in Pitt Football 705 Words

Onward Pitt Men’s Soccer!

Another timely and helpful piece by Tex… The next match (win) will be plays against #7 Washington own in NC. Good luck young men!

Coach Jay once remarked that he had dogs in attendance at home soccer matches and appreciated their support. But I think if Pitt wins today against Washington and moves on to the semi-finals known as the College Cup, students, alumni and human fans might just outnumber our canine fans for a change.

Pitt is coming off a very impressive win over UCF in the Sweet 16 and cruised to a 4 to nil victory. Pitt almost made it look easy. Pitt’s offense is clicking and their goalkeeper is coming up with big saves.

Today’s opponent is Washington. This game will feature a great offensive team in Pitt going against a very fundamentally sound defensive team. Washington’s strength is up the middle starting with their Hermann semi-finalist player Dylan Teves. Much like Pitt’s Noel, the offense goes through him. He has 7 goals and 5 assists on the year but more importantly four game winning goals.

The Huskies also have the PAC 10 Defensive Player of the Year in Charlie Ostren, who not only plays solid defense but is a key contributor to the offense dishing out assists.

Washington has a very good goalkeeper who  has a 80 percent save percentage. Washington was second in conference in goals against average and shutouts. 

This year they played an abbreviated schedule due to Covid. Only six PAC 10 schools participated in soccer. Washington has beaten both the ranked Stanford and Oregon State teams this year and this will be their second straight trip to the quarterfinals. They are coached by Jamie Clark. He’s been coach for nine years and is the three time coach of the year in the conference.

Washington’s team is comprised of local talent. It has few if any international students unlike Pitt. Washington is known for playing very sound and organized defense. They like to possess the ball and then pick their opportunities. Washington tries to dictate the pace and tempo of the game on their opponents.   

Here are some keys to the game:

Husky Keys:


1) Bend but don’t break. Pitt will attempt to blitz Washington with shots. Washington needs to make sure Pitt takes few quality shots. Make sure the shots that Pitt does get off are coming from outside the box.


2) Keep the game close. If Washington gets behind early, it will change their game plan. Ideally, Washington will need to score first to have a real good chance at taking this game. Playing with the lead will allow them to double down on their defense.


3) Ball possession. Control the clock and prevent Pitt from possessing the ball. Washington can dictate the flow of the game and prevent a dangerous Pitt team from getting the ball. I expect Washington to use a 4-5-1 formation which can easily morph into a 4-4-2 when on the attack

Panther Keys:


1) Score first. The game dynamics change with Pitt in the lead. It will force Washington to bring players forward and commit to offense. Washington is far more comfortable playing defense. Pitt will find more scoring opportunities with a lead.


2) Capitalize on set plays. Washington has players that can prevent counter attacks and when their defense is set, it is tough to break through. So direct kicks and corner kicks could provide Pitt with its best scoring chances.


3) Press high. Make it difficult for Washington to clear the ball. Pressing helps keep the possession on Washington’s side of the field. It will help disrupt what the Huskys want to do which is control play in the center of the pitch.

I expect a very competitive and close match. But Washington hasn’t faced a team all year with the offensive firepower of Pitt. Pitt can score in so many different ways and by so many different players. However, Pitt could be without their star defenseman due to injury from their last match. But I believe Pitt has the depth and player quality to overcome this loss.

My prediction:

Pitt 3
Washington 1

Pitt avenges the ladies volleyball team and moves on to the semi finals.

HAIL TO PITT!

315 thoughts on “Onward Pitt Men’s Soccer!”

  4. Tex – you have helped make many of us Pitt men’s soccer fans over the past 8 months.

    I try to enjoy all Pitt sports – winning helps a lot. (Take note FB & BB HC’s)

    What TV station will this game be aired?

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Tex, your knowledge of the minor sports, particularly men’s soccer, is superb! Nationally, women’s soccer seems to get more exposure and, if I recall, has done better at the international level. What will it take to get the women’s soccer program at Pitt up to a similar level as the men? Is there a difference in that more of the international players playing in the U.S. seem to be men rather than women? Are the good women’s programs in the U.S. primarily composed of U.S. players?

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Thanks Tex…I’m with Erie on this. I’m understanding the game enough to enjoy it more.

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  7. I think the game will be streamed again on the UNC website. There should also be a link come game day from the NCAA site below

    https://www.ncaa.com/live-updates/soccer-men/d1/2020-21-di-mens-soccer-championship-bracket-scores-schedule-and-how-watch

    I believe the Final 4 will be televised on a tv network.

    Women’s soccer is huge here in the states. Not so much in Europe yet although I do think there are some professional leagues.

    I don’t believe there is an academy system for women at this point. I guess it depends on how popular the sport becomes. Right now the men’s leagues are consuming all the oxygen.

    Pitt doesn’t need to find international ladies for soccer. Plenty of talent in the Northeast and Midwest. And Pitt has this player.

    Pitts female athlete of the year

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  9. That might be tough. She was born in Sweden. Grew up in Canada. Her dad was drafted by the bruins in hockey.

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  10. She has two more years of eligibility. She should be one of the top 50 collegiate women soccer players next year. That’s among well over 2,000. She’s what I call a one percenter.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Excellent article, Tex.

    I had to be an emergency soccer coach once a long time ago or my son and a bunch of other kids wouldn’t have had a team to play on. I went to a coach’s clinic but it was like learning a foreign language.

    Go Pitt.

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    2. Kobe was an exceptional human being. Isn’t it strange that many amazing men get caught one time or another with their pants down?

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  15. What is going on with Washington? Volleyball, soccer and our new neighbors are from Washington State. Plus our other neighbor has visitors from Washington. We are being overrun. We did beat them in the Rose Bowl in 37. H2P

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Efton Reid to LSU……..

    but let’s try to keep on with Tex soccer……

    I wonder how dokish will respond this time. LOL!! He railed against pitt crybabies when the fake announcement came out and he was duped. But to be fair, he wasn’t the only one duped. Capel and AD still very quiet.

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    1. Reid was NEVER coming to Pitt…ever! Our AD, in handling the Hugely case like he committed murder, has done two things….made Pitt look like a racist school and cut offf Capels nuts, making him look like he’s a weak ass coach. Neither may be true but with all thing PR…it’s only the perception that counts.

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      1. Seeing more anti Lyke comments in print. Next seasons basketball disaster will be hers and her golden boy coach to own.

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  17. Pitt AD could learn from his soccer analysis, especially the soccer triangle. For AD’s, I prefer the try angle.

    I prefer reading Tex and soccer versus how great Pitt recruiting and revenue generating sports are so on it….when they are not.

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  18. OT – Eve Fiala is a 6-5 Soph. BB player at Pine Richland. Offers from Pitt, PSU, Maryland, Minnesota and others. Supposedly interest from UConn and Baylor.

    Supposed to be pretty athletic, besides her size. Transferred to PR from Indiana, PA. Went from living with grandparents to living with another family – which unfortunately doesn’t sound so great for her maybe wanting to stay close to home…

    Go Pitt.

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    1. Not always bad to “billet”. Done in hockey all the time. Not always bad news and may be a good disguise for athletic intent. May be interesting also given the upheaval at Pine Richland.

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  19. The AccNet is really dropping the ball on this one. Why isn’t this being broadcast live on our network?
    Missed opportunity for Pitt and the ACC. They will probably be running an old Duke vs. UNC basketball game.

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  21. Efton Reid to LSU. “But I really like Coach Capel”. “Take the big money you fool”

    LSU/ Will Wade is the biggest scumbag around …. Under investigation by the NCAA and the feds. But this is major college sports

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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    1. Sad turn of events. LSU coach Wodd (sp?) showed Effin the money. Big money…

      HC Capel needs Hugley cleared and Champ to return for one more year if Pitt is to have a chance to be competitive this coming season.

      The next commitment may be Slim Chance.

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    2. USC got a slap on the wrist, so did Arizona. Despite what the Feds come up with the NCAA will lay down punishment on Wade and LSU and I suspect it to be similar to USC’s.

      Incredible how far Pitt basketball has plummeted under Gallagher. This just is not working under Capel and he is another in a long line of stubborn coaches hired by Pitt. No staff changes after three losing seasons to start his tenure says it all.

      This team needs Hugley more than ever, but I suspect he won’t be back due to Pitt being so compliant when the NCAA could care less what improprieties these schools commit.

