in Pitt Football 593 Words

For all the ACC Marbles: Pitt vs. Wake Forest

Last week, our Pitt Panthers won a lackluster but dominating game against the Syracuse Orange 31 – 14. It was not the fireworks display we had seen in the past. But there was no worry or concern on my part. This was my attitude even as Syracuse methodically worked down the field on their first drive. It was just a matter of time before Pitt was victorious.

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (Wake, Dec’s) were not in the same position as Pitt. They had to win to clinch the Atlantic Division. They won convincingly over Boston College 41 – 10.

On to the stats review. ACC standings and Wake’s and Pitt’s year to date schedules.

Ten teams are bowl eligible. Only Virginia Tech won their sixth game last week. For bowl selections, the ACC one game jump rule is in effect.  None of the nine or 10 win games winners can be jumped over for a tier one bowl.

Common opponents are Virginia, Duke, North Carolina, Syracuse, and Clemson. Both teams can score. Pitt is better at scoring defense.

The ACC has released the All ACC football team selections. Here are Wake’s and Pitt’s:

There is a total of 157 honorees. Pitt has 21. Clemson (16) and Wake (15). Some honorees were named to more than one position. Jordan Addison was 1’st team Wide Receiver. He also was selected 3’rd team AP (all purpose-WR, RB, kickoff/punt returner).

Here are the NCAA stats for team and individual comparison. Those highlighted in yellow are what I consider are Wake advantages.

I will be highlighting Transfer Portal pick-ups in green and those who have entered the portal in light orange. I will be using light blue to identify All ACC honorees. I’m not up to date on injuries.

Wake Forest like Pitt lives by the pass. They are not good at stopping the rush but are better at defending the pass.

On to the individual stats. Of course, starting with the QB’s.

First Team All ACC QB (Pickett) versus second team All ACC QB (Hartman).

Really remarkable close stats. Both teams have a trio of RB’s with similar overall results. The main rushing difference is QB S. Hartman with 121 yards and six touchdowns more than K. Pickett.

A large difference is that Wake has two receivers with over 1,000 receiving yards. But Wake does not use their TE’s and RB’s like Pitt.

Games played and started for offensive linemen.

Wake’s starting five has only missed one start. How do they compare against Pitt’s All ACC five?

Old school stats. How about the new ones?

Pitt’s Oline as a percentage is better for both sacks and TFL’s. Is it statistically significant? I am not up-to-date on my statistics of stats. I think that was one of the things I lost when I remembered the Hager Twins concert.

Some defensive individual stats. From ESPN team stats and compared to NCAA statistics for accuracy.

I used the top 17 in tackles for both Pitt and Wake.

The color coding favors Pitt’s defense.

Wake has 49 players make a defensive stat. Ten were offensive players. Pitt’s numbers are 48 and six.

Last but not least, turnover margins.

The Dec’s are pretty good at standing up a runner or receiver and striping and recovering the resulting fumble.

Two excellent offenses are facing off in this championship game. One team is heading to Atlanta (Peach) or Phoenix (Fiesta). The other will likely end up in San Diego (Holiday). Pitt is not going to San Diego.

                                     Pitt 41 – Wake Forest 37

211 thoughts on “For all the ACC Marbles: Pitt vs. Wake Forest”

  1. Great writeup as usual. Thanks.

    Just read thatJordan Addison leads the Biletnikof fan poll and voting is closed.

    And Kenny leads the Heisman vote and voting is still open.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Even when Coach Whip was at UMASS he had a great TE who, I believe, led the nation for receptions at that position. The lesson I take from that is if he has competent TEs he will use them, and often. Unfortunately, that has not always been the case since he’s been at PITT.

      Liked by 1 person

          1. He was allegedly involved in shady recruiting at ASU and was relieved of coaching duties.
            Go Blue n White.
            PSUcks proud.

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  3. Richard… you are the man… thanks for the breakfast read.. way better than reading the back of a cereal box…. Thanks for your excellent in-depth articles. You are special! You should get a Pulitzer

    Liked by 5 people

  4. Pitt 38
    Wake 27

    Pitt incorporates a balanced attack because Wake has a very poor rush defense.

