, they are sacrificing some of the actual viewing experience for a bunch of other things. And an MPC doesn’t solve most of those, buddy.

            Like

        2. Not me Tex, I’m not married to Heather either way. I just call em like I see em, like you do.

          Like

    1. Paris Ford #26… behind weaver. Weaver is going to be good but Ford is a legit all American candidate

      Like

    2. 4 in the Top 30 is very respectable. Also, IMO, Cam Bright and/or Phil Campbell III are going to put up some solid numbers, partially as a result of the DL in front of them. I also expect a few of the younger LB’s to get some recognition. Not sure who, Davis, George, Dennis, or Smith?

      Like

    1. It was a forbidden political reference today. A twitter fued of sorts. Just google.

      I’m a big fan of the character though and Ron actually is a fine guy.

      Like

  39. Erie Express and Word Press: wonder if he has a Word Press account? I do, and when I ever used my real email (the one I use for WP), my posts to the POV never happened.

    Like

  40. The technology is there to show multiple camera angles and the viewer can choose which view is preferred…pretty cool.

    Like

  42. Tex, you just listed all the reasons why the game day experience is so great! Who hasn’t wet themselves standing in line at old Pitt Stadium after a half dozen beers and waiting for a trough spot? And the hot dogs taste so much better after paying twice what they’re worth!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I know. But kids these days aren’t like us old timers. You need to build the stadium for them. A stadium helps create memories. Those memories should translate into donations and a greater connection with the school. It’s tough to be a family when we’re all separated and experiencing things in isolation. A MPC can bring Panther Nation together and be a great unifying Force in these troubled and divided times. That’s a good pitch ain’t it?

      Liked by 1 person

  43. In 2009, when Pitt finished at home with ND (65k) and Cincy (64k), it averaged nearly 55k in attendance. In 2013 when Pitt joined the ACC and had 65K for both FSU and ND, it averaged 50k …. these, I believe were the 2 highest attended years in Pitt FB history. The capacity at Heinz then was around 65k.

    Now Heinz seats well over 68k, and I believe the attendance is in the lows 40s, approx 42k the last 2 years. If you look over the history of Pitt FB, low to mid 40s is probably above average. The ’76 team which finished with home games vs WVU and PSU (3 Rivers), averaged around 46k. The 1980 team’s highest home attendance was 51k vs Navy, but had less than 40k for 3 of the other 5 games.

    Obviously, the biggest current issue remains that it is playing in an oversized stadium. I contend that the answer is not an OCS, which I still believe won’t happen due to space issues, but a right-sized stadium maybe in the vicinity

    Like

    1. A MPC won’t necessarily improve football attendance. It provides multiple revenue streams for other things. The economic genius is in its functionality and year round usage.

      Now is the time to build one for covid and future diseases. Existing indoor venues are perfect habitats to spread the virus. Outdoor is far less likely. Build a retractable roof venue. Incorporate air filtration systems and automated sanitizing. Build a ‘lab’ to perform instant testing. Have thermal imaging machines.

      The key is to build a spacious reduced capacity venue. Less seats. More concourse areas for fans to constantly move around. Build a 40k facility on a 65k football footprint.

      The existing Pete site is your location.

      Tex

      Like

      1. So you want the Pitt version of the carrier dome? Ideally with retractable food? And basketball plays at Fitzgerald while under construction?

        Like

  44. I think we could have a fully tested vaccine by September, subject only to the limitations of how quickly 5 to 10 manufacturers can produce the successful version. Of course it would require using the human challenge method of testing the vaccines. Each volunteer would sign a waiver assuring they could not sue under any circumstance, be administered the vaccine, two weeks later would be injected with the virus and would Immediately receive $1 Million for accepting the risk. Assuming you need 1000 volunteers, that would cost the Federal Government $1 Billion. That would be a proverbial drop in the bucket compared to what we have already spent and would provide immediate measurable value. The government would use that Defense Production Act to maximize production of the successful vaccine version.

    This plan would have millions of volunteers lined up to be chosen. Even at-risk subjects and oldsters would be volunteering for the chance to leave a legacy to their families that they could not otherwise ever hope for. In my mind, completely ethical, since no one is being forced and all possible outcomes are explained and accepted up front.

    Bring on the games!

    Like

    1. interesting
      your creative idea or something you read?

      what if after the first day of say, 50 doses, you get 1 death on the second day,,,,might have a bit more difficulty getting the remaining 950 volunteers at 1M

      i’d want 1.5M anyway,,,,i’m worth it. Tex wants 2M 🙂 . Farmers, i assume you’re in for 1M but will you go first? 🙂

      Like

      1. Just some of my musings. I would assume there would likely be at least one fatality. But I maintain it would be more ethical than the usual vaccine testing method, as I understand it. Normally, half of the volunteers would be administered a placebo, of course without them knowing it, then you have to somehow ensure that a statistically significant percentage of both groups have been exposed to the virus for the test to have any meaningful results. Therefore, some number of deaths would be likely. And the worst part is those deaths are likely to be in the placebo group who are thinking they have been vaccinated. I don’t think you even need a placebo group if you use the human challenge method. You certainly have enough statistics available on unvaccinated subjects to compare.

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  45. Ohio State is asking their football players AND their parents to sign a two-page covid-19 document:

    Ohio State is asking its football players and their parents to sign a two-page document that acknowledges the risks involved with playing the sport amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Columbus Dispatch reported Sunday. By signing the document, the players also pledge to follow guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help contain the spread of the virus.

    “Although the university is following the coronavirus guidelines issued by the CDC and other experts to reduce the spread of infection, I can never be completely shielded from all risk of illness caused by COVID-19 or other infections,” the document reads, referencing the disease caused by the virus. Failure to comply with the rules laid out in the pledge could result in a player being banned from team activities and facilities, though scholarships will not be at risk.

    Like

  46. How do you spell fractured again?? I just can’t imagine Trevor Lawrence and players like him signing any waiver like that. He will sit out and wait on his NFL payday. Although he would have to forfeit his Clemson salary.

