in Pitt Football 627 Words

Boston College – 2021 Production Lost

I am doing the non-ACC Pitt opponents in alphabetical order. That means Boston College (BC).

Jeff Hafley begins his third year as head coach. After two seasons, the Eagles are 12 – 11 (7 – 11 ACC). Definitely Steve Addazio type seasons. As usual there is a “but” – an injury to QB Phil Jurkovec costing his service for six games in 2021.

2021 schedule and results and upcoming 2022 schedule. Jurkovec games started are highlighted in green.

Just too much work trying to get a roster head count at this time. Here are the Rivals 5.7 and above 2022 signees. Also included are the 3 Transfer Portal additions.

For color coding, a light blue color indicates a player who is leaving the team due to eligibility or the NFL. A reddish pink color indicates the player left via the TP. A bright green color are for those with medical, grades or disciplinary reasons. There are very, very few of the “bright green” and none on Boston College.

BC has 13 players entering  the TP – seven defensive players, 4 offensive players (all WR’s) and 2 special team players.

On to the stars identified as NCAA team leaders in selected stats or    members of the All ACC teams.

The offense revolves around QB play.

BC hopes Jurkovec is fully healthy and is not reinjured in 2022. Another good year like 2020 will get him to the NFL. Behind Jurkovec is Emmett Morehead and a 5.5  3-star and a 5.4  2-star.

Running backs and receivers. Only one of the offensive skill players who entered the TP has a stat line. There were four, all wide receivers. They did pluck WR Dino Tomlin (Maryland) from the TP. That last name should sound familiar.

BC picked up a TE from Notre Dame. He helps in the replacement of their departing second leading receiver.

In 2019 BC ran the ball 68% of the offense plays. Under new head coach Jeff Hafley and OC Cignetti in 2020, the breakdown was 52% pass/48% run. Last year with the injury to Jurkovic, it switched back to 61% run/39% pass. Take it for what its worth.

The returning offense summary chart of teams reviewed.

Boston College offensive weakness may be in their offense line.

I have no clue how you can have 61 starts when there is only five starters playing in 12 games. BC is not the only team with that problem. BTW, these are from the NCAA BC team roster stats.

Four of their starting five have moved on. Pitt probably will be in this position in 2023.

That is all on the offense players.

Only one chart for the defense. There were a total of 48 players who made a least one defensive stat. Of those 48, eleven were offensive players and an additional two where a long snapper and kicker. Thirty five defensive players had a stat. Only four of the seven players who entered the TP made a defensive play.

Instead of a chart with 35 names, I will be cutting the list down to those players who had at least double digit tackles. Instead of 35, only 20 will be shown. At the end, there is the summary data by position. The summary in the chart below only includes defensive players. I have stripped out the stats for offensive and special team players.

BC did pick up a defense end from the TP. To me, he seems to be a depth addition or future starter.

Sometimes you need to read between the lines. BC’s returning linebacker production looks slightly below average but there is a problem. It is experienced depth. The remaining 3 LB’s have a total of 4 tackles combined. Pitt’s Leslie Smith, who entered the TP had six.

That wraps up Boston College. Yes, BC is not on Pitt’s regular season schedule, but there is a very, very slight chance of a Conference Championship matchup.

164 thoughts on “Boston College – 2021 Production Lost”

  1. Great job Richard – this went well with my morning coffee as I head out for my early tee time.

    I heard a few days ago on XM84 college sports radio a few knuckle heads discussing the upcoming ACC football season. They touted both Clemson and Miami as the favorites in each division while naming NC State, VT and BC as legitimate contenders.

    The only mention of Pitt and W_F was that it was a down year last season and these two played in the conference championship.

    Perception stinks sometimes and knuckle heads make money talking about what we comment on here at the POV blog.

    Well done Richard – Reed has put together an all-star cast with you, MM and himself.

    Go Pitt!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. EE – I just returned from making my group’s times for next week and will likewise enjoy this with my coffee.

      Richard thanks again for giving us something to chew on during the off-season. Will read with interest.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Saw this and thought it was worth sharing. Brenaman does a nice job with Kenny and I won’t be surprised if we see him on one of the networks one day.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I saw that a couple weeks ago and thought Kenny came across like a kid I would like my daughter to date. Ain’t gonna happen, but one can dream, right?

      Liked by 3 people

  3. Richard – perhaps the 61 starts comes from a lineman getting a start at H-back or TE due to injury?

    Will be interesting to see how Jurkovec does this year. Certainly wish him the best… his is a tale of some bad luck and choices… going to ND, the injuries, etc.

