in Pitt Football 84 Words

Updated: Kradel, Davis and Powell & Danielson, Harley and Dennis

Just a good ol Pittsburgh Guy. Really like the part where he gets asked about playing next to Houy
Toes the line for most of the interview but loosens up at the end
IMO it’s between Powell, Borbley and Bates for “coach who gives the best interview”, and Powell does does not disappoint .

193 thoughts on “Updated: Kradel, Davis and Powell & Danielson, Harley and Dennis”

  1. Narduzzi is scheduled to be on the ACC Network’s Packer and Durham show tomorrow, Wednesday 9/16. The show is on the network between 7 AM and 10 AM and then is repeated at 10 AM to 1 PM. Don’t know what time the ‘Duzz is scheduled, but some Pitt sites will probably have his interview clip.

    Like

  2. Three excellent interviews. Vincent Davis made me laugh — pretty cool dude. Nice jobs by Kradel and Coach Powell.

    Here’s what I don’t understand, if the OLinemen hang out together, or the QBs are all in the QB room, and so forth, what happens when a player tests positive… Could get ugly as far as trying to field a team…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  4. the Celtics are in the eastern finals. Last night, Brad Wannamaker in 25 minutes had 11 pts, 3 reb, 5 steals and 6 assists, which is pretty much what Brad Wannamaker does. I believe the Celts lost .. who cares!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. 5.7 DT Dorien Ford announce tomorrow. Pitt is considered the favorite and if so, he will join 3 other local 4-star DLs which will give Pitt a really good defensive base in the near future. Plus, with the early returns from the new freshmen, it appears to bode well.

    But this is Pitt … who am I kidding?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. That might be the height of peak or when most places will plateau before coming back down. I expect a jump in cases given Labor Day gatherings and school openings.

      And the mid west and rural areas are the new hot zones right now.

      So how many games will they play. Maybe 7 at the most. How is that fair to conferences like the ACC that will play a full schedule assuming no outbreaks and cancellations. I don’t want any 7-0 Ohio state or penn state team even being mentioned for the BCS.

      Like

  8. If we are lucky with the virus, we will have played 5 games by then. B10 will be starting when flu starts. Good luck to them.

    Like

    1. Happy Anniversary to Pitt fans!

      Still have vivid memories of the 12-0 game. Sat in the first row of the upper deck at 3-Rivers for a great view of the action — including “Lightning Rod’s” terrific catch and run…

      Hats off to Walt Harris!

      Go Pitt.

      Like

    2. shows you what an athlete Rutherford was. I always thought Walt underutilized him at QB. In fact, you may recall Walt tried the read option with Thurman in 01 to pretty disastrous results; maybe Rod would have been the better option

      Like

  10. Saw on Panthers 247 that Avonte Maddox played 61 snaps for the Eagles in their opener. He made 5 solo tackles and gave up 4 completed passes in 8 targeted attempts. Impressive playing for his size…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  11. well, once again it looks like Pitt will be one-and-done in the Top 25, win or lose. Guaranteed, the large Midwest contingent will vote in at least 4 B1G teams with their gaudy 0-0 records.

    Like

    2. The question I have with the them starting so late, what if they only are able to play 5 – 6 games instead of 8? There’s no open dates in their schedule. Does a 5 – 0 Ohio State get ranked over say a 9 – 1 ACC team in the CFB standings?

      Like

  12. Avonte Maddox, I’m going to go ahead and toot my own horn here. I said for years and years that this kid was good and that didn’t take an Eagle scout to see, so it’s not really bragging. He was always around the ball against big receivers and when they would push off, which the ACC officials turned a blind eye to, AM gave up some catches. But, mostly was always right there. Happy for the young man and he deserves everything he gets because he’s earned it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. In addition to that if a player tested positive and sat out earlier in the preseason, he does not have to be tested again for Covid for another 90 days!

      Like

        1. Might have been by design to go for herd immunity. But that thinking is stupid given potential long term health complications. And who knows what others those players infected like friends and family that may be immune compromised. And dead by now.

          Like

          1. That type of thinking is criminal Tex. Young people need protected from themselves not exposed to their stupidity. Oh to be young and feel invincible again. Can’t believe I survived being young and dumb.