    The state of Alabama is already running out of hospital beds from the second wave as many other states from ironically, the south. Not wearing masks and not social distancing while protesting and partying in the streets…. not to bright folks. Fasten your seat-belts boys and girls, we are all in for a bumpy ride up ahead.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I can the headline now…”Last Team Standing: Narduzzi wins first ACC championship due to extremely conservative coronavirus approach”

      Liked by 4 people

      1. very different analogy but i never complained about how Jamie Dixon was as successful and winning at Pitt

        i’ll take smart strategy over “talent” that ends up with the wins every day

        Like

        1. I was kind of being sarcastic, but totally agree. If you can’t outmuscle the big guys you need to outsmart and our discipline them

          Liked by 1 person

      3. Only way Pitt wins the Coastal is by other teams getting sick and forfeiting games

        Pitt will finally win ten games this year but three will be due to forfeit.

        Like

    2. Not a “second” wave, Ike. Still part of the original spreading virus. It was ebbing during the stay-at-home non-essential business mandates. Once those started to be lifted, the virus is now in full flow mode once again. There are direct correlations between when states opened up and the startup of the virus-spread. The next, second, wave predicted for this fall flu season.

      Like

      1. Right Pete I misspoke. The country was smart to try and restart the economy but the people aren’t practicing safety. My own kids and family as well. I don’t get it. When you’re getting close to the finish line you don’t give up.

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  47. Football will be played this fall without a doubt. Too much TV money at stake to not give it a try.—-Stay at home orders will be rejected by most all businesses for no other reason then that staying at home will bankrupt them otherwise. What are the states going to do to enforce the stay at home orders arrest all of those who reject it? “Slightly political” but a necessary question IMO, if you don’t arrest the protestors that are destroying property then should you now begin to arrest the business owners who defy the stay at home mandates?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. After 90 days of quarantine (on a three acre property with plenty of elbow room mind you) I’m ready for it to be over. “Interact with society at your own risk”. With that being said…the elderly and the susceptible continue to bear the brunt of the full risk. I’ll be masked up and we won’t be going to restaurants, but if I were to inadvertently bring it home and then spread it to my parents or my wife’s parents…not sure I’d feel too good about that. Now the probability of that is the question. Whether you are eating out or going to a stadium full of ppl. (Or half full as the case may be)

      Like

  48. as I wrote on this blog 2 weeks ago, I think if Pitt virologists are convinced that their vaccines will cause no ill effects, they should vaccinate the FB team. Then measure how the team tests versus other how other teams test

    I wasn’t being facetious then, and am not now

    Liked by 2 people

  49. I thought it was one wave because the virus never went away. Plus the Europe wave mutated to become more transmittable. As more kids get tested, I fear we may be watching virtual football. A sad state of affairs as we have a really good FB team. BB can probably use another year of good recruits. H2P

    Like

  51. I don’t think that the existing Peterson Events Center site is big enough to hold an MPC. 😊 Where would we place the statues of Heather and Narduzzi?

    Like

    1. Any erected statue would be torn down just like what is happening with Confederate statues. They aren’t hero’s in my book. Well Narduzzi I can stomach. Heather is just a perfect BoT fit. That makes me throw up.

      Tex

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  52. This is like the mason Dixon line. The South is losing this war as well

    Tex

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  53. Heard an interesting theory about why the South’s numbers going up. In addition to relaxing restrictions..
    as it gets hotter more people are staying inside with air conditioning being exposed to more germs. Just the opposite in the North where more people are getting outdoors. Seems to make some sense, but wearing masks and social distancing is still the key to slowing this thing down. Population density is still the major factor. Should also find starting out this week how much of a spike the protests will cause.

    I think one thing the NCAA needs to do is develop uniform Covid reporting requirements and a clearinghouse for the information.

    Like

    1. People are not staying indoors here in Austin despite in the mid 90s and humidity. They’re going outdoors to restaurants, bars, pools where there is tubing and lots of alcohol is being consumed. The stay-at-home order was just extended to August 15th due to the spike.

      Like

      1. nb4, never realized you lived in Austin …. cool town. Lot of culture, Just wore my Antone’s t-shirt last week.

        State capital, one of the largest universities, yet downtown (6th street) does not give the impression of a big city even though there is a lot of foot traffic. (also felt that way about San Antonio and Ft Worth)

        Like

      2. Same here in DFW. It takes 105 to keep people indoors.

        Pitt players are at risk when they play any southern team

        Are strip clubs in PA open yet? They have been for over two weeks in Fort Worth…I pass by a popular one on the way to work.

        🤠

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    2. I don’t see how basketball games can be played with fans during flu season and a potential second wave.

      But a school with a retractable roof venue might be able to pull it off

      🤠

      Like

        1. Trillion dollar infrastructure bill being mentioned. Could just be white noise. But if not, pitt needs to be first in line for the money. A MPC would meet the criteria. Screw a subway to Oakland.

          Tex

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    3. And uniform health protocols for players and potential fans in attendance. You can’t have the inmates run the asylum. Right now it’s the Wild West out there. And the SEC is the craziest and wildest. Just so happens that’s where the increase in hospitalizations are happening. It will only get worse come flu season and when schools reopen. I personally don’t see how the season will last until January. There will be outbreaks. There will be games forfeited. I also can’t see colleges taking more risk than the pro leagues.

      Pitts outbreak happens 14 days after playing Florida state. Mark my words.

      Tex

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    1. It’s weird that more ppl are getting sick but less are dying …in a good way

      Like

      1. Not weird.

        1) healthcare institutions are now better equipped than they were back in Feb and March

        2) they are also more knowledgeable about treating the disease. One thing healthcare does well is to share their playbooks, so to speak. When some kind of treatment proves to be effective, it is related to others

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Very true. However while we are counting mortality there seems to be very little public information about morbidity. In other words for those that survive Covid what are the short and long term effects? What lasting damage does it do?

          Liked by 1 person

          1. There were some recent articles about morbidity. From health care workers who contracted the virus and survived. Evidently it ravages your lungs. And US scientists have also found the virus in the brain. Autopsies on the most severe ICU cases show there are no lungs left. It was some scary stuff that I read. Yet many people still just think this is a flu.

            Tex

            Liked by 1 person

  56. I was about to enter some light hearted comments about distancing, showers and sex, but Tex’s morbidity comments quickly changed the mood. If we seriously look at the state of COVID-19, including, increased cases, treatment and vaccine development, it is hard not to think that the Fall football season is in serious jeopardy.

    Like

    1. I was in a jovial mood until I read those stories. Now kids under 20 are at very low risk. Healthy people are generally low risk. Highest risk are the old with underlying conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes.

