in Pitt Football 198 Words

A New Year’s New POV

Starting right now I am rescinding my long standing policy of not banning posters without fair warning. I will do it with more regularity from now on. I have gotten numerous emails regarding crude comments and thinly veiled political statements. Please don’t act like you don’t know or understand the simple standards we have always had on here. You do and choose to ignore them.

This blog has, for the last six years, been a place to openly share our thoughts about Pitt athletics in a civil and non-insulting manner. Well, that has started to change and I am way too concerned with other infinitely more important aspects of my life than to have to babysit commenters on here.

If your comments are not going through there is a reason for that. You brought it on yourself. Don’t cry to me either – I’ll just delete emails from commenters who I feel shouldn’t have a venue to act as childish as they have been.

Another alternative is to make people request to register and have admin approve that registration or we could do a subscription by invite service – which, again, I do not want to do.

Reed

270 thoughts on “A New Year’s New POV”

    1. My prediction is 8-4 regular season (1-3) OOC and loss to Miami – the canes win the coastal undefeated.

      Automatic loss in the exhibition bowl game lead by HC Duzz.

      8-5 never ranked in 2022

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      1. AQuirk

        As I read it, the dates of the conference games are not yet set. You are being faked out by the order to the list, I think.

        pmdH2P

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    3. Three and one in the OOC.

      Wins over Louisville, Duke, GTech, VTech, Syracuse and Virginia.

      Miami is a loss and NC is a toss up. The Heels have a good QB next up but that team looked so soft in 2021. Does that change in 2022?

      If Slovis plays like a senior, look out. The offense will be powerful again.

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  2. There are so many other venues to express insightful or mean-spirited political comments. Use them. This blog is for those interested (okay, obsessed) with Pitt sports. It is an escape from all the polarizing crap we have to deal with. Give yourself and us a break by keeping this an oasis for the joys and disappointments of sports something purely in the eye of the beholder but fun to share.

    Liked by 6 people

  3. Happy New Year to all!
    I have not posted for an extended period of time, and did not watch any of the UVa or Wake games, so I have no real ability to critique either. However, my time out for Pitt football was good for reflection. Some things I think I’ve found out:
    1) It was been wonderful the last month walking around with my Pitt hat & gear. The number of strangers that just engaged me in random conversations was amazing. All excited about Pitt and just talking football. That has never happened in the last 40 years. Antidotal, but really cool. That’s how it must be in the SEC.
    2) Two things I do know for sure. Bevelle is really slow and isn’t the answer, and Tim Salem should never call another play in his career. No need to explain, they should be evident.
    3) Pitt had a great year. Yes, there was the usual, inexplicable loss, and lots to gripe about, but seriously, it was the most fun Pitt fans have had in years.
    4) Not posting and just reading the POV allowed me to step back. I laughed a lot and things didn’t bother me so much. Knee jerk reactions went both ways. A loss and some lose their minds, wins and the other side is just as obnoxious. Funny how both fail to see that’s what they do.
    5) Even more than before I think easing the OOC is crucial. This year May not have happened without that comfy route (WMU doesn’t count, right?). A few years of winning will solve a lot of problems, recruiting, Attendence, and most importantly relevance and perception.
    6) I did not have that much a problem with the announcers. When we were playing well they said so. And when MSU made the comeback they were excited for them. Ya gotta see it both ways, although it hurts to hear it.
    7) I truely believe that the better team lost. 21 second half plays,to 49!! No defense can hand that. And oh, bth, time of possession really mattered yesterday.
    8) Yup, I was wrong, the Duzz broke out of this always lose at least 5 games routine. And they guys who always predict double,digit wins finally got it right, good for all of us!
    9) I refuse to get involved with KPs decision. I never had that opportunity, and trying to say decisions I’ve made in my life are similar, well it doesn’t jive.
    10) I realize that I actually respect the fact people see the exact same things very differently. Somehow, I always knew that, but forgot it along the way.
    11) Sincerely, Happy New year to all. Be safe, be kind, and H2P

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  4. I’ll think more on this later but if we replicate our 113th rated Pass Defense (264 ypg) next season and 77th Rushing offense (149 ypg) I’ll say 7-6 or 6-7 if Slovis isn’t the QB most Pitt fans think he’ll be.

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  7. The defense should improve. We lost 4 starters last season in the secondary last season. The running game seems fine. Entire OL returns too. I hope we hire another pass first OC.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Before we get into predicting how good Pitt will be next year, we need two critical pieces of information.
    1. Who is Pitt’s offensive coordinator?
    2. Who is Pitt’s wide receiver coach?

    Pitt’s quarterback next year will be either Patti or Slovis. I was impressed with Patti during his brief appearance during the game last night. Given our past history of USC quarterback transfers, I would hope that the QB position is Patti’s to lose.

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  10. I’m not concerned about a WR coach. OC is imperative. With the WR coach, just make sure they’re ace recruiters.

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    2. I can’t believe it.

      He’ll get one more year with the Steelers. He got a two-year deal and the Steelers don’t fire coaches due to Scrooge Rooney. Matt was handcuffed with Ben and Tomlin knows it.

      Not that I agree with it, but I was a one-time mouthpiece in favor of Matt returning to Pitt. That ship has sailed. He made his own bed leaving after 2016 when Narduzzi correctly said to stay for a million and be patient.

      Canada would have inherited his own program elsewhere had he stayed at Pitt but now he’ll never sniff being the head man. Oh well, I hope Baton Rouge was fun those few months.

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  12. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a wonderful town, located as the Niagara River empties into Lake Ontario.
    George Bernard Shaw Festival, vineyards, a fort from the 1700’s.
    I haven’t been there in years.
    That’s the only return to Canada I want to see.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Oh man, HS flashbacks. I’m from Erie and we did a class trip to Niagara on the Lake. The school didn’t factor in some people were old enough to drink … we got so hammered the teachers on the bus trip made us swear to secrecy. No one snitched. Such a blast and way to close out HS. I’m not going to mention the shenanigans going on in the theater of the play we went on the trip to see 🤣🤣🤣

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  13. I am worried that Abanikanda may have had one too many concussions to be effective going forward. I hope I am wrong but he looked so wobbly last night (and a couple other times this year) that I worry about his football (and personal) future.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. College football is so boring anymore…

    Testament to Nick Saban, but Alabama 6 of 7 years in the final…yawn.

    Frickin Auburn, just don’t run out of bounds.