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  22. Pitt needs to get some euro kids for basketball. Maybe some Brazilians and Argentines as well. Aussies are good to. I’d go international if I was Capel.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree TEX..I love the European BB players; particularly the ones from Eastern Europe….The Baltics and the Balkans. Generally, they are emotionally tough IMO.

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      1. Regarding the Balkans. They are tough particularly since their parents experienced civil war in the late 90’s. There is no sense of entitlement. Just fortunate to be alive.

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  23. Serbs and Croats are very good. Pittsburgh has huge populations of these groups.

    I think Coach Jay is Croatian. That explains some of his players from the country formerly known as Yugoslavia.

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  24. Here is the problem with Hugley. Hugley got beat down by the AD, not Capel. If his infraction was against student conduct, that ruling would have been made already. Since there was probably no hearing because student conduct typically doesnt get involved in such minor things such as off campus behavior, the issue falls squarely on an AD that wants to show how tough she is to Gallagher, at the expense of her relationship with Capel and Company.

    The kid stayed in school (no student suspension or expulsion). The kid passed his classes. Now he waits for the legal system to play out, leaning on Pitt to help him thru that process. In the interim, Pitt AD hoses half his season, makes him look like a complete loser felon and kills all momentum that was built up prior to the activity. If Hugley gets cleared legally, I would expect him to hit the portal within 5 minutes of being cleared. This is where an inexperienced AD caused an issue when none needed to be caused. Drama central.

    Did Donatas Zovakis come from there? The big euros mostly play a soft game with really good ability to drain the three. Strong mentally. Weak physically. Pitt just needs bigs, smalls and mediums. It is getting late in the recruiting season although they can probably pick up some throw aways out of the portal pretty easily. Can’t miss on big targets…but the mrs Pun intended) caused this due to internal flare up at time of first closure attempt. Poor support.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Lyke is probably finagling away her chance of being a Big Ten AD by her sheer laziness and stupidity. And if Capel wasn’t so focused on his bank account he would have stood up to her.

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        1. This is how Pitt’s paranoid secrecy hurts its cause. Sure we’re focused on the non-revenue sports but men’s football and basketball dwarf the attention paid to soccer and baseball.

          Is Lyke busy working on the NIL for Pitt? No wonder the SEC leads college football. That conference is working to turn NIL to their advantage. Is Lyke doing the same?

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  25. Capel could find several 7 foot centers in Russia.

    I really think Pitt’s next coach should have european ties to schools and academies there. Particularly Eastern Europe. Baltic’s included.

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    1. Maybe it’s tome it should dabble its pinky finger in the real game. Penalties are puffery.

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  27. Disheartening to lose a kid to Wade. My contacts at VCU athletics were always worried about him while he was there. Slippery, slimy.

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  29. Without hugely and champ, I don’t see how this team wins more than three ACC games.

    Thank y’all for the appreciation of my soccer articles.

    I appreciate Dans knowledge of basketball. Majors knowledge of the women’s side. John and Annie’s knowledge of volleyball. And Erie’s knowledge of baseball.

    Hopefully I’ll meet up with some of you at baseball regionals.

    Winning can be therapeutic. I was close to being admitted to western psych after that basketball season. 🤠

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    1. As was I Tex. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge of soccer! And….basketball is also agame of triangles!

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    1. This reinforces what we have been saying for a long time. Many want to blame Capel, but it is more about the state of college basketball and Pitt’s unwillingness to “go all in”. Capel is learning what it took Narduzzi a few year’s to learn, you are not going to get the elite players to come to Pitt. So find the 2nd and third tier guys you can coach up over time.

      Pitt’s Administration will never ignore its ethical responsibility. That is much more important to them than competing at the highest level.

      If you don’t take that into consideration when criticizing a coaches recruiting results you are missing a big part of the equation.

      This will be the same for any coach that comes to Pitt to coach Football or basketball.

      Don’t compare this to the non-revenue sports which have much more of a level recruiting field since there is no big money at stake. Kids are more likely to come because they want to play for a coach and go to a school that meets their academic needs. They are student athletes.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. “competing at the highest level”… I’d argue that Will Wade is not competing at the highest level. Do it without the bagmen and win big… thats the highest level. Sadly, no one may actually be doing that.

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      2. Yes you are correct but it makes no sense for Pitt to be in a Power Five conference. Go to FCS where you can lead a holy, chaste life.

        At this point Pitt just looks incredibly weak and out of touch and undeserving of the ACC revenue stream. You play by the rules of the fight. Or you should not charge fans to watch.

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  31. When Pitt came out with that public statement after Capel criticized the officials, his relationship with the administration was severed.

    When your boss and employer throw you under the bus for all to see in broad daylight, it’s obvious you don’t have their support.

    If I was Capel, I’d hire a lawyer and find a way out of this contract. This job has become toxic.

    This program is the worst since ‘64-69. And the ACC brand is still basketball. I’m sure the Tobacco Road brass is having buyers recourse. They should have picked UConn.

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    1. Absolutely. This coming season will not spare Lyke and Gallagher. Their buffoonery will be there for all to see.

      Has Lyke been Covid vaccinated and had shenprft her house yet?

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  32. I read where the top scorer for Syracuse’s MLAX team was accused of assaulting a woman and was suspended from the team. The coach reinstated him a week later. 5 of their captains, along with the rest of the team threatened to quit if he was allowed back on the team. To me, that is showing character. I don’t think you reinstate Hughley until his issue is resolved. I would have certainly tried to get it through the courts sooner, though. If there was nothing to it I’m guessing the car’s owner would have pulled the charges by now.
    Good article on the soccer team Tex. I hope the soccer gods take your final prediction and make it happen.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I would draw a distinction between property crime and assault. Zero tolerance for assault of any kind.

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  33. Annie, good points for sure, but with all due respect, comparing two dis-similar offenses are difficult. Striking or any physical assault is much different than a property offense. If the woman was a student, student conduct would be involved and can also take those matters into their own hands (i.e. suspension, etc.).

    Finally, the players on the team usually know if another player is using drugs, alcohol, women, etc. and may carry some weight in that regard to self police the locker room. They do not want their brand damaged and that is a good quality as you suggest Annie and I agree with that. That said, there was not a mention that Pitt’s basketball team didn’t support Hugley. My sense is that the syracuse issue involved a physical altercation and the Hugley offense was against an old car.

    Syracuse actually handled it correctly at the start, with an initial suspension of playing privilege, but then let the legal due process play out and brought the player back, only having the teammates stand up for domestic violence. The other portion that isn’t being discussed is that Syracuse only had two games left in their season, so it is easier to kick that can when the team had nothing to play for at a mediocre 7-6 record.

    To me, the issues are completely different since one is domestic violence versus property. I would never condone any unwanted physical contact by a male against a female and vice versa, and I also would not condone taking vehicles that you don’t own for a joy ride without the owners permission. That said, not equal crimes in my mind, but I may be in the minority here as often is the case.

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    1. “The other portion that isn’t being discussed is that Syracuse only had two games left in their season, so it is easier to kick that can when the team had nothing to play for at a mediocre 7-6 record.”

      Arnld – not sure what you mean here. Are you suggesting the school let him come back because the program was flying under the radar with a mediocre record. Or are you suggesting its easier for his teammates to take a stand because they werent going anywhere tournament-wise. Or?….

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      1. Joel, tried to respond but it got canceled. The response had nothing to flag in my opinion. Assuming it was because it contained the term sexual. Sorry. I could see the confusion, but I explained. Thanks for giving me the chance without crushing me first. Appreciate it.

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  34. A first offense
    And by all accounts a good kid and student
    A 2012 Chevy Malibu
    Property was valued under $10k so that wouldn’t be grand larceny
    Plea deal, probation and community service.

    Didn’t a Steeler speed, had weed in car and unregistered gun. And it’s already settled and he’s back on the team.

    Let the punishment fit the crime

    It will be a crime if pitt doesn’t avenge the ladies against the husky’s today. Remember Omaha.

    Liked by 1 person

  36. Hearher is a lightweight at best. We rarely get to see her lack of judgement because she hides in her basement and most of her decisions are about simple things and non revenue sports. But…. her decisions and mishandling of basketball and football are egregious and there for all to see!

