in Pitt Football 964 Words

2021 Production Lost – Syracuse

Next up on Pitt’s ACC schedule are the Syracuse Orange.

Dino Babers leads the Orange for his seventh consecutive year. In the previous six years, he is 29 – 43 (15-35 conference, 13-8 OOC, 1-0 bowls). He had one shining moment, the truly unexpected 2018 10-3 season.

Syracuse’s 2021 results and the 2022 schedule.

After a bye, Cuse plays NC State, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Pitt. Will this stretch of games be the last nail in Babers career at Syracuse?

Here are the Rivals 5.6 and above 2022 commits. Also included are the current Transfer Portal (TP) additions.

I think we are all aware of the recruiting difficulties Syracuse faces. I expected a recruiting bump after the 2018 season. I was naïve in believing the bump occurred immediately. It does not. The bump occurs in the second recruiting class. In Syracuse’s case, it should have occurred for the 2020 class. Pitt’s bump should occur with the 2024 class. But that is if the team does not revert to past means. Syracuse did by following up their breakout year with a 5-7 season. If Pitt wins seven or less in 2022, they will not have that bump.

Eight TP entries. Three on defense. All DB’s. Five offense players. One RB. Two WR’s and Two QB’s. Except for the Rutgers’s CB transfer, all TP entries have two or more years of eligibility.

Syracuse has lost 17 players to the TP. That includes one player who entered the TP on 6/16/2022. Last day for 2022 eligibility was 5/1.

On to the stars identified as NCAA team leaders in selected stats or members of the 2021 All ACC teams. I have added a new stat –  Athlon’s 2022 preseason All ACC Conference’s (four teams). I do not have Phil Steele’s All ACC selections. But a Cuse site named the nine players selected.

The  offense revolves around QB play. I have added sacked and yards lost to the QB chart.

What can I say about the Orange QB play? The passing game needs improvement. If you cannot get a QB by recruiting, you turn to the TP. Both TP QB’s have eligibility through the 2025 season. One of them will be the backup this year.

I am sad that I will no longer be able to refer to Tommy DeVito as being Danny DeVito’s grandson. He was a gamer. Took a beating but always came back for more.

The Orange running backs and receivers 2021 activity. Also returning production summary for Pitt, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Louisville, UNC, and Syracuse.

Cuse has claimed the highest returning production of any reviewed ACC Pitt opponents.

The running game was Syracuse’s offense. The rushing attack was led by a nationally unappreciated Sean Tucker and QB Garrett Schrader.

Syracuse did have a passing game but I believe it was an afterthought.

No matter what, they are returning their top producers.

What does the Oline stats tell us? I added Pitt allowed sacks and tackles for loss.

In the UNC review, I described the Tar Heel Oline as being “just horrendous” in allowing 10.5% of all offensive plays resulting in lost yardage. The Orange Oline is slightly less horrendous with only 9.6% of plays result in loss yardage.

The good news is that the Cuse only lost one starter to eligibility. They also have six players returning with at least five starts. They will have experience. Injuries during the season may be a problem as actual game experience beyond the starters is limited.

On to the defensive review.

Syracuse had 40 players make a defensive stat. But ten of them were offense players. One was special teams player. That leaves 29 defensive players making a stat.

The chart below strips out the non-defensive players and eleven players who did not make at least six or more tackles.

The below chart includes 23 players- ten DB’s, nine DL’s and four LB’s making up (and I mean made up) a “10 tackles two deep.” I did lower my goal of ten tackles to six to make a “two deep.”

Defense is the heart and soul of the Syracuse team.

The total overall returning production is normal but the DL is decimated. Five of the top six tacklers are gone. Depth is such a problem that Jeff Hough (2021 RB recruit from Beaver Falls) is supposedly making the switch to the defensive line.

Get to Know Your Syracuse Orange Man: #29, DL Josh Hough – Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician (nunesmagician.com)

Plenty of solid players returning on the other units. Williams and Chestnut have pro potential as does Jones, Thompson, and Wax in the LB unit.

Babers is an offensive minded coach but Syracuse struggles in his specialty. But he is able to recruit lower ranked defensive players and coach them up. Kudos to him and his defensive staff.

To help put all of the defensive data into perspective, here are the Syracuse 2021 NCAA defensive stats.

Syracuse did not have a bad defense. I gave them a C+ but they were only one point away from a B –. I really need to spend some time refining my down and dirty formula.

At the beginning of this article, I questioned if the rough stretch of late season games would seal Babers fate. Last season, he had three cracks at winning one game to be bowl eligible. Even with a bye preceding that final stretch, Cuse lost all three. Babers may have another year if his team is bowl eligible. Pitt will not be one of those teams leading to bowl eligibility.

I am now at 8-1 in predicting games based on these reviews. The Vegas line is 8.5 wins. Besides celebrating my birthday, I will be laying some money on the over when I am at my favorite local casino for 3 days/nights starting 7/31.