            Like

  15. “I think he is the most underrated QB in the country.” Narduzzi commenting on Pickett this morning on the Packer and Durham ACC Network show. I’m quite sure Tex, Upitt and Huff III feel the same way right now.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’ve always supported Kenny. He’s not elite but has moxy and leadership. He’s the anti Tina…sackseri. Who never led a fourth quarter comeback and whose own O linemen refused to help him up after sacks. I’ve been very consistent on this matter. You must have me confused with another Tex. But I’m the original TX_Panther. Get your facts straight.

      Like

      1. Tx, well that’s why I said you probably agree with Narduzzi on this subject now. But being the most underrated QB in the country currently would probably be a step up from your previous opinion wouldn’t it?

        Like

        1. He’s not the most underrated unless you think he flat out stinks. He’s got intangibles that can’t be taught. But he’s by no means elite. Good chance though he gets drafted if he continues making progress.

          Like

          1. I kind of agree with Tex. I’m more down on KP then him actually. Based off of the prior 2 years, he has some fundamental flaws that may not be fixable. I just don’t think he’s a top tier QB in the ACC let alone the FBS. However, he unquestionably has the intangibles you want/need in a QB.

            Perhaps another year with Whipple will work absolute wonders for him. Unless that happens, I don’t see how he plays on Sunday. Maybe he gets a camp invite as a UDFA.

            I hope he continues to improve and everyone can rub my fat face in this post at the end of the years when Pitt is playing for the ACC Championship again. H2P

            Liked by 1 person

  17. J Bardon wasn’t out of bound

    Addison dropped a catch-able TD pass

    Kyi Wright dropped a wide open TD pass.

    I think that would have made four TD passes for KP. Not a bad half in my book.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Craig Calcaterra@craigcalcaterra
    I’m super critical of the Big Ten’s decision, but can we please, please, throw out the “this is one of the conference’s darkest days” rebop?

    It’s a conference whose prominent members ignored Larry Nassar, Jerry Sandusky, and Richard Strauss, among other monsters, for years.

    No further comment

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Do you notice the common theme of these Big Ten men, Nassar, Sandusky, Strauss, Hayes and Knight was how that treated young people who could not fight back?

    Like

    1. Then you are saying Bobby was an artist, a prolific one at that. Combined with his basketball coaching ability, makes him a Renaissance man.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. As a football lover, I’m glad that the Big 10 will be playing. And I really enjoy settling in for some late night PAC 12 games, so hopefully they will play as well. Things will be worked out for the playoffs, we should only hope to be under consideration.

    Like

  27. Nobody asked me but since the remnants of Hurricane Sally is supposed to now dump 2″ – 4″ of rain today (down from yesterdays evening projection of 4″ – 6″), I got all day in house.

    Let’s start with Syracuse transfers.

    From 10/1/19 – 9/16/20, Syracuse had 5 players enter the transfer portal. All were after the February signing date. One was a Rival’s 5.7 3-star. One (a RB) was from the 2019 class. Just normal attrition. To put in perspective, during the same time frame Pitt has 7 portal entries while FSU, Miami & Va. Tech are tied for 1’st with 14.

    With the attrition from above, Syracuse signed 2 from the portal. One was DE from a FCS program. The other was a OL from Florida – Chris Beich. Pitt may or may not have had contact with him (according to Ike) but he may be the only transfer entry to not receive a waiver for immediate eligibility for Covid-19 season.

    That’s it on transfers. No major losses off the roster. No major gain but the Beich ineligibility could be a huge loss. Erie Express (Rick) on the last article shared some information from a Cuse blog site giving me the impression that the Syracue OL is a wreck.

    Like

  28. To get a gauge of the players to watch, I look at preseason All ACC teams or returning 2019 ALL ACC honorees. Besides 2019 returning All ACC selections, I used Athlon & PFF (Pro Football Focus) . Also known as Mike’s new toy. I would have used Phil Steele’s All ACC but it is a pay site & I am notoriously frugal. It may now be free but I got bored with this project & never revisited.

    Some boring stuff, Some may consider “ALL” selections as popularity contests which I agree with to a point. It does honor players who are not elite but can honor up & comers. IMO, PFF does use stats to fill there roster. This compares to the ACC’s media & HC voting or whatever Athlon uses to make there selections.

    More boring stuff. The All ACC team & PFF make their selection by position – DE, DT, OT,OG & C while Athlon uses DL & OL. I like Athlon’s approach. If you are trying to select who are the best, you may have 7 OT’s who play better then any combination of guards & centers. But in the scheme of life, it doesn’t make much difference.

    The last boring stuff before I take a break. PFF uses Notre Dame in their selections. Athlon & the ACC does not.

