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Pitt @ Western Michigan University’s Game Thread/Predictions

Tonight will be an interesting match up between injury riddled (?) Pitt and WMU who pretty much kept us from the FBS Playoffs last season. That might be overstating it a bit but it sure didn’t help our chances. I mean Cincinnati was in it as a 4th seed and that just can’t be true. But it was.

I say ? to the injuries because King Pat does not like to talk about injuries and it makes him worry too much and he doesn’t like that.

Here we stand at 1-1 with two very close home games under our belt. Beating WVU was great for the history of the thing, but losing to a rather strong Tennessee team hurt. Not that UT didn’t deserve to win, they did, but we had wasted scoring chances all over the field. But as they say “Tomorrow is a new day (or tonight is).”

Let’s get into some stuff we can have up on screen while we bitch, praise, or moan each individual play as Pitt fans are wont to do:

First off here is a link to the Pitt vs WMU Game Notes. There is tons of info in theses notes (56 pages worth!), and I’ll cull out some stuff I think pertains to actually watching the game.

Here is our ‘Probable‘ two-deep for this game: Remember these game notes came out on Monday so they won’t mean anything as far as QBs go.

Now – onto predictions.

I think it will be another close game. Pitt wins if Slovis can play 60 minutes. Patti will be either left at home or on sidelines. If we have to play either of the lower two QBs I think we lose.

Slovis in:  31-27 Pitt
Slovis out: 31-24 WMU

Let’s hear what you think about the outcome…

HTP

367 thoughts on “Pitt @ Western Michigan University’s Game Thread/Predictions”

  3. I all what get these out ahead of time:
    1) Devonshire is really dad
    2) Battle is bad
    3) After watching a fair number of games this year with one or 2 exceptions you must be able to score in bunches. Ball control will kill you. TOP is dead.
    4) Danielson is a stiff.
    5) Addison made a very good decision.
    6) Wayne is solid, Slovis is better than you think, Cancey read too many press clippings, and we really miss Hammond and Alexander.

    OK, now go out and prove you’re a big time program. H2P

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  4. I am not sold on Slovis and Hope we see Dartmouth today. Slovis looks like a statue who’s unsure of what to do with the ball.

    Pitt 27-26 in OT.

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  5. I’m looking for a solid ground game, today. Pitt will finally take advantage of its superiority on both the OL and DL, and will control the line of scrimmage. If Slovis plays, I look for an occasional deep pass to loosen things up, but then all available RBs will see action and grind out a solid victory. My prediction: 34-20 Pitt.

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  9. Sorry to be Debbie Downer but don’t think Slovis plays, Patti’s injury is going to force Cig to go with Dartmouth. WMU will load up the box and without Hammond (again) the run game bogs down to a crawl. If the unknown QB can hit some WRs on intermediate/deep routes the entire scenario changes.

    Until Kancey/Baldonado etc. finally proves that they weren’t a flash in the pan maybe Pitt wins a defensive battle. Bates better design some new blitz packages because it appears WVU and Tenn figured him out. Since I haven’t seen a Pitt defense play well in both pass and run defense don’t see how they win this one with so many impact players out.

    WMU 24 Pitt 10

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  11. Wild 4th qtr in the Cuse game. Purdue gave it away on penalties in the last drive.

    On a lighter note, camera caught a cuse fan sleeping early 4th qtr wit the score 10-9.

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  15. I am going to be a madman if Slovis starts tonight. I believe that he had 2 concussions as a Trojan and when you keep having concussions you are at risk for a a very negative outcome in life. As a JETS fan I remember Wayne Chrebet, the 5ft 10″ (he was really 5Ft 9″) wide receiver who was as tough as nails /// he was driven to gain yardage after a reception and stayed on the field grinding for a first down instead of ducking out of bounds 6 CONCUSSIONS and a retirement at the age of 32 when the doctors told him NO MORE!! The jets actually played football at one time. He suffered severe headaches for years and I believe he is OK for now but time will tell. Slovis stay on the bench one more week!

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  17. Pedo defense doing the job so far. Hope that stop early in the 2nd half and Auburn finds the gas pedal. Worthy to note that PSU is healthy after 2 games against relatively easy opponents as Purdue is NOT good..at all. Pitt has the hell knocked out of them because Lyke thinks that they award a trophy for playing as difficult an early schedule as possible.

    This asinine strategy will once again come back to bite the Panthers as WMU wins 27-10.

    Horrible weekend on the horizon as PSU will win and Pitt loses.

    At the end of the season , Lyke will wait for the Tough as Steel trophy to arrive after getting the living hell knocked out of her team in the 1st two weeks…oddly enough and to her surprise, no such trophy will ever arrive because…well you know, it doesn’t exist.