149 thoughts on “2021 Production Lost – Syracuse”

  1. I woke up this morning and as usual I read the articles on the Tribune’s Pitt’s sports page. There were two articles. One was by Mark Madden:
    https://triblive.com/sports/mark-madden-we-will-see-if-pat-narduzzi-is-as-smart-as-he-thinks-he-is/
    The other was by Jerry DiPaola:
    https://triblive.com/sports/pat-narduzzi-seeks-more-balance-in-pitts-offense-but-it-wasnt-unbalanced-a-year-ago/

    They both made the point that Pitt’s offense wasn’t as unbalanced as HCPN stated (85%Pass). Both pointed to this stat to prove their point – 1,069 plays, 544 pass attempts (50.9%), 525 rush attempts (49.1%). That is pretty balanced.

    Like most stats, there is a “but”. In this stat, the but is sacks – 34 to be exact or 3.2 percent of all plays. Sacks are considered a run attempt not a pass attempt. If you make adjustments, the pass/run/sack percentage are 50.9 pass, 45.9 run, 3.2 sack. Now we are getting into unbalanced situation.

    This also doesn’t take into consideration where Pickett ran (and gained yardage) after being forced out of the pocket. Or only the running game being used consistently when running out the clock in the 4’th quarter. Does HCPN use hyperbole – yes, he does.

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    1. I thought I compared run/pass percentages in the OLine section of the review articles. I obviously haven’t updated my templates regularly in a while. There was no Pitt comparison in either UNC or above in the Syracuse chart. Syracuse was unbalanced in play calling but favoring the run.

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  3. “I think we are all aware of the recruiting difficulties Syracuse faces”. Yes indeed! Good academics, a nice campus, however an ice box of a city that has deteriorated much like Erie>>>>and a playing venue that is as bad as it gets. Babers has held on to his job despite his obvious horrific record>>>sympathy only goes so far. As a Pitt fossil, I remember the great rivalry that we had with the Orange. The younger POV’ers have no idea how important and difficult beating Syracuse was……great smash-mouth football.
    I would like to see the Cuse recover some past glory (not at our expense) because it would be good for the stature of the ACC. Syracuse plays great lacrosse and still has a real basketball team, however, the games on the gridiron are a dumpster fire. Kudos again Richard for your excellent work!

    Liked by 2 people

      1. I don’t hate on Erie, but the economy is in shambles and the summer does not overcome the lousy weather from November-March. The surrounding area is beautiful, so I am sorry that I mentioned Erie.
        If you can figure out a way to improve the economy send it to Harrisburg.

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        1. Erie is the same it’s always been. Highest teenage pregnancy rate when I was in HS in the late 80’s and early 90’s … to go along with highest bars per capita in the country too 🤣🤣🤣. Summer tourism still going strong. Always been a drug distribution town being equal distance between Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburgh and a quick jaunt across the lake to Canada. Same old Erie. The class behind me had half the class arrested in a coke distribution bust. Crime has always been there. Rust Belt Myrtle Beach. They do miss the Roar on the Shore but Erie still has a pulse. Manufacturing industry still going strong, too. The economy is affecting everyone but Erie still is Erie.

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      2. I’m surprised to see so many POVers with Erie connections and opinions. I grew up there in the 50/60’s and couldn’t wait to get away. Now I go back to visit family and I wonder why I left. Presque Isle, the Tall Ships, Roar on the Shore, winery tours. Of course my visits are less frequent in the winter months🥶. But if you can get into winter sports like snowmobiling even winter time can be fun.

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        1. I left, too. Off To Pitt in 93′, DC metro area in 98′ … I’m just salty because COVID delayed my annual trip this past week until Aug 1. Haha. I could not live in Erie, again, but I enjoy every visit. Plenty of family and friends still there. Declining population for years and crime. But, all trends that have been there for as long as I can remember.

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  4. Thanks again Richard. Babers must know where some bodies are buried. Remember when he had that one good season due largely to a weak ooc? A very patient administration, can you imagine Pitt fans under those circumstances?

    How times have changed, Pitt just lost it’s best QB since Marino and it’s best receiver since Fitz and many are still picking Pitt to win the Coastal. If our portal pickups at QB and receiver are as good as they appear Pitt should win a lot of games. Doubtful that they will be as good at winning the majority of close games as KP and Addison but who knows?

    No one predicted a Coastal let alone an ACC Championship last year.

    By the way College Game Day coming, hopefully Pitt wil fare better than the last time.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Ike – Having problems with your log in?

    I tried to change my name from PITT-cocks Fan to PcF. After two tries, I gave up. And I do not remember my password.

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    1. Yes Richard, out of the blue I was knocked off of the POV and had to log back in. Next time same thing and now every-time. Also with no like button even after I log back in..btw I too had to change passwords. Haven’t logged back in in years?

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  7. Just saw a post attributed to Redit that says a College Football Players Association has been formed to negotiate with the big10.

    Organizers say they are not a union, just negotiating on behalf of the Players. Hmm. That’s kinda what unions do, isn’t it?

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  8. Interesting to me that at their bye week last season, Syracuse was 5 and 4 but 3 of those losses were by only 3 points. Then they fell apart for their final 3 games. Maybe they aren’t that far away — if they work the portal right…

    And Dino is undefeated in bowl games…

    Thanks for all your work, Richard!

    Somewhere I read where Pitt begins camp on August 1st. Is that correct? So close. I’m already starting to get nervous… 🤔

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. If memory serves, In Dino’s 11 win season when everything seemed to fall in place, he won the bowl game because WVU’s QB sat out in anticipation of the draft (sound familiar?)