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  37. Back to football for a moment: does anyone know anything about this recent QB walk on at Pitt? Jake Frantl has apparently signed on a a preferred walk on, coming from Junior college? Was he considered a prime recruit out of high school? If so, why go to a JC?

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  38. Breaking News: Justin Champagnie has signed with an agent The Life Sports Family I believe. Better get your next season BB tickets early before they sell out. 🙂

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  40. Like

  41. Champagnie is taking a big chance on his future….maybe a second round draft choice. Pitt basketball is now in the absolute basement with a coach who can’t recruit…yes, I am depressed because we have an AD who has no idea as to what is going on and will be in charge of replacing Capal who is a dead man walking.

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  42. What a mistake extending Capel after his second year. His second class, and first full one, was so bad when coaches usually strike it rich because the kid knows the coach will be there for their respective tenure in school.

    How is Capel going to recruit being dead man walking? Other coaches for sure will use this against him.

    Heather will give Capel a fifth year I think. How can she approach rich boosters and ask for another basketball buyout? I’d tell her to stick it where the sun don’t shine. That empty arena next season, all that lost revenue. All because Gallagher didn’t want to pay Enfield what Dixon was making. Great way of doing business, Pitt.

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    1. Very good chance Pitt loses over $10 million on the balance sheet next year. Women’s lost over $4 million one year under Susie.

      I kid you not but basketball could force Pitt to cut one or two of the very successful secondary sports.

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  43. Champ just tweeted a “Thank You Pittsburgh” post. He will enter the NBA draft this coming season. The chances of him changing his mind and returning to Pitt to play next season are less than 1%. Heather has a hell of a problem on her hands now in just what she is going to do with Capel and the extended contract he received not too long ago.

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  44. I am reposting this because it applies to the Champ situation as well.

    How much of this is on Capel vs. Pitt vs. the new Portal environment.

    Why should Champ come back to play with a virtually team?

    The question is, does Capel want to come back to a place where it is impossible to recruit elite players?

    “This reinforces what we have been saying for a long time. Many want to blame Capel, but it is more about the state of college basketball and Pitt’s unwillingness to “go all in”. Capel is learning what it took Narduzzi a few year’s to learn, you are not going to get the elite players to come to Pitt. So find the 2nd and third tier guys you can coach up over time.

    Pitt’s Administration will never ignore its ethical responsibility. That is much more important to them than competing at the highest level.

    If you don’t take that into consideration when criticizing a coaches recruiting results you are missing a big part of the equation.

    This will be the same for any coach that comes to Pitt to coach Football or basketball.

    Don’t compare this to the non-revenue sports which have much more of a level recruiting field since there is no big money at stake. Kids are more likely to come because they want to play for a coach and go to a school that meets their academic needs. They are student athletes.”

    Hugley will probably be the next shoe to drop when he leaves the current limbo he is in.

    The question really is, now that Capel’s back is up against the wall, does he come out fighting or does he cut and run?

    It is pretty obvious that he won’t get the one and dones or other elites to come to Pitt. What does he do next?

    In any case it is a pretty dire situation.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. GC. We have self inflicted wounds from Heather’s handling of Hugely. Pitt may not be a racist School but that’s what opposing coaches are saying on the recruiting trail. Capel has been desperately trying to leave Pitt and everyone in BBall recruiting knows it. We are dead in the water with a rank amateur AD. We will be playing with Frat and basketball 101 players.

      Extending Capel is extending an unsolvable problem

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You know God willing I have about 21 years left. I hate to see another trashed basketball season. I’m pretty sure Narduzzi will win six or seven games and soccer and baseball successes are very pleasant surprises.

        Ever since Buzz Ridl took an abysmal program to the Elite 8 Pitt hoops has held a special place in my heart. I can’t believe how far we are falling

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    4. Gordon,
      You put the following in quotes. Why? Who are you citing here?

      “This reinforces what we have been saying for a long time. Many want to blame Capel, but it is more about the state of college basketball and Pitt’s unwillingness to “go all in”.

      Again, says who? I think Heather and Pitt went “All In” with Capel and “All In” with competitive salaries for he and his staff.

      It appears now that they bet on the wrong horse to run the MBB program. But to say they haven’t gone “All In” with this hire is ridiculous. (It’s why we’re stuck with a lame duck coach at this instant.)

      You seem to insinuate that because of ethics, Pitt won’t condone payments to athletes in order to be competitive. Everybody knows this.

      So what’s your point exactly? Can you cite references and add to the conversation?

      I’m just curious. You’re a longtime contributor here, so don’t take it the wrong way. Just have a problem with your “quotes.”

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    5. Last, I agree wholeheartedly.

      Hugley will probably be the next shoe to drop when he leaves the current limbo he is in.*

      He assuredly will not be back. Anyone who holds hope that he’ll stick is fooling themselves.

      This scenario is expectable. Admin fumbled this one hardcore. Unfortunate

      Liked by 1 person

      1. The quotes are for something I wrote earlier and reposted because of the Champ news. Just because Pitt is paying a competitive salary does not mean Pitt has gone “all in” . What I said was just like Narduzzi who went after elite payers and failed his first few years, Capel is finding out that Elite players will not come to Pitt based solely on his personality and credentials.

        If a guy like Capel with a great persona as evidenced in his press conferences, great recruiting chops as evidenced at Oklahoma and Duke can’t recruit to Pitt, it indicates to me at least that the problem is more than any coach can overcome.

        I am not insinuating that is Pitt’s ethics that makes us less competitive, I am stating it as fact. We never had the shoe contract trust funds working for us, we were never named by the FBI in a scandal, we haven’t offered hookers to recruits and their fathers, we have never given grades to kids without them having to go to class, and we haven’t been caught paying kids or their parents.

        As I stated before this is a much bigger part of the problem than Capel is as coach and one that no coach can overcome.

        Look at Pitt’s basketball History. Not since Chipman convinced Smith and Lane to come to Pitt has there ever been really blue chippers sign on the dotted line. Jamie got Adams an obscure Kiwi, through a personal relationship, and Blair came here because he grew up on the Pitt campus.

        Capel has at least been part of the conversation with some of the blue chippers, but he hasn’t been able to land any.

        So where does Pitt and Capel go from here? Dan72 says he is desperately trying to leave, is this the truth or another unfounded rumor like the “Big announcement” that never came. Or does he buckle down and get the second tier players that will take a couple year to mature and perform. Hoping that he strikes gold with one or more of these guys like he did with Champ? Or will he just cut and run like Dan and his contacts have suggested.

        This was a disaster of a season which started out amazing well after an explicable start, with covid as a backdrop, then the Hugley incident, Champ’s knee injury, Coach gets Covid, X reverts to form and finally the Portal turns into a black hole and finally Champ goes pro.

        I think it is all to easy to lay blame on the Coach. I think he is as much a victim as he is to blame. When have you seen this much go wrong in a given year? Even with all the SOP that we have experienced, I don’t recall anything like this.

        Liked by 1 person

  45. Cannot ever blame a kid for making money for his family. Pitt BB now at ground zero. College BB has been semi-pro for years. Disgusting situation.

    Liked by 2 people

  48. I think my Pitt depression is back after this bad news. I hope the cure is Pitt soccer.

    Tex – who has western psych on speed dial

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  49. Jasper is starting. That’s good news. He’s Pitts number one defenseman. Like Kris Letang. But better and not prone to bad mistakes.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. Like

  51. Dan72, no doubt it is a five alarm fire at this point.

    Hilarious that coaches are saying a school with a black head coach is racist.

    Heather was between a rock and a hard place regarding Hugley and would have slammed either way she chose to go. Hugley is still in school which is pretty strong evidence that the criticism is unjustified. So they didn’t let him play because he is black? Nonsense.

    OK, extending him was premature, but hind sight is 20/20. Even you were saying he was the greatest earlier this year. Pitt was on a roll and they looked pretty good before the collapse.

    Of course things are now totally haywire, with everyone abandoning ship

    I don’t really blame Capel if he is trying to leave, maybe the best thing that could happen at this point.

    I just don’t expect the next coach to be a magician.

    I’m still waiting for the big “announcement”

    Liked by 2 people

  55. Thanks for the soccer articles Tex! Much appreciated. I assume the longer the game goes scoreless the worst Pitt’s chances get?

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    1. What determines this game now is who scores first. If I was coaching, I’d go relentless. In both offense and defense. I know I have five subs. I’d tell my guys you have 15 minutes to get up by one. Otherwise all your butts are pulled. That’s tremendous incentive.