      I still think you may see some fans. But I would think those fans need to be low risk and screened. And then once inside, wear masks and social distance.

      I blame the strip clubs for the increase in spread among pro athletes. Seriously I do.

      Tex

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  57. I’m type O, should I even be wearing a mask at all? Never-mind, I don’t leave the house anyways.

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  58. PITT may very well go undefeated this year. << With an asterisk of course. But wait… I’m hearing a vaccine is right around the corner?

    ike the doubting Thomas….. Which is my actual first name but my friends call me ike. ;(

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  59. I guess that one can make the point that concussions and brain injuries are still a bigger threat to FB players than C19. I don’t know for sure. But what I do know that if I was a player’s father, I would hate to see my son afflicted with either.

    I guess in some ways, we are all hypocrites. I love college FB yet I hate many targeting calls. I love college football but wouldn’t blame any parent from forbidding their sons from playing. And I guess I selfishly want to see this football season to be played in its entirety even with the risks.

    But I’m pretty sure I will tolerate and understand if it doesn’t work out that way

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    1. Mark 14 days from this coming Saturday and look at Tulsa. We’ll have our answer if fans can attend large events in close proximity albeit indoors.

      Tex

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Do players have a voice. Pro athletes have a union. What do college players have? They are sacrificial lambs to the greedy NCAA executives and universities chasing the dollar. And to selfish so called fans. I’m a fan of a healthy student athlete going home for winter break…not in a body bag.

      Tex, call me a socialist I dare you.

      Like

      1. how were the players able to start getting paid for their images? Wasn’t there some type of collective action, or a group behind it?

        Like

        1. I think now the college athlete is more powerful than ever. Given recent events. Given recent actions. Time for these student athletes to unite. They have power. Power they don’t think they have. They should use it for good. Break this rotten and greedy NCAA system. Break the cheating. Break the hypocrisy. If I were a student athlete, now is the time to strike. Your leverage has never been greater.

          Tex

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            1. Times are different now. Covid and black lives. Strike while the iron is hot.

              They should tell the NCAA to screw off and not take the field on day one of the season. Just walk out. Take a knee at the anthem and go back to the locker room.

              I’d luv it. More guts than any so called leader in this nation today.

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              1. Tex i shut down the political convo last week. Will delete your posts if necessary. Keep it to football pla

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    1. Pitt wins by forfeit against Notre Dame since half the offensive starters attended a strip joint in south bend two weeks prior and caught covid from a French canadien stripper known as Monique.

      Tex

      Like

      1. Tex that’s your second stripper reference of the day. I think you need to get out of the house…

        Liked by 2 people

  61. To each their own I guess. I don’t try and sway opinion. I’m too busy giving mine and convince myself I’m right. What in the hell do I know? I talk to you all like you’re my best friends and talk about my private life as proof. Like it or lump it, I try and not complicate my life more than life does itself. My latest model has been taking 2 steps forward even if you have to take one back you’re still ahead of the game. I’m now down to 1 1/2 steps a day, I just can’t keep up and losing ground. << Point being, if PITT plays football…. GREAT…. if they don’t…. I still got to take that 1 and 1/2 steps come hell or high water.

    You see what this Covid did to me? Going to go cook my chicken thighs now. BTW, I might have a miniature PITT MPC built in my backyard. Somehow it’s got stuck in my head…..

    Liked by 1 person

    2. But that was outdoors. With the majority wearing masks. And people not stagnant but walking.

      Inside is very different. Far worse per the health experts

      I’m more worried about basketball than football although football is a contact sport.

      Like

        1. Yea I agree. I saw a lot of ppl walking close together. I don’t think outdoor makes a difference if you are shoulder to shoulder…

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          1. The health experts say outdoors is far safer particularly if you wear a mask and are moving

            I’m just the messenger here. It’s a risk these outdoor protests but the risk is far greater indoors. That’s why look to Tulsa. I doubt you see anyone wearing a mask. And these people are stagnant for over three hours with recirculated air.

            This isn’t politics. It’s science.

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  63. All I know is that at my PT office in semi rural Southwestern PA many of the people who sheltered in place in March, April, May are coming out of seclusion now and many in the high risk age group are moving in public freely and have to be told to use a mask. I was at a H.S. graduation party on Saturday 100+ people and no social distancing was going on.

    Like

    1. The only time ppl wear masks in GA is if they are in a store that requires them. Costco for example. And then I saw two ppl who put them on to get in and then took them off once they were shopping. But most ppl kept them on. Home Depot / most other stores are the exact opposite

      Liked by 1 person

  64. Thinking about the student athlete. I know they get a free ride. I know for the most part they get a real degree. They also get a great job network. But they are used and abused by the NCAA, the university and fans. I’m no student advocate but I’m placing myself in their position.

    I see ‘us’ being used to generate billions. I see the lack of minority coaches and AD’s in sports that are predominately minority scholar athletes. I see profit before health.

    If there was ever a time for the student athlete to strike, it is now given covid and black lives.

    Again, I don’t think these athletes understand the power they have as a collective. They just need a trailblazer to help them organize.

    And personally I think the NFL needs to subsidize colleges for this farm system. They don’t get absolution.

    Like

  65. I guess one thing the college athlete now has is social media. Many recent tweets about coaches have been pretty effective, especially when confirmed by teammates.

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    1. Gundy from okie state will probably be fired since a player came out and criticized his fishing shirt. He has no support among black athletes in the locker room after that. And I actually know gundy from several ex players I know. I’m not surprised. He’s dead man walking right now.

      Like

          1. Well he was never given a memo on what is an acceptable shirt to wear. I think he should keep his job.
            They need to print a list of what kind of shirt you wear when you go fishing on your day off.
            That way nobody could get in trouble without knowing it.

            Like

            1. Gundy is a lifer in Stillwater. He’ll be there longer than Narduzzi will be in PGH; and that will be a long time.

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  66. Then make it a minor league for the NFL. I am fine with that. Then players that play in college have to have the same standards of non athletes.
    no tutors
    The star players can go play in some crap city in front of 2500 fans. ( or choose an education)
    We will no longer need the APR. You get in to school and you either graduate or you don’t.
    It would be so simple. Go play minor league ball or go to college.
    The NFL can fund it with the billions they make.