    Cuse did lose some close games last year. In fact, I just saw the last few minutes of their game versus Wake last year on ACCN They scored a TD to get within a point in the final 20 seconds, and was going to try to win with a 2 pointer … but got a delay of game penalty. They lost in OT

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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  10. Just read an article on Outkick… Big10 players want a cut of media revenue lead by Nit QB Clifford….why not go for it??? With the insane money being passed around with these TV deal which can only be made if there is a product/players playing…. It’s making more and more sense to this ole guys… no need for a player to “ give it away!!”

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  12. I noticed a freer writing style with this outstanding Syracuse article, Richard, like you are just finding yourself as a writer. Amazing work. Better than professional. Makes one wonder why that is because your work product really, really is better than the professional article writers. Actually, its not even close.

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Saw where BC’s QB Jurkovec was highly complimentary of Coach Cignetti.

    “Coach Cig revived my career and opened my eyes to the game.
    “…I started seeing the NFL game differently…, I really understood it. It was completely different. I’m so thankful for Coach Cig.”

    Pretty nice QB recruiting ad for Pitt.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 3 people

  14. I’m sure someone has posted this but Phil Steele in College Football preview has Pitt #9 in the country.

    GC – I may be able to make the Francam tourney if I can get a WVU ticket.
    I got my knee fixed and am playing the best golf since my thirties. Playing weekly to a 16 HCP. Trashed the single plane and went back to reg swing with much help from my PGA pro. Hitting it 240 – 270 off the whites.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Part of me is pleased to see Pitt get some recognition.

      A much bigger part of likes it when Pitt starts the season under the radar. The team seems to find more motivation in the Rodney Dangerfield mode.

      Liked by 2 people

        1. Man, I wish I could. After playing the game for a period 50 years with a few years off for injury; having played all over Scotland (Cruden Bay is the fav): member @ Royal Aberdeen; having been to 4 major championships (as a spectator only), and after having forged many great and lasting relationships and a few business deals; 2 aces and a 69, I had to give it up for good 5 years ago. Broke my heart. Been wandering in the desert ever since. 🙁

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      3. I couldn’t hit 270 as a 21 year old. My slice was 100 yards. But now with age, I’m able to consistently hit straight at close to 300. Hard ground and wide fairways help. Experience can help mitigate for talent in certain circumstances. I’d rather not be young again since I didn’t have the experience or mentality to go with the talent. Those that do however are superstars. I’m just content with who I am. A bourbon drinking realist who has a fondness for vinegar and irritating 99 percent of y’all. That’s my schicht. I can count UPitt in the one percent. But I think that might be it.

        Tex – it’s something in the water.

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  16. Madden is on to something. Narduzzi has a tough time sharing the limelight. No reason to bash former OC’s that made you successful. He’s a small man who does that. Any good HC will tell you he’s only as good as his players number one and his assistants number two. That was always my philosophy. And no I never got paid eight million for being mediocre over my career.

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    2. Mark Madden is an idiot, go back and look at some of his past comments regarding Narduzzi and the Pitt fan base. Regarding Narduzzi’s comments he’s a bore? No he is controversial and that generally generates discussion. Narduzzi is a Pitt man and has taken this program further than you have ever imagined. You picked them last season to go 4/8 or 5/7?

      Liked by 1 person

  17. A very well off man at the top floor of a tall building in Pittsburgh once shared his philosophy of managing a staff to me and I I’ve used it in business and coaching. He said to tell your employees:
    “When there’s a mistake it’s on me and all things good are on you!”

    Narduzzi is simply a boor! And a foolish one at that. Here’s some advice to him. STFU! Now go win 12 games!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s some damn good advice. I always appreciated the man or woman who took all the blame but none of the credit. Those people unfortunately don’t go far in the business or P world but they are what I think we should all aspire to be in managing people and relationships.

      Leave your ego and insecurities at the door. Celebrate the team success.

      I wish whipple the best at Nebraska. Obviously I wish KP the very best. And I’m rooting for Canada. 🍁 🇨🇦. But I also lived in Buffalo 🦬 for over eight years. New York was a hoot.

      Texas is just hot as Hell.

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  18. Dan, so glad to hear about your golf game. After a year off and my second spinal fusion and knee replacement 3 years ago I am back playing. I don’t keep score anymore but still make my share of pars.
    I am sure you can get a ticket so I hope to see you at the tailgate and the FrankCan Open.

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    1. I have never seen Pitt tickets selling for so much. Will be really something. Tennessee tickets selling for much less.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. My early round starts in 40 minutes – was trying to beat the heat – 30% chance of rain early morning.

    It’s raining, but I’ll be golfing.

    I heard an ESPN CFB radio pundit reviewing transfer portal QB’s – when he finally got to Slovis (10th on his list with JT Daniel 4th) he used the word highly inconsistent throughout his career.

    I know he looked good in his FR season when he came into a relief role and there was an injury or two in the following seasons.

    If Patti is 2nd string, I hope Cig Jr has a quick hook if the inconsistent Slovis shows up at Acrisure Field. In the 8 years of HCPN’s time at Pitt, I have never seen a QB pulled for bad play – and there have been a lot of 3 and outs over those 8 years.