    Like

      1. Jumbo package, nice!

        I have often thought that Pitt should come out on their first set, completely nekkid in the backfield and 5 wide receivers, picking the route of the WR who gets matched with a LB’er, if the play is actually played. In most circumstances the opposing team would call a timeout, to change personnel. This of course would need to be a surprise. Automatically, we take a timeout away from the opponent.

        Same with a jumbo package. Go out with zero WR’s and an all jumbo line to run over the weight challenged DB’s with the run graders. Go fast paced after each play and run the over. Again, I think the opponent sees this and calls a timeout. Advantage pitt offense.

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  4. Kenny oddly dwells quite a bit in the first 15 minutes of the interview on the negative forces of many people around him through growing up that didn’t think he’d ever get to where he is at this point

    hmmn, was the POV realists group a part of that?

    20 to 23 minute point is cool

    38-41 min point re Whip good too

    Liked by 1 person

  5. I can certainly see Miami as the Coastal favorite. They also return a lot of starters including their QB who played very well down the stretch.

    I can also see UNC due to the recent recruiting classes … and note Pitt plays at both Miami and UNC

    But VT? Same old, same old

    For you inquiring minds … BC is 58th in the ESPN RPi

    Sent from my iPhone

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    Liked by 1 person

    1. Both Miami and UNC have holes in returning production. More so at UNC. You will have to wait awhile to see article. But yes, those two teams are Pitt’s main challengers for the Coastal title

      You did give me an idea on a chart to add to these articles. I will add some selected year end stats to the articles. Hopefully, this will help put returning stats into some kind perspective.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. MEDIA ADVISORY

    Pitt baseball faces rival West Virginia in the “Backyard Ball” at PNC Park next Tuesday, April 19, with a 6 p.m. first pitch. For credential requests, please email Korey Blucas at kblucas@athletics.edu. The deadline for submission is Monday at 1 p.m.

    All media will enter through the media/press entrance off General Robinson Street. The entrance opens at 3 p.m. Parking will be in Red Lot 6 off General Robinson.

    Selected players and the head coach of both the Panthers and Mountaineers will be available for the media postgame in the Pirates’ press conference room.

    Liked by 3 people

  8. Thanks for the info, Richard.

    It should be noted that Leonard Nimoy, aka Mr. Spock, attended BC before traveling to distant galaxies…

    That game against BC a couple years ago where their big RB ran all over us still haunts me…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    1. You’re welcome. More content for the POV than relevancy for the 2022 Pitt season.

      If I streamed, my first pickup would be CBS’s Paradise+ for all the Star Trek content. Huge Star Trek fan. Never was into Star Wars.

      A.J. Dillion was the BC running back.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’m hoping Daniel Carter turns into our AJ Dillon. 😊

        Dillon is listed as 6-foot and 247 pounds. He ran a 4.53 second 40 at his combine.

        Carter is listed as 5-10 and 240…

        Go Pitt.

        Liked by 2 people

  14. Pitt Volleyball played their final spring scrimmage today against Michigan. I think it says a lot about the state of our program that teams from the BIG want to scrimmage Pitt to evaluate their team. There was another very nice crowd for the match, much like the one two weeks ago. Onto my observations…

    Set 1 Starters: Julianna Dalton (Outside Hitter- OH), Sabrina Starks (Right Side- RS), Serena Gray (Middle Blocker- MB), Rachel Fairbanks (Setter- S), Valeria Vazquez Gomez (OH), Emmy Klika (Libero- L). Chiamaka Nwokola rotated in at MB, Lexis Akeo at S (back row), and Cat Flood at OH. Cat Flood was sporting pink highlights in her hair- it was very festive.

    Pitt started out hot and Michigan called a timeout with the score 8-3. Front line at the time was Dalton, Nwokolo and Flood. Akeo was serving tough that set and expanded the lead to 12-4. I noted that Klika was making some great “Ups” (digs on attacks from Michigan hitters). Front line combinations of Gomez, Nwokola and Flood took it to 14-8, then Gray rotated in and the front line of Gomez, Gray and Flood (sounds like a law firm, doesn’t it?) extended it to 16-9. With Fairbanks setting from the back and Gomez, Gray and Starks manning the front, the score went to 18-12.

    Michigan went on a little run with some tough serves, and with the score 19-16 Pitt called a TO. After a couple aces taking the score to 19-18, Pitt finally got a sideout. With Dalton serving and our front line Gomez, Nwokolo and Flood, the score goes to 22-18, and Michigan calls another TO. Serena Gray rotates back in with Gomez and Flood, and Pitt wins the set 25-19. I’d say they are the current frontrunners for the fall.

    Stat-wise, Kills and Assists for each team were comparable (only differed by 1), Michigan had 3 more digs, Pitt out-blocked them 3-0, and Michigan led with Aces 3-2.