    How does Syracuse fit in. I will return with the answer.

    Like

  29. To put trying to play football in a Covid environment into perspective, this just in:

    “Only 1 confirmed positive out of 200 for the Charlotte football team, but contact tracing meant almost all of the OL had to go into quarantine. UNC game canceled. 49ers 100% did the right thing but it once again shows the unique challenges of playing this sport in a pandemic” – Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports

    This is just two days before it was scheduled! Can’t take playing any game for certain until its certain.

    Liked by 2 people

  30. How many Syracuse players made the preseason lists?

    Syracuse had 6 different players make at least one of my 3 preseason lists. In order PFF – 3, Athlon – 5, & returning ALL 2019 selections – 2. I didn’t mention it but The ACC did name a preseason 2020 team. Just one team unlike the season ending 3 teams & Honorable Mention. Syracuse’s 2 returning 2019 selectees where not on this team.

    For perspective, Clemson had 19 different players named to those sites. In the same order as above 13, 14, 10. & 5 (2020 ACC). Pitt was tied for 2’nd with 14 10,10, 5 & 3. Va. Tech also had 14 with 6, 13, 7 & 1.

    Those 6 players are by position by site by team (1’st 2’nd. 3’rd & 4’th or HM.)

    Andre Szmyt K,-HM, HM, 3. (It is my hope that we see him only once – either 1’st or 3’rd qtr opening kickoff.)
    Dakota Davis OG – HM ,NA, NA
    Alron Servais OL – NA, 4, NA
    Taj Harris WR – NA, 4, NA
    Ifeauta Melifonwu CB – NA, 3, NA
    Andre Cisco S – 2, 2, 2

    On the defensive side, Andre Cisco is the defensive star. He made 1’st Team All ACC as a true freshman in 2018. He took a step back in 2019 to 2’nd team behind 1’st teamers Paris Ford & a player from Clemson who jumped from 3’rd. We will probably not see Cisco in 2021 as I assume he will go pro.

    Like

  31. Interesting quotes from QB Jurkovec on leaving his “dream school”, ND:

    —“I committed to the dream of ND and not everything else.”

    “…in QB play, I think I regressed in certain areas over time. It was incredibly frustrating.”

    Also said he even considered changing positions…

    Hope local stars consider how it turned out at ND for this big-time recruit…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

  32. The Trib has a nice article on Pitt linebacker SirVocea Dennis today. I believe i picked him last year as the surprise recruit of the class. A 2 star with no power 5 offers and was committed to the Air Force Academy prior to the Pitt offer. He was also the last recruit for Narduzzi for the 2019 class. He was on the field quite a bit for Pitt last weekend and is being designated as a 3rd down LB.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nice article by Jerry D. Here’s a cool excerpt:

      “Dennis might be the only collegiate linebacker named after a cognac that, when properly aged, can sell for as much as $3,044.99 a bottle and was served to French dignitaries at the opening of the Eiffel Tower in 1889.

      How’d that happen?

      “I get this question a lot,” said Dennis, who’s happy to tell the story.

      “My dad and my grandfather were at a nice restaurant at dinner,” Dennis said, “and the waitress asked them if they wanted to try their signature drink that night, which had courvoisier in it.

      “My dad kind of liked the name. ‘Ooh, I like that. I’m going to name my son SirVocea.’ ”

      I remember being puzzled by this signing. But then I read about SirVocea and how he was a good athlete who had a bad injury in HS. Odd that Syracuse wasn’t interested at all since he’s from there.

      Go Pitt.

      Like

      1. Another interesting piece is that he was a 2 star, no P5 offers until Pitt stepped in. He was also only 190 pounds. He is now at 230 pounds. Thats a 40 pound gain and a whole new athlete.

        Like

  34. I am not saying that making a preseason team makes a player a star. It’s just a better informed decision of who can make help a team to reach their goals.

    For example, a player recruited in 2015 is now gone (with exceptions like Tre Tipton granted a 6’th year of eligibility). Every year players graduate or enter the transfer portal or go pro. For example, 40 of the 122 players selected to fill the 2019 All ACC teams (1’st thru HM) were seniors. Another 8 left with eligibility remaining left for the bright lights of the NFL. Another 3 entered the transfer portal & left for teams that could better showcase their talents. That is a total of 41.8% of all positions filled in 2019.