    Go Pitt!

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Babers hired a very very good OC in Robert Anae, formerly of Virginia and BYU. I was hoping Pitt would hire him. The guy is successful every where he goes. It may take time, but their offense will get good under Anae.

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  24. Anyone that watched Pitt football last year knows the offense was not balanced. I don’t think Whipple would be offended by someone saying he likes to pass the ball and is stubborn. Picketts pass numbers got him recognition and a new gig with a big check.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Agree … noticed mainly them consistently running the ball late in games, mopping up, protected a big lead and killing the clock… definitely a pass first offense…. but thinking back to Watson’s “O” generating 8-9 passing vs Clemson in PITT’s ACC Championsgip game- I won’t complain…!!! Cignetti will have a fun O to watch.

      BigB “ Let’s Go Nick!!!”

      Liked by 1 person

  25. I happened to notice that Donovan Jeter is on the Steeler’s roster as an UDFA. I remember having the impression he thought he was too good to go to Pitt.

    I looked it up and he ended up with 38 tackles over his 4-year career at Michigan…

    I’m guessing he’s in camp because he weighs 325…

    Go Pitt.

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    1. Think about how good Partridge would have made Jeter. He’d be rolling in $$$ and Pitt may have won one or two games last season.

      Twyman would have done the same, IMO.

      Golf was good but wet…

      Liked by 1 person

  26. FYI Whipple took a couple of shots at the Pitt team when he left for Nebraska. One shot was when he said the talent level at Nebraska far exceeds the level at Pitt(I’m paraphrasing). Just maybe Narduzzi was giving Whipple a little counter punch with his statements from the past week.

    Liked by 2 people

  27. I’m pretty sure everything Duzz said in that interview was said directly to Whipple at some point. Duzz lets the OC operate carte blanc so any all criticism is fair game. Cheney, Canada, Watson all got the same treatment. I’d argue Duzz was actually kindest to Whipple. Any publicity is good publicity. Whipple was supposed to retire and coach in the bowl game then ended up not retiring and leaving in the middle of a recruiting trip and not coaching in the bowl game … sounds like bad blood. Public feuds are the best. Public Feuds with an egotistical coach are even better. The ACC leadership I’m sure is loving Duzz getting the conference some fun publicity.

    Liked by 1 person

  28. I was going to support what others have said about Narduzzi, and his apparent willingness to slam any coach who leaves his program. I would have said that he knows how the system works, and in the sports world, college or pro, it is not a good idea to badmouth the coaches who previously worked for you. Someday he may need to fill that OC position again, and coaches talk and have long memories…

    But in the case of Whipple, it seems there were some behind the scenes problems that the public doesn’t know about. And we all remember the strange events surrounding the Whipple departure, with the recruiting trip and all. Maybe Whipple was just tired of being slammed on the POV! So Narduzzi maybe felt justified in taking the shot, but he has the reputation of being thin skinned with an ego, and a bit paranoid.

    Looking back, the Whipple exit seemed a bit strange and maybe Narduzzi wanted to take him down a notch for refusing to run the ball, and with his emphasis on Pickett as the real reason for the good offensive stats. But having good character means skipping the opportunity to publicly slam his former OC, even if justified.

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  29. VoR – He was out the door the prior season but Pickett said he would only return if Whipple returned. Whipple and Duzz had been on the outs for a while … To Duzz’s credit, he let Whipple run his show. Even if he didn’t like it. To Whipple’s credit, he probably endured a hostile work environment. Regardless, the way Whipple left was kind BS while on a recruiting trip … but I’ll never be mad at another man for making money. I can give him H.E. double hockey sticks though.

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Another good analysis, Richard!

    Popped into the sports book while in Pgh this past week.
    Took Pitt -6.5 in the WVU game and also took the under (54 points)

    No bets on the Cuse game yet, But will take Pitt when the time comes.

    Also stopped in at Dejan Kovacevik’s studio/office/retail store on Fifth Ave to say hi (we have a mutual friend). Interesting space concept and had a nice chat with him and his family.

    He does a daily podcast covering the three professional teams in town, but also has started a series of podcasts called “Memory Lane”. There is one done recently with Bill Hillgrove which some of you might enjoy:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dk-pittsburgh-sports-daily-podcasts-on-steelers-penguins/id1072021022?i=1000570911150

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Tossing, you lost me with the double hockey sticks. But given the background you described, it sounds like Narduzzi tolerated the situation without it becoming public. And Pickett didn’t seem to be aware or at least it didn’t affect his game. All the more reason why Narduzzi should have let sleeping dogs lie. I agree with you that Whipple had the right to take another job but he didn’t need to trash Pitt’s players in the process. Neither of these guys was a profile in courage- or class!

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    1. Avoiding the cursing banishment with the hockey sticks (double L after HE)

      What did Whipple say about Pitt on the way out? I missed that or forgot about it.

      Duzz is a dumb jock … he’s going to dumb jock in interviews. He is who he is. I like it. Always gives me a good chuckle. Idiots make sports fun. 🤣🤣🤣. That’s just me though.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Whipple mentioned something about there being better athletes at Nebraska, which is a slam given that Nebraska hasn’t won much recently. Could be construed to mean that Pitt won because of Whipple’s efforts, not the players.