    Pitt will also lead in TOP.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. A balanced attack would be primo, WLAT. We know KP is going to get his stats, but nothing humbles an opponent like a good old fashioned running game.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I think we stop them in the Red Zone a few times, scoring FGs to Our TDs. Both will score TDs via long passes.
    Pitt 45, Wake34

    Liked by 1 person

  7. For those driving to Charlotte as a group, I suggest making copies of this article. Have everyone read & memorize it. Then have a Q&A game. Beats counting out of state license plates. Or doing the “punch buggy” thing.

    Liked by 3 people

  8. Another gem Rich. If (big if) Pitt has the lead in 4th, I think they could run the ball quite successfully.

    On another issue, looks like Fickell won’t get ND job. It was reported that ND OC is staying which likely means ND will promote its DC who has emerged as top candidate

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    Liked by 1 person

  10. Pitt just lost a commit as FL 3* WR Camden Brown decomitted. Many other schools including FSU is really pursuing him

    Look for a WR transfer coming soon

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  12. Tough blow with Brown, who was the best recruit in the class. If you go 10-2 with a high-flying offense and a Biletnikoff candidate and you lose a recruit, then there was nothing you could have done to keep him.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. As our recruiting ranking drops to 64 and W_F is right behind us at 66.

      Says a lot about the rankings? I’m asking for a friend…

      Liked by 2 people

  14. Thank you Richard!

    It looks like a really good match-up.

    Things that make me happy, We handled our common opponents more effectively.

    Things that make me worry, turnover and penalty stats.
    They are strong (big productive receivers) where we are weakest (defensive backfield)

    Two Keys:

    Pitt needs to score early and often and play mistake free
    Pitt’s defense must disrupt Hartman’s rhythm, and make more stops than them

    H2P!!!!.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Let’s hope we are 100% over the flu..no stupid mental errors that are killers- take care of the things you can control….and fair officiating. Just a thought…remember back when when there were no TV time-outs for commercials, official review time-outs, time-outs and reviews after most scores, time-outs to recognize donors, time-out to recognize alumni…………I would love to see a game like that again before I leave the planet….

      Liked by 1 person

      1. BigB – go to a D2 game and you’ll get exactly what you are asking for. My nephews play for Mercyhurst University – besides talent, that was a noticeable difference to me. No reviews and not TV timeouts.

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  18. Pitt will not have a highly ranked recruiting class due to limited space, especially if the schollie limit goes back to 85. The fact that Pitt seems to have fewer people transferring out certainly has something to do with it

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    Liked by 2 people

    1. Unfortunately that hurts down the road, but a lot of experience coming back next year, could be even more depending on how many eligible seniors return.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. RE: recent de-commit from Pittsburgh University- these are 17 year old kids and some will get that “oh so good feeling” on the trip and jump on that first offer or follow the crowd as we have seen in the past when Pat brings a group in from a tight geographical location like Fla….other schools eventually join the chase and they get wooed away…that’s the way it is with today’s ball player. Now the OT recruit, Bradley Mann, who de-committed, is a different cat IMO. Why would he leave us and go to Vanderbilt…you know that other team in Tennessee the sends chilis down your spine when you look at their FB history….IMO, Bradley is looking for the best education/environment with the opportunity to play a sport he loves,..Vanderbilt is a great choice for academics,

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  20. Also note that the recent class which was highly rated has yet to contribute… with the exception of Bartholomew, Hammond, O’Brien and Bradley. Ironically, three 4-stars saw little or no action. — N Johnson, N Brown and E Donald.

    With exception of OLB and TE, Pitt seems to be well-stocked

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    Liked by 1 person

    1. Linemen take the longest to mature plus hard to get PT with the guys ahead of them.
      The D-line also only has two seniors leaving plus maybe Baldonado if he decides to go.

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  21. This is relevant if you, like me, try to avoid wearing the colors of the opposing team during the weak before a game. Wake wears “old gold” and black. And, yes, Old Gold is a cigarette brand that was marketed by R J Reynolds.
    pmdH2P

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  22. Fun Factoid. Wake Forest last played in and won ACC title. They beat Ga Tech 9-6

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  23. Another fun fact, we have only played Wake one other time and beat them for our first Coastal.
    I wonder if the other Coastal teams will be rooting for us to win the first ACC Championship by a Coastal team in a long, long time. Pretty sure they don’t care. Tough to believe UNC and Duke fans would show up to cheer their Coastal brothers.