    I also mentioned in an earlier post that Florida State had 14 players enter the transfer portal. 2 of then entered the portal on Tuesday 9/15. Neither of them had any stats in FSU;s loss to Ga. Tech. One of then was D.J. Matthews. Matthews was selected by PFF as a 2’nd team WR. He was also a HM by both PFF & Athlon as a punt returner. (Disclaimer – just by entering the portal doesn’t mean you can not return (if allowed by the HC.)

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Lot of info this morning, Richard. Hate to say this, but i hope it pours down this afternoon – I enjoy reading your research! 😉

    Liked by 2 people

  36. BYW – does anyone know if we are doing Pitt/Cuse predictions on this thread tomorrow. I presume our Fearless Leader is still under the weather.

    Mike – I hope you are thru the worst of it, fever is breaking, and you are starting to feel some improvement.

    Like

  37. J DiPaola reporting that V Davis to start this week at RB. That’s as it should be from where I’m sitting. Add in Izzy and Carter(for short yardage) is what I’d be looking for.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Agreed. He runs hard, is elusive and always gets more than his blockers give him.

      Would like to see more of what Carter has to offer.

      Liked by 1 person

  38. The Big 10 looks more foolish now than when the cancelled the season. They better not get a shot at the playoffs.

    Like

    1. They bowed to political pressure and economics. Many of these programs support towns. And all support Olympic sports.

      The presidents offset the cave in by putting forth stringent testing and protocols to protect and safeguard players and staff. Things that the community, profs, and other students don’t have.

      It’s all driven by the dollar and the donors and small business desires to see football played.

      Always follow the money and how influential people’s lives are impacted. That’s how and why decisions get made.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. It continues to rain here but so far no torrential downpour.

    Let me first direct you to an article on Pittsburgh Sports Now (PSN) by Nick Farabaugh: Scouting Report on Syracuse. Unlike Moi, who has been WordPressed in not allowing me to post links or even copy & paste from my excel worksheets, his includes film review besides talking about players,

    The preseason picks for offense included one WR & two OL men. PFF had one OL as a HM, the others were 4’th team on Athlon. As someone who believes in stats, I would believe the PFF HM OL has something going for him. I would be happier if I knew the who, what, where & how of the stats but once you get past stats you might as well throw darts to pick out the 4’th & HM selections.

    You can’t discuss Syracuse offense without bring up QB Tommy DeVito (grandson of Danny). He is a tough seasoned QB. He should be tough after suffering sack after sack last year (He was removed from the game after too many blows or Babers finally knowing what to look for in hungover QB’s.) & being sacked 7 times against North Carolina.

    In looking at the box score from Pitt’s last game, I noticed Syracuse’s Taj Harris the 4’th team WR mentioned above had a stat line of 3 catches for 111 yards & a 37.0 yard per catch avg. One of the catches was for 97 yards. Is there a Reed adjustment for long caught & runs?

    The Syracuse running game is under manned. The top two retuning rushers from 2019 Jarveon Howard (76/337 – 4.4yds/carry) & Abdul Adams (87/336 3.9yds/carry) have both opted out of the 2020 season. Cuse (from Rivals data) did not sign a RB in 2019 & the one they did sign is in the transfer portal as of 8/3/2020.

    Overall, I think Pitt wins. Will Pitt beat the spread? I don’t bet but it is possible. Really I wish Pitt wins by more than North Carolina’s 26 point victory.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. It was torrential here in Aiken. We got over 3.5 inches in less than two hours at one point! It looked as if it was done around noon today with the sun coming out but the storm must still be spinning as we have had rain the rest of the day. Fortunately we live on the high ground so we have no problems but there is some flash flooding in the area.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. John – after checking my rain gauge, I ended up with 2.3 inches. It was raining when I got up at 6AM & rained off & on until 9PM. Just a long lasting rain. Hope you are doing well & say hello for me to the Mrs.

        Liked by 1 person

  41. I’m guessing that Conner didn’t practice yesterday, and will be out for this week’s Steelers game. It didn’t take long did it.

    Like

  42. Michaelangelo, hope you and the family are feeling and doing well! 2020 is like the jelly bean of the month club. A gift that just keeps giving and giving all year long.

    Like

  46. Dorien Ford appears to move well. Might he be a 3-year starter on the OLine????

    Kradel said the other day that it took him one-and-a-half years to learn the intricacies of playing college Oline…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

      1. Yeah, I get that, ike.

        I remember when Hargrove came in as a DT. Looks like it was a good move for him to go to the OLine…

        Nice recruiting job on another Ford by Pitt!