    Oh well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think Georgia rolled over for Bama in the SEC championship.
      Got the Heisman and 2 teams in the final.
      If that guy stays in bounds Kenny had a chance to win.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Commander Reed – This seems like a good time to thank you for creating the POV (and for resourcefully keeping it going) so that the POV community (at least most, I guess) could enjoy this terrific Pitt football season together.

    And not just the POV blog, but your ideas for POVers to engage with one another through the amazing POV/Fran/Wolfe tailgate and the ErieExpress et. al. golf outings have turned out great.

    Best wishes to you, your wife and your son for health and happiness in the new year…

    H2P!

    Liked by 16 people

    1. Thank you. My son’s doctor thinks that he might be finished with chemo by end of Feb then it will be maintenance treatments after that. His tumors reduced in size by 40-50% already and we caught them when they were just beginning. He still lost almost 40 pounds and all his hair.

      Wife and I also retested and are negative for Omnicron yesterday so that lasted 5 days for me and 6 days for her. I’m still more tired than usual though.

      Happy New Year to All!

      Liked by 12 people

      3. I didn’t just want to “like” Major’s comment.

        Fully appreciate that a lot of things in life run their course and that POV at times may have run that for you. Thank you for keeping the lights on while you have pursued other and more important adventures… and of course the challenge your son is facing. No parent should have to see one of their children – even adult children – have to endure a battle for their life. Its very encouraging to read.

        Should also put in a word of thanks to Pitt-Cocks (Richard), Erie (Rick), Eric and the Maestro for their contributions. IMO the site is better with several voices – something I appreciated on the Lair. Not only the “many hands make light work”.

        Godspeed on the recoveries – all three.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. I see it differently coaching wise, if your snarky comment doesn’t indicate –

      Cincy was beat by a much better, deeper talent-wise team in Alabama. Saban knew Cincy’s strength was it’s pass D so he ran it down the Bearcat’s throat with a Bama strength – an NFL caliber run offense.

      Georgia bullied the Michigan offense with CB’s mugging WR’s – if the refs don’t call it, do it over and over and Georgia wins.

      In the case of Pitt vs MSU – the Panthers offensive strength was passing – once QB1 opted-out MSU focused on stopping the run first. (Held to 14 points)

      MSU’s offensive strength was the run – once RB1 opted-out, Pitt stayed focused on stuffing the run and produced very little pressure on the QB, which allowed MSU to light up the sky on the Pitt D. (Generated 24 points)

      To me, Pitt was clearly out-coached. I’d love to debate you more. One more fun coaching fact, the Duzz must have placed no value on Whipple’s impact by appointing Salem the interim OC to run a high powered air attack without General Pickett. That is bad coaching – screams bad coaching.

      I’m a Pitt fan for the entertainment. The Duzz coaching style is not entertaining in my book. I get that I have choices – I’ll exercise them as I see fit, without breaking any laws.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Erie Express totally agree with you. You’re right too about the ho_him Alabama homecoming which has become the CFP.

        When you think about it ESPN loves the SEC and makes a bundle of money from the conference. Is the talent and coaching in the SEC that good or are there other less obvious advantages?

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      2. Watch it, Erie! You and Mrs. Erie have an obligation to entertain us at the tailgates. You DO NOT have a choice there!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Definitely meant to be snarky. I just don’t agree that the game was lost due to poor coaching.
        To me it looked like Salem had Patti very ready and Pitt most likely would have won if he doesn’t get hurt.
        While I wanted to see a Marion audition, the coach that counts obviously saw it differently.
        Your assumption that different coaching choices would have lead to better execution and better results is just an opinion without any basis in fact.

        The facts are that once Patti went down, Salem had to call plays for a third string QB that had no game experience, no mobility, and could not overcome the pressure. The O-line could not give Beville the time he needed to make a play. Salem’s choices were also hampered by the loss of Izzy, our most effective RB, although as you pointed out MSU has a very stout run defense.

        The inability to generate any offense put tremendous pressure on the defense which could not make that final stop to save the game.

        All that being said the defense came close to making two late interceptions and if Beville somehow makes that final play a completion instead of an INT, he is a huge hero against all odds.

        Salem has run the offense for two games for Pitt, the first Peterman and Conner both go down against one of Navy’s finest teams at Navy and then he gets to coach against the number 10 team without the best QB at Pitt since Marino, gets Patti ready, but then Patti and Izzy go down, Izzy who by the way made a bad mistake on the opening kick costing a TD.

        But somehow Salem is a buffoon and all the the negativity towards Narduzzi can resurge.

        I just don’t see it that way, an unprepared third string QB doesn’t beat the number 10 team in the country, no matter how great the coaching decisions are.

        Players making plays is what wins football games. They made a few more than us.

        Liked by 12 people

        1. Very well put, Gordon. Too many bad things happened to the Pitt offense team that it was too much for the inexperienced Beville to overcome. That is a harsh realism that must be taken into account. I wonder what Dan would say if one of Dan’s basketball teams had an offense built around a superstar point guard and that guard became unavailable and he had to use his second string point guard and then he got hurt during the game and couldn’t play. Would he have felt confident that his third string point guard realistically would then still lead his team to victory in the biggest game on the schedule? I am a firm believer that talent wins games the vast majority of times. Coached up lesser talent sometimes leads to great wins. Look at Pitt this year. Look at Alabama every year. There was not time to coach up Beville during the game. A lesser game plan was the best that that could be done. Should more have been done for him as a backup in advance of the game? Sure, but is that ever done by any team? No Izzy. An O line that seemed to be overmatched? Would a relatively successful running play instead of that last pass have been a better option? I think so. But no Izzy. Beville made a bad pass. Understandable considering his preparation. Time to move on and stop griping. Hail to Pitt!

          Liked by 4 people

          1. That actually did happen! My point guard who went on to be a four year starter at a D1 school,
            went down late first half. Every HS has a second team PG. The 3rd team PG is usually a starting 2 guard!

            Point well taken Justin!

            Liked by 1 person

    3. Disagree Gordon. It was evident from week one that Georgia and Alabama were the best teams in college football…again.

      Lombardi could have coached Michigan and it wouldn’t have mattered in my opinion. Totally outclassed. I also don’t think Harbaugh could have done anything to help his team compete any better. These were the best games because players didn’t sit out for fear of injury.

      I do think the Cincy game was much closer than the final score. They actually had a chance if they would have converted a few good opportunities (shoulda, woulda, coulda). I do not think the heisman trophy winner played that well and that was because cincy was fast and for the most part, were disciplined on their rush lanes. I also noticed what I thought were a bunch of holding penalties that were not called throughout the day.