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    1. I totally agree. I want that NCAA break. Minor league system for about 30-40 schools subsidized by the nfl

      A true scholar athlete system for the rest

      Tex

      Like

  67. I don’t think Gundy will be fired even though he was called out by a Heisman hopeful.

    For one thing, he is a pretty good coach. And you will note that in the joint video released last night, it was the player who issued an apology.

    He may have learned a lesson though to keep his politics to himself … which IMO is a wise thing to do when you are dealing with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds

    Like

  69. ^^ Mark, if it wasn’t for flying you wouldn’t have a job. You’re a young tough guy and medicine is making strides to help with this virus. Empty airports are sad but remember, everything is relative. Take care of yourself Buddy!

    Like

  70. Don’t be surprised if baseball takes the nfl approach. It looks like they will drastically cut back on their minor league teams to save money and use college baseball as a minor league system. Forget about 40 draft rounds. Had a friend who’s son would have been a 10 to 15 round pick who was told to take a baseball scholarship insread.

    Like

  71. This reminds me of those “watch lists” for the various awards. Half the kids in division 1 are on one of the lists.

    Like

  73. I have a question for those that think games might be played with 25-50% capacity. Just how do you think that number would be accomplished? Does the university tell which ticket holders get to go to the game, or do they spread people out and only let in the first 20K-40K people? How could something like that be done fairly and equitably (people in even numbers seats or rows go to games 1, 3 and 5, odd numbered seats or rows go to 2 and 4??) Just curious how you think that could even be done. Maybe you eliminate the ticket holders that decide not to keep their tickets, then have a lottery?? IDK. Thoughts??

    Like

    1. That’s a great question, Annie. And it is why I don’t see partial seating being an option. Either no fans or print a disclaimer/waiver on the back of the ticket and leave the decision to attend to the ticket holder. Any way you eliminate some existing ticket holders will alienate a high percentage of them. Schools like Pitt are not in a position to do that, in my opinion.

      Liked by 1 person

  74. Annie – your last sentence is the answer. First you ask current season ticket holders if they plan to attend. You will eliminate some who will want refunded and may be in the high risk category regarding COVID-19.

    Then you look at taking care of your largest doners and lastly you have a lottery to eliminate the remaining numbers.

    EE

    Liked by 2 people

  75. I guess this year it is advantageous to play in an oversized stadium. 25% – 50% of Heinz would be 17k to 34k. On the other hand, if Pitt had an OCS of 48k, it would be 12 to 24k.

    I would have to think that many oldsters, like yours truly (68), would gladly sit out a year if there were any lingering concerns …. but certainly can’t speak for all.

    Liked by 1 person

  76. Agree again wbb, unless there is a drastic change, I will be watching from my living room. Too high of a risk for a 70 year old. Spectator sports are a young persons game at this point.

    I still wonder what the liability will be for the hosts if there are large outbreaks resulting in multiple deaths, there have been class action suits for many dumber things. Especially where schools do not have sufficient health care resources nearby the aftermath could be ugly.

    Like

  77. From an article in the Trib this morning, looks like this issue may not be up to the schools. The NFL Hall of Fame Game sold out and planned to play in front of a packed, albeit small, stadium. The Ohio Governor is implying that he may not allow it. It may end up that some NCAA teams will play in front of full stadiums and some in empty stadiums, depending on the state in which they are located.

    Like

    1. think about the ACC which spans from Miami to Boston. Although Florida is experiencing a large spike of cases, the mentality is quite different. I would still be surprised to see FB games with no fans; but do expect a limited crowd in many areas.

      It will be interesting to see if there is a further restriction for attendance in the Carrier Dome vs Buffalo Bills

      Like

        1. while I see many people without masks in different establishments in Cranberry now …. including a man with a Pitt hat at the register of the local beer distributor … I will continue to wear masks in confined areas and/or where there are many people present.

          You all are welcome to call me a wuss …. I’ve been called much worse (in fact, on this very blog)

          Liked by 2 people

          1. LOL Bill

            At this moment I do not plan on attending games but that could change. So before I inquire about a refund I have to know PITTs plans on the season first. Secondly, I don’t want to forfeit my tickets until I know two specific things. Will I be one of the lucky ones where my tickets are allowed access into the games and two, if I do decide to forfeit the tickets and get a refund do I lose my place and points accrued?

            Like

            1. Darn you, Ike, that’s a scenario I hadn’t even considered. I certainly wouldn’t give up my priority points and ranking to get a refund.

              Like

            2. Ike – I believe the ticket office indicated that the options are refund, donation or apply any amounts paid towards next season. Perhaps that latter option preserves the points and place?

              Like

          2. You are smart and will be alive while others will be dead. Dead people can’t call the living names.

            Tex

            Like

  78. Thanks JoeL, I was going to call soon and feel out the situation. I was thinking if my tickets weren’t guaranteed to get me a seat in the stadium I would ask for a refund on the tickets but still pay the donation to keep my line in place. It’s not like my tickets aren’t already paid for anyways. I’m proud to donate to PITT and would never consider asking for my money back. Thanks again JoeL. Heard you guys had a blast down at the OBX! A new whack-pack is born.

    Like

  80. Wouldn’t you think the time is now for the ACC–Comcast deal to be worked out? Either way there will be lots of people sitting on their couches this fall.

    Like

    1. So who has more power in this scenario? The league because Comcast needs more content? Or Comcast because game attendance will be way down? Would be Comcast me thinks.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I was asking myself the same question Mike. (i talk to myself a lot) I would think it helps the ACC because of potential commercial revenue.

        Like

        1. Well the acc didn’t want to sign up For a bad deal earlier…let’s see if they do now

          Like

  81. What I’m saying is that Comcast’s asking price for commercials could be higher with more butts sitting at home watching TV, meaning more revenue for Comcast. I think this question is a push. A deal that needs to get done from both sides or I’m back to hulu.

    Like

    1. I disagree. I think Comcast has more leverage bc acc revenues hurting more that Comcast revenues. Comcast can afford to walk. Acc can’t

      Like

      1. Now I agree with that premise but there will never be a better time for Comcast to strike a deal. Other than the initial structured contract itself the ACC doesn’t stand to gain any more of any less from Comcast where as Comcast can ask for tons of money from commercial ad space due to demand for the station. In other words….. I don’t know what the hell I’m talking about.