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    2. Wake lost to UNC & Clemson and we beat both teams. We need to stop their RPO though. Better have a better practice week than we did before the W. Michigan game…and practice tackling like before the 13-9 game.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. The did crush VA and didn’t have to play Miami, lucky for them. They also beat NCST, a very good team.

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  24. Living here I know the hate between State and Carolina…all hate Duke….Wake is more like how we approach Syracuse- just not much emotion associated with that team

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Ubetcha…. My Carolina buddies won’t even go to Carter -Finley when they play each other… think PITT visiting Morgantown…

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      1. We got Billy to say it …on the broadcast the other game.

        Will do again if we score or when we score in the 40’s and win the game.

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  28. Simply sit back and enjoy the game and kids. Recommend cocktails to suppress anxiety. I remember the 76 NC game when my kids ran around with their new toys. It took my mind off the bad plays we ran during the game.

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  29. Another great article PCF…thank you. As I was looking at some of the stats I saw that WF’s QB Sam Hartman has 10 rushing TDs. That’s a bunch. Among other things, we need to pay close attention to the possibility of him running the ball near the end zone.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. Noticed that also on Hartman running. Must be due to that lingering RPO (there is a name for it) offense Wake employs.

      Like

    2. Sam has broken a couple of long ones…I don’t know our RB’s longest TD run … nothing jolts my memory… then there is that aging thin g as the white matter supplants the gray matter in the brain…. anyone- did PITT have any long TD runs???

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  30. Richard — thank you for all your contributions this season.
    Good stuff.

    Here’s something I learned — four of Wake’s sacks were by DBs, while none of Pitt’s were. So something for KP to be ready for – but is this an area where maybe we could surprise Wake???

    I like being in a division/conference where there is a good bit of parity. I like whenever the team that plays best wins versus it being the team with the overwhelmingly better roster who wins…

    Safe travels to those headed to the game…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks – good pickup on the DB sacks. I could swear that at least one had a sack. I checked all 48 who had a defense stat and no DB had a sack.

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  31. One more time for the most important game of the year. This time it is against the best team we will play all year. Almost a mirror image, at least on paper.

    Like the Waterboy, “no time to be holding anything back”

    Although I can do without the trick plays and please NO Wildcat

    Maybe Richard knows, how many trick plays worked this year?

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    1. I know of three passing trick plays. Wayne to Kroll (Tennessee/TD). Wayne again against UNC (incomplete). Finally, Kroll against Miami (incomplete). No clue if any trick running plays, Also, that time that KP lined up as a WR with Patti at QB.

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  33. Has anyone heard how many tickets Pitt has sold?
    I would imagine there are a lot of former Pittsburghers living in the Charlotte area.
    Hopefully they show up.
    Didn’t Emel live in that area?

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  34. Okay, is this good news or bad news — all 6 PG sportswriters picked Pitt to win this game. Four of them in a close, high-scoring shootout; the other two have Pitt by 10 points.

    Even Ron Cook picked Pitt – that scares me…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Tickets in the lower bowl asking for $200 plus on Stubhub. Seems like a lot, maybe that is encouraging.

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  37. Who’s the designated ‘Home Team’ by the way. Anyone know ?

    Pitt should have the (Carolina) Panthers side of the stands….what with the nickname and Tepper
    owning the Panthers.

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    1. I’ll answer my own question…since I just found out. Pitt is on the Carolina Panthers side of the field, so I’m assuming that would make us the designated ‘Home Team’. Yeah !!!

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      1. Pitt is the visiting team this weekend. I believe the home and visiting teams rotate every year in both divisions.

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        1. All these ticket websites are showing us…on the Carolina Panthers team bench side of the field.

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    1. He owns the Carolina Panthers. Owns 900+ acres in South Carolina around the Rock Hill, SC area.
      State gave him $200M for land improvements. That’s were Tepper Stadium will be built.

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  40. Sitting down for a late lunch break at work. The discussions about the W_F offense using the RPO was an interesting read – the Deacon’s WR’s that are big (6’4″ and 6’5″) like to use the “push off” technique. Last week vs BC they got away with it over and over – never called. Duzz should have alerted the ACC front office to not send those refs.

    Here is my advice for DC Bates:

    LB SV Dennis OR Cam Bright should be the spy at all times for QB Hartman – tackle him if he is touching the ball.
    Have the CB’s play “rough smacking” techniques at the line of scrimmage with the big WR’s to slow the timing of the play to allow Haba, Kancey and company to get to the QB.
    All safeties’ first focus should be on helping over the top with the pass.