      Concerned about Bright and Battle. We often applaud the “no trouble” athlete students during Nards tenure, however, a fight on the sidelines between teammates is a bit embarrassing for the logo. It will go national if it hasn’t already. Clearly the players lost control of their emotions.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. #20 seems about right after blowing an 11 point lead in the 4th qtr.

      The preseason 2022 polls will be missing our Pitt Panthers.

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    2. I say 16.

      Went 11-3, won the ACC, beat Clemson and Wake and was driving for the win with a third-string QB and five other key players missing while MSU was missing just two.

      I’m not counting Pickett either while including Walker for MSU.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Heard Nick’s surgery went well… the painful part for this young man will be the 3 month recovery time… patience is not a virtue in a young warrior, especially, with spring ball on the horizon and a new kid in town! Heal Nick Heal!!!!( in my best Ernest Angley)

    Liked by 4 people

  21. I left out the good offensive stats because they went away after KP quit. We’ll not see that type of passing game again without Marion, Whipple & Pickett.

    Rushing D will be there I suppose. But the lightning in the bottle we had this one season will be extinguished (I think).

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    1. Changing QB’s is always a crapshoot, and no one is going to match or better Pickett’s production, if that is the bar you set for success.

      But Pitt can be very good again next year however if winning another ACC Championship is the bar you set, very long odds.

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    2. All 3 of those guys deserve credit for this past year’s offense, but there’s no way I heap that much credit on Whipple or Marion; sorry, just seems over the top. Like many, Pitt fans, I am glad Whipple moved on, would’ve liked to keep Marion.

      Liked by 2 people

    3. I agree. Duzz needs to be smart about his OC hire. Our passing game sucked. Then he hired Whipple. Grind it out football that Duzz loves is passé.

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    4. One issue I have with a lot of the dialog on this site is the singular focus on one coach, player, unit and so on. Not enough consideration given to the yin/yang (chicken/egg) aspects of it. Its best observed following a loss. Your comment above makes that point – it wasn’t just Kenny or Whipple or Marion – it was all three combined. And rather than give Marion a lot of the credit for the pass game production, I will instead say he was a key finishing piece of the puzzle. Couldn’t do it without him, but without the other pieces the route running and downfiled blocking might’ve been wasted. The OL play – better than 2020 (which is not the same as saying the OL is good) – was one component. And we finally had good TEs…one of whom is a burgeoning stud.

      I will withhold judgment until I see who HCPN taps as OC and WR coach. And whoever that is, we may not get to see the full potential of the passing game in 2022 as there will be a new QB as well. Hard to imagine that there is anyone in the QB room right now (including Slovis) who will perform at the same level as what we saw this past year.

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  22. WVU’s starting QB and top receiver just announced they are entering the transfer portal. They become the 29th and 30th to transfer out this calendar year.

    Liked by 2 people

  24. Whipple’s gunslinger approach worked miracles with Pickett and Addison, Just like Canada’s offense worked with his outstanding crew.

    It is the players that make the coach, not vice versa.

    Not to say that good coaches don’t make a huge difference, but Whipple was just average in two of his three years, guess why?

    Liked by 1 person

      1. No doubt, our kids played their hearts out and we won’t see a chance to win #12 for a long time.

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          1. show me just one “absolutely nothing”

            you won’t, everything even close to that was qualified or limited

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            1. Tossing Thabeets
              January 1, 2022 at 11:14 am
              Agreed, the premise was dumb but the point is the same. The other bowl games are just glorified participation trophies

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  27. I think the battle between Patti and Slovis should be a good one, although Patti probably still hampered in spring ball giving Slovis the majority of snaps.

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  28. I find the idea that the coaches didn’t have the team prepared for the bowl game to be absurd. In fact, the one bowl game that Pitt wasn’t ready to play was the one that they WON.

    An inferior EMU team pushed our DL up and down the field for much of the game. But Pitt’s superior talent won out in the end

    In 2015, Navy was ranked and the favorite.

    In 2016, Pitt dominated the first quarter and if the Legend doesn’t trip over the 2 yard line, they would have had a 10- 0 lead

    Against Stanford, Pitt dominated the TOP and outgained them by a lot. Pitt just couldn’t score TDs which was the bugaboo of that team

    And of course, having to go to the 3rd team QB which hadn’t took a snap since Sept was tough. In fact, I would suggest that the coaches did great just to keep the game close… same as I felt in the Northwestern game when Pitt played much of the 2nd half without 5 critical players

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Well, I would suggest that the kickoff return team was definitely not prepared to receive any kickoff. The opening kick-off was brutal, but the last kickoff was even more brutal. Do the coaches not teach the athletes to go catch the ball first, prioritize it? That’s a huge coaching blunder and was exploited. Need to have candor here. Can’t say I have seen TWO such blunders in a game like that, although the Tennessee start was very similar.

      Good depth comes from good recruiting. If the next man up is not competent, time to have the conversation about portal.

      There was a point made about the WV QB and WR hitting the portal. Neal Brown had the “not good enough” conversation and that someone else is deserving of a chance next year. That prompted the portal activity. He is very average in the games I watched. Yes, i married a filly from WV so every once in awhile, I gotta watch!! Brown is slowly turning over his roster. We might catch them early next year, which will be a benefit.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I find it hard to critique coaching within an individual game – unless something is so obvious that it pointed to a lack of preparedness, focus, etc. Agree with you 100% on the special teams coaching. Two botched kickoff returns and a fake punt points right at Powell.

        Not sure who Narduzzi should have chosen for OC in the game. Im not at the facility daily and cannot see the whole picture. My eyesight on that is limited to what I have seen in the past…and that simply isn’t enough to make such a decision. It might be fair to say he was the best option available. And if someone wants to say, “Marion”, that’s a reach for the same reasons.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I had no problem with the coaching. I complained about the play calling but that was more out of fear it was an audition. Haha. A freak play at the beginning of the game kind of set the tone for the game. Izzy having a short leash. Patti getting hurt. The play calling was already going to be a challenge, so pivoting to Beville and Izzy-less second half showed in the box score.

      Speaking of Izzy, did they say what was wrong with him? He passed the first round of concussion protocols and went back in.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Of course it did 🤣 – exhibition games can be fun … zero impact on the season outside of people who like to complain.