        Go Pitt.

        Like

    2. With Ford in the garage, Pitt has two remaining WPIAL targets to win favor with – Gateway LB Derrick Davis and NA tight end Khalil Dinkins.

      Davis would look really good roaming the field behind our hometown DL and Dinkins would come in at a much needed position with plenty of playing time awaiting.

      H2P!

      Liked by 2 people

  47. and I certainly get that as well John and great point but Hargrove isn’t from WPA. these guys want to play together but it could shake out differently? This is a PITT coup against the outsiders.

    Like

  49. UNC’s game with Charlotte as just been cancelled (they’ll probably move up a couple of spots in the polls)

    And Pitt’s newest commit won’t be playing tomorrow or next week since one of his coaches just tested positive

    Like

  50. I see this as a very positive development for Narduzzi and Pitt. Getting the top local kids signals confidence in the direction of the program. It will also put more fans in the seats. Eventually.

    Liked by 3 people

  52. So does anyone know where this puts PITT in team rankings as far as recruiting? Second question… is this going to help PITT in recruiting Davis and Dinkins?

    Like

    1. Randy Waldrum has done a fantastic job turning around our program. He is a very good coach and a great recruiter. I am glad he chose Pitt! He could have basically chosen anywhere to restart his college coaching career as he is that highly thought of as a coach!

      Both the men’s and women’s soccer programs are in very good hands.

      Like

  54. With the commit Narduzzi got tonight, I am impressed! I know it was expected but he is consistently getting the top local talent, at least on the defense side of the ball, to come to Pitt. That has not happened since Wanny was here. We need Whipple to succeed to help with the offensive side of things.

    I am looking forward to Saturday to see if the offense is for real. I am pretty confident this defense is, with the exception of the corners. They are our weak link there.

    Like

  55. I’ve said this many times that I loved those cross country match ups with teams like USC and UCLA. It puts a national stamp on the Pitt program, but of course toughens the OOC part of the schedule which gives some POVers heartburn. I would love to see an OOC that includes A rival like WVU, a national program like, say, Cal or ASU, and a cupcake.

    Like

    1. Not sure how playing any school west of the Mississippi helps pitt. Pitt doesn’t recruit that part of the country. Few alumni live in those parts. Pitt has a regional brand.

      Like

      2. Pitt recruits “students” from all over the country, and like most big schools likes to tout how it has students attending from every state. If playing a West Coast team helps to recruit regular students with top credentials, then that is more important than simply focusing on how these games can be used to recruit players. Besides, these types of games can produce TV match ups that all parts of the country can see.

        Like

  56. Got 2 things in the mail from Pitt this week. The first was an envelope with 2 Pitt masks in it. Sweet- I’m wearing one to work tomorrow. I had to wash it first- it smelled horrible.

    Today I got a fundraising letter from Gallagher. I had to laugh- instead of saying,” Check what amount you will give us- $50, $100, $150, etc.”, he asks me for $750. WHAT?? Where does that number come from? I guess he figures that I don’t have to pay for football tickets next year since I’m rolling them over, but that amount just caught me by surprise. Anyone else get these?

    Like

    1. kind of reminds me of all the charity organizations that send me calendars and address labels, along with with donation forms. FWIW, I have given to my share of what I believe are worthy causes but now that I am retired, only local charities will get my consideration. …. but thanks for the gifts

      Like

    3. I received a request to send my money from Sir Patrick but no masks……hard to give money to a group sitting on $4 billion…….

      Like

      1. Hard to give money when Pitt isn’t significantly cutting costs and eliminating programs but is still trying to run a bloated and cost inefficient bureaucracy in the covid era.

        And yep, they are the dragon guarding their hoard of over $4 billion. Yet they have the audacity to ask for more.

        Like

  57. I haven’t gotten those things from Pitt yet Annie. Think there is any chance the masks are in anticipation of allowing some fans to attend in October?

    Like

    1. Any chance the masks were “made in China”?

      It didn’t smell lyke Peay, did it?

      I have not received mine yet – I’ll let you know if it passes the smell test.

      Like

            1. I plan on washing the masks one hundred times if that’s what it takes to wash China right out of those masks just on prince-able. I haven’t been out of the house for over three months and it’s not because of coivd. Actually once, Angie insisted and took Eli and myself for a ride around town, I got the front seat. 🙂

              Like

  60. King Pat shares some reasons for the “secrecy” as reported by PSN (is he or his staff reading the POV?) –

    Narduzzi has gone on the record many times about his distaste for gambling in the sport and Thursday, said that hoping to dispel gambling on his team is one of the reasons for his trademarked secrecy about player availability.