    Set 2 starters: Gomez (OH), Starks (MB), Dalton (RS), Klika (L), Fairbanks (S), Browske (defensive specialist- DS).

    Pitt starts slowly down 1-4, then Gomez, Gray and Dalton tie the score at 4. The teams exchanged scores, with ties at 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. I noted that Serena Gray is a beast- she really took control of the front. Michigan rallied the score to 9-12. With Flood, Starks and Dalton up front and Fairbanks setting, Pitt got the score to 11-13. With Nwokolo, Gomez and Gray up front and Akeo setting, Pitt ties the score at 15. The teams exchange scores again and are tied at 16 and 17. A huge block by Flood takes the score to 19-17. Michigan calls a timeout. Back and forth scoring again (and another big Flood block), and Pitt’s lead is now 23-19. Then the bottom drops out. Michigan rebounds and Pitt calls a TO with the score 23-22. Pitt does not respond and loses the set 23-25. Although Pitt had a nice come from behind rally, they could not hold the lead. Michigan had 3 aces that set which had Pitt on their heels.

    Team stats at the end of set 2:- Kills, assists and digs were all within 1, Pitt lead in blocks 7-3, Michigan out-aced us 6-3. The strong Michigan serving kept us out of system. There was no one person that was the weak link, Michigan was just really good.

    Set 3 starters: Makayla Jackson (MB), Starks (RS), Dalton (OH), Klika (L), Gomez, (OH), Akeo (S).

    Michigan has stepped up their blocking this set. It was back and forth scoring, with ties at 2, 3 and 5. With Dalton, Gray and Nwokolo up front, Pitt moves the score to 9-6. Pitt maintains a lead between 3 and 5, until the score is 18-12. Michigan calls a TO. Eliana Posada (RS) rotates in with Gomez and Gray up front. With the score 20-16 Pitt calls a TO. Michigan moves the score to 20-18. Serena Gray serves up an ace, and Gomez blows up a defender with a huge kill. Pitt is up 23-21. Michigan ties it at 23, Jackson’s kill takes it to 24-23. Michigan ties it up then goes on to win another close one 24-26.

    The worst part of that set is us blowing a 6 point lead. Note that our Redshirt Freshmen Posada and Jackson played that set. I’m not blaming them, but they aren’t used to playing in that lineup, and familiarity with your teammates is especially important. Rachel Fairbanks did not play either, so we were going with one setter (maybe 5’8” tall) all the way around. Using one setter means that during the 3 rotations the setter is up front, she has only 2 front line attacking options, and it is easy to hit over someone that small. Michigan is now up in sets 2-1.

    Stats at the end of Set 3: Michigan leads in Kills 40-37, Assists 35-34, and Aces 10-5. Pitt leads in Blocks 9-5. Digs are even at 43.

    Set 4 starters: Gray (MB), Starks (RS), Gomez (OH), Browske (L), Akeo (S), Dalton (OH).

    The set starts out the same, back and forth scoring, with ties at 2 and 3. Gray serves an ace, Nwokolo rotates in at MB and Klika (DS) serves tough. With Pitt up 9-4 Michigan calls a TO. With Gray, Gomez and Akeo up front the score moves to 13-9 (love that score). After a couple rotations and the front line of Dalton, Nwokolo, and Starks, the score is now 16-12. Each team scores back and forth, and with the score at 20-14 and Flood serving for Gomez, Michigan calls a TO. Gomez returns to the front line with Gray and Akeo, and with Klika, Browske and Dalton in back the score moves to 23-17. Gomez, Gray and Starks finish the set with a Pitt victory 25-18.

    Stats at the end of set 4: Pitt leads kills and assists by 1 and digs 58-47, blocks are tied at 10, Michigan leads in aces 12-6. Sets are tied at 2.

    Set 5 is played to 15 points. Starters are Starks (RS), Gray (MB) Gomez (OH), Dalton (OH), Akeo (S). I forgot to record the Libero.

    Pitt starts out quick with Starks getting 2 blocks. Michigan ties it at 2 then goes ahead 2-4. Pitt calls a TO, Gray blows up the libero, and the front line of Nwokolo, Dalton and Akeo bring the score to a tie at 5. Michigan runs the score to 5-8 and Pitt calls another TO. Michigan is playing smart with some nice placement kills while we are out of system. Pitt can’t get a break and Michigan gets a crappy tape ace to increase the score 6-11. Gray, Gomez and Starks get the score to 9-13, but Michigan wins the set 9-15 and wins the match 3 sets to 2.