    I may more thoughts later, but must get back to work…

    Liked by 3 people

  43. VT is going to have trouble. They’re in Virginia but Pitt is closer to Northern VA. It’s out in the middle of nowhere. A terrible 4 hour drive with 3 hours on the truck nightmare 81S. The top recruits in the state don’t want to go out there. JMU and UVA are much better off geographically. Beamer worked miracles. It’s going to be a very tough program to revive.

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    1. Perhaps the plan is for Shane Beamer to get some more seasoning for a few more years.,..,.before he goes back to what his father had built at VT. For the possible revival.

      So the Psux guy could be another dud for them. Which is fine by me !!

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        1. What’s this jug? jrn is a long time poster and loyal PITT and POV fan.

          In Narduzzi’s post game interview last week after the Cuse game he stated that KP was working with a limited playlist/playbook. I mention this because how many times have posters been laughed at for suggesting that Narduzzi does hold back plays for future more important games. Also could explain why the Cuse game wasn’t one of Kenny’s best games this year.

          Liked by 2 people

        2. Not really as I have been a fan of the PSU defensive scheme this past season. I’ve stated in the past if we had the PSU defense combined with the Pitt offense I think we could be in the top 5 right now. Now the key question for the new VT coach is will he be able to recruit enough “stars” to play the same level of D at VT.

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  44. Couple of thoughts on the new Va Tech HC

    — agree with PoD that he was very impressive at the intro presser. Further, as a Virginia native, he should be well received by the home folk

    — he has an impressive defensive background and is keeping the recent VT DC on his staff. Thus his most important hire will be the OC, who will likely make or break him.

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  49. Forgot to mention this WF receiver Jaquari Roberson is a local boy from the county I am working in here in the ole North State….his cousin was in to see me this morning.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. Ah Richard, I forgot to thank you for another masterpiece. Thanks. Without a doubt I believe that the POV is the best place to go for honest, accurate and intelligent PITT football talk. You want to talk PITT football, come here to the POV. Best writers in town with info brought to you all with a push of a button or two.

    Liked by 5 people

  51. Richard, I totally agree with Uncle Iek…great work.
    What a great group of writers we have here for Pitt discussion.
    Hope to see you Saturday!

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    1. Thanks Fran. Won’t be able to make it. Previous commitment I had forgot about. If you see Big B, he can fill you in.

      Like

  52. Several sources reporting that Joe Moorhead is ready to accept the HC job at Akron. I guess once you are a HC, it is tough to be an assistant

    Oregon plays in Pac12 title game tomorrow night, likely Moorhead’s last as Oregon. He is 48, a Pittsburgh native and if he does well, may be the favorite when Duzz moves on to Ohio St or Bama

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    Liked by 2 people

    1. Juggs, Agree wholeheartedly…Hartman is a sophomore on a huge stage.
      Has thrown 7 of his 10 interceptions in last 3 or 4 games and 9 of 10 when they don’t/ can’t run play action.
      Stuff the run…take away play action…and harass the young whippersnapper.
      Easy peasy…
      Not, I’m not drinking.

      Liked by 2 people

  55. Four head coaches were hired into the Coastal back in 2016. Mark Richt, Justin Fuente and now Brock Mendehall are all gone.

    Who remains? Dino Babers

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    Liked by 2 people

  57. Pitt vs Wake obviously ain’t the only BIG game being played on Saturday.

    The other game that Pittsters SHOULD have high on their minds is Alabama vs Georgia.

    If you want Kenny Pickett to have even a CHANCE at the Heisman, you gotta be rooting for Georgia to ANNIHILATE Alabama and its Quarterback.

    Just something that so far seems to have gone unnoticed or at least unmentioned.

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  58. Way OT – Pitt baseball to play games against WVU and PSU at PNC Park in the spring.

    Cool experience for the Pitt players. I remember playing some games in Forbes Field – pretty awesome to play where the Major Leaguers play…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 4 people

      2. I remember being amazed at how flat and smooth the outfield was. Like a flat green with longer grass. And the awesome scoreboard, the iron gate, and the batting cage and flag pole in deep center…

        This is where Roberto, Maz, Willie, Hank, and Sandy Koufax played!!

        Go Pitt.