        Liked by 1 person

  32. Nebraska can’t recruit in that state and nobody wants to go to Nebraska. They try to recruit down here but fail. What made the Huskers great in the 70’s and 80’s doesn’t exist anymore. And it never will. Rules have changed. The game has changed. Competition and scheduling.

    I agree with Madden on King Pat.

    Syracuse will never be consistently good in football. The City is a hole. No major airport. Most snowfall among any major city. New York produces little to no elite talent. The Dome concept is antiquated. Only saving grace is a short drive to the Finger Lakes.

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  34. A few years back, I happened to turn on a late night sports talk after the news on Sunday night One of the topics was the Pitt-PSU game the following Saturday. And Madden said that he could care less about college football and was not going to watch

    There are too many local journalists who only write about Pitt when there is something negative to write. I agree that Duzz should have left it alone but when Pitt is doing well, most of the guys continue to write about the Steelers and Pens.

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Madden is nothing but a shock jock.

      While sometimes less is more and maybe Narduzzi should have kept his feelings to himself there is something refreshing about a guy saying what he really thinks instead of traditional coach speak.

      I’m a little biased since I agree with his opinions and have been on record regarding Whipple. While he was smart enough to see the greatness of the KP-Addison connection, he didn’t use the run effectively when he could have. If either KP or Addison went down with injury or illness, Pitt would have had problems.

      I wonder if Addison leaving had anything to do with knowing the ball would have been spread around a little more by Cignetti.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yep, and the house and the $3 million lure.

        Supposedly Pitt matched the money but he was convinced that Stinkin Riley was better than Cig Jr.

        Pitt will win without JA –

        Liked by 1 person

  35. PSN write-up on the visit today of Jaime Ffrench the younger brother of Maurice Ffrench who will be in the class for 2025 and has a Pitt offer. But if you get the chance just look at the other schools that have already offered this young man. By the way today is the first day the coaches can talk to recruits as we were previously in a dead period the last several weeks.

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  37. Narduzzi has hired OCs with issues, and then complains when they leave. Canada had a history of moving around, so no surprise there. And Pitt went on to win a couple of Coastal titles afterward, so his loss was certainly not critical. Narduzzi knew who he was hiring and had no reason to complain. As far as Whipple, Narduzzi got the passing coordinator he wanted, who couldn’t win as a head coach. And his lack of recruiting effort was legend. So is he going to recruit offensive players at Nebraska? Coach Cig is all over the country recruiting QBs- big difference!

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  38. But Whipple did get the kid from Mass. to enroll at Nebraska. I don’t think Nebraska with Whipple will have any difficulty in recruiting QB’s based on his results with Pickett and how much he likes to emphasize the passing game.

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    1. I thought Duzz hired Whipple partly because he’s a stats producer for QBs and receivers – providing a good recruiting pitch.

      I give Duzz credit for realizing he needs an OC who is really the Head Coach of the offense. They’ve all been wizened old guys who have been around many blocks (so to speak)…

      One thing that has surprised me about Duzz is how he’s been able to incrementally improve his staff over his tenure…

      I’m with those who don’t get his propensity for being critical of former staff members. But with the Duzzer, seems like you’re either all-in with him or you’re his enemy…

      Go Pitt.

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  40. OC’s are a dime a dozen. Unless you get a true innovator, or recruiter, they don’t really matter much. Even then, you better be willing to part with the HC to bump them up if you really got a good one.

    Coaching changes are common for a reason. Offenses become stale, peak, or don’t do anything. The ones that excel become head coaches and leave anyways.

    People make too much of coaching changes. College is a very transient sport … from the the coaches to the players to the athletic department administrators.

    Pitt is a desirable destination for OC’s because Duzz does not meddle much. You have to deal with his zings but an OC at Pitt will get to run what they want to run. That’s pretty unique.

    Pitt and Whipple maxed out their potential so it was a good hire but leaving on top isn’t a bad move. Whipple was not a recruiter and now we have an OC who recruits so there is that.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. OCs may be a dime a dozen but good ones, who attract talent and adapt to that talent, and who can teach, don’t seem to be, IMHO.

      How about Watson? I remember him having a good year a while back when Bridgewater was his QB – but pretty disappointing at Pitt, I thought…

      Go Pitt.

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      1. Watson was a very bad hire. Duzz moved on from him pretty quickly. Good ones get promoted or move on. You’ll still have turnover. Watson’s offense did get them the Coastal Championship … Even with a bad one they still won their division.

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  41. FWIW the first ACC Coastal title won by Pitt was with an OC which I can’t even his name. It was done by a superb running attack and a nearly non-existent pass offense.

    New OC Cignetti was also the new OC back in 09 when Pitt combined a really fine running attack led by Dion Lewis with a timely passing attack to the likes of Baldwin and Dickerson. I’m hoping OC Cig can once again utilize his assets … veteran OL, really good runners and receivers.

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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  42. In the past 40 years outside of Wanny, there was almost no one who wanted to lend their ears to listen to the PITT football head coach.. Now thanks to Heather, who had the foresight to extend Narduzzi’s contract and Narduzzi himself, PITT has a head coach that when he speaks, people are willing to listen.