        Like

    1. Hah. If he threw the ball 469 times at a 68% completion rate he’d still have to average 12.5 ypc.

      Ly: 469 / 289 / 61.6% / 6.6 avg.

      Not gonna happen

      Like

  83. MM your right smart man told me once you want answers follow the money Comcast does not I will repeat does not care about the little return they get from the ACC the Big Ten and SEC control the WPA market most customers care less if the the acc channel is on or not look at there own internal poll

    Liked by 1 person

  86. No psu fan 40 year season ticket holder just like I said follow the money less than 1% of the customers in WPA cancelled the University and the AD fought like heck but got very little feedback from customers in the area

    Like

  88. I personally thought Texas had a well thought out plan to open although there was no 14 day downward trend per cdc guidelines. Maybe that’s the gotcha.

    The more I think about it. I just don’t see how fans can be allowed to watch games this Fall when school opens up and flu season is back and plenty of time for the virus to mutate.

    Listening to goose gosselein the other day and he said he doesn’t see how players in contact sports can be safe. And he recommended just holding off on all sports until June 2021. Golf and auto racing being the exceptions.

    Tex

    Like

    1. I just goes to show that you can’t open up too fast and the virus didn’t go away

      New York has three times the tests of Texas yet only a third of them are positive.

      I’ll let you draw your own conclusions.

      There better be cable to watch the games because I don’t see how fans will be allowed to attend. I also don’t see how players can be truly protected. I see players ‘striking’. I don’t think we see a full season. It could really get bad come November.

      Like

      1. Tex, I think I speak for many here who are not surprised one bit by the large spike in cases throughout the southern states. However, it seems many people in your neck of the woods are not concerned about it. Heck, even though PA is now one of the safer states, there are many here who are very angry and even bringing lawsuits because of the precautionary way it was handled.

        Commerce vs safety …. it’s just how you view things

        Like

        1. Many are not concerned. But they eventually end up caring when the virus impacts a friend or family member.

          A big reason for the rise is the under 30 crowd at the bars. That’s per our governor here. And it’s these young people who end up spreading the virus to more at risk people.

          Young people seem to care the least. That’s always been the case everywhere. My opinion.

          It comes down to balancing health with the economy. Was it worth that shot of tequila at the bar that resulted in you transmitting a virus that caused a hospitalization when you picked up milk at the grocery store and didn’t wear a mask or social distance.

          People are just selfish. The NCAA is selfish as well and will place money over safety. I don’t think they can survive a year without revenues.

          Tex

          Like

    2. Tex those record Covid numbers cited in Texas are record numbers “for” Texas. Texas ain’t NY, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Illinois, or the Eastern half of PA which account for Texas has 30 million population. Rates per 100,000 are still in bottom of bottom quartile.

      Like

      1. “There are two kinds of people in the world. Those that understand exponential growth curves and those that don’t”.

        https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2020/05/04/are-texas-coronavirus-cases-on-the-downturn-these-charts-tell-the-real-story/?outputType=amp

        In fairness, TX deaths are still relatively flat but you’d expect them the lag hospitalizations by 2-3 weeks.

        What I’m hoping is that overall recovery rate has improved now that doctors know a little more and have some basic tools in their toolkit. That would keep deaths from going exponential like cases are. Hopefully.

        Like

        1. An increase in positive test percentages should lead to an increase in hospitalizations which should lead to more deaths. You’re right things lag. There is a sequence to these events. But things are not trending the right way in Texas. Yet in PA things are very good. That’s good for schools in PA and for sports. We might not see football in Texas this year.

          Like

      2. Hospitalizations are up 85 percent since Memorial Day in Texas. That tells me Texas opened up too soon and too fast.

        The amount of hospitalizations and percentage of positives tests is how to view things trends over time.

        New York and PA are doing fantastic jobs. Not so in Texas.

        Like

  89. ^^ Most people like myself just signed up for hulu or another server thinking a contract would be agreed upon sometime soon. I actually doing the same thing again this year. I’ve fought and change services many times but always came back to Comcast, my best option for what I want. So hulu it is……

    Like

    1. The only way Comcast will come around is basically if every acc fan boycotts it

      Like

  91. just read where the NBA players’ lounge at the Orlando hotels will have pinball and ping pong (but not doubles) which made me laugh out loud since I’m sure contact will occur during the games.

    Look for FB to outlaw shaking hands during the coin toss … right before playing 60 minutes of tackle football

    Like

            2. I seriously think plastic face shield should be required

              And changing of clothes at halftime and constant sanitation of gloves

              Those things can’t hurt

              Like

  92. Then there is this….don’t know the source.

    “The NFL’s popularity is all the more remarkable when you inspect the fare it has to offer each week on television. An average professional football game lasts 3 hours and 12 minutes, but if you tally up the time when the ball is actually in play, the action amounts to a mere 11 minutes.”

    Did read somewhere else that an average play only lasts for 6 seconds or so.

    Like

    1. I’d say 40% of the fun of football is in the reaction. 40% in the anticipation. 20% in actually watching the play unfold

      Like

      1. That’s true Mike, It’s like whats going to happen and did you see what just happened? The rest is whoosh….

        Like

  93. “This is Pitt’s final timeout with 20 second left, and they are only 17 yards from the completion of a dream season. Meanwhile, Clemson is furiously trying to maintain its #1 ranking in the battle of the unbeatens. Look for Picket to target Krull for what has been the most productive red-zone combination in the NCAA this year”

    “Pickett takes the shotgun snap from Morrisey and looks for Mack in the right corner …. no, he rifles a pass over the middle to, you guessed it, TE Krull who appears to be tackled just short of the goal. Pitt’s OL is running to the line of scrimmage and gets all lined up …. but there seems to be a delay with the getting the new sanitized ball in. 3 – 2 -1 and, oh no, the ball is not snapped in time ….. game over, and Clemson will return to the College Football playoffs”

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Don’t overlook two facts in that scenario, one was that PITT was playing in the ACC championship and two, they took Clemson to the wire. Seems plausible to me…. That said, I wouldn’t sign up for it… I think PITT can win the ACC title this year.

        Liked by 1 person

  94. Plus Bill, wouldn’t the clock have been stop after a gain of 16 and a half yard and a first down? Not that I nit pick a lot. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. it was originally 1st and goal from the 9 before Pickett was sacked for an 11 yard loss, causing Pitt to take its final TO.