    ACC Champs … Heisman finalist … Belitnikoff Award Winner … all way ahead of the Peach Bowl … have you noticed how quiet Pittsburgh media has been about the game? Even the haters?

    Pitt’s best beat writer this century, whose kid actually played for Pitt … and played pretty damn well …

    People sure like to complain though 😔

    Liked by 2 people

    1. False premise by Zeise. Given the two choices, how can you not want to play in the final four regardless of score? Those are the only games that an athlete has the opportunity to win the whole enchilada!!! Of course the playoff games mean more. Athletes compete and are wired that way……well, most of them anyway!

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      1. Agreed, the premise was dumb but the point is the same. The other bowl games are just glorified participation trophies.

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      1. Zeise didn’t defend his opt out … go look at his Twitter this morning. He was fighting the opposite argument all night regarding Corral playing. Zeise, and I would agree, think it’s a players decision to choose and you should respect both. What happened to Corral is a good example of why kids chose to opt out.

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  31. I think the football program is heading in the right direction. Still going to be a slow, drawn out process. But at least we are walking into the stadium knowing that we have a good chance of winning any game. Of course we won’t win them all but I like that feeling.

    And I will still be a supporter of Kenny Pickett although I’ve expressed my disappointment in his decision. He is a Pitt grad and representative of the University. One last note relative to Kenny and then I hope I can get myself to shut up. Most NFL draft prognosticators have Kenny and Matt Corral as going 1 and 2 or 2 and 1 in this year’s draft. You can watch Matt Corral tonight in the Sugar Bowl against the Baylor Bears. That says a lot to me.

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    1. QB 3-6 (Sam Howell UNC) all played or are playing in their bowl game.

      Prediction: once NFL experts/scouts look at the film (4 years not just 2021) KP8 drops in draft status due to past performances and opt-outs.

      Kenny made Pitt and Duzz look very good and I will root for him to be a big success and to contribute back to the University as I have done.

      In fact, I will hold off on making my next donation until KP8 makes his next contribution to the fine institute of Pitt.

      Side note: anyone concerned that Jordan Addison follows Pitt’s best coach to the Longhorn state?

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      2. Beatty recruited Addison and Addison was expected to be a breakout candidate before Marion. I doubt it. You don’t follow position coaches. He’ll be the focus of the Pitt offense next season. Who knows what Texas’ offenses will look like. Addison will go pro after next season regardless … heads up now, Addison will not be playing any post season games that don’t include playoffs.

        Liked by 5 people

      3. Not worried and if he did transfer, this fanbase would be so happy for Jordan.

        This fanbase has hammered home “If a coach can up and leave then a player should be able too.”

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      4. I disagree with your reasons, Erie, but I also think that KP won’t go as high as some predict. I think his arm is decent but not NFL elite.

        I doubt the Steelers take him and I sure hope they don’t – they are a long way from being a good team.

        Hoping KP goes to a decent team who needs a young, smart, hard-working QB…. Wouldn’t mind seeing him go to Minnesota – get to play in a dome…

        Go Pitt.

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    3. How much money did the zpesch Bowl loss cost the ACC….outta be some way to legally contract these great players to complete what they signed up for… after-all it is a business… I guess with KP the ACC makes a nice payday…

      Huff- you are our legal guy- what say you. Will contracts be developed to keep these guys from becoming “ no shows?” The money thing goes both ways…

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      1. Hey B, happy new year!!

        There is current litigation that will impact college football even more than the last few cases that went against universities. If college football goes pay to play, yes, you will see contractual obligations. The problem with contracts is that if the university forces a player to play and that player gets injured, it will forever be used against the coach and university in the recruiting battles. There are so many issues involved it makes my head spin! Northwestern athlete students voted on unionization. This will happen again.

        For example, would an injured player receive state mandated workers’ compensation benefits, if the athlete would be paid by the university? The fundamental question is changing to where the athlete student is furthering the business interest of the university and as such, should have the same protections that an employee receives? Would a targeting foul on a player open up the accused player for litigation or could the targeted player sue the other university, since the injuring party was deemed an employee and furthering the interest of the university? If an employee doesn’t perform well, how can the university just fire them? Are the athletes forced into retirement after their redshirt senior year or super covid senior year? Crazy!

        Pay to play would seriously and negatively impact college sports.

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  32. Since Kenny will graduate that should cancel out his decision since Pitt fans worry about academics and perception more than any other fanbase.

    I hope Slovis does well enough in 2022 that he sits out the bowl game as well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lol – Slovis is currently the 9th rated QB for 2022 NFL draft / KP8 is rated # 2.

      The #1 rated QB Matt Corral plays today in a NY6 bowl game.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Depends on the rankings. Most boards I see still have Kenny as the top QB and first off the board. Which one are you looking at?

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    1. Agree. The Carolina game will be the wild card as the Heels will have a new QB. I have to assume also they will be soft as the 2021 squad proved to be.

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  34. Next season is pretty big for Pitt. Wanny couldn’t capitalize on his 10 win season. Duzz is in a better position to do it. The Coastal will not be significantly better and Pitt is not losing a lot of talent (volume wise). Kenny has to be replaced but at least we have potential there with Slovis. Patti has shown to be a capable backup. Good number 2 to have.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Although a small picture, I like what I saw from Patti. Moves pretty well passes had zip to them. Really too bad we didn’t get to see more. From what I saw of the Slovis film, he looks to move in the pocket pretty well.
    I didn’t see the statue that some are whining about.

    I also don’t remember having two good candidates after starters moved on. There can’t help but be a drop-off, but how much?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think he’s the perfect backup that you want. I was disappointed for him that he got hurt. He was just starting to heat up.

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      1. Patti passes the eye test….he can play ball… shame Krull dropped the 1st pass that would have gone for a 1st down(I think)… would have gotten us some breathing room!

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  36. 5 Penn State players and 2 Arkansas players opted out of the Outback Bowl … but it’s not common …

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      3. The BIGwhateverhowmany and Herbstreit would tell you it’s the best P5 conference in America… so much competition!!!!!

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  38. Couple thoughts:

    –Will Haba B. stay for another year or take a shot at the NFL? Hoping he stays. Easy guy to root for…

    —PSN says Pitt should hire Beatty as OC. Excellent recruiter, but I don’t know about OC. Does he have any experience coaching QBs?

    —Still wondering why Bartholomew didn’t play much in the bowl game…

    —Our winning percentage this season was 78%. I’m pretty happy with that…

    —Great to see that Larry Fitzgerald visited with Jordan Addison after the bowl game. Wonder where Antonio Bryant is these days? We need the 3 Biletnikoff winners in a Pitt photo…

    H2P!