    Final match stats: Michigan leads in kills 57-54, assists 51-48 and aces 13-6. Pitt leads in digs 64-57 and blocks 12.5-10. It was a disappointing finish, but I think Pitt learned more from this loss than they did with the win vs Ohio State two weeks ago. Again, Pitt used only one setter (Akeo) for three sets, loses two of them, and I think that alone contributed to the loss. IMO she is just too small to be a 6-position setter at this level. I don’t know why Fairbanks didn’t play the last three sets. She might be rehabbing an injury and they don’t want to over-extend her. Coach Fisher knows what he’s doing so I won’t question his reasons.

    Overall, I’m still hyped on this team. Having two new tall players coming in will make the fall interesting. You don’t bring a grad transfer in to have her sit on the bench. I would guess that Starks and the new transfer, 6”5″ Courtney Buzzerio, will be right sides, Gray and Nwokolo are middles, and Gomez, Dalton and Flood are outsides. With Akeo and a healthy Fairbanks at setter, and Browse and Klika in the back, I think we can once again be a dominant force. Fisher has the depth of talent to cover for an injury or someone just having an off day. Can’t wait for the fall. H2P!

    Liked by 9 people

    1. Heck of a detailed report, Annie. You could be a excellent “sportswriter”…

      And it’s so rare to read that a Pitt Coach “…knows what he’s doing…”.

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

    4. Wow! Great report on the match Annie!

      I completely agree with your assessment of Akeo on the front line! We will be less than stellar if she has to serve all six rotations. A healthy Rachel Fairbanks is a must for another top ten season.

      Buzzerio will definitely be a starter. She basically was Iowa’s driving force last year. Flood seems to have improved from last year based on your comments. It will be interesting to see if Coach Fisher uses two players for all six rotations as he did last year with Lund and Member-Meneh. I would guess Dalton would be one of the players with Gomez being the second.

      In addition to getting taller I believe Coach Fisher is also going to be using more defensive specialists per the current trend in women’s college volleyball. Both Nebraska and Wisconsin used a lot of two defensive specialists at a time in the back row. We will probably see that with Browske and Klika. Coach also has commitments from several more defensive specialists in the incoming classes.

      Cannot wait for volleyball season to start! Hail to Pitt!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for the update Major – after golf yesterday, Mrs. Erie and I had a nice visit with our grandkids.

      When I checked on the Pitt baseball game, the score was 5-0 early in the game. I figured the #2 pitcher had a rough outing and the coach would burn through his bad bullpen and keep the one or two decent relievers for today’s rubber match.

      Wish I lived in Pittsburgh – I’d go to this game today. Pitt’s #3 starter is 6’6” Billy Corcoran from the Philly area who beat highly ranked Louisville and BC the past two weekends in rubber match games.

      Go Pitt!

      And Happy Easter! What a great day – enjoy your family time.

      Liked by 3 people

    2. Annie – Nice writeup. I believe the problem is the length.

      On the bright side, I usually read a hung-up comment before approving. I just found it and approved it. I don’t need to worry about you making in appropriate comments.

      Like

  19. I read somewhere that portal BB players have to be signed by May 1st to be immediately eligible. Is this true?

    If so, going to be a flurry of signings over the next two weeks. Question is, will any of them be for Pitt?? 🤔

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    1. From what I read, both BB & FB must file by May 1’st to enter the Portal. Not sure of the date but they need to be a registered full-time student to compete in the upcoming season. I am assuming summer classes (July?) for FB and normal fall semester for basketball.

      Like

  20. Pitt baseball on the ACCN channel leading 1-0 over #5 UVA.

    Starting 3 FR today due to injuries.

    Looking good so far.

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  21. The FR starters are contributing with 2 RBI’s with the Panther’s leading 2-1.

    The starting pitcher Corcoran is pitching outstanding so far.

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  22. Pitt with the bases loaded and no outs – ground ball triple play with the best player in the Panthers line-up getting hurt sliding into home.

    I’m ok with artificial turf EXCEPT for where there should be dirt. When a player does get hurt, you can’t rub dirt on the injury – sarcasm, but I really don’t like the artificial dirt.

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  24. Pitt with bases loaded again – 4th time today. FR SS will face a reliever with one out.

    Go Pitt!

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  26. Starter Corcoran ends his day after 7 strong innings, giving up 1 run on 94 pitches against the #5 ranked Virginia Cavaliers.

    Excellent!

    Reliable reliever Stuart fired bullets in the 8th inning mowing down the Whoos 1-2-3.

    Pitt leads in the 9th 4-1

    Bring home boys – great game so far.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Bring home the win…

      Base running blunder by Pitt in the top of the 9th after a nice double.

      Pitching will need to win this game.

      Go Pitt!

      Like

  27. Pitt baseball with it’s 4th straight ACC series win and 3rd against a ranked ACC opponent.

    Great game!

    Five FR projected to start this week vs psuX.