    We can expect the exact same thing next year…

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    1. If Pitt loses today, say goodbye to the rankings in 2022. The free fall will begin with losses to the likes of Duke and cuse.

      A win today recalibrates the team and their potential.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. I have all my medicinal marijuana edibles laid out on the table in front of the TV.

    I’ll take 20mg of THC for every Pitt TD.

    When WMU scores TDs I’ll counter the weed with 20mg of CBD.

    This way I won’t give a damn after the 3rd quarter.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. And of course the Kansas – Houston game on ESPNU (before Pitt game) had a lengthy weather delay, and the game is still in the 2nd quarter

    N Patti did not make the trip

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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  23. Yarnell looks like the starter tonight being backed up by Slovis. Pitt just hoping to not have to use Slovis. Yarnell wearing the play list on his wrist in warmups suggests that he will be the starter. Pitt cannot rely just on the run because WMU will stack the box and force Yarnell to beat them with the pass.—-Pitt will be missing Huoy and Drexel on the OL I’m pretty sure. On the defensive line questionable Danielson, Bentley and Alexandre. Tough game to predict Pitt 24 WMU 17. The D may have to win it for Pitt today.

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  26. I assume much of the first half will be carried on ESPN News (which of course I don’t have)

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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  49. Trying to run against 8-9 guys in the box. They will be doing this all night against our 3rd string QB. Our defense better be great tonight…

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  54. Pitt Defense should wear down the WMU enthusiasm and our Panthers should be able to pull away in the second half if they just stay patient and disciplined.

    H2P!

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      1. Okay! I got carried away with being carried away?

        I have to rewatch that call.

        Never saw the replay because I was going-off

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  104. Late to the party…had to watch the ESPN app.

    Hey, Javon Lewis:
    On special teams, it’s not that hard to do your job.
    But it’s real easy to cost your team a win.

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    1. Washington has Pennix Jr, who is a tremendous athlete that led Indiana to a real nice season for them and then was injured. He will have a great year so watch out for Washington. Very weak PAC, Weaker ACC, but not by much!

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  139. What are we doing?!

    How many FG’s does Sauls need to miss before Duzz brings in our 3rd team Alk-ACC and Pitt record holding kicker?

    We shouldn’t be kicking FG’s anyways…

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  145. Wow, what a fine example of clock management. Embarrassing. All in all I was quite impressed with the dynamic offense and scheming around our limitations. Yes, quite impressed.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. When has HCPN ever shown a superior intellect?
      Of course, an average mind would call time out.
      An average mind would have gone for two last week with two quarterbacks hobbled.
      He ain’t much of a thinker.

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      1. Uh, the offensive line’s inability to protect the quarterback is why we’re playing ‘ Ain’t played in three years Nate.’
        Aside from Brian O’Neil, I can’t think of one offensive lineman drafted who was recruited under Coach Pat

        Liked by 1 person

  149. This conservative play is BS. If the kid can’t throw why is he on scholarship.
    Throw the damn ball.
    Pitt loses if they play this 1930 offense in the second half. Come on Cignetti.

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    1. Yarnell actually looks the part – it’s the coaches that need to get out of the way and let them play.

      Put Slovis in the play calling position and fire Cig now.

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  151. Is Frank Cignetti a real OC or is he just wearing a headset listening to WDVE?

    Let the kid throw the ball occasionally.

    Narduzzi again demonstrates his firm grasp on clock management.

    If it weren’t for boneheaded penalties and horrible coaching maybe it would be about 21-0?

    Also time to audition a new FG kicker.

    This is still anyone’s game, Yarnell has potential too bad the coaches don’t realize it.

    Liked by 2 people

  156. The truth is we likely have only one truly health QB that has taken snaps and game planned over the last week.

    So OCFC and HCPN are trying to keep him upright. We should win this game even if it’s a bit ugly. I get it.

    H2P!

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  171. Uh, I think we are in trouble. I can feel it, and I don’t like it. Cignetti honestly needs fired right now. His scheme is setting football back 30 years. All week to prepare and we got nothin.

    Liked by 1 person

  173. Another display of lousy football. WMU is not playing well and we can’t get separation// dull, flat, boring football and it is not entirely Yarnells fault.

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  176. Wayne out. Pitt is the only team that can make an interception and lose 50 yards field position.

    We’re in big trouble now

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  191. Lucky on that one ! Last year Hallet was the goat . Can we drive the entire field? WMU is far from being a top team /// very faaaar.

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  193. And then Mr. Hallett grabs a TD saving INT –

    If we are going to run the ball let’s get Daniel Carter involved – the others are averaging less than 4 yards per carry.

    Liked by 1 person

  194. Listen, first off WMU is not a cupcake. They are an average team playing at home. And we are a banged up, overrated, poorly coached