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    1. I’m guessing Bartholomew didn’t play much to keep him healthy for next year. That would be a devastating injury for next season.

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      1. Richard – you made me laugh.

        I actually thought about rounding up but figured someone would accuse me of drinking koolaid…

        Go Pitt.

        Liked by 2 people

    3. Haba was injured and may not be ready to jump to the next level yet. He was not too impressive in 2021 – needs another season with better QB pressure.

      Beatty helps recruiting, hurts WR route running and ball catching.

      Blue Mountain Bart was in the Q.Ollison dog house in Hotlanta. (Zero touches in 1st half – 1 touch in 2nd half where Duzz should have burned a TO to challenge the spot). But most of you think Duzz is a good coach…

      Winning % should have been 1 win better – having an 11 point lead in the 4th qtr usually leads to a win. Not with Pitt and Duzz…

      Larry was wishing Jordan well with his future …

      Like

  39. If nothing else, Heather / Duzz is providing an enhanced email platform. So take that cynics!

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Like

  40. while I’m sure he got the best of care, I had thought collarbone fractures didn’t necessarily require surgery

    a brother and I had one each when young and just sling and immobilization for about 4 weeks iirc, I didn’t even cry

    Like

  41. I fractured my collarbone in a serious car accident. It was never attended to and I’m fine with it now. Now speaking of injuries. Patti and Habba may not think about the portal for awhile at least.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Well JoeL, I guess when experiencing a torn left bicep, severe closed head injury and a fracture of the sternum all at the same time, a little crack in the collarbone doesn’t register or merit attention?

        Liked by 1 person

    3. No offense intended but us “average Joe’s” don’t need surgery for clavicle fractures as they don’t significantly limited use of the arm for every day activity. However throwing a football with zip and accuracy isn’t an “every day” activity and require a repair to resume that activity at a high level.

      Liked by 2 people

  42. Understand that it is a lesser bowl, but it still gnaws at me a bit that the Shatney Lions still play in New Years day bowl even their record is crap and we don’t.

    But I have to say I am enjoying them getting hammered right now

    Liked by 4 people

    1. It’s all about selling tickets and brand name, I guess…

      But with all their dough, why does PSU still wear their practice uniforms for the real games?

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 3 people

  45. These quarterbacks that are playing have another year of eligibility like Howell. If he got hurt in the bowl game he could have gone back to NC. Also in Sr. Bowl there is no blitzing and the GBs to not run the ball lame argument.

    Liked by 1 person

  46. Notre Dame goes for it on 4th and seven from their 15 yard line with a six point lead and Two minutes and 30 seconds left… That Has to be the stupidest thing I’ve ever witnessed

    Like

  48. I’ll be disappointed if Pitt hires Beatty as OC. They were ACC champs, go get a successful, experienced OC. You don’t hire an OC just because he can recruit.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. That’s just Vuk making a suggestion. Duzz will have his own list. We do need an OC that can recruit tho. And that’s the biggest draw to Beatty.

      Like

  50. Perspective…

    Saw this on the Lair – a poster wrote this tribute to his brother…

    “On November 9, 1969 my older brother Greg and I boarded a bus to the Pitt ND game on Market Street in Steubenville, OH.
    Several buses traveled that day from Steubenville filled with obnoxious, drunk and weak bladdered “subway” alums of ND. Translation: Mill hunkies from Weirton Steel and Wheeling Pitt.
    These guys drank so much beer the bus driver actually allowed them to whiz on the Parkway west as we were stuck in traffic.
    ND killed Pitt that day.
    But I was hooked. Pitt Stadium looked like a castle out of some dark fairy tail. Entering Pitt Stadium and it’s sightlines, too few bathrooms and student section had me hooked. Here were two kids, me age 9 and my brother 15 Irish Catholics devoted to Pitt henceforth.
    Yes. We were in the midst of horrid play.
    But my brother was a Pitt fan. And amongst all those deadbeat ND fans we became solidified in our love of Pitt.
    I owe it to him. And when Majors came on board, we were there for 303 and all the rest.
    He has lived in California for the last 35 years. He loved this season and especially the ACC championship. He knew I was taking my son to the bowl game.
    The day before the game he fell into a series of post operative strokes and ultimately left this earth on 12/31.
    Heaven just gained a Pitt fan of the highest order.
    I didn’t lose my brother. I have tons of good instilled in me and I am especially thankful that he lead me to be a Panther fan.
    He will have a Latin Mass funeral next Saturday in CA. Somewhere in there will be the words Hail to Pitt!
    Godspeed Greg. And thank you.”

    Liked by 9 people

  54. I have watched a good portion of maybe 5 PSU games this year, and can’t believe how bad their offense was. Not sure there is anyone who does less with more than Coach Franklin

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Like

    1. The nits had zero offensive players opt-out today. They scored 10 points in their loss to Arkansauce.

      Like

        1. Shhhhh….🤫

          The nits ALL believe they are unrivaled and everything is great. Let’s not nudge them when they are down.

          Liked by 1 person

      2. PSU had one offensive player opt out – leading receiver Jahan Dotson. Potential first round draft pick. Also had two defensive players that are potential first round draft picks.

        Like

        1. The game announcers were wrong then – that is where I heard they had no offensive players opt-out. Thanks for the correction…

          Like

    3. Franklin is 11-11 in the past two years and lost his last three games yet in his 8th season he received a big contract and extension. After this past season and bowl games, PSU is 4th in the BIG Ten East Conference , and maybe even 5th after watching the UMD bowl game. Just about every off season there are rumors of him leaving and him not quelling the rumors until he his promised an extension or more money. Yet the PSU AD says “We wanted to send the signal to everybody else how much he’s appreciated and that he’s our guy…our people understand, see and appreciate everything James brings to us.” Its amazing how low the bar for football has falling for PSU.

      Like

  55. I think Pitt has done well overall with Narduzzi, but also feel this season was, as others have stated, “lightning in a Rolling Rock bottle”.

    I’m just more impressed with his influence on the kids’ off the field lives than I am his work on the field – I mean when was the last time we heard of a Pitt FB player being arrested? Not to jinx it or anything…

    Happy New Year to all!,

    Liked by 7 people

  56. The OC selection will go a long way determining how good they will be the next few years. PN has to get this correct. No old school run oriented OC. Pitt needs to maintain an explosive offense.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Sounds like Fraud Graham might be available … state senate is investigating the program and they have a hearing this week

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I hope he gets fired and never coaches again.