    Liked by 5 people

  30. Hoping Coach Capel can pull a rabbit out of his (um) hat and sign some of the hoop talent reportedly interested in Pitt.
    OT: headed to Myrtle on Wed for the spring golf getaway and air flights are being canceled right and left. Crazy times.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. In 2020, Jurkovec had a 61% completion percentage but only had a 7.6 YPA. Last year, he had a 9.5 YPA to go along with his 54%. So apparently, he was throwing the ball down the field more

    Sent from my iPhone

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  36. If I recall, someone on here lives in NC. I got a speeding ticket coming back from Carolina Beach south of Raleigh on I40. Apparently in NC, you have to actually show in court for certain offenses or have a lawyer show up for you. While I would love to back to NC I can’t make it. Anyone know a lawyer in NC that handles traffic offenses or how to go about finding one. Apparently it is very common based on my google search, lol.

    Like

    2. NRS… get on – line and find a lawyer in the county where you got your ticket… should be plenty of them advertising… if you get caught next time in my end Of the state I can provide you with names and numbers!!!

      Liked by 1 person

          1. Called a lawyer in Clinton, NC where the courthouse is for the hearing. The office has been very vague about what they will charge. I told them I want a flat fee up front. Come on, it is a freaking ticket. Haven’t heard back.
            There are tons of lawyers advertising for this service. One has a website called iTicket, lol. Another bureaucratic scam brought to you by the government.

            Like

            1. I wish I could remember the lawyer’s name, but it was like I was at a restaurant ordering from the menu. For $200, we’ll get it reduced to x, for $300, we’ll throw this in … All over email and of course I took the most expensive option because it didn’t end up affecting my insurance.

              Like

  37. Great article by Craig Meyer in this mornings PG on the timeline and decline of Pitt Basketball! (Please post someone, GC?)

    For those of us who live and die with each game, it’s been like watching your best friend go through a long diseased decline in health! I think “helpless” is the word. Reading the article brings back pain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I couldn’t read it all. Barnes was mostly responsible. Dixon still had around a .620 win percentage in his last four years. Wouldn’t that be nice to have now, lol.

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  38. NRS, maybe call Edgar? He’s like dog crap, he’s all over the place.

    Great job again Richard, the information is fantastic and when you consider PITT isn’t even playing them, WOW!

    I really like Hafley as many others do to but his two year record so far isn’t close to Narduzzi like. haha… Good thing he’s 5-0 in OCGames. Last year going 3-0 against powerhouses such as Colgate, UMass and Temple. Everyone wanted the Jeff and Phil show?

    You all see how this works?

    Liked by 2 people

  39. nrs, I have a good friend (and a Pitt alum) who also was caught speeding in NC several years ago. If memory serves — you have to call them and they will provide a list of lawyers ‘certified’ to handle your case. You won’t have to show but will have the pay the fine in addition to the lawyer’s fee.

    Not making this up

    Sent from my iPhone

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  40. Ohio State had 60,000 fans this past weekend for the Spring Game ++ a full half time Show from the Buckeye Band. Now that is what I call putting football on the front porch, backyard, front yard, on the roof and in the garage.

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  44. After reading the lengthy article in the PG, I’m convinced that one thing has produced the downfall of Pitt basketball- the inability to retain players. We often discuss the difficulties Pitt has in recruiting good players, but just look at how many players have left, either through transfers or early to the NBA. If there is one thing that points to Narduzzi’s success in football, it is that he has kept his players. Khem Birch, Steve Adams, Marcus Carr, McGowens, Toney, X-man, etc. I could go on. The problem is in keeping not recruiting players.

    So what is causing this? Does Pitt recruit players with poor character? Is the locker room chemistry bad over the span of 3 coaches? Does Pitt need to hire more of a players’ coach or assistant coaches? Is player development not happening? Heather has one year to figure this all out.

    Liked by 2 people

  45. Good thoughts Voice! It’s an unanswerable question but yours may be #1 try.

    If I were Heather, I’d find the top 10 schools at retaining players and analyze what they’re doing! Then do that! That’s what many execs do in problem solving.

    I could not coach in this era of paying players ! You scold (constructive criticism?) a player and he takes it to heart and leaves.
    You coddle him and well, you get Pitt Basketball in its current form.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. If you’re developing as a player, if you are getting noticed and showcased, if you have respect for the coach and coach sincerely wants the best for you and if you are getting paid, there is no reason to leave. Winning and having fun is just icing on the cake.

      Liked by 1 person

  46. Dan, so what is Capels style?
    Coddle or scold?
    Seems they are leaving no matter what.
    Buyers remorse has many forms.

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  48. I think (but do not know!) that Capel plays the good cop and his assistants play the bad cop)

    There has to be some discipline!