      Liked by 1 person

  56. It appears that Washington has not give up one goal in the tournament so far. About time for that stat to change!!

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  58. ???? Where did the lines come from //Word Press needs to take its meds.

    Prediction: Champagnie will find out that the NBA is not ready to draft him and he will end up with his brother at St. John’s.

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  59. It’s kind of ironic that Pitt has invested millions in the Pete, but their BB program is on the rocks, while some of us (Tex not among them) think that Narduzzi is slowly getting FB on an upward trajectory using rented facilities. The FB recruiting has finally started to improve, and Pitt can tell recruits that 10 players from this past class have signed NFL contracts. Ironically, they have very little money invested in football facilities at this point, and could step down a level or go independent without much cost, but they won’t need to.

    Pitt continues to upgrade the Pete, and has clearly not given up on ACC basketball. I look for Capel to get a 3 year contract extension soon and a vote of confidence from the administration. Neither he nor Pitt want another BB situation to go down in flames and destroy both a program and a coach. The transfer portal and COVID transfer rules have temporarily ruined college basketball, but I look for the NCAA and the college presidents to fix things at some point. This is not a time for schools to panic and start over with new coaches.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The vote of confidence needs to go to the AD. Capel was dealt a bad set of cards. The two money makers at Pitt have a good chance of both losing money in 2021. And I’m a finance and Econ guy who doesn’t exaggerate. Small business owners are the salt of the earth. It’s really that bad. No way to sugar coat it.

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  60. Pitt making substitutions. They are going defensive. I believe coach j knows this team doesn’t have the offense. Risky call. But he is there in person to see. Benefit of doubt he gets.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Washington seems to play a great control game, but Pitt has those couple moments of explosiveness. And Pitt playing to draw offsides calls is working.

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  67. Revenge is sweeter and colder than any glass of Koolaid.

    This is like Pitt’s first Final 4 in any sport since before my birth.

    Drink copiously my friends.

    Liked by 1 person

  68. Watched the last 10 minutes, H2P! Even with Tex’s excellent tutorial, I still had no idea what was happening the than the guys in white were scoring.

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    1. Your not so bad after all, Tex. (I didn’t think you had it in you to root for Pitt;) lol

      Like

  72. while 3-0 looks great I have to think that the coach responsible for the near disaster for the first 88 minutes should know we expect better

    #yellowHLsucks, #soponpitchsoon, #HLturnsgoldtoyellow

    Like

  73. H2P! Brilliant game plan coach Jay and the team executed to perfection.

    The huskies lost to the fast cats of Pitt.

    The broadcast wasn’t bad at all.

    On to the final 4!

    I did hear the announcer say that one of the Pitt players was down with cramps when the score was 1-nil and Washington pressing for a goal late in the game.

    Like

  74. I believe Pitts opponent in the final 4 could be Indiana. If not mistaken, coach J played soccer there. What a good storyline.

    Like

  76. Indiana is a very storied soccer program. Much like UCLA in basketball.

    Pitt gets the winner of seton hall and Indiana.

    Like

  78. Tex: Next article give a quick tutorial on what constitutes off sides in soccer. Use hockey analogies if you can. It appears it can occur multiple ways.

    It appears Washington was in “pull your goalie mode” at the end when Pitt scored their last two goals. Their goalie apparently must stay on the field and on his side of center. Observations from a neophyte soccer observer.

    Like

    1. Well in hockey there is a line. In soccer there’s no line. So it’s very subjective. Hence why soccer now has video review. But basically you need to have your body even or behind the last defender before the pass is played. Once passed, you can move and receive beyond. You’ll often see the defense pull up and get everyone forward to trap a lazy forward into offsides. But you need to work as a cohesive team to form your line.

      Liked by 1 person

        1. Even or behind defender when ball is passed. You don’t need to receive the ball before the defender. Even is the subjective part. I’ve seen a tiny elbow beyond the defender called as offsides. I’m a fan of where your feet are when the ball is passed. Probably the call that gets the most scrutiny in all of soccer.

          Liked by 2 people

          1. My first time commenting. Let’s see if this works.

            Offside in soccer is in general a relatively simple concept. When last touched by an offensive player, an offensive player becoming involved in the play must have two defensive players between himself and the goal at the time the ball is played forward. Typically, this is usually the goal keeper and a defender but that doesn’t always have to be the case.

            It becomes more complicated since the only part of the body that counts in positioning is one that can legally play the ball. So arms don’t count. It also doesn’t make a difference where you receive the ball, just where you are at the time it’s last touched by an offensive player. So if you are in an offside position when the ball is played and come back to receive the ball, it’s still illegal. Finally, to be called for offsides, the player has to touch the ball or become involved in the play. If you are in an offside position and stand still, in most instances a teammate in an onside position can run ahead and play the ball.

            Liked by 4 people

            2. Unlike in hockey
              Any player over the blue before the puck crosses is offsides
              Offsides is a tough concept to explain

              Even the refs with video review sometimes get it wrong.

              Like

  79. The goalie can go all the way down the field if he wants to. Often goalies are tall so it’s a good thing to have them near the goal on corner kicks.

    Reed knows. He was a goalie or keeper. That’s the proper soccer word.

    Liked by 1 person

  81. My father always said soccer is the real FB. Maybe we have been riding the wrong sport horse here.

    Like

  84. This from the Trip, the 1941 Men’s BB team was the last time a Pitt program entered a final 4 in any NCAA tournament. Wow! Congrats to all our Soccer players and coach Jay.

    Liked by 2 people

  86. It’s cool to be a Pitt soccer fan. But really, everyone loves a winner.

    Tex – who was cool before cool

    Like

  87. I like this plan. They should do for baseball as well. Gives the northern schools a chance.

    Liked by 1 person

  89. How come no one’s complaining lately that these Pitt soccer guys are too soft? Just sayin’… 😊

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Winning takes care of everything. Coach J knows how to motivate. For all I know he called them out as daisy pickers. That was a baseball thing in my day. Big time insult.

      Like

      1. May Coach can conduct a seminar for other Pitt coaches who cannot or do not motivate their teams???

        Like

  90. An old lawyer buddy of mine once described soccer as being responsible for the “ pussification af the American male!” P- fixation or not it feels heat to see our school compete on a national level. H2P…. win the big prize!!!

    Questions: is there a particular trophy/cup they are playing for???

    Can the soccer coach take over the FB program???

    What a difference winning makes.

    Great job on covering this sport Tex!!!

    Like

      1. Yeah, I was a referee for 10 years or so. I stopped when my two sons went to college and I started being away from home too many weekends. (My eldest went to Pitt so that’s what started me following Pitt.)

        With respect to the game, I thought Pitt was the better team overall but they got lucky a couple of times in the second half where Washington could have scored. (Especially with the shot that was blocked by the back of one of their players as it was headed towards goal. Based on the totality of the game, a 2-1 score would have been fair. But who cares since they won and that’s what matters.

        Liked by 2 people

  94. Indiana is Pitt’s opponent. North Carolina is playing Marshall in the other semi-final.

    Like

  96. So, it is going to be PITT playing Indiana and Marshall playing North Carolina.

    I am going to presume fans here want PITT to win their next match. So, what do you want in the final? PITT and Marshall for an unusual suspects/newcomer feel or PITT and North Carolina for an all ACC final?

    While in this case I gather what a person wants may align with their actual predictions, we know wants do not always align with reality.

    So, what do you think will actually unfold results wise in the final four of the college cup?

    Like

    1. Pitt lost to UNC earlier this season, so a revenge match vs the Tar Heels would be ideal.

      If Marshall, who do the hoopies root for?

      Like

  99. When I read the POV, sometimes I start at the most recent posts and work my way backward. Doing that this time revealed how happy everyone is that men’s soccer is in the final four, prior, everyone was lamenting the state of men’s basketball. Pitt’s win made a huge change in the attitudes of the posters and the trajectory of the POV comments. Thanks, men’s soccer.

    Liked by 3 people

  100. I believe we’ve won a “national championship” in men’s ultimate frisbee. I put it in quotes because it’s a club sport and I don’t think they can even use the name Panthers.

    Liked by 2 people

  101. I’ll begin researching Indiana. They are a storied program. Coach J played one year as a player there before transferring.

    I think the game is this Friday. It should be on tv.