        Liked by 1 person

  59. Great write up.
    Vielen Dank!

    Perhaps our shabby recruiting ranking is more reflexive of Pitt waiting to devour transfer portal stars.
    How can any transferring QB not love Whip’s passing?

    Liked by 2 people

  61. I’m still looking at Wake Blog(s). From SBNation Wake site Blogger so Dear:
    https://www.bloggersodear.com/2021/12/2/22813466/wake-forest-football-10-snap-review-sam-hartman-qb
    “SNAP 3 – 1st Quarter, 7:36. 1st & 10 at Wake Forest 25 yard line. Wake 7-0 Boston

    This snap illustrated one aspect of Hartman’s game that will draw scrutiny of scouts at the next level. As ESPN announcer Hasselbeck pointed out on the broadcast, the Boston College defense had spent the week practicing getting their hands up at the line of scrimmage knowing that Hartman had thrown 50 balls so far this season that were tipped while in the air.”

    50 tipped passes so far this season. That’s interesting. Let’s make it 60.

    Liked by 5 people

  62. Since the subject is Forbes… my first and only experience seeing a game there was as a Cub Scout.

    We sat in the right-field bleachers. Remember seeing a cocky young guy who was playing right field trying to show off to the fans by tossing a ball and trying to catch it without looking behind his back.

    He missed. The bleachers erupted with laughter in almost a jeering kind of way.

    He was wearing No. 21.

    Liked by 3 people

      1. Yep…my dad took me to Forbes several games as well. I remember he knew some of the ushers
        and we would sit in these seats that hung off the infield roof facade and you got to them via a catwalk.

        They only held like 8 people or so. Forbes had so many unique features. And these seats were one
        of them.

        Plus a trip to Forbes also meant a trip to the O !

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I remember, sometime around 1960, sitting in the box seats near third base. Guy hits a ball that bounces off the right field wall. Clemente fields it with his back to the diamond and wheels around and throws a dart all the way to third base to nail the runner from first base. Most amazing play that I ever saw.
      pmdH2P

      Liked by 1 person

  64. On a cold April night, I saw the Mets win their first game….. yes, I am from Brooklyn and loved the best ballpark ever built//Ebbets Field..but I have to admit that Forbes was really special. Amazing that the bleachers were down the third baseline and not in the outfield. Ivy-covered walls and a center field so deep that the batting cage was left on the field. Truly “The House of Thrills”.

    Liked by 2 people

  65. OK you POV-ites and Reed and Michaelangelo, you forced me into it.

    I was a sophomore mechanical engineering student at Pitt and went to the first World Series game in 1971. It was mid week; maybe a Wednesday.

    I know they won the world series on a Sunday in mid October of that 1971.

    Anyways, the good part and you won’t believe me (maybe Ike): They had a celebration downtown shortly thereafter. My McCormick Hall roommate and best man at my wedding who will be in the 50 yard line suite this Saturday at the ACC championship game wanted to get downtown early for the Pirate celebration.

    We did. And we were in the front row.

    The good part: when Clemente’s car passed by us the crowd went ballistic and I got pushed into his convertible . I thought my toes were run over. To break my fall I put my hand squarely on Clemente’s chest. He looked at me.

    The car passed. My best friend and some strangers in the crowd commented: “YOU TOUCHED CLEMENTE!” i checked my foot and toes and nothing appeared to be broken.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. “71” night game Tony, I watched the game in our dining/living room on a 13″ black and white TV and loved every minute of it. Day games during school we watch from the cafeteria if you didn’t have a class to go to, I didn’t?

      Roberto Walker Clemente my favorite athlete then and now. If you lived in or near Pittsburgh, Roberto was your favorite player too! ARRIBA ARRIBA!

      Liked by 4 people

        1. Baseball is my favorite sport and Roberto is and was my favorite player growing up (still growing up)…

          I have his autograph in my firesafe – I cannot take it with me – time to pull it out, frame it and hang it on the wall.

          Liked by 2 people

    2. The exact same thing happened to me after that WS win. I was also getting pushed up to the car as first in line. I leaped up and grabbed Clemente’s arm and said something I don’t remember. He had a look of terror in his eyes and I let go. He was scared that we were nuts. I kinda felt bad that I scared him. I’m glad he didn’t punch me…

      Stargel’s car came by later and he had 2 big body guards on either side of him. Clemente was alone in his car. Richey Hebner had 2 nice babes with him and they were drinking Champagne.