    “We educate our players: do not talk about injuries, because bookies or whatever you call them are looking to find out who’s playing, who’s not playing,” Narduzzi explained. “That’s why we never talk about injuries, because all it does is ask for problems.”

    There you have it – never mind the fact that it also throws shade to your opponents game planning 😎

    Liked by 1 person

  61. I have always thought that the NFL prostituted itself by mandating all injuries be made public. Obviously, it’s done as a favor to the gamblers who have helped make the NFL the king of sports. Pretty sure that the Stillers were fined last year for not disclosing Ben’s arm injury prior to Game 2.

    Like

  62. That’s an excuse, light. The kids/player’s know who is injured and who is not, so it’s not a secret. If you go over some of the large college gambling fiasco’s in the past, it was non-sport playing students that be-friended players on the teams and those players told the students, who in turn, told the bookies, The students were the runners for the bookies.

    He could just tell the truth and say that he doesn’t want to talk about injuries. At least this should dismiss the whole HIPAA BS. Pitt football is not a covered entity for HIPAA purposes. At least he got closer to the truth. The bookies have their feelers out ALL the time, talking to players and friends and parents, and most dont even recognize they are being mined for information.

    Pitt will be 1-0 for games being played tomorrow against Syracuse.

    Like

  63. If you listen to Andre Powell (always a great interview) and Kradel you get some insight into how hard of a jump high school to college is for certain positions.
    I think OL and QB are especially brutal. Also, because of the offensive system Pitt plays, RB is a big challenge. These kids never had to pick up a pass rush in high school and it isn’t easy. Good or bad, Whipple doesn’t hold back on his scheme the first year he coaches a team. He stated that many times last year. I think that hurt the offense last year but will pay off this year.

    On D, it seems the scheme requires the LBs and safeties to make that big adjustment. That delayed Paris Ford’s playing time. I think Chase Pine has never mastered being consistent at the mental part of the game, thus his demotion.
    Without the experience and knowledge, kids play tentative like Pitt’s backup OL last week and Warren much of last year.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kids need to mature and are still growing in many cases. And colleges run far more sophisticated systems or schemes than high school. It really takes a mature and elite freshman to start at the biggest schools. I’m a big fan of the red shirt. College classes if taken seriously are also a huge adjustment along with being away from home and awash in all this new found freedom and responsibiiity.

      Like

  65. A few things:

    Narduzzi does elude to players privacy, maybe he’s not bound from disclosing injuries by HIPAA, maybe it’s out of respect for the player? Just like when a player leaves the team he never gives the “real” reason why. Like the south-side 5 or players with grade issues. The man doesn’t like to divulge personal information. It’s not the worst characteristic a coach could have.

    I haven’t put my mask on yet but my wife did and said it stunk, she washed it and it still doesn’t smell very good.

    Gallagher sent something asking for donations starting at $1,000, I also have some guy named Leon leaning on me for money as well. PITT must not have got the memo that I’m not a wealthy man.

    Changing menu for tomorrow, need something quick and easy. Idea’s?

    Like

    1. Pitt needs to ask for small time donations for multiple causes. Or a donation plan for certain large dollar projects.

      Asking for one time larger donation amounts is a fundraising tactic that is a proven failure.

      There also needs to be a sense of urgency and a message on how your dollars will help.

      Tex who knows a little about fundraising.

      Like

  67. Ike – quick ‘n’ easy? I’d suggest going to Fran’s for the game. May not be too quick for you, but it’s sure to be easy — and GOOD.

    I think Kessman gets his 1st FG of the season tomorrow, but is only 1 for 1. We will score at will – hence a paucity of FG attempts. I think whole playbook comes out Saturday – to give upcoming coaches headaches in the planning department.

    Running game features enough to set up the pass; receivers get a step; KP is “On”. Defense allows 10 – although I’d prefer another shutout.
    Pitt wins big 45-10.
    ” no S’Cuses!!”