    Like

  102. Liked by 1 person

  104. In all likelihood, pitt doesn’t win more than three ACC games next year. Fans and students aren’t going to show at the Pete to watch blow out losses. They aren’t going to buy merchandise. Boosters won’t be stroking checks. Advertisers will be running for the hills. Essentially the program becomes toxic.

    These sharp reductions in revenues will impact the bottom line. Pitt could very easily lose millions of dollars. And this could carry over into 2022. Two consecutive years of multi million dollar losses could bankrupt the athletic department. It will create a significant deficit. And there’s only two ways to offset it. By borrowing money or cutting expenses.

    I sure hope successful secondary sports aren’t eliminated to save the basketball program. This is economic reality folks. All this great Pitt spirit we’ve found by following the ladies volleyball team and men’s soccer and the upcoming regional playoffs for men’s baseball could be taken away.

    I don’t want to sound reactionary and alarmist. But Pitt has a real financial mess on their hands with basketball.

    I would personally find a way to amicably part ways with Capel this year before the season begins. I’d renegotiate the buyout. And hire an interim coach for 2021. Get some coach out of retirement.

    I’d find a permanent coach for the 2022 season who can recruit top 150-250 players. Not top 50 players like Duke does. I’d find a coach with a good track record of success. Someone who wasn’t fired from his last head coach job. I’d find a coach good at developing players. I’d find assistants with ties to Europe. Because there’s plenty of talented kids playing ball in Europe that would jump at a chance to play ball in America and in the premier college conference. And you don’t need bagmen.

    But Pitt literally can’t afford to wait. They need to be proactive for once and take charge.

    Like

    1. I’ve wasted many hours of my life on Pitt men’s basketball. Cut their budget and give it to men’s soccer, baseball, and women’s volleyball. They have shown me more this year than the past ten years of basketball put together. I’m pining for the days of Paul Evans but grew up in the Ralph Willard era.

      Like

    2. Your sense of urgency is spot on. But the Pitt administration and many fans don’t see it. They will be stunned if the 2021-22 men’s hoops season plays out the way it’s stacking up. There will be no retreat for Gallagher and Lyke from angry fans. Some are hoping for a miracle. And you are right about the non-revenues being at risk. Remember, Duquense cut baseball to save money.

      Like

  105. Seriously… Heather will go down as the first AD ever to change the OFFICIAL school colors to match the EMPTY seats in the stadium the football team plays.

    Sad but true.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. She will win AD of the year. Mark my words

      The awards committee has a strong tendency to overlook financials, scheduling, attendance figures, gifting/fundraising and ignore on the field performance.

      The spin will be on life skills, graduation rates, gpa’s, the Pete makeover, victory Heights, and the success of 4 secondary sports.

      And how all this was achieved despite the weather, apathetic fans, a pro sports town and no talent in the area.

      Like

    3. Wait until you see the empty seats in the Pete this coming season.—-Narduzzi behind closed doors has got to be secretly and quietly loving the turmoil surrounding the Pitt BB program currently, It’s IMO providing him job security for many a year to come.

      Like

  107. Yoi and double yoi. After reading the PG article thanks to jamesdeleon’s link and Tex’s post, I’m thinking maybe Pitt can join the MAC for basketball only. If I was AD, that’s what I’d try to do. HMMMM, that has me thinking.

    Like

    1. One remarkable aspect to Zeise’s piece: He has been pro-Capel all along. Even his prior column on Pitt basketball touted Capel’s magic recruiting skills. Today’s column is the most doom and gloom he’s written.

      To suggest Pitt would have been better off keeping Stallings – even to suggest that – is dancing on dangerous ground for a PG sports reporter. The thing is, he isn’t the first I’ve read to suggest that Heather running off Stallings was a mistake. I’m not saying I agree….but there is speculation.

      Like

  109. Here’s some back of the envelope math and some assumptions

    I’m assuming the operating budget for basketball is $10 million. Pitts total athletic budget is around $90 million.

    I’m assuming the Pete will be at 50 percent capacity this season. That’s a loss of about 5,000 sold tickets per game.

    I’m assuming the average price of a ticket and then money spent on concessions and merchandise at the game is $50 dollars.

    I’m assuming 20 home games

    5000 times 50 times 20

    That’s a $5 million dollar loss. Or half of Pitts budget.

    And this doesn’t include reductions in donations and loss of advertising dollars. Because what advertiser wants to be associated with a dumpster fire and market to empty seats.

    Pitt will need to make an economic decision and have a financial plan for this mess today. It can’t wait on this. This big problem isn’t going away.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Are you figuring in a Pete with the same poor attendance that bedeviled Stallings? I think Capel will draw better even if the team does another January-February pratfall. I could be wrong.

      Like

  110. Keep in mind, $5 million is the operating budget for about 3 secondary sports

    Say goodbye to ladies gymnastics, men and women’s cross country. And due to title 9, men’s wrestling.

    Like

    1. I meant the last game score, not the potential fallout of lost basketball revenue, lol.

      Like

      1. Thanks for clarifying 🤠

        I’ll begin researching Indiana today. But just based on their number 3 rank, they will provide Pitt with their toughest test.

        Every school goes through these economic realities. Whether it’s covid related or a bigger budget issue. Pitt is not immune.

        For once I’d like to have someone from the media ask Pitt about their finances. Pitt receives money from the commonwealth. They aren’t a private business. I think we are owed a certain level of honesty and transparency.

        Like

  112. Mark it down…. Capel gets an extension soon. He can still recruit. People think he is bringing in chopped liver, but who else could recruit under these conditions? But Dan Oladapo from Oakland can contribute, and this JC player Chris Payton has some pretty good credentials from a top JC team. They are a center away from being pretty competitive this year, and if he brings in a young point guard, they will be an average team with a future to grow. So a couple more decent recruits can mean all the difference. Reports of Capel’s demise seem somewhat overstated…

    That said, there are still some questions concerning the sudden transfers of Toney and X Man which need to be explained. The other transfers were situational with average players wanting to play more, even at a lower level. Champ can also be explained if he didn’t want to be involved in a rebuilding project and is willing to go to Europe to play ball.

    So given the transfer of Pitt players, the availability of the transfer portal and the extra COVID year, what seems like a huge unexplained exodus can mostly be explained when each case is looked at. Capel can use the transfer portal to his advantage- there are still a lot of players left and adding to it (see Michael Durr from SF). The overall situation is concerning but not desperate, and would be far worse if Pitt cut bait and hired a new coach.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. I like your optimism. But speaking as a fisherman, cutting bait or moving to a different fishing hole happens all the time. One only has so much time and patience.

      And then there’s always the financial situation with basketball and whether the fans and big boosters believe in a bright future.

      I see two bad upcoming years. Nothing more than mediocre teams which won’t pack the Pete or get boosters excited.

      I haven’t seen any recruiting chops from Capel yet. And I’m not even sure if he can coach and develop players.

      Last but important, I really don’t think he’s got a good relationship with his boss.

      Like

    2. Capel has recruited three undersized mediocre forwards and a second or third team guard.
      None are ACC talents.

      Like

    3. The missing BB piece, as it historically is at Pitt, is a threat at Center.

      Funny, but if we stumble upon a center, this team could end up being better than last year’s team…

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 2 people

    4. It’s a moot point. He could recruit the Houston Rockets but his players don’t stay. When are Pitt fans going to realize Capel is incapable of building team unity and commitment? He has the OPPOSITE effect on his players.

      Liked by 1 person

    5. Yikes!! Capel is a dead man walking leading a Pitt BB program now recruiting MAC level talent. He’s toast whether he knows it or not.

      Like

  113. Carson Van Lynn transferring to Duke. I thought he should have played more at Pitt – better pass blocker than the guys who started ahead of him, IMHO…

    I wish him well.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  114. Did I hear someone say Capel can recruit??? He recruits terribly and even those kids don’t stay. He is stealing 3.5M more than Frauduzzi.

    Like

  115. Why pay football and basketball coaches top 30 money for top 50-60 results

    You could save at least $3 million each year by replacing those two coaches. That $3 million could be used to hire better staff for both programs. Or be used to help keep our coaches and their staffs for a few of the successful secondary sports. Or even be used to help fund a men’s lacrosse team.

    I just find it foolish how Pitt throws around money and doesn’t seem to care about a poor investment.