        I will make one admission: I liked Graham’s defense at Pitt that lone year. Sacks and splash plays. Two guys with 10-plus sacks and almost a third.

        Like

    2. I believe we got a peak into Pitt’s offensive explosiveness potential for 2022. Slovis is too slow and Patti is going to be recovering from a shoulder injury the next 4 months and miss Spring practices.

      Davis Beville playing hop scotch today in SC to start the New Year – footwork, and more footwork. Do we have any offensive minded coaches returning in 2022?

      Like

  57. A name brought up when Whipple was hired would be interesting. He’ll probably stay in the NFL but Ken Dorsey with the Bills would be fun. I think he’ll be in line for NFL OC gigs so I doubt it’s an option but that would be a great hire.

    Like

    1. Somehow I don’t expect the work great to be associated with either Pitt offensive coaching hire this Spring.

      I guess we should know by mid-March, just in time for Spring practice, but late enough to be an excuse for a low scoring Blue-Gold game.

      Like

    2. I’ll nominate for Pitt OC Kevin Johns, the OC and QB Coach at Memphis.

      He’s been around and has a lot of experience – which Coach Duzz likes and needs…. But here’s the kicker:

      “The Tigers rolled up more than 500 yards of total offense seven times last season, including 542 yards versus Big Ten foe Penn State in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.”

      (Something tells me that ErieExpress might like this guy…😊)

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 2 people

  59. Duzz will only hire a pro style OC, especially with Slavis coming in. I wonder if he’d look at JMU’s OC, our own Mike Shanahan. I would suggest their HC, Frank Cignetti but with them moving up a division he probably would not take a step back.

    Like

    2. Yep. Duzz isn’t hiring an RPO spread guy. It doesn’t fit the returning personnel.

      I was reading about DAMEYUNE CRAIG, A&M WR coach, formerly a co-OC and a great recruiter. I don’t think he would leave the SEC.

      Like

  60. Mrs. Erie and I decided to end our time in western PA this week and head home today to central PA. The psuX game was the first bowl to begin and so I was able to dial it in on my XM radio.

    The weather was rainy the whole trip, dreary like the Pitt loss to Sparta and I saw not one Pitt decal on a vehicle – none. But I saw numerous fist pumps from the Mrs’ as we traveled across the PA Turnpike as the nit wits lost to Arkansause 24-10. It was a classic for the ages – took some of the rub off the poor coaching exhibition we observed on the evening of 12/30.

    Then, when the nit loss was in the books, low and behold the fighting Irish were on vs the OK State cowgirls. Again, I saw fist pump after fist pump as the two of us buried the Pitt loss with a nd explosion of a 21 point lead. The pokes beat the Irish 37-35 as we pulled into our beautiful, rain soaked development.

    We are relaxing in front of the tv watching an entertaining Rose Bowl. Marvin Harrison Jr is one good looking FR WR. How’d he get out of PA? Glad he’s not at psuX – tOSU saves us sometimes and we don’t even know it.

    Liked by 3 people

  63. POVers, this is actually a fun off season for us! Enjoy it! There is enough talent coming back that we can sit back and enjoy the upcoming developments, including Spring ball.

    We have a QB coming in who was a top 10 Heisman candidate, and eventually a replacement for Whipple. Who knows, they might even go back to signaling plays in!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Would be great to pick up Mumpfield, the Akron WR in the portal.

      Apparently Louisville is going after him hard. Since we play Louisville next season, would be a double-wammy loss for us…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

    2. VOR, I agree. Lots of players coming back, for better or worse depending on one’s POV, same with the incoming players HS recruits and transfers. Add in the drama surrounding upcoming coaching hires and potential retirements….we will have lots to chew on leading up to the Sprig game and beyond!

      Liked by 1 person

  64. What a great Rose Bowl. I know many on here don’t like the Buckeyes – I happen to not be one of yinzers. I don’t like to domers, despise the hoopies and I especially hate penn state.

    Like

    1. Watched some of that game. Utah has a nice diverse offense. Ohio St. has some impressive young WRs who were backups this season…

      The Utah QB looked like he might be 30 years old…😊

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  65. Fwiw, the only 3 B10 teams I like are Iowa, Northwestern and Wisconsin (because I’ve always been a great admirer of Barry Alvarez). Then after that, it’s whoever playing PSU, Mich and OSU

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Like

  66. Amazing…. watching the sugar bowl, where the announcers were dumping on Pickett (not by name) for opting out when their guy Corral was playing for Miss St. Minutes later, Corrall gets sacked and leaves on the cart with a leg injury. Not to be dissuaded, these idiotic announcers just keep harping on how courageous he was for playing for his team mates. He never gave one second of thought to skipping this game these fools said.,

    Liked by 1 person

  68. Liked by 7 people

  69. And speaking of opting out, is it that much worse to play 5 years and opt out of one bowl game than to play 2 years and opt out of two full years because you want to get rich sooner? I’ve never heard negative talk about players like Shady McCoy and Larry Fitzgerald who “quit” on Pitt a full two years before completing what they signed up for. (And you shouldn’t! And I maintain you shouldn’t look negatively about Pickett either. He had more to lose than either of the other two monetarily. He used his NIL income for charitable purposes (other than, perhaps, providing weekly meals for his “hogs” up front who protect him—that might have been selfish😎).

    As far as him playing in the senior bowl, that is nothing more or less than an audition for the NFL—and a game with different rules to protect the athletes, as well as the fact that he will only be playing for one quarter.

    Liked by 9 people

  70. I’ll put this here too:

    to repeat, I’d have advised my kid to “quit”

    and then been FULL of pride and a slight bit fuller love when he decided to play,,,,, like Matt Corral

    who btw if is anywhere near an equal talent in the tangibles, without a doubt gets my draft pick ahead of someone with less intangibles

    Like

    1. While I respect a kids decision to play, don’t tell me that it is low risk.
      I also respect the decision not to play.

      Like

  73. Watching Corral on crutches…only wearing a sock…no boot, no ice no heavy wrap.
    What’s up with that?

    Like

  74. By the way, I respect Corral’s decision to play. No issue with it. I can respect both decisions. I also understand both decisions.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. nvm, there are some but I guess I just didn’t think YOU needed to state your rational position on it TT

        Like

        1. Thanks. I’m pretty vocal about my disdain of bowl games so just clarifying. I just think you can respect both decisions … to play and not to play. Each player has their motivations. Pitt’s stated goal all year was to win he ACC Championship. Anything else was icing on the cake. Bowl games get a lot of hype but no one cares after the season … who won the Peach Bowl last year? I certainly couldn’t tell you even after watching the game. I don’t recall them even mentioning it. Haha.