    Liked by 2 people

  68. Chris Peak’s article said Pitt played 11 freshmen against Austin Peay.

    Another interesting nugget from Chris:
    —Pitt is 11-5 in ACC games when they were favored.
    —Pitt is 12-12 in ACC games in which they were underdogs…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  69. Pitt wins and covers

    Q1: Pitt 17, Cuse 3
    Q2: Pitt 30, Cuse 10
    Q3: Pitt 43, Cuse 13
    Q4: Pitt 50, Cuse 20

    I believe the line has moved from 19 to 22. Smart money is on Pitt

    Tex who has smart 💰

    Like

  70. so Pitt blows out a a lower level opponent and everyone, even Tex, is all gung ho. I certainly hope you’re right but until I see this OL vs a P5 opponent, I am going to reserve judgment. I expect a lower scoring game.

    After Marshall put a whooping on Eastern Kentucky, they are hosting Appalachian State tomorrow and are 4 pt dogs, This may be the end best game tomorrow to watch behind Miami v Louisville (Pitt’s next opponent)

    Like

  71. Fran, great call and BL I would love to “Be There” I will be in heart. The secret to great tailgate food is the smell. Chilli cooking smells like football season. Probably taco’s since I will be at home. I’ll just fire up the pellet grill and start my amazin smoke tube to gt that great smoke going.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biJajMAr8ys

    Like

  72. Pitt wins 41-10

    6 TD’s and one missed extra point

    One CB gets burned for a long cuse TD (IKR) – cuse kickers are very good…

    Ike – I’m que-ing steak kabobs with the steak sandwiching orange slices – all drinks will have a slice of orange as will the side salads.

    I’ll have the unused oranges in a bowl beside me to throw at the TV if needed.

    H2P!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It has been retired. The last good player was Konrad the fullback drafted by Miami in round one back in 1995 I think. I just have a 44 with no name. No brown, little or Davis. Just 44

      Like

  76. Annie – if you’d send you new Pitt mask(s) to Ike, perhaps he can put them in his pellet grill with the Amazin Smoke Tube, and put a good smell in it.

    Like

  81. Pitt 34 SU 21

    I’d like to see Pitt use the WRs to run off the Syracuse DBs, then throw underneath to the TE and screens to the RBs. Use the delayed handoff/draw as well. I don’t think we’ll see as many long passes to the WRs this week.

    Syracuse has some good athletes on that team despite their OL woes.

    HTP!

    Liked by 1 person

  87. Updated my own Pitt Rivals data for Dorien Ford. Usually just add the relevant data to my spreadsheet & it lines up with Rivals. But this time it was off. Turns out it was off by bonus points. Elliott Donald dropped from #82 to # 86 but Nakhi Johnson shot up in the rankings from # 183 to #159.

    Liked by 1 person

  91. In the article “An Update & Same Old Pitt”, Voice of Reason (9/11/20 @7:44PM asked about an analysis of recruiting. Compare Offense to Defense recruiting under Narduzzi – #’s & ratings amongst some other questions. I have done some of the work using the 2015 – 2020 classes. A total of 120 recruits in total.

    Before I give some results, I want to give a quick run through of how I compiled the Rivals data. Rivals puts every recruit into one of these categories – Offense: QB, RB, WR, TE, & OL Defense: DE, DT, LB, & DB. They also use K/P (which I consolidate as ST) & a category called ATH (short for athlete – a person who can play on either side of the ball. I will use the Rivals. For averages, I will use the Rivals ranking (6.1 to 5.2)

    What I will show is the # of recruits by above categories over the 6 different recruiting classes & there average Rivals ranking. I may end up doing this over 3 or more comments.

    Offense
    QB: 6, 5.62
    RB: 8, 5.73
    WR: 15, 5.57
    TE: 5, 5.54
    OL: 17, 5.56

    Like

  92. Rivals recruiting data continued.

    Defense:
    DE: 16, 5.53
    DT: 10, 5.61
    LB: 13, 5.55
    DB: 21, 5.66

    Athletes:
    ATH: 7, 5.53

    Special Teams:
    K/P: 2, 5.30

    In Totals
    Offense 51, 5.596
    Defense 60, 5.593
    ATH: 7, 5.614
    K/P 2, 5.300

    Total: 120, 5.591

    Liked by 1 person

  94. Before we start gnashing teeth tomorrow, I want to applaud Duzz and staff for their excellent recruiting and most recently of D Ford. I saw him play once last year at Baldwin and he was a man amongst boys. You win 80% of the time if you have better players than your opponent! Great get Duzz!

    Liked by 1 person

  95. Rivals recruiting data continued:

    There may be some readers who remember college players playing both ways. I don’t (I am 69). So who are the “Ath” & how do they change prior break downs. Following is the list of players & where I placed them.