      Like

  95. What about the players?? From a column in today’s sports section, NY Times:

    There is no shortage of reminders that athletic and university leaders treat the concerns of athletes as secondary. That became increasingly clear as football players returned to their campuses this month for workouts. At Ohio State, the Columbus Dispatch reported, that meant signing a waiver acknowledging the risk of returning during the coronavirus pandemic. It is called “The Buckeye Pledge,” though a more accurate title might be: “Don’t Blame Us.”

    The idea came from Indiana University, whose meticulously detailed 17-page document includes which worker will be responsible for maintaining protocols at specific workout stations and what brands of disinfectant the school is using. It also includes a waiver that athletes are required to sign that alerts them that if they do not follow guidelines — like self-quarantining after a positive test or practicing social distancing — they can be dismissed from the team. The rough translation: wear a mask in public or lose your scholarship.

    Those guidelines, however, were warm and fuzzy compared with those laid out by Southern Methodist, which requires its athletes to absolve the school or its employees from any legal claims related to Covid-19. And, by the way, if there is a lawsuit, S.M.U. is claiming home-court advantage by declaring Texas courts as “the exclusive forum.”

    Of course, ethics and the business of college sports often have difficulty occupying the same space. Nowhere does the Ohio State two-page document detail any steps that are required from the school — like how a player in isolation would get food or medical treatment, or how frequently he and his teammates will be tested. Also, Ohio State is among the schools not releasing any testing data to the public.

    Still, near the end of the OSU document, it cautions, “I can never be completely shielded from all risk of illness caused by Covid-19 or other infections.” In other words: sign here, you’re on your own.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Rightly or wrongly 18-21 year olds are more likely to think they are invincible.

      130 DI teams x 85 scholarship players (this doesn’t count walk ons)

      11,050 players

      If .1% death rate (one tenth of one %) 11 would die. That assumes 100% infection.

      So between 1-5 players would die in a worst case scenario probably. One death is too many IMO so yea they are going to have to sign a waiver and talk it over with their families.

      However – if you can find a way to control the spread it’s possible that you could have a zero fatality scenario. Tough in a contact sport…

      Like

      1. These kids are spreaders. They may not die but they will spread the disease to us older more susceptible people. You need to look at it this way or you miss the picture. How many older coaches will die. How many groundskeepers. How many cafeteria workers. How many teachers. How many parents.

        Ohio state cares about one thing. Money. But their governor can shut them down. He actually cares about safety and is serious about health. Might not get re-elected though. 🤠

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Interesting scenario, young people are less likely to be seriously affected by covid yet at the same time be more reckless, like Tex mentions, more likely to spread the Chinese virus.

        Like

  97. Breaking … for the 1st since …. Allegheny County is reporting 0 new cases. But this comes with a disclaimer, it could well be an aberration as yesterday there were 27 new cases.

    Liked by 1 person

  98. Soliciting ideas for articles. What do you guys want to read about?

    Like

    2. The possibility of PITT building a MPC.. jus joking.

      The possibility of Tex stops talking about a MPC.. jus joking.

      The possibility of me stop jacking Tex around.. jus joking…

      Could this PITT defense be the best since the early 80’s?

      Like

    3. MM – My idea for a article. How has Tex has lived his entire life without being committed to Western Psych on at least 1-2 occasions. Between Corona and Pitt Athletics where does he find the time. I do agree Heather and Frauduzzi both are terrible Tex.

      Like

      3. I used to tailgate right across from western psych after graduation. I didn’t have to go far during my escapes. 🤠

        Like

    4. Michaelangelo:

      A while back I put together a lengthy article which analyzes the lead up to 13-9, starting with the hiring of Dave Wannstedt, and concludes with somewhat of a play by play game analysis. I never got around to sending it to you. With all of the negativity of the past few months, maybe the POV would enjoy reliving one of the best games in recent Pitt Football history. Let me know, and I’ll send it to you.

      Liked by 1 person

  101. Tex can take it on the chin………… It’s a virtue for people who give it… I appreciate you brother.

    Like

  102. Rules that I live by Ike you may remember them The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Anyone who has struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor the more l learn about people the more l love my dog as Pitt fans we may want to re-examine are priorities live is to precious to worry about things we can’t control but try to help all who need it

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ^^ Mike… did I just write that comment myself while I dozed off? Sounds so familiar it almost sounds like you’re mocking me? I do appreciate the fact I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth.. I’m just happy I had the spoon and food to scoop up to put in my mouth. I don’t judge….. until lines are crossed…

      If PITT wins 10 games I will be up in some posters faces saying yea yea yea and if PITT falls on their faces and I hear nay nay nay back at me……….. so be it, I can take it.

      I tip my PITT cap to you Mike Smith. You’re my clone brother.

      Like

  103. Maestro, you want a topic, how about this? …

    https://www.espn.com/college-football/insider/story/_/id/29236459/alabama-texas-usc-most-appealing

    Now I’m only allowed to go down to Tier I Alabama since I’m not an ESPN Insider. But even if you aren’t, my guess that by the criteria listed, Pitt is either Tier IV or v

    Tier 4 jobs: Recruiting or resource restrictions that make player development a focal point; strong facilities but average overall infrastructure in their conferences; limitations with administrative/fan support; a consistent bowl team that competes for division titles, league titles and New Year’s Six bowls a few times per decade.

    Tier 5 jobs: Limited recruiting reach that requires a developmental approach; decent and functional facilities; some administrative and booster support with realistic expectations; a job where bowl eligibility is still typically celebrated, and the occasional 10-win season, division title or major bowl appearance is a big deal.

    PS – please note that even PSU is not considered Tier I …. I assume primarily because the lack of quality PA recruits

    Tier 1 jobs: Great location with excellent access to elite regional and national recruits; strong infrastructure and commitment from university and athletic administration; few financial limitations on assistant coach and staff hires; history as a top-5 program (recent or long term).