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    1. Ah…yes. I believe the sidewinder Bruce Kison came in the 1st inning,,,in Relief and threw 6 or 7 innings of 1 hit ball.

      And after trailing 3-0 after 1.,.,,,Pirates came back to win 4-3.

      Liked by 1 person

  67. My best friend got me to miss studying for a final at Pitt in 1964, so we went to a Pirate twi-night doubleheader. Cheap bleacher seats to watch Koufax and Podres and Clemente and …. Worth every penny.

    Liked by 3 people

  68. I just watched Coach Duzz’s latest interview with the local sportswriters. I must say that’s the most relaxed I can ever remember seeing him while answering questions. And I didn’t notice him being snarky or trying to be too clever. Okay, that has me worried No. 1. 🤔

    And Coach Duzz said that in today’s practice there were 72 passes thrown and every one was on target and none were dropped. That has me worried No. 2. 🤔

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    1. The Duzz interview with Richert the day before was the exact opposite. Someone grabbed Pat by the short hairs after that interview and told him to “get your act together man”.

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  69. Forbes is obviously close and dear to our hearts. Something about a Sports Stadium being so connected to the community.

    Alas Pitt Stadium and all those who remain committed to a NEW Pitt Stadium being the ultimate future of Pitt Football.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think it has a lot to do with the fact, we were all kids or teens when we went to Forbes Field.

      We collected their baseball cards, emulated their batting stances, etc.

      Baseball players and the Fields they played on were Larger than Life. But that only holds true
      while you are a kid or teen for the most part.

      Liked by 1 person

  73. Speaking of the Pirates and that time period. Was at the very first Pirates game played at 3 Rivers.
    It was in July 1970 vs the Big Red Machine.

    Still have the program and the tickets. Which were made purposely large with a glossy colored pic of
    3 Rivers on it…for souvenir purposes. Ticket takers were told not to rip them in half as they did
    with normal baseball tickets back them.

    Was also at the first Steeler game there in 1970 as well as the last Steeler game there in 2000.
    And Pitt’s last home game at 3 Rivers in 2000, with the Panthers beating the Hoopies.
    Kevin Barlow of old and long gone, Peabody HS, ran wild.

    Liked by 2 people

  74. Richard, thanks for the article. What caught my eye is the fact that we only played one team in the coastal division with a winning record (Miami), and we lost that one. That, in and of itself may account for why we had such a good season with a bunch of accolades, but I am not complaining.

    I have watched the WF qb. To me, he does not have an exceptionally strong arm and has difficulty with accuracy from the pocket with modest pressure. If we apply pressure with our DL and rush in the appropriate lanes (discipline), we will keep him contained. I think he hurts teams using his legs to get more time, which breaks down coverage concepts.

    Pitt wins easy and can have a balanced offensive attack.

    Liked by 3 people

  75. I may be out of pocket until game time arrives – on an OT note: hoping JoeKnew is doing ok – haven’t heard from him in a while and one of his last posts seemed to have a tone where he was dealing with an “issue”, of which I can personally relate. Be safe JK.

    My championship game prediction has Pitt winning 38-28 with the D coming up big and the O doing enough to win, like a late FG to seal the game. Holding W_F to 28 means our D was solid at stopping the run, containing the QB and minimizing the big WR’s who use the “pushing off technique”.

    H2P!

    Liked by 1 person

  76. I’d like to first see how many of the walking wounded show up for the game on Saturday. I like our chances but IMO the Pitt O has certainly taken a step back since losing Mack a few games back.

    Liked by 1 person

  77. The great thing about Forbes Field being on the Pitt Campus was that after the 7th inning you could walk right in and watch the end of the game. Only did it a few times until they moved to Three Rivers but what great memories. My dad took me to the Forbes Field bleachers sometime in the 50’s, I can still smell the hotdogs and see Roberto making those basket catches and remember the old guys saying he was a showboat for doing it. My dad’s favorites were the Waner brothers.

    I will also never forget my first week on campus my older gym team mates taking me to Quinques pronounced cheechees for meatballs and cheese in a bowl and of course a beer. He left Oakland when they tore down Forbes Field, very sad.

    Liked by 1 person

  84. HC Dave Clawson of W_F was named ACC Coach of the Year –

    That loss to WMU continues to haunt the Duzz. Beating W_F and their WMU-like RPO system would be sweet revenge and better than any coaching award.