          Liked by 1 person

  75. Like

  80. Some really great football and players on display the last few days,
    especially wide receivers and the QBs that gave them the opportunity
    to make plays. I think we all can agree on the frustration of not seeing the KP
    and Addison show one last time.
    Just an incredible amount of talent heading to the NFL this and next year.
    Ohio State had at least 3 guys of the same caliber as Addison with Stroud throwing darts to them,
    and they don’t even make the playoffs.
    PSU’s Dotson who also opted out is brilliant as are so many others.

    I think most of us are ecstatic with the results this year if a little tainted by the finish, but in my opinion
    watching the elite teams play, there is a huge talent gap between the absolute top and the next several layers.

    It starts and ends with the linemen on both sides of the ball. Pitt finally had a decent O-line this year which made all the offensive production possible. On the defense, putting pressure on the QB made the difference
    between wins and losses. When that pressure wasn’t there, it was ugly.

    For Pitt to continue to trend upward recruiting better linemen is the key. Those skill guys can only perform as well as the big guys in front of them.

    Liked by 2 people

  82. So this guy has a strong accurate arm with a quick release, moves well in the pocket and guys are worried about him being slow, I don’t get it. He is definitely not a statue.

    Liked by 2 people

      1. That USC OLine was really good in 2020 – any QB would have plenty of time to move in that pocket.

        Like

  83. The transfer portal is starting to even things out. Colleges like Utah and Cincinnati have shown that they can compete with the top tier schools, and the good players who, through injury or by being recruited over, are not playing are no longer content to sit as their college careers go by. The days of colleges like Bama having 3 5 star QBs on the team are going to be over as these kids will transfer. I think the strategy for Pitt going forward will be to bring in 4 or 5 transfers every year to fill gaps.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Agree with youVoR… transfer portal and being able to play immediately will bring some currently missing parity to college ball. Guys will jump ship for playing time, greener grass and mo’ money!!!

      Like

    2. I remember Bo Schembeckler whining when they lowered the number of recruits because of Majors.
      He said something to the effect, how am I going to win if I can’t stockpile all the best players.

      I would say that players staying with Narduzzi is probably his best attribute and supercedes many of his weaknesses. Hopefully it continues. It is what made this year a success.

      The other side of the coin is Capel, maybe he needs to share a cup of coffee with Narduzzi and get some tips.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. College basketball is different right now … there are some serious problems with the sport. Duzz is right, there has to be a commissioner. Not everyone is playing by the same rules. The P5 has to separate from the NCAA and create its own league. NCAA rules can’t accommodate both the P5 and group of 5.

        Like

  84. Fwiw, I have been claiming for a while that there are the elites and then there are the rest. The elites are those programs who have an actual chance of winning it all.

    Sadly, they number maybe 5 or 6 at the most. Hell, even Notre Dame, which has made the Final 4 a few times in recent years, have not been competitive when they got there. And look how silly Michigan looked the other day.

    Even Ohio Stare gave up 52 points to Alabama last year before Saban called off the dogs with 13 minutes left in the game

    Maybe the rest of us should play in the Festivus playoffs. It will consist of the vast majority of teams; teams which have head scratching losses every year and cannot overcome opt outs against good teams.

    This is why it continues to baffle me how fans complain about every time that their teams don’t measure up go their (the fans) standards. Instead, coaches with winning records are let go year after year. And then their replacements most often doesn’t do any better. Sound familiar?

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 2 people

    2. I mean, that’s why Duzz’s stated goal every year is to with the ACC Championship. He doesn’t talk National Championships.

      Liked by 1 person

  85. A far cry from when W&J could only afford to send 11 players to Pasadena.

    But the worm can turn, look at ACC Basketball with only one team in the rankings.

    Although it is hard to imagine much of a shift in football, probably get even worse with
    the rich allowed to pay players.

    Like

  86. Speaking of OSU’s stellar WR corp …. I saw that Julian Fleming caught a couple of passes yesterday. Fleming was PA’s only 5 star a few years back, and basically plays 3rd team. He is from a town which is less than an hour and a half east of State College

    And his teammate, Marvin Harrison Jr, caught 3 TDs. He is from Philly. And they both paled in comparison to their teammate Who caught 15 passes for 347.

    All of the above were back ups this year

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Like

  87. Ohio State college WR’s are just insane. Stroud looks like the best of the bunch between him, Fields and Haskins, too. That kid is accurate.

    Liked by 1 person

  90. You still have your seat in the last row … one row from being removed though … we got our eyes on you … haha

    Interesting stat from the NY6 games … 3 QB’s knocked out of the games. Pitt, Utah and Corral. Utah QB getting KO’d was brutal if anyone saw it.

    That’s not a fluke … Is it bad OL play? Rusty, maybe? From a month off?

    @JoelL … Regarding the WSJ article … I go back and forth on it. I don’t think expansion changes the teams in the final very often. Maybe a few times a decade. I was actually turning a corner and not being in favor of playoff expansion for that reason. This season’s bowl season changed my mind, however. I’m pretty vocal about my opinion of bowl game … and I’ve been consistent on this topic going back to the Blather. I think they’re exhibition games. Who won the Peach Bowl last year? Exactly. But, if you want to diminish the opt outs, you have to expand. Expanding to 12 makes sense because it give you 11 meaningful bowl games. That’s a good start. It may not change a lot at the top of the rankings but most sports are top heavy. Dynasties is good for sports.

    If they do expand to 12, they 100% should make the Rose Bowl the National Championship location every season. That bowl truly is magical. It’s historic. It’s nostalgic. It’s the MSG of college football.

    Like

    1. Tossing

      I am with your thinking. But, I am not certain that your math is correct. How do 12 teams create 11 games? Or, are you suggesting that consolation games will be played?

      pmdH2P

      Like

  91. pmdH2P,

    Teams 1 – 4 would get a bye.