    2020 class Solomon DeShields – LB that was an easy decision.
    2018 Shocky Jacques-Louis – WR another easy one.
    2017 Kyle Nunn – LB That took me a while to figure out & still don’t know if I made the right decision.
    2016 George Hill – RB He was a medical no-go but believe he was penciled in as a RB
    2016 Aaron Matthews – WR another easy decision
    2016 Phil Campbell – DB I uses his original position not the LB switch he made last year.
    2015 Dane Jackson – DB He makes my 4’th easy decision.

    The numbers changes follow. Obviously, no longer any “ATH” & K/P remains the same (2 – 5.3)
    a “$” after position means a change
    QB: 6 – 5.62
    RB$: 7 – 5.73
    WR$: 17 – 5.58
    TE: 5 – 5.54
    OL: 17 – 5.56

    DE: 16 – 5.53
    DT: 10 – 5.61
    LB$: 15 – 5.55
    DB$: 23 – 5.63

    These changes make a these changes in total Off/Def numbers:

    Offense 54 5.602
    Defense 64 5.591

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I find the DE 5.53 to be amazing, If I had to pick the team’s strongest current position, it would be DE … yet it’s the lowest score for any grouping (including OL)

      Like

      1. Pitt has signed 1-5.8, 1-5.7, 5-5.6, 5-5.5, 3-5.4 & 1-5.3 (2015 Juco Allen Edwards). I like your idea of comparing position groups strongest to weakest to recruiting ranking. Wish I had thought of it. Good idea.

        Like

      1. Ike – I only had two things in my garden this year – Asparagus (which started in April & ended in June. After a hot, rainy June/July followed by a relatively hot but dry August perfect growing conditions for my other crop, the southern delicacy – Nits. Why don’t you come down & help me pick them.

        Like

      2. I remember that Gordie Lockbaum did. He played for Holy Cross in the 1980s. I think the Steelers actually drafted him.

        Desmond Howard played a lot on special teams. You may have been thinking about Charles Woodson. Woodson won the Heisman that year over Peyton Manning ( which is still unbelievable to me)
        Michigan put Woodson on offense a little bit for a Heisman push that much to my still disbelief worked.

        Like

  96. If you thought this exercise was interesting, VofR asked about position changes. I do know of players who Rivals had as “XX” but changed to “YY” (Kaymar Mines as an example DE to TE & back & back) but while I think its a good idea, I don’t know all the position changes. I would need names named & change in position.

    I should have wrote this as an article. Easier to see data & better slicing & dicing of that data.

    My take on all this: After you adjust for the “ATH”, Defense has 10 more recruits 64 vs.54 but basically same ranking 5.602 vs. 5.591. RB’s recruiting by avg Ranking (5.73) is the highest followed by DB’s 5.65.

    I really don’t know what to make of all the results. Really just nothing stands out. Anyone have any ideas on how to improve on what I have done?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Excellent info, Richard.

      I have thought that one reason the DE position is strong is because we brought in so many of them. Course we have also hit on a higher than normal percentage of them.

      Very interesting that the O and D numbers are virtually identical.

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

  97. Well Fran talked me into Chilli and sorry Tex, I do chuck some beans into mine but if you ever stop by I will gladly withhold the beans. Also marinating a cut up rib-eye steak for some ka-bobs. Thanks for the idea Rick.

    Don’t know if this is the official prediction thread but here goes. Not sure if PITT covers…… Babers is a good O coach and may catch PITT out of step a time or two, plus not sure about the PITT offense just yet.

    I say PITT 27
    Cuse 14

    Liked by 1 person

  102. From PSN, I guess they do things differently at UNC:

    FEELING BLUE
    North Carolina starting safety Myles Wolfolk will miss the rest of the 2020 season after being ruled academically eligible, the school announced on Thursday.

    Liked by 1 person

  106. Uncle Iek, ribs are for later this evening…the victory party. RUSH is the featured artist for post game party…and oh yeah, its LOUD.

    Gordon, I didn’t think it was possible to be academically ineligible at North Carolina. Haha.

    Like

  109. I’m very interested to see how this game plays out, and how the team approaches it. Last week was a laugher, and it seems everyone is focused on next weeks game as the true test. As bizarre as it seems, this could be a trap game, overlooking a team they think they can win easily. ( they should). I’m looking to see how they are prepared and focused they are. Looking forward to it.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.