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  49. Capel just pulled in a 6’7 transfer from Iowa St. Blake Hinson played 2 years at Ole Miss In his freshman year, he averaged 9,1 and 3.7 and a soph, 10.1 and 4.6. He then transferred to Iowa St but was injured and didn’t play. He allegedly has 3 more years eligibility

    More data on Pantherlair

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    Liked by 4 people

    1. He is actually a good pick up. Still young but played a decent amount. Has some height and moves well.

      Like

  50. I also believe Duzz just posted a new commit signal. Don’t know if it’s a transfer or newbie

    Sent from my iPhone

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    1. Reed, so you are saying I’m long – winded??? Got it! 😉

      That’s the last vb scrimmage this year season. Next up, the Blue- Gold game in the fall!

      Liked by 3 people

  53. The Pitt FB commit is Jahsear Whittington, 4-star DT from Imhotep Charter Philly. Offered by. PSU, WVU, Nebraska, VT, Tenn and others

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    Liked by 2 people

  57. We can use a wing that can score as long as he can play D.

    I don’t get excited about guys that committ that early, too much time to change their minds. But it does look like last year’s results are paying dividends.

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  58. Pro Football Focus too early Top 25

    Clemson 4; Wake 10th; Pitt 13th; Miami 16th; NC St 17th

    Like all polls — for discussion, not to be taken too seriously

    Sent from my iPhone

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    Liked by 1 person

  59. Voice, I liked your comment and dans follow-up about player transfers. The players have the power and coaches know that. You did cite the high number of Pitt basketball transfers and then said that Nardstop has figured it out. I took a very quick glance at football and think i counted 15 players transferring out of football for the year. That seems like a lot to me and perhaps he might not have that figured out either.

    In talking to D1 coaches, the push has been for the assistants to get more money……because the assistants spend more time with the players then the head coaches. The AD’s believed that bs from the head coaches and gave more cash to the assistants. That did not cure the issue…but made assistants more money! AD’s don’t think these things through too well.

    This is where NIL comes into play. Pitt needs to work harder than their competitors in this space. Think outside the box. Pitt needs to do what others aren’t doing in an effort to excel.

    Dan, i like your idea of studying other programs in an effort to uncover or copy the secret sauce. Don’t think for a minute that they will share the recipe’. It’s not like studying the defense or a new offensive wrinkle. Watching the tape shows the secrets eventually. This is about people and relationship’s behind the scenes. I will throw this out as something Pitt probably doesn’t do, that other effective programs do, but don’t publish. Nah, I won’t! My days of free advice here left when the POV comments and recommendations were shunned by the AD.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Huff, if you think it was easy for my company to study the small details of other company’s routes to success,
      it wasn’t. But like in business “there are no secrets!”

      Unfortunately Pitt rarely takes a
      well thought out plan toward anything. With Pitt, it’s throwing
      Xxx t against the wall!

      Like

      1. Agreed Dan. Not just Pitt, however. What gets said publicly about how and why things are done is very very different then how things are actually done. The secret sauce remains secret until such time that it is not. That is why the Steelers drafted so well for so long. They kept quiet about all of the psychological testing that went into their draft picks. Once it leaked out, everyone started doing it and balance was restored. On to the next advantage. There is one for the portal recruiting but no freebies for the creeping athletic department until the POV list submitted to the AD gets traction.

        I did a presentation to the NCAA a couple of years ago and when I said that X school used X mechanism to enhance and achieve a competitive advantage, every last one of their attorneys, said “huffIII”(not my real name), you can never use those terms because we have to be equal……i laughed out loud, and said riiiiight! Equal!!! Yes, all are the same!! The institutions that aren’t leaders are followers. The followers will have success every once in awhile because of the statistical nature of competition. But leaders lead. We reference them as blue bloods and schools with abundant resources. The blue bloods were not always blue and the schools with great resources always didn’t have great resources.

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  60. I believe the only transfer of any consequence was Cam Bright, unless you count QB Beville. The others were not part of the 2 deep nor foresaw any PT in the near future, especially when with all the returnees

    The 2 most successful FB coaches in recent times are now speaking out about how the current system is not sustainable. Transfers / high schoolers are allegedly not supposed to be exposed to NIL offers yet everyone knows that’s not happening.

    Rules and limitations must be implemented. Meanwhile the rich will get richer

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    Liked by 1 person

    1. Of consequence seems to matter only after the eligibility expires. To use relevant examples, we can look at John Petrishen. Ask any State Pen writer, blogger or publisher and they would say that the transfer of petrishen was of no consequence, but to Pitt, he was of consequence. Krull would be another example. No tears were shed from their original squads.

      Of course there are examples where a starter leaves and that seems like an obvious consequence. It’s the backups and role players that may end up difference makers someplace else. Time will tell.