    There would be 4 first round games …

    12 v 5
    8 v 9
    7 v 10
    6 v 11

    There would be 4 second round games …

    1 v winner 8 v 9
    4 v winner 5 v 12
    2 v winner 7 v 10
    3 v winner 6 v 11

    There would 2 semifinal games between the winning teams from the list above

    National Championship Game

    4 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 11 games

    Liked by 1 person

  92. I can only imagine the vitriol on here toward Narduzzi if he allowed Jack Coan to transfer and start another QB and finish the season 9-4 with a team that should have been better.

    I have to heavily question Chryst’s decision.

    Like

  93. 12 is too many. No byes. Make them all play. 8 is enough. Each P5 conference winner and 3 others. Otherwise they play into February. They are students. Also they should be compensated in some manner. Maybe free graduate and doctor study.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. SEC and Group of 5 will never agree to that. It’s 12 or 4. That’s the only options on the table.

      Like

      1. group of 5 plus 1 or plus 3, no more than 6 or 8 imo

        I’d prefer 6 but could agree with 8 as I think any bye in football is sooooo huge and even the decision on the top 2 becomes controversial

        Like

  94. In a strange sort of way, NIL may help even things out as well. Things will probably settle down to where a select few stars of major teams will get the NIL money. So a 5 star sitting on the bench will not stick around and get nothing. One year wonders (even like Pickett) would be leaving after they become good, so there is no real opportunity to get much NIL money. If a 5 star is not starting and getting attention by his Sophomore year, then he will likely jump to another team where he could start for two years. Or start for one year and then declare for the NFL.

    Liked by 1 person

  95. VoR – That’s exactly what Justin Fields did even before the NIL. Luckily, he had some racist UGA fans that helped expedite the transfer.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. This is great news. Sounded like Louisville wanted him badly…

      Who’s next to Pitt! 😊

      H2P!

      Like

  97. Best QB and WR from the portal both going to Pitt.

    Reports of Borbley drunk as a skunk at the Omni Hotel leading up to the game should be the nail in his coffin at Pitt.

    Like

  100. A guy making a good point on the radio – Mumpfield chooses Pitt with no OC or WR Coach at Pitt…. Pretty impressive.

    And someone said Mumpfield had a big game against Ohio St. last season.

    Pitt starts off 2022 with a bang!

    H2P!

    Liked by 1 person

  102. Tyler Boyd with the go ahead TD catch vs Kansas City. What an offensive exhibition at the highest level.

    The Bengals have some serious offensive talent.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. With the Steelers being in the cellar and rebuilding for the next few years, I’m actually rooting for the Bungles…

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

  105. Not sure of the problem but can’t log in to Word Press so contributing as anonymous, however this is taxingmatters78.

    Pitt’s OL did not look very solid to me in the bowl game, but I think that it’s lack of running game contributed mightily to the pressure Beville experienced. If Izzy is done because of concussion issues, I hope they find a portal transfer or a freshman who can make up for the difference.

    VD can sometimes make a good run being shifty and hard to hit, but can’t make his own hole EVE. Hammond can but not good at making folds miss and certainly not fast.

    With Slovis and Mumpfield Pitt has reasonable replacements for KP8 & Shocky.

    Lastly, bowl games mean something to the players and coaches who play in them because they are wired to be competitive but that doesn’t mean that if you opt out you lose your competitive or “good teammate” card. KP8 came back for 2 reasons:
    1) to improve his draft status, and
    2) to help Pitt win an ACC championship

    When a person’s personal goals are accomplished he has the right to make a business decision, it’s not his fault if other are not happy that THEIR goals were not met.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Izzy just came out with some new NIL swag. The wording on the front of the shirt is ” Izzy to the Hizzy”. I think he’s planning on staying for awhile.

      Like

  106. LOL, here we go, Borbley drunk? Maybe we shouldn’t get into a rock throwing contest? I’m thinking advising Kenny Pickett on what he should have done about playing in the Peach Bowl is enough of managing someone else’s private lives?

    anyone else besides Borbs throw anything down this past long weekend? How about Billy, long time PITT man and a pregame party stud?

    BTW, all the O linemen coming back suggest Borbley is safe for next season?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ike, you know me. Not a hater of the program. Just posting what I read on the Lair. Not saying it’s true, but it could be.

      Like

      2. No problem Nate I know you’re a good man. Would hate to see a rumor that isn’t true or even anyone’s business. I’m just happy he wasn’t spotted at the OBX or Disney World….. and drunk

        Liked by 1 person

  108. How bad was Petrishsen roughing the QB call?

    Losing Shocky is what it would be like to lose Vincent Davis. I like the kid but he gets way more carries then he deserves. Shocky is a ticking time bomb out there.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I had that late hit in my original Good, Bad and Ugly list under BAD. It was not necessary as Pitt had all the mo at that time. I cut that line as I really do like John, and I have been called out as being against #0. I believe Cam Bright is a better player (LBer). That’s all…

      Opinions are strong and relentless on this blog. Reed does a great job of moderating the noise. Some people have very thin skin…

      Like

    2. Ike, Shocky never lived up to his potential too many times he failed to get to the sticks when right there.
      V. Davis is an overachiever. Like many, I wondered out loud why Izzy and Hammond didn’t get a higher percentage of the carries? Seems most obvious now, Davis is by far the most durable guy. His avg 4.2 yards per carry not that far behind Hammond’s 4.9. Izzy with the clear lead at 5.4 but he had to sit out a lot. Unlike many think here coaches aren’t stupid, they know what these guys can and cannot do.
      Davis made a lot of big, important plays this year. It’s just too bad he doesn’t have another 20-30 lbs of muscle. That being said he was an important part of this team’s success.

      Man I hope Izzy gets healthy for next year, Hammond is a freshman who will get better and never count out Davis who has beaten the odds for three years and will do it again.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Jordan Bailey, a freshman RB coming in, is listed as 6’1” and 180 pounds.

        For comparison, these were listed weights as incoming recruits:

        Hammond 5-10 and 185
        Izzy 5-11 and 196
        Vincent Davis 5-9 and 160

        Surprisingly, Daniel Carter came in at 5-11 and 185. He’s much heavier now…

        Go Pitt.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. BTW, Daniel Carter now listed at 235#.

          Izzy now at 215#

          Vincent Davis and Rodney Hammond listed at 175#

          Go Pitt.

          Like

  112. James Conner inactive today. That was his problem with the Steelers, hope he is there for the playoffs.

    Like

  113. I was in the Omni bar until 11:30ish Wednesday night, saw Bill Hillgrove earlier in the evening (have a photo but can’t copy it into WordPress). Can’t say if Borbs was there or not. I would like to think he was doing a curfew chech…

    Like

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