    Like

    1. Good link Majors and and interesting topic . I’m not an insider either so we can let the debate rage

      Like

  104. When I’m down and out this is my safe zone song… Shouting out to Huff the Third. Keep the wheel spinning round and round…

    Like

  105. Swear to gosh and true story, I was tailgating years ago in the Red Lot 6 when all of of sudden this dude in a hospital gown shows up with an I-V pole still attached to his arm………….. A few hours later he had on a PITT hat and PITT shirt and no I-V pole… I hope that cured him…

    Liked by 1 person

  107. Wasn’t my problem and he had one good day. He ate well that day…. actually he was a celebrity, you know, his 15 minutes of fame…

    Like

  108. Here’s an Update:

    Alabama: College Football Talk reports a total of eight football players tested positive.
    Arkansas State: CNN reports “seven athletes from three of the school’s sports programs tested positive.”
    Auburn: The Montgomery Advertiser reports three football players tested positive.
    Baylor: Three football players tested positive, with one symptomatic and two asymptomatic.
    Central Florida: CNN reports three football players tested positive.
    Clemson: ESPN reports two football players and a men’s basketball player tested positive.
    Florida State: CNN reports “at least one football player tested positive.”
    Houston: ESPN reports the university “suspended voluntary workouts after six athletes in various sports tested positive.”
    Iowa: CNN reports one person within the athletic department tested positive.
    Iowa State: The Wall Street Journal reports “one part-time student worker in the athletic department tested positive … with four symptomatic athletes on two teams who had come into contact with infected individuals.”
    Louisiana Tech: ESPN reports a football player tested positive.
    Marshall: The Wall Street Journal reports “three asymptomatic cases in two football players and one staffer.”
    Mississippi: The Wall Street Journal reports “three positive cases: one athlete and one staff member in Oxford, Miss., and one athlete not yet on campus.”
    Oklahoma State: The Oklahoman reports three football players, including linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, tested positive.
    Texas: ESPN reports two football players tested positive for coronavirus and “a third tested positive for the COVID-19 antibody.”
    Texas Tech: CNN reports one positive test within the men’s basketball program.
    West Virginia: ESPN reports a football player tested positive on the first day of voluntary workouts. – Contracted from his father/uncle(same person). That was a joke.

    Penn State will never report anything so they will remain consistent with reporting since joe pa was hired in 1827.

    Nick Saban has successfully gotten 10% of his scholarship players already infected. A couple more weeks and he will have a full covid free squad ready to play.

    Like

  109. MM – a possible article, though it would take some digging, would be on the recruiting done by the various Pitt coaches. Beatty, Partridge, and Collins seem to be the big three. How have they done and what have the other coaches contributed? What about the mysterious Coach Salem…

    Just a thought…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    1. It’s a good idea but yea requires a lot of research

      Like

  111. Meanwhile cases are spiking hugely in California, Florida, Texas and many others, this time with much less effort to slow down the spread. The Eastern seaboard just starting to relax restrictions, all this with school to start two months from now.

    Like

  112. Good news Ike. Type O blood has the lowest risk of contracting Covid per research article today. Type A poses the highest risk.

    Tex whose O positive but wife is A negative…sucks to be her

    Like

      1. Did not mean for that to be sent. Tex, my hubby and I have the same blood types as you- except HE’S the one with A-. He’s already paranoid about this. Good thing he doesn’t read the blog…

        Like

        1. No problem.

          It’s probably good that 95 percent of people don’t read this blog

          But 95 percent of Pitt fans need to.

          Like

  113. LOL Tex, sorry for your wife and mine, same scenario here. That’s why I asked the question. Doesn’t mean we can’t get though.

    Like

    1. I also think if they dig deeper in the research they would find vinegar and bourbon help keep the virus away as well

      🤠

      Like

  114. Nobody has mentioned it but there has already been an FCS game cancelled due to the virus.

    A matchup between two HBCU teams that has been held annually in the Liberty bowl in Memphis since the 50’s has been canceled,

    IMO,the teams involved (Jackson State & Tennessee State) will play on campus without all the hoopla.

    There is at least 8 P5 matchups being held at neutral sites this year. By neutral sites;, I mean pro stadiums.

    Tried to provide a link but once again WordPress has ate that post.

    Article in ESPN.

    Like

    1. Mike – the last time I complained about my problem with posting links on WordPress, you replied it was my lucky day. I am assuming I needed to post all my past & future links on that one particular day,

      Just frustrating that I can not post links.

      Like

      2. What browser are you using and are you logged into WP? I was able to post one

        Like

        1. Didn’t try that day.

          I use Microsoft edge & I am logged in to WordPress.

          At one time, I was posting links & fat & happy. Then no link posting ability.

          You know I can post links because I send them to you on my word articles that I am submitting to you.

          Like

            1. The problem I believe is with WordPress.

              I have been using Edge for at least 3 years. It was only in the last year or less that I am not able to post links. Time frame is about the same time Rick (Erie Express) started having problems.

              The problem I am now experiencing may be due to posting a link to PSN which (at least to me) was having problems with virus infections. Not saying it does but I used to have issues with bad pop ups.

              Like

              1. So have you tried Chrome?

                You can only control what you can control and if Wp changed something that makes it less compatible with Edge…well that’s out of everybody’s control. Even mine.

                Like

            2. We switched to Edge at work and it was not compatible with one of the bank websites I access. The site always worked with IE. Pulled it up in Chrome…no problem.

              Like

        2. Right Mike, it’s Richard’s browser. I have zero problems posting comments and now I have zero problems posting links. Another problem is when your cpu cleanses itself or if it’s done manually you lose all automatic passwords and they need reloaded.

          ike …….who knows less than zero about computering.

          Like

        4. I have downloaded Chrome, I am posting this using chrome.

          I have tried 3 times on chrome trying to post a link.

          Haven’t seen any of them.

          Like

          1. Ah sorry to hear that. Very odd that WP is singling you out. -2 pts for them

            Like

          2. For some reason they are going to spam. Going to try to see if I can tell WP to stop doing this. Wish me luck

            Like

            1. What do you know!!! Tried three times & went to get something to eat. Came back & there is one of my links. Hopefully that is because you worked some magic on the spam front..

              Like

              1. Sadly it’s because I manually approved it. Hopefully if I do that enough WordPress will learn to stop putting it in their. Keep your expectations low though.