    Note to Bates & Duzz – watch the WMU tape at least one more time before Saturday – there are lessons to learn. I guarantee you W_F coaches are watching that tape as I type this…

    Go Pitt!

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  85. I would say Clawson getting the coach of the year award is well deserved when you consider where they came from vs. where Pitt came from. Also the fact that he did it in the Atlantic division. The tougher division for quite some time. Narduzzi didn’t come from nowhere like Wake. Again being a North Carolina school doesn’t hurt and the voting was pretty lopsided.

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  86. Forbes Field

    — Knothole games on a couple of Saturdays when you get grandstand seats and round trip school bus rides from New Castle, all for $ o. 50. Yes 50 cents

    — then sneaking into the box seats after the 6th inning

    — sitting behind a pole; wet hot dogs taken from steamers and slapping spicy mustard on them; the batting cage sitting in left center field 457 feet away

    — short right field but with 30 foot screen; Stargell hitting HRs on the roof. Left field dominated by gigantic scoreboard which was I play except for Longines clock on top

    Sent from my iPhone

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    Liked by 2 people

  87. I think this game will be won or lost based on our interior linemen being able to blow up Wake’s unorthodox style of a delayed handoff while walking towards the line. Cancy and Co. need to get sufficient push into the center and guard to disrupt that exchange. They also need to get their hands up to block passes, if they can’t get the push. This will be real interesting.

    Our ends need to get to Hartman when he does drop back, and linebackers need to contain his runs.

    If this doesn’t happen it could be a long day for our D-backs.

    Our offense needs to be efficient and protect the ball. Their defense gives up a lot but they are excellent at forcing turnovers.

    Unfortunately referring will probably play a role. Wake doesn’t get penalized nearly as often as Pitt and I don’t expect that to change.

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  88. It will be a real kick in the ____ if a defensive player wins the Heisman when Hugh Green and Aaron Donald did not.

    Obviously we all take an ACC Championship over the Heisman, but why not both.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fan vote for Heisman is only a small part of the award. I would expect knowledgeable people and past winners will have the majority votes.

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  90. Richard – thanks again buddy!!

    Erie – joeknew popped up on Chris Peak’s PantherLair podcast on Wed.

    Im watching Packer & Durham while working. The WF AD is on.

    WF sold their ticket allottment on Sunday, got a second and sold it.

    They are sending 25 – twenty five – busses with WF students to the game. We have a great edition of the Panther Pitt this year, but wow, that’s impressive. Tip of the cap to them. Figure 80-100 per bus and thats a few thousand. PItt is at a disadvantage there…. anyone know if and how many busses Pitt is bringing down?

    Charlotte, despite being 90 away is considered a Wake Forest town.

    So…. this will feel like a road game without a doubt. I hope the school sold its allotment – havent heard any news to suggest that though. The last time we were in Charlotte, we sat on the Pitt side, but there were plenty of Clemson fans among us. Hope Pgh natives living in NC step up.

    Im concerned by the number of people picking Pitt – particulalry the Pgh media who probably have spent little time watching the Deacons.

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    1. Tom is awesome as is Patty. He keeps in touch with me via email and Facebook. If you all see him down there and you will – go take advantage of his generosity. He means what he says about sharing…

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  92. I’m afraid I may have to start being a Hokie fan. When asked what kind of music he likes, Brent Pry said the Allman Brothers, and anyone who knows him is well aware

    But I guess maybe playing Pitt will give him the blues

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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  94. Glenn Frey will win at VaTech. I mean Brent Fry. But come on, they do look an awful lot alike.

    As for Saturday night… Pitt is clearly the BETTER team primarily because they have the BETTER Quarterback and a certain Wide Receiver who simply refuses to be covered or drop a football.

    However, there is a bit of a POTENTIAL dilemma.

    When it comes to Offense, Wake’s STRENGTH is clearly the pass. As for Pitt’s Defense, IF it has a weakness, no surprise, it is defending the pass.

    At the same time, when it comes to Defense, Wake’s WEAKNESS is slowing down the run, let alone stopping it.

    That said, it would seem to me the SUREFIRE way to beat Wake is simply to RUN the football. Doing so will not only lead to touchdowns but also keep Wake’s only real strength, its Offense, off the field.

    All you have to do is look at the numbers and why Clemson was so successful STEAMROLLING Wake into total submission.