    PITT will welcome and host the much anticipated Game Day special because of Narduzzi not in spite of him… Can we be a bit more appreciative of the man?

    signed….. a non-self loathing PITT Fan…

    Liked by 5 people

  43. The past 40 years outside of Wanny, there was almost no one who wanted to lend their ears to listen to the PITT football head coach.. Now thanks to Heather, who had the foresight to extend Narduzzi’s contract and Narduzzi himself, PITT has a head coach that when he speaks, people are willing to listen.

    Liked by 3 people

  45. Chris Peak claims that 2021 was going to be Whipple’s last year at Pitt no matter what. He thought that Whipple would have coached the bowl and then retire. I guess a $1M offer will keep you out of retirement (it would have worked for me)

    He also made the point that Narduzzi is who he is. He is “unabashedly honest” and will speak his mind. I wish he had a filter but you have to take the good with the bad, I guess.

    Face it, if Pitt has another real good year, all will be forgotten.

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 3 people

  46. So halfway through a Caribbean cruise vacation with plenty of Pitt gear in toe. I haven’t gotten any H2Ps, but no Eat Schitt Pitt comments either. I’ve only seen one PSU hat, no WVU gear, and come to think of it, very little ACC gear at all.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kurt was wearing his Pitt Hawaiian shirt in Hilton Head last weekend, and got several comments from people asking him if he was a big Pitt fan (‘No, my wife is, I just like the shirt”.)

      Liked by 5 people

  47. We’ll, we can be sure now that the people controlling the bowl matchups will be certain to match Pitt with a Big 10 team. If Pitt loses to Tennessee and a Big 10 team in a bowl Narduzzi could end up with egg on his face..

    Liked by 1 person

  48. I read somewhere last Dec that Mr. Whipple’s contract had not been renewed. I’ve thought that he left like he did as a bitter response – he certainly was not “Charmin’c. But we gotta give the guy a break – he was done at Pitt – time to retire or get a windfall.

    I’ve always liked Nard’s enthusiasm. Of course, a corpse would look enthused compared to Potato Paulie’s game face. I thought the Yellow mustard stains on his stylishly gray sweatshirts accented Yellow blouses.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I created both potato paul and mustard stains. Say what you want but I have some creative nicknames. I don’t think I coined Charmine but Skunkhead and Gorilla Calves and Frauduzzi and my personal favorite Rockports. Haha. Oh and Herman Munster.

      Liked by 3 people

  49. When narduzzi speaks I know he is full of it. No reason to bash former staff or players. He’s a small man. Very petty and insecure. One who hold grudges. One who likes to be the only one in show. That doesn’t make him the best and he knows it. Hence the bashing to protect his turf and image. Very paterno like. Except the showers and win column. Some of you are placing idols on the mantel field this man after one good year. For shame.

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      1. I never bashed those who worked underneath me. And always knew I was only as good as staff and team. I’m the least arrogant guy I know. But I will brag about Texas all day long. King Pat is just petty and insecure. He’s protected now given his contract. He’s untouchable and acting like it. The fear of him losing his job is gone. He’s no longer hungry. Good luck motivating him to reach a new ceiling or be less of a jerk.

        Like

    1. There seems to be a buzz in the air about PITT Panther football (when’s the last time you remember PITT FB and BUZZ associated in the same sentence (excluding Red5A???)…maybe we are done with our 40 year journey in the desert!!!

      Liked by 2 people

  51. Which school has been ranked more, has the better bowl record and has more ten win seasons since 1990? It’s Syracuse and not even close. Although Pitt has won 17 of the last 20 I believe.

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    1. I love you Lone Star but you are really reaching if you citing stats to support Syracuse as a superior program to Pitt.

      Like

      1. Syracuse has been more nationally relevant than Pitt in the last 30 years. Granted most of their success was in the 90’s and early 2000. But based on rankings, they have been the more consistent program over time. Pitt has been poor to mediocre. A flash in the pan last year due to Kenny. And the Cuse has a great bowl record unlike Pitt. Narduzzi has a terrible bowl record and is 2-12 against P5 schools outside the acc. But Pitt does have syracuses number but who cares. Who considers it a rivalry. Hoopies and nitters have our number. That matters much more.

        Like

        1. I thought we weren’t looking at “ancient history”? I’m pretty sure you’ve said it yourself that Pitt’s national championship is irrelevant. I guess it’s relevant when you can cherry -pick something for which to bash Pitt.

          Liked by 2 people

    1. Lastrow – My wife and I have gone to many of the Kickoff Luncheons and have enjoyed them. We’ll have to miss this one as my wife is scheduled for surgery just a few days before the luncheon…

      Have enjoyed hearing the keynote speakers and seeing the seniors…. Plus there’s always part of the band and some cheerleaders there…👍

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

  53. I’m sure many of you have seen that graphic that was going around last week showing Pitt had the best conference record of any team that changed leagues in the past decade. And Pitt is either 2nd or tied for 2nd best conference record since joining the ACC. And since Paul C had a 7-9 league record, the success is mostly due to the current coach

    But IMO, what Duzz brings to the table is stability, something the program sorely needed after Wanny was axed. This is evidenced by the fact that a 9 win season this year will be deemed a disappointment