                Like

          3. So there is no setting that allows me keep your link comments from going to spam Richard. Are you using a vpn? If yes try turning it off. That the only other think I can think of

            Like

  115. just got back from my weekly senior shopping at Costco, and here are two things I heard on Sirius 84 ESPNU to and fro …

    to … Mike Gundy while QB at Ok St in 1989 allegedly used the N word as alleged by two different players. These were written up in local papers, but it should be noted that Gundy denied both allegations

    fro … 2 players at Kansas St tested positive and may have affected the entire team. No further details were provided. Now obviously most on the team likely will not be affected but the major issue is that either protocols were not adhered to, or there are some s**** protocols in place

    Like

    1. Every school will have different protocols. Some will be better than others. Some will be properly executed.

      If officials don’t take it seriously, players won’t. And the schools that have always cheated and skirted the rules will continue. Health protocols are no different.

      The problem is that not taking it serious and cheating can result in the death of someone from the opposing school.

      And Fauci says you need daily testing for sports. What school has that?

      Like

  118. Does Pitt have any names on campus that may need to be removed?

    Nobody’s perfect and if you dig deep enough you’ll always find some dirt. But I don’t recall any confederate names or anyone will a public history of racism.

    Like

    1. already done ….. wasn’t a Stephen Foster statue or plaque removed?

      IMO, a little bit of overreaction but that’s just me

      Like

      1. That’s right. Yes a bit over reacting. I guess Pitt has taken care of things. I just wonder if we’ll see conferderate flags at southern schools this year. I would think one would keep them in the closet given the times. Tough to honor hero’s who many think are nothing more than racist traitor losers.

        Tex – I fly the Stars and Stripes.
        🇺🇸

        Like

        1. I do see both sides of the argument. But as many black athletes have said, it’s insensitive and now is the time to unite. See narduzzis use of word thug. Handled by him and moved on. See Gundys wearing of the fishing shirt. His locker room is lost unless he pulls a drew Brees mea culpa

          Like

  119. I agree Stephen Foster kind of like Mark Twain. Certainly racist by today’s standards, but in their times, they were describing life as it was. Like the statues they belong in museums not as public reminders that are inflammatory.

    Like

    1. I can remember black scholars arguing against those who wanted to remove Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from school libraries because of the N word, arguing that it was an accurate portrayal of history. Same goes for GWTW because there was a black slave maid working at the plantation before and during the Civil War … well guess what?

      Like

      1. and BTW, I haven’t read Huck Finn for decades but don’t remember Jim (the escaped slave) as being a bad guy. What I do remember is that even though he escaped, he felt that he was going to hell for doing it (pretty powerful IMO)

        Like

  120. sad news … the Belk Bowl has been replaced by the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. This is a bowl that Pitt may qualify for as it is affiliated with the ACC

    But there is no truth to the rumor that the Mayo Bowl winner will play the winner of the Idaho Potato Bowl in the Grandma’s Potato Salad Bowl

    Liked by 3 people

    2. I have some good southern potato salad recipes if you need one. I’ve always thought of it as soul food. Well it is with bacon bits.

      🤠
      🥓

      Like

  121. OT: Stephen Foster lived in my neighborhood for a short while, in Greensburg. Shortly before I was born….. Source? My sixth grade teacher, Mrs Smith. Tearing down history is just plain stoopid. I suppose when they erect a statue of me it when I die will be torn down asap.

    ike who loves history………. and music………… and everything….

    Like

    1. Your statue will be left standing…with graffiti.

      I’ll make sure to mark your birthday each year by leaving a bottle of Koolaid and some chocolate sweets signed by Heather.

      Tex who knows how to kick a man when he’s down

      You know I’d never do that Ike. I’d leave a bottle of vinegar instead.

      Liked by 1 person

      2. You big prick Tex.. LOL 🙂 I know you’ll stand guard over my grave….. Just don’t piss and dance on it…. 🙂

        Like

  122. I told y’all. Blame it on the pool parties and strip clubs. Almost 30 percent of the team infected.

    Like

    1. According to the former head of the FDA, 25% of cases being admitted to hospitals in Texas are ages 20-29.

      Like

    2. Texas (UT) football players used to go to the Chicken Ranch when they won a big game. Or was that A&M? Well, some Texas college football team went to the Chicken Ranch and it wasn’t for fine dining.

      Like

  123. Estimates of US infection are between 5 and 20 percent. We don’t really know because we aren’t doing enough testing. But the point being. We have a long way until herd immunity and a widely available and effective vaccine may not be ready until early next year.

    I figure we have a less than 30 percent chance of finishing any Fall sport

    I don’t see there being spring sports next year during peak flu season.

    Like

    1. Interesting stuff, too bad they didn’t break down some of the categories by years of fandom. For example it would have been interesting to see how the OCS question (would an OCS influence Pitt becoming a national contender, 55.1% no, 44.9% yes) was broken down by years of being a fan (58.9% less than 10 years).

      Like

      1. Sadly my poll will not be able to do that because I can’t track users across questions. Don’t know if Pitt news has the ability to do that or not. But they they are journalism students not stats majors…

        Like

  126. These young Pitt fans did not witness the 9o’s. The 90’s when you were a student or freshly minted graduate. If you are still a fan after that baptism, you truly have blue and gold in your blood. But unfortunately, Pitt lost an entire generation of fans due to their ineptitude and carelessness.

    Tex – vinegar for a reason

    Like

  127. This just in:

    As cases rise in 20 states around the United States, pockets of student-athletes returning to campus have tested positive, underscoring the difficulty colleges and professional sports leagues face as they prepare for the possibility of a fall sports season.

    The University of Texas, where football players began voluntary workouts this week, said Thursday that 13 players had tested positive, and another 10 were self-quarantining after officials carried out contact tracing. Last week, the University of Houston suspended voluntary workouts for its athletes after six of them tested positive. And at Southern Methodist University, officials said this week that five of 75 athletes tested were positive.

    At least eight Kansas State University athletes tested positive for the virus since returning to campus, officials said this week. The university’s athletic director said that they had anticipated a “small number” of positive tests. University officials said athletes were being asked to quarantine for seven days after arriving on campus and were not being allowed to practice until they tested negative.

    Many of the athletes who tested positive were asymptomatic, according to their universities. As students return to campus, they risk bringing the virus with them and seeding outbreaks in parts of the country with relatively few cases. Some fall games can usually attract about 100,000 fans.

    “Unless players are essentially in a bubble — insulated from the community and they are tested nearly every day — it would be very hard to see how football is able to be played this fall,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said Thursday on CNN. “If there is a second wave, which is certainly a possibility and which would be complicated by the predictable flu season, football may not happen this year.”

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