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  61. Transfers out can be beneficial and should be encouraged by the head coach in many cases. Unproductive scholarships on any roster doesn’t benefit any program IMHO. Pitt FB should probably be doing much more than they are currently doing.

    Liked by 2 people

  62. Not sure Pitt FB can be measured against many other programs. Each have their advantages and limitations unique to their programs and environment. Can an ACC team be measured against a B10 or SEC school? Can a northern ACC team be measured to a southern one?

    But considering Pitt finished 13th out of 130, I believe the FB program is doing pretty darn good. The question remains if it can maintain

    Basketball of course is another issue

    Sent from my iPhone

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    Liked by 1 person

  63. If Capel can land a couple more ACC competitive guys, a point guard, a shooter, a defensive specialist, a rebounder, a shot blocker. Any of the above, all of the above…

    Liked by 1 person

  64. Lessoned learned. Don’t go over 80mph in a 70 in NC. $516 in court, fine and legal fees. They dismiss the speeding ticket, claim defective equipment in my speedometer which is still a fine but no record of speeding or points. Kind of bizarre, LOL.

    Liked by 3 people

      1. I paid a lawyer for the defective equipment idea and plea. I’m sure the trooper won’t show knowing a lawyer is handling it.

        Like

        1. In Pa, if the officer doesn’t show up, the case is dropped. You could get off scot-free…. except now you will still have the lawyer fee? Quite the set-up they have in North Carolina. BTW, most people with cases like this in Westmoreland County do get an attorney. Almost always bartered down.

          Liked by 1 person

  65. “Tales from College Football Transfer Portal: Players talk about trying to find the right fit.”—-That’s the title of a ESPN article from today in which Slovis was the first one interviewed on the subject.

    Liked by 1 person

  66. EIGHT, that’s the number of FB recruits that announced today that they will be making official visits to Pitt in the coming weeks. What I found interesting is that all are projected to be playing for the defense. However one of the 8 is listed as an athlete so I’m assuming he can play the O or D if he comes to Pitt. Those named is are listed on the Lair pay site today.

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  67. Different subject. UPJ, University of Pittsburgh Johnstown, has a Div. 2 All-American basketball player, 6-7 I think. Subject for a tryout at least? Dave Roman from my tenure at UPJ was ln the 1960’s brought to main campus Pitt and played a shooting guard. He was an accurate three-point shooter before there was a three point shot. He was not tall but he had a deadly set shot. He had some success at Pitt. Should Capel check out this other Johnstown kid?

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  69. Two things regarding Pitt baseball –

    We lost to the hoopies at PNC Park 3-2

    The hoopies are ranked # 47 and Pitt is not ranked.

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  71. I was called for jury duty for the 3rd time – many never get called. I have a week’s vacation the same week planned and paid for.

    I’m trying to get another week scheduled with no success.

    I just read this on the lair on how to get out of jury duty –

    “Tell them you plan to send the offender to hell to visit Joe Paterno. Pretty excellent chance you get dismissed.”

    Liked by 1 person

  72. I doubt if you do that Rick, the judge is likely to give you hell if you do. Call the court administration office right away and maybe get the week changed. Don’t leave a message though.

    Liked by 1 person

  73. Notrocketscience, you should have had Huff III represent you. He would have you plead ignorance. If that didn’t work, he would have you change your plea to insanity. Then he would present your posts as proof. I know it would work for me.

    Liked by 7 people

  75. At some point soon, these should no longer be shockers, Rick. Roy Williams, Coach K, Jay Wright …. I expect Bill Self and John Calipari to be next. Between the transfer portal and NIL payments, any coach with an ounce of self respect and a fairly decent financial plan would not want to put up with this. And I expect fans to follow close behind.

    Liked by 1 person

  76. Farmers, that’s exactly what I thought when I heard the Jay Wright news. He is only 60 and as far as being washed up as one could be

    Sent from my iPhone

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    Liked by 2 people

  77. Has any BB team had more turnover of players than Duquesne? Course they had high turnover even before the portal…

    Here’s a quote from PSN:

    “The Dukes have now lost Ayers, Jackie Johnson III and Primo Spears, the team’s three highest-scoring guards from last season, to the portal.

    However, Dambrot has a solid class of newcomers coming into the program this offseason, adding JuCo guard Quincy McGriff, forward Abdou Halil-Barre, forward David Dixon, guard Kareem Rozier, forward Matus Hronsky, and transfer guard Tre Clark.”

    This is crazy!