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 3 people

  54. People don’t like Duzz and most of their complaints are agenda driven. He’s been as good as any coach at Pitt the last 40 years. If Pitt leadership decides to go all in on football, Duzz is probably not the coach you want for a perennial Playoff contender but until then, Duzz is fine. He’s built a solid program. It took longer than expected to get there but the team is great shape moving forward. It has the makings of an annual top 10 to 25 team. Pitt is deep across key positions and doesn’t have to rely on young guys so those 3 stars have time to catch up to the 4 stars. They don’t have the look of a perennial top 10 program. I will concede that. Pitt’s investment into athletics is not there for that status either. They can certainly flash into the top 10 here and there but the lack of elite recruiting across all positions will keep them from being a mainstay. Duzz’s Pitt program reminds me of Beamer’s VT teams. If they can find their Vick that’s the flash into the top 10 I referenced. Pitt finally has some name recognition after last year. They have to build off of that this season … the key is to build off of it … Do it again, and then Pitt starts becoming a regular in preseason polls. If Pitt falls back, I’ll be the first to jump all over Duzz … but I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt, first. Pitt looks like they can have a successful season. 10 wins will be difficult but not a stretch of the imagination by any means.

    Liked by 7 people

  56. Spot on TT, Tf, wwb and others. Add on the fact that some people cannot stand to be wrong, it’s a narcissistic personality fault. Yet at their job in their own minds the employees LOVE them. They been checked out of the reality world for a while now.

    No doubt UPITT, you’ve come up with some really great nicknames. That’s why I stay on your good-side. (how’s your Dad? Fingers crossed.

    Like

  57. It’s never too soon to plan for an away game. I just booked a hotel in Chapel Hill. Mrs. OhHowIhate and I would like to be included in any group ticket purchase.

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    1. I am claiming Charmin, Flea and of course Nardstop, named after the stock that was falsely inflated and then crashed, Gamestop.

      Like

      1. What’s going on yinzers? Try to log in every few days but been swamped with conference re-alignment and hockey!! Good to see you all doing well and congrats Dan and Gordon on your physical recoveries! Living right!

        Like

  61. It appears that Paul Zeise has determined that Slovis will start for Pitt. Is there some inside information floating around that confirms this?

    Like

    1. I think that is the conventional wisdom, but nothing official.
      When you look at his film and previous playing time hard to argue
      his experience under fire vs. Patti.
      Experience means a lot, look at KP, he really didn’t come into his own until last year.

      Liked by 2 people

  63. There is a QB competition in name only. Everyone knows who will be starting. Anything else is just misdirection from Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  65. I think if you look historically at the Portal at Pitt, the incoming players are already getting the nod for the start and the position is theirs to lose. Max Browne, LB Johnson, Texas Guard OLineman, RutgersTE’s, + Krull, Offensive tackle from Mich, WR from Indiana, etc. Sure I missed some. I would say that there may have been some that didn’t get promised a starting role, like Petrishen.

    For the most part, that is how the game is played. Slovis and Browne don’t come here if they are not promised/deemed the clubhouse leader coming in. High profile positions don’t want to sit or risk sitting. They want to go where they are promised the first shot. Theirs to lose.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Agreed HUFF. The table is set for Slovis. He’s got a super experienced O-line, 3 very capable RBs and a stud TE. The WR group is missing the explosive Addison, but there is a lot of quality talent available. There should be plenty of scoring from Coach Cig’s O this season.

      Like

      1. Slovis is a statue. He will have higher sack numbers than sackseri. I’ll bet a bottle of Balcones Blue on it. He’s no fake slide Kenny. Not even close.

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        1. He’s more mobile than you are portraying him TEX. He’s very experienced with a good arm and nice touch. He’ll do fine. Give him a chance.

          Like

  66. What happened to that offensive lineman that transferred in from OSU? Is he still on the roster?

    Like

      1. I think the game changes if you transfer in as a freshman or sophomore because for the most part, you are an unproven commodity in the big scheme of things. That said, I think Jacoby will see some time as a backup or one injury away from a bigger role.

        Like

  68. Link: Two Panthers on Preseason All-ACC Team

    Pitt’s Baldonado, Kancey on All-ACC Preseason Team

    Defensive Linemen Projected to be Among the Conference’s Best

    PITTSBURGH – Pitt defensive linemen Habakkuk Baldonado and Calijah Kancey were named to the 2022 All-ACC Preseason Football Team, the conference office announced Wednesday.

    Baldonado, a senior defensive end, and Kancey, a junior defensive tackle, were both All-ACC players last season and return for a Pitt pass rush that led the conference with 54 sacks in 2021.

    Baldonado (Rome, Italy/Clearwater Academy International (Fla.)) comes back for the Panthers as one of the nation’s most feared edge rushers after recording nine sacks last season.

    The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Italian started all 14 games for the ACC champions in 2021 and compiled 11.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery as well to garner second team All-ACC honors. Baldonado was at his best in big moments, tying a career-high with seven tackles and adding a sack in the ACC Championship Game against Wake Forest; he also posted sacks against Virginia Tech, Clemson, Miami and North Carolina in crucial conference games.

    Kancey (Miami, Fla./Miami Northwestern) established himself as one of the most productive defensive tackles in the nation last season, pacing Pitt in tackles for loss (13) and ranking second in sacks (seven). He earned first team All-ACC and received third team All-American recognition by the Associated Press.