    The blueprint is right there for Narduzzi and Whipple to pick up and read.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. They will not follow that blueprint. They have the ACC Player of the Year and Bilitnekoff candidate….the ones who got them to this game.

      Hopefully, Pitt has identified some WF tendencies to help them expect pass vs run. That and the size mismatch with their WRs are my biggest concerns.

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  95. Counterpoint — you have to dance with the guy who brought you to the dance

    But I do agree that Pitt shouldn’t shy away from running the ball

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 1 person

  96. Narduzzi has made it clear verbally as well as his actions. He doesn’t run token plays. He will run plays designed for the defense to merely observe and write down as a play PITT used in a certain situation. ??

    Last thing I want to do is talk about next year a day before PITT’s finest hour. Real quick. Already reading comments about next years QB and OC. This is how hate of one player or another gets spawned because someone’s player wasn’t the chosen one. Things that will be settled next year.

    H2P
    ike/IEK

    Liked by 2 people

  97. With Mack and Bardon out for the game maybe we see more of 6′ 3″, 190lbs Jaden Bradley out of DeMatha Catholic High Bradley. He’s made a couple real nice catches this year.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. He also got stripped on one of his 8 receptions and coughed it up.

      I read where Wake’s really good at stripping balls.

      Funny cause Winston-Salem/Wake is devoid of Strip Clubs. (bible belt ya know)

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  98. Back for a few quick game plan suggestions on a brief break at work:

    Wake is 2nd in the country in # of offensive plays at 80.8 average plays per game. That is a ot of plays to defense, probably the most Pitt would see this season.
    Wake is one of the worst teams in the nation at defending the run.

    Strategy – mix more runs in with the Whipped up AIR ATTACK – that should cut the 80.8 down below 70.

    I know some think you stick to what got you here – remember, we lost 2 games to RPO teams. TWO

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  99. Maryland fires HBBC Mark Turgeon!
    One of the best recruiters and floor coaches in the business. I’d hire him in a NY Minute!

    UVA not that good a team this year. Still, with no perimeter game, Pitt has little chance!

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    1. Turgeon at Maryland was 226 wins 116 losses for a 66% winning %.

      Capel at Pitt is 42 wins & 53 losses (with many more to come this year & next) 44%

      Deal !!!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I’m surprised you think he is a good floor coach

      not what I hear from my UMD friends and while I certainly haven’t watched Turgeon as much as them, that fits with what is often said on sports talk radio

      certainly not a guy who has overachieved with his talent he has recruited and with what seems to be all the support of money from UMD/B1G that Pitt certainly DOESN’T MATCH

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  100. Is the Heisman voting over? I haven’t voted today and yet it still won’t let me record a vote.

    H2P!!!

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  101. All hands on deck for this game as i’m sure its the same for Wake. But I hope you all noticed Addison being inserted on the punt team the last several weeks for Pitt. He can take it the distance on any given play. Earlier in the season Pitt didn’t want to take the chance of him getting hurt on the punt team and utilized others for the punt duty. Actually, I really don’t think Wake will want to punt to him and most probably will try to angle their kicks out of bounds or have some very high short kicks as an option. if I were Addison i’d be looking for those short kicks to fair catch before it bounces on the turf.

    Liked by 1 person

  104. Local news here is reporting that city officials advise Oakland residents to not leave couches or mattresses on porches and front yards this weekend.

    Are they mistaking Oakland for Morganhole?

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  107. Note about NCAA Women’s Volleyball tournament: PSU had some difficulty with Townson, the Colonial Athletic Association champion, this evening PSU did manage to advance and will face the winner of the Pitt/ UMBC match. PSU won 3-1.

    In the Pitt match, it will be interesting to see if Kayla Lund is healthy enough to play or whether they will rest her another day. Pitt should not need her to defeat UMBC. Also will be interested in seeing if Jordan Lockwood plays this evening. Match is being televised on the pay ESPN+ channel.

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  112. The Robert Morris pep band is filling in for the vb game tonight bc they could not get enough band alumni to work the game since the full band is in Charlotte. They moved their seats to sit behind the Pitt endzone and kicked the PSU players out of their seats.

    Liked by 2 people

  114. I’m on the west coast this weekend where they can’t even spell ACC. I will try to avoid updates and watch the game on delay if I can. My then it may be 10pm PST. Going to be a late night.

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