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

  78. It seems to me that Huff could retain a consulting firm that could interview as many former players as possible. The firm could evaluate the backgrounds of players including what made them choose Pitt. Armed with this profile, they could interview players that transferred out. The second profile could tell Pitt what happened over a long pd of time that caused them to leave, and how they were let down. We could find out that the problem was a general lack of character, or that Pitt didn’t keep its promises. It is impossible to change the culture without knowing the root cause.

    Liked by 2 people

  79. Jay Wright got out of the NIL/Portal craze at the right time. As far as I know, he is in good health so his future is yet to be written. My best guess is that he will sign a lucrative contract to be a commentator for college basketball.

    Liked by 1 person

  80. It is expected that Fordham coach Kyle Neptune is replacing Jay Wright. Two of his assistants were Tray Woodall and Ronald Ramon

    Maybe Pitt’s staff in two years will be Brandon Knight, assisted by Woodall, Ramon and Orlando Antigua who is available after Calipari gets the axe after for another early exit

    And of course, Jason Richards will be Director of Player Personnel

    Sent from my iPhone

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    Liked by 2 people

    1. Rational approach: Knight needs to prove himself as a head coach at some non-major college first.

      Pitt approach: let’s hire the guy, who cares whether he is head coach material; besides he’s cheap.

      Liked by 1 person

  81. I wonder if Nova will hire Jeff Capel? I mean he would make a very experienced and probably successful Videographer or Water Boy.

    Liked by 2 people

  82. The real question is which coaches will be successful in this new environment. While things look extremely dire for Pitt Basketball, most teams are in the same boat so obviously a lot of opportunity moving forward.

    As the old guard leaves the game because they are too tired to deal with new paradigm who are the up and comers that will be able to recruit and retain enough good players to compete?

    Early days but it seems that Narduzzi has the formula regarding the Portal so hopefully Admin is developing a workable, successful NIL program. Maybe some of the answers regarding BBall are already on campus.

    Of course basketball is more of an individual sport so easier to take your talent elsewhere. Narduzzi has successfully developed a team identity, while Capel has not. For whatever reason we haven’t heard that kids love playing at Pitt the way we do with Football. Why do starters think the grass is greener elsewhere? This is what has to change. Capel needs to land more help including a couple of strong freshman prospects and form a Pitt identity if he is to survive more than this season.

    It sounds like he is in the hunt for some decent guys but will he close the deal or continue to come close with not enough cigars?

    Liked by 1 person

  86. When NIL was implemented last July, Pitt immediately announced a program called ‘Forged Here’. It also partnered with INFLCR for student branding.

    But of course, it is more complicated as every state has its own rules on this area for state related schools. PA allows it but with restrictions.

    Pickett had a couple of deals; Addison already has at least one deal in place. The big names should have little problems in this area, but it will likely be an issue for others

    There is no doubt that more guidelines will be implemented once everyone has a handle on things, but it may take a while

    Sent from my iPhone

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  90. Pitt BB just added Fede Federiko to its roster a 6′ 11″ transfer from Northern Oklahoma college with 3 years of eligibility. He may end up being at Pitt much longer than Capel.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Probably not. Just because you add a body to the roster doesn’t mean he can contribute in any significant way.

      Like

    2. Hoping Coach Capel learned a thing or two from the guys he brought in last season who were big misses – didn’t even add bench depth…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  92. How can the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and other pro teams get involved in college NILs? Seems a natural to me.

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  95. I shot an 84 on the golf course this morning with three 3 putts.

    I did not hit my driver either – nod to Lastrow…

    Liked by 4 people

  96. We go from Femi to Fede.

    I’m interested again.

    Let’s get a PG and a 3 point specialist.

    That would give us 8 legitimate players to compete for the ACC middle of the pack and thus an NCAA bid.

    Go Pitt!

    Liked by 1 person

  97. Capel could have a roster of 5 stars and he would shorten his bench so most didn’t play and transferred. He is horrible at developing depth and using his bench players.

    Liked by 1 person

  99. What’s up with Pitt Football taking all these Preferred Walk-Ons? Two more announced this week — a local kid and a LB from Texas.

    From PSN:

    “Foster committed to Pitt Wednesday, joining local athlete Lorenzo Jenkins (Beaver Falls, Pa.), and a handful of local recruits already committed to Pitt as preferred walk-ons since the 2021 season ended, including Belle Vernon’s Devin Whitlock, Chartiers Valley’s Abe Ibrahim, Kiski Area’s Brock Wilkins and Central Catholic’s Josh Altsman. And New Jersey CB Matthew Amofa and Florida OL/DL Thomas Aden from outside the state.”

    Seems like we used to take a couple PWOs, but not like this…

    I’m looking forward to seeing what the elusive Whitlock can do…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  100. Texas LB PWO is Drew Foster 6′ 2″ 205. It’s simply a numbers game with the PWO’s as you just never know who might end up making a big impact on the roster.

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