    But why should they. Pitt will get that $30 million check from the ACC regardless of either football or basketballs records.

    Liked by 1 person

  116. Champagnie ending up in Europe is a strong possibility…..$150,000 a year instead of playing another year and getting drafted high second round or low 1st round.and making at least triple the salary for playing in Turkey.

    Like

  117. Van Lynn was a finance major and the opportunity for more playing time plus a graduate degree from Duke
    is worth $$$ in the bank.

    Liked by 3 people

  118. The Cal AD seems to have navigated the pandemic pretty well but the athletic budget is short.

    Like

  119. I have no vested interest in Capel staying or going. What I have been trying to get across is if we get a new coach we will be having the same discussion three years from now. The problem is much more than the coach. If Capel can’t recruit to Pitt it is unlikely anyone can.

    Liked by 4 people

  120. The “minor” sports are quickly becoming PITT’s “major” sports…I don’t have a problem with that…we have several teams that are exciting to follow. GO PITT!!! I’ve grown weary from 38 years of waiting on football and what spark interest there was with the Capel’s hire has left the building……

    Like

    1. But the Minor sports depend on the two major ones. If they aren’t financially healthy, there won’t be any minor sports.

      Like

  121. Did any of you know the 70’s singer Oliver of “Good Morning Starlight” and “Jean” fame was John Swofford’s brother ? Not that it matters but interesting to know……..

    Speaking of the 70’s- fill up your gas tanks….flash-back to those Jimmy Carter days- stations are going DRY down here in the Ole North State.

    Like

    1. I remember vividly driving around Oakland looking for gas and when I found it was told I was the wrong number to get any. OPEC embargo.

      Like

      1. Boy, do I remember this. Fortunately, a Pitt classmate worked at a gas station and I would go in after hours to fill up!

        Like

    2. Gas stations have plenty here. Just got gas for $2.47 at Kroger.

      I might also be able to catch a few bluegill and perch in my yard if it continues raining like this.

      Like

  122. Upitt, most of Capel’s recruiting problems are circumstantial. His first class was a throw together one due to short time. Then he made the mistake of going after the 5 stars forgetting that he wasn’t at Duke and his personality alone would prevail. Then he had no bag money. This is called adapting to a new situation which will take some time. But the jury is still out on him, and he needs a couple of more years to overcome the SOP hurtles, just as Narduzzi did. The contract extension is coming, wait and see…

    Like

    1. I’ll personally walk away from Pitt if that extension happens.

      Capel already got an ill advised extension anyway after just two years. Are you talking yet another? Why? That’s unheard of.

      I would have fired both Narduzzi and Capel yesterday. You will get nothing better than mediocrity from them.

      Isn’t the BoT concerned about wasteful expenditures?

      How much are student fees and tuition increasing to bail out basketball?

      Liked by 1 person

  123. He has had 3-4 years already. He is getting get it fixed in 3 years money. He is at best an asst. coach for a legend and a program that sells it self. He is a disaster.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. There is no objective reason to have any optimism about the upcoming season. Having optimism at this point is irrational.

      Like

  124. Someone from the media needs to ask that question. Or are they concerned about losing their press passes?

    Like

  125. my opinion on Champ is it is smart of him to leave this year with little chance to improve his stock after a great year

    Europe is where he will end up as he isn’t quite athletic enough to make it in the league AND at this point his outside shooting isn’t there although there have been many who develop that later with total focus on it

    I wish him well

    as for Capel, I’m barely hanging on with hopes because there are obvious flaws and if there is any truth to what some post here about him wanting to leave(even given ZERO reason to trust that), I hope he’s gone sooner than later

    Like

  126. I believe Capel has three scholarships left. He better get some top 150 players.

    A few things folks mention are assumptions and far from fact.

    Heather was the reason Hugley was suspended. I am sure she has a say but don’t act like you know for sure Capel wasn’t fine with it and instituted the suspension himself. No one outside the program knows for sure.
    Capel is looking to escape Pitt. This is even harder to believe. His reputation would be even worse if he tries to get out. Plus he has easy money coming to him. I don’t buy it.

    PSN reporting is horrible and causes Pitt fans to overreact about recruiting misses. They only post stories about a few recruits. Pitt is recruiting many players that PSN never mentions.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Pitt fans wouldn’t over react if the pitt administration did some communicating of their own. Instead the void and silence are being filled with conspiracy theories. Is that what Pitt wants?

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Pitt will end up with a MAC competitive lineup come next season. At least I’m hoping it will at least be up to the MAC standards.

      Like

    3. At this late stage top-150 players available are going to scarce. His only hope is finding someone among the JUCOs and transfers, and they’ll be pretty picked over as well.

      Like

      1. Only 9 total undecided/uncommitted men’s bb players in the top 150 (7 in top 100 and 2 in next 50).

        UConn, Providence, Dayton, Marquette, NW, GT, Vandy, Seton Hall, DePaul and Creighton with multiple committed recruits from the top 150.

        UCF, Drake, Western KY and Samford (not Stanford) each with top 100 recruits.

        Middle Tennessee, Hofstra and W_F each with top 150 recruits.

        Pitt with no top 150 recruits.

        Like

  128. MSG is gonna lose millions on this doubleheader. What were they thinking?

    Like

    1. Champagnie vs Champagnie scheduled prior to our Champagnie fleeing the coop.

      Also, Seton Hall and Iona both have large followings in Noo Yawk.

      Like

  129. Why don’t we demand lower standards for power 5 athletes? The Universities are doing it for all the academic programs. See how Alabama does with some five six linemen and receivers that run 5.8 40’s.
    It is only fair. Right

    Liked by 1 person

  130. So WAIT!! What is this talk of bagmen? Many here think the bagmen are boosters, when the evidence suggests (see Sean MIller;Wade, etc.), that the actual bagmen are the coaches. Pay a coach $3.5M per year, and he has no issue with filling his own bags with $100k of cash and delivering. It only makes sense. In addition, those coaches typically don’t go tell the AD what they are doing. It’s worth the risk because the coach is usually the only one to know, except for the player and his family or handler. Good grief gents. This stuff is basic!

    The other way this happens is from the athletic sportwear and shoe comapny’s paying 1/2 a fee to AAU coach for team expenses and salary, and upon matriculation to a certain college, the other 1/2 goes to the parents and or player, sometimes via trust. This I know because I was told by more than one P5 coach and AD. The NCAA can’t enforce because they can’t prove that an institution of higher learning did it….because they didn”t! Blue blood programs have that inside track.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I’m not allowed to discuss this subject as I’ve been an outside part of an investigation but you are more right on than you can imagine!

      All I can say is that there are many forms of bagmen. College basketball is and has been the filthiest $$ sport in all of sportdom for a long time and getting worse.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thanks for the confirmation Dan. I have been fortunate/unfortunate to run in circles with all the types of folks I mention above in my post, given my roles. I can only say so much. That is why I often come off as a jag off here, and that is okay. I can only go so far in my explanations before I have to leave the trail dry and disappear for a few days.

        Like

        1. I was ignorant thinking coaches didn’t directly pay these kids out of their own pockets. Hence the $3.5 million salary.

          I just wish basketball would also form a semi pro league like football will in 5 years.

          With Pitt having true scholar athletes. I’m fine playing cuse, BC, UConn, Rutgers, Maryland, temple and UB. Really I am. I just want to win and tailgate.

          Like

  131. So for a school like Pitt to be successful it needs top 150-250 players that will stay four years and develop. Maybe a hometown kid or two who is a lifelong fan of the school. And maybe some euro players who shouldn’t come with handlers.

    With good coaching, the right schedule, players who are good fits for their positions, good team chemistry and some luck, pitt could be a top 25 program.

    Like

  132. Tex, my question is this: would the type of coach you’re saying Pitt needs be willing to build a team the slow way and then stick around for a top 20-25 caliber team? Maybe that type of coach doesn’t exist. It maybe sounds like what the military academies do, but even those coaches move on.

    Like

    1. Maybe he sticks around. But if not, you’ve become a successful and attractive program.

      And you have a succession plan in place and a short list of potential candidates.

      Good people move on. Some stay. Some stay too long.

      Pitts hiring process is fundamentally flawed.

      We all have seen what good coaches can do without the best facilities or most talented players.

      Having stability is more about the process than the people.