    The 6-foot, 280-pound disruptive force helped the Panthers win their first outright conference title in program history with several big plays in ACC games, including sacks versus Virginia Tech, North Carolina and Virginia. Kancey remarkably recorded a TFL in eight consecutive games down the stretch for Pitt through the ACC Championship Game against Wake Forest and forced a fumble against Clemson.

    Kancey’s combination of quickness and power has drawn comparisons to another former Pitt standout defensive tackle: three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald.

    Baldonado, Kancey and the Panthers open the 2022 campaign with the highly anticipated renewal of the Backyard Brawl against West Virginia on Sept. 1 at Acrisure Stadium. ESPN’s College GameDay will provide coverage from one of the marquee contests of the first full week of the college football season.

    Pitt football season tickets, which start at just $180, are currently on sale at PittsburghPanthers.com. For pricing, seating maps, season ticket holder benefits and more, click here or call (800) 643-7488.

    #H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

    R.J. Sepich | Director of Football Communications

    University of Pittsburgh | Petersen Events Center

    E: rsepich@athletics.pitt.edu

    O: 412.648.8240 | C: 412.452.1992

    @Pitt_Athletics Pitt Panthers PittsburghPanthers.com

    ACCN PITT Email Sig

    Like

  69. Not to mention the minute he verbal-ed, someone predicted great things for the young man. My POD 15 minutes of fame. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  71. Major – Mrs. Erie and I have been praying for you and Kathleen for some time now. We will add the upcoming surgery to our list along with the doctors involved.

    I’m up early for work – 2023 sales planning meeting at 7am and a larger project review at 10am.

    By the way, LinkedIn is becoming the business version of the CFB transfer portal. Larger companies are poaching key employees from smaller companies with large sums of money.

    Inside of 35 days until kickoff. I listened to former Pitt HC Paul Chryst and psuX HC Franklin yesterday during the Big Joke preseason event – I’ll take Narduzzi.

    I’ll even go south to Texas and say Duzz is better than Sark.

    H2P!

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Snooze is not better than sark. Sark has recruited well for his system. He’s an offensive mastermind. And he’s putting together an excellent staff. If he can control his demons, the Horns will be in the playoffs very soon. The test this year is against Bama early on.

      👑 Pat is 2-12 against P5 schools outside the acc. But he already made his payday and reached his ceiling. Good luck getting any more effort from him. He’ll make the list of most overpaid coaches within two years.

      Like

      1. Sark is 51-42 as a head coach at 3 major P5 programs with his record at Texas last season at 5-7.

        How is that better than Duzz?

        Sark’s best year is 9-4 at USC.

        In who’s mind?

        Liked by 5 people

        1. I’ll bite just because i know Erie won’t cancel me.. I think Sark took over three programs in severe disarray. He took on Washington after a 0-12 season, ranked 119th out of 119 D1 teams, and went 5-7, pretty good. He then went to the usc dumpster after the year where usc had a pitt like 3 head coaches in the preceding year. He then goes to texas where he followed Herman who was 15-8 over the last two years, one being an incomplete covid slate.

          He also was in personal disarray during this time. I hope he cleans up his act and does well for texas. I think he will. So, if the question is who is better? I don’t know. I think recruiting edge is sarkisian. I think Sark gets too involved with donors and other issues arise. I think Nard’s injection point into the program was a bit better (post potato) than all 3 of Srks teams. Nard has him beat on continuity with one program. Tie?

          Like

          1. I’ll give you the tie – great in-depth look at Sark and very insightful.

            Boy, getting up this early for work really psuX, but the level of intellect on this sports blog is presented well.

            H2P!

            Like

  72. John, please pass my prayers and well-wishes to Kathleen. I hope the surgery is uber successful and we get to see her again in Red 5A real soon.

    Liked by 2 people

  75. Other than experience I’m not really excited about our OL. When Kradel went down with injury late in the season Pickett was running for his life on many an occasion. As a result I can’t get too excited about the potential emphasis predicted for the running game. Perhaps some of the younger names will make a push for starting time we shall see.

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  77. From Athlon Sports – ranking the ACC QB’s – Slovis ranked #8

    “Slovis had a promising debut with the Trojans in 2019, carving up defenses with lethal accuracy (71.9 percent) for 3,502 yards and 30 touchdowns. However, the last two seasons haven’t been as productive (4,074 passing yards and 28 touchdowns), and his completion percentage, quarterback rating and yards per attempt have dropped since ’19. Slovis has battled arm and elbow injuries over the last two years, but if he can return to 100 percent and stay healthy, a rebound performance should be in order.“

    I did not know about the arm and elbow injuries.

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  78. New models out for a 16 team playoff for football, which is great.

    Something not great is there is heavy pressure to allow athlete students to transfer multiple times without sitting out. Almost pure free agency. Coaches will not like this, but it is not about coaches wants.

    20 team power conferences allow for two 10 team divisions, so 9 games within division and 3 ooc games.

    Like

  81. Will the ACC FB sharing procedure look look like the MLBB small markets sharing formula?
    The Pirates are the best example as they sink into their normal spot in the basement of their division and maybe 100 losses.

    Like

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