      Like

    2. Slow way may take 4-5 years like coach J. But coach j inherited the worst soccer program in P5 and g5 combined.

      Wait. My bad. Basketball is becoming that as well. 🤠

      But in basketball you’re always just two players away from respectability. A point guard and center. Capels inability to recruit them has been his downfall.

      Like

  133. Thanks Tex for your great work, greatly appreciated. Lot’s of great dialog recently, great to see that. I feel like Tony the Tiger……………….. They’re GREAT!

    Liked by 6 people

    1. I’ll have an article ready shortly. It’s drafted already. I won’t be able to comment during the game however. I’ll do a post game very early morning.

      I plan on traveling to a baseball regional depending on location. And do live game reporting. Would love to purchase tickets and arrange my schedule now but we won’t know until selection Monday. That only gives fans a few days. That’s wrong.

      Like

  134. If I read the recruiting sites correctly, Justin Champagnie was ranked at 248 nationally. On paper, not a great recruit.
    I think Capel has an eye for talent. I’ll wait to pass judgement on the new players until I see them in a game.
    He can still pull a rabbit out of his 🎩. Three or four spots open.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. He was a fringe top 100 recruit until he reclassified. The scouts had him correct initially. Not sure why a reclass dropped him so much. Ghost in the computations?

      Dixon was able to get top 150 talent

      Virginia gets top 75 talent

      I don’t think Dixon played the bag game or Virginia

      It can be done.

      But recruiting does take years to develop a pipeline and contacts. And getting to know these kids and establishing a relationship starts sophomore year.

      Still not excusing Capel.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. He has also been pretty good at getting guys to leave high school early, which is more risky, since they are less mature.

      Like

  135. I just read a story on line on my iPhone that Jeff Capel had Reid all locked up and was awaiting a fax of his written commitment Saturday night. It never came in. Instead came the public announcement of Reid’s LSU commitment. This is not Capel’s fault. He did what he was supposed to do and probably what he was allowed to do. I hope he will keep trying to get top players, but it seems the system is rigged in too many .ways to thwart honest offers. As Chester A. Riley used to say on “The Life of Riley” TV and radio show, “What a revoltin’ development this is!”

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Always stinks to lose a quip and a talented player despite his 5.6 rating. He was the 17th ranked recruit in the state. Looks bad when a kid like this leaves. Are there really four guys ahead of him?

      Like

      1. Kids aren’t patient these days. In 2022 the receiving corps will be thinned out some, but where will he end up? Most likely in the MAC. Maybe Gipson sees Marion going after receivers from all over the country and thinks he’ll be recruited over.

        Like

  137. A soccer article from Indiana. One of Pitts keys is to stop their forward Bezerra. This kid trains with pro clubs. He’s that good. But I have a way to get into his head. It’s a tactic I’ve used. Some might call it dirty. But it works. Dan might also have used it.

    Like

    1. Well the article has the seeding switched- says we are #3 and Indiana #2. Bad fact checking.

      Like

  140. I’ve been critical (“negative” in some eyes) of Pitt’s lack of success, particularly on the football field. And while I recognize all schools are different in so many ways, I think it’s defeatist and frankly untrue to make the statement that Pitt “can’t” be better than they are.

    Being successful takes only one thing.. the willingness to do what it takes. Maybe that’s improving facilities (Victory Heights/Peterson Events Center/ON CAMPUS STADIUM), hiring the right coaches (Vidovich, Fisher, Bell), paying for basketball recruits (Will Wade does it and he still has a job) , helping unqualified students to stay eligible (UNC, Miami..), etc. or maybe it’s prioritizing sports as a way to increase visibility and build generational relationships between the school, alumni and fans.

    But whatever it is, arguments made against Pitt’s success in ANY field (including academics) should be presented as “WON’T” rather than “CAN’T”. For some, that may be semantics. But they are different words and they both exist in the English for a reason.

    I agree Pitt likely “WON’T” do the things necessary to compete at a high level at the two high profile sports. And maybe they shouldn’t- the University of Pittsburgh’s mission is to educate, not win football games (unlike some other places) and it shows on the field/court. They clearly are willing to do so for the non-revenue sports and that’s exciting. But to say that Pitt “CAN’T” compete is farcical.

    I love baseball and soccer and have really enjoyed this spring. Wouldn’t it be nice to be just as excited in the fall?

    Either way, I’m enjoying the ride.

    H2P

    Liked by 6 people

    2. It comes down to having the will and the desire.

      Pitt can be excellent in athletics if it really wanted to be. It has chosen to do just enough to stay in the ACC and to keep receiving those $30 million dollar checks. Pitt won’t make a big push for sports unless boosters backed by billions demand it. Or unless the BoT structure and composition changes.

      Again, going private is the first step. Once you begin to think and act like a business, the culture can be transformed.

      When my daughter tells me she wants to go to a school with a good sports team, that tells me right there, Pitt is off her list of colleges. She’s a UT lean right now.

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    3. UPitt needs to introduce me to you. Didn’t you and him play baseball or have some connection? I know tower A. Lived there. And tower C.

      I’m truly piss and vinegar

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      1. I think that would be great. Mark and I had never met until a few years ago but subsequently realized we knew some of the same people (I believe you and I would too, as I attended Pitt from 91-95.) We actually just bonded over getting personally blasted on a regular basis because we dared speak against the happy mob. It’s become an import friendship and I respect him a great deal.

        I am a high school and college soccer referee so I’ve really enjoyed your soccer coverage. Keep it up and H2P!

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        1. Hopefully we can meet up someday. Being an official or referee is a tough job.

          I graduated in ‘93

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          1. Have Mark give you my number. We can all hook up for a drink or golf or whatever.

            Pitt pulls the upset, 2-0. The ACC is a much tougher conference than the Big10 and Indiana has struggled to get by in the tournament this far.

            Pitt goes to the final.

            Liked by 1 person

      1. Dan, my man!

        I switched from whiskey to weed… It’s really increased my patience and tolerance of dullards and bullies.

        By the way, my son graduated from Pitt last week. He did in 4 years what I couldn’t do in 5!

        Kick the Hoosiers! Let’s go Pitt!

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  141. It sounds like LSU must have increased the bag money at the last minute. These kids have no ethical standards, and promising Pitt he would come clearly meant nothing. I predict he will not have a long tenure at LSU, his mother seems to be calling the shots.

    I don’t get what is going on with Hugely. When is his hearing, and why hasn’t Pitt reinstated him knowing that it would take this long? Is he allowed to work out with the team? He has apparently not entered the transfer portal, which is his right to do since he is innocent until proven guilty. Maybe Capel is mentoring him a bit to keep him at Pitt if the charges are dropped.

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    1. I’ll send it tomorrow. This is a tough matchup for pitt. They need to go unconventional. I’ll explain.

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  143. Folks – for some reason some reader’s comments are fine and some get automatically sent to the Spam folder. I just approved comments by; Jay at Tower A , Big B and Farmers that weren’t spam but were held as such by WordPress.

    Not sure why this happens but as I said earlier I’m not going to be on this blog daily any longer so if one or more of your comments get held up – you can send me an email but chances are by the time I get around to approving it another article will probably be posted.

    Sorry.

    If anyone wants to be an additional Administrator (who knows WordPress already) let me know – but it takes up a lot of time.

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    1. I’m sure some pitt student would hop at the chance. Not sure what the going rate is these days though. Used to be a six pack. Now it might be an iPad or PlayStation.

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  146. So one more time… Eric Reid was NEVER coming to Pitt. Capel and his staff did a great job of wooing him and Reid really liked Capel,
    but … he was not the decision maker. Like all things sales 101, if you don’t ID and sell the decision maker, you’ll never win the sale!

    Wade is scum of the earth at LSU! He’s been caught cheating and cutting corners to recruit 5x with barely a slap on the wrist.

    Much like Bob Baffert in horse racing. I’ve been in the horse racing bus off and on for 40 years and I can tell you unequivocally that you can’t give a horse that steroid by rubbing ointment in his butt…. @as per Baffert.
    But…His horse is still running in the Preakness (another slap on the wrist)but I wouldn’t bet Medina Spirit with Reed’s money. I like Midnight Bourbon if anyone cares.

    That Heather is finally climbing out from under her desk may not be a good thing but I’ll bet her seat is very hot. Especially if she glances at this site. H2P Go soccer!

    Liked by 2 people

  147. I played the first two minutes and heard 27, uh, ummms, in two minutes. Count em. Did anyone ask about Hugley? Did anyone press her on her expectations? No! The question was out there and she never answered it, but candidly, the only thing she actually answered was her getting a meaningless award based on equity. She didn’t comment on how much money Pitt lost last year, instead she hid the ball.

    I learned zero here. She was not prepared. This was a time where she should have
    come out of the gate strong and she didn’t. Bad presser, but thanks for posting it Reed. Go Soccer!

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  148. Heather is a very nice person and I would like her if she was my neighbor. But she proves what a lightweight and how over her head she is every time she opens her mouth! Today’s presser was no exception. No wonder she hides under her desk

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      1. Well revenues will be back up and Pitt will still be near dead last among P5 schools. Pitt is a very revenue poor school operating on a hefty subsidy to keep athletics afloat.

        Did heather say they received $9 million in donations for victory Heights? This project costs $250 million. Typically a project gets green lighted when you have 50 percent of the cost covered through commitments. Where’s the other $116 million?

        Blown opportunity for a MPC. Now this project has a strong likelihood of becoming a mortgage on Pitts future

        Pitt needs a financially healthy football and basketball program. If these programs don’t achieve a profit, I can’t see how secondary sports will survive. That general fund which Pitt raids will run dry unless student tuition and fees are increased.

        Liked by 1 person

  151. Do let me get this straight.

    Pitt athletics lost well over $20 million in revenues due to covid. Plus they have incurred unexpected and unbudgeted expenses for Covid.

    Yet Pitt didn’t have to eliminate any programs or lay anyone off.

    How is this possible?

    Unless they just transferred money from the general fund. A non athletic fund. A fund that isn’t supposed to be used as an athletic slush fund.

    I feel bad for the hundreds of university employees on the academic side who lost their jobs.

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    1. People in athletics lost their jobs as well Tex. Ticket office folks, game-day support, food service, security. I feel bad for all of them and guess you do too. But the spin cycle continues, COVID or not.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Here’s my point. Heather said pitt and Gallagher stepped up financially to save athletic department jobs. Where was the university in stepping up to save academic department ones?

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        1. Like I said, the spin continues.

          Your comment suggests the university didn’t step up. You don’t know and neither do I.

          I like bourbon, vinegar on my greens or a salad, but I don’t care for BS or distortive rhetoric.
          You make many great points here and have a real talent as a writer. I’ve said that multiple times. But that doesn’t mean specific comments are above reproach.

          And to be clear, just because I’m poking at one of those comments doesn’t mean I think you are a jagoff… for what thats worth.

          Liked by 2 people

          1. Pitt is on record with layoffs on the academic side. I have heard nothing on the athletics side. Why the double standard.

            And please tell me how pitt is going to make up close to $40 million in lost revenues on the sports balance sheet.

            Pitt has yet to answer that question.

            Are they taking out a loan. Are they raising tuition and fees. Are they transferring money from the general fund. Are they planning to eliminate programs and layoff in 2021. Are they raising ticket prices.

            How does this shortfall impact the academic side?

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            1. This is where the private/public status of Pitt serves to keep information hidden from the public. “State-related” is a buffer to open records requests. Myer’s article in the PG is actually amazing.

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  152. Tex, Just wanted to take a quick moment to send you kudos on all your thought provoking comments, good stuff young man!

    By the way, I am a soccer guy myself, so I appreciate Pitt’s rise to a national power and your bringing this to the forefront of this blog, gives us all an opportunity to follow a minor sport during the dead period. Soccer is no different than any other collegiate sport imho, one good coach can turn everything around; though the current environment in hoop$ require$ a coach that is well funded in order bring in the talent $$$

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  155. dan72 and Tex..just talked to my accountant buddy and our retirement broker who are big horse guys…both like Midnight Whisky to win…both are betting the #5,#6 and #10 horses in the Preakness….now if PITT can only come up with a couple of hosses to carry the ball…

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    1. And if she didn’t try to do it, how many would complain that she’s letting the Chapel Hill’s of the ACC get all the events and TV exposure.

      I think shots showing the Cathedral and dahntahn would look much better than looking at loblollies red clay roads sprayed with petroleum.

      Plenty of material for you to work with as it is (see UPitt post for inspiration); just not sure piling on with other stuff is necessary….especially if your argument is not solid. I know Major wil try to go; heck, I may drive up there myself.

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      1. PNC Park. That’s the solution. No NCAA regs that says needs to be on campus. Particularly during a pandemic. She needs to reach out to the city and the Pirates. NCAA would give it 100 percent support. Pnc is a gem. But Pitt is constrained by non creative thinking.

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        1. I think Nutting and MLB are more likely to be an impediment than any potential insular thinking in Oakland. And you are correct – PNC is a gem.

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  157. This is Pitt soccers best chance to win a national title. The SEC, Big 12 and half the PAC 12 didn’t play this season I don’t think there will be an asterisk next to the champion however. There was a quality field for this tournament. The ultimate winner deserves the crown.

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      1. And I really hope he shakes things up. The “good ole days” are gone and the “good ole boys” need to step aside.

        But all the best efforts and actions will put the ACC at no better than 3rd in the P5. Will never win the recruiting wars with the SEC unless the average HS 4 and 5 star athlete also starts making honor roll and scoring over 1100 on their SATs. And doesn’t have financial pressure at home.

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  160. Good comments JoeL. Nailed Tex for what it is.

    One thing, just because Heather doesn’t champion a facility and Tex pie in the sky idea, a MPC, she sucks.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. She could have raised 100 times the amount if she included football and basketball as part of victory Heights. She raised a paltry nine on a 250 project. And this project generates little if any cash flows. The expenses outstrip the revenues. Pitt is going deep into debt to go even further in debt building a high school sized venue for money losing sports.

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      1. Seriously Ike let this sink in. Pitt is going deep into debt to go deeper into debt. If I pitched that idea at a board meeting, I’d be thrown out.

        Victory Heights will bankrupt Pitt. The cost is 12 percent of their operating budget before interest.

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  161. She sucks because the only 2 sports that matter are paying for a Solid A grade and getting D and F on their report cards. Capel has done nothing and Narduzzi wins 7 games a year and loses to weaker teams in bowl games. We can all pretend Olympic Sports matter but in reality no one really cares about Pitt Basketball or Football let alone Women’s Volleyball or Baseball.

    In the business world if you failed at selling 85% of your products but 15% sold decent but were only a niche market and bough by a few you get fired. Not at Pitt. It is all about image and not winning. And I agree her public speaking was atrocious. She had 15 months to work on that speech since she has been home since Spring of 2020.

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    1. That’s a good way of looking at it. And at Pitt, 25 percent of the product sold is good. 75 percent is bad or mediocre. And the two products that subsidize the other lines are mediocre and bad. If I was an investor, I’d conclude that this business has no future. It’s ripe for a takeover however.

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  162. I hate to say it but I have seen nursing home administrators at Rotary meetings who sound more intelligent than HL!

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  164. It’s called a leveraged buyout. I’ll come up with the coin. How I do it…none of your business. But here’s the deal. I replace heather and install Riddick as the ceo. His first job is to fire both Narduzzi and Capel. Within two years, Pitt’s stock will double or else I resign as chairman and sell my shares. Deal?

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  165. Pitt baseball is a senior laden team with players who have bought in.

    If Pitt plays a regional at home, there will be no more than 450 people allowed. No fans given family and friends allocations of tickets plus visitors. Let that sink in.

    Why not PNC???

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  166. Whats the cost of acquisition Tex?
    And what percent of that will need to be borrowed?
    Asking for a friend…🥸
    I can use more bonds in my portfolio.

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    1. I can get Pitt sports at a discount right now. I’m thinking 80 cents on the dollar. Maybe just three times projected earnings.

      Pitt loses about $10 million each year

      I’d purchase Pitt for three times Pitt’s revenues. That’s around $250 million.

      The cost of Victory Heights. I’d discount my offer due to this debt load.

      So $150 million is my offer.

      Tex – who knows some Russians.

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    1. Some of those are actually pretty funny…

      Louisville and Littlefinger. Brilliant.
      Pitt and Jon Snow.
      Im too big of a fan of Tyrion to accept UNC. That makes me ill actually.

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      1. Some I thought were spot on. I agree on Pitt and being the bastard. The throne is ours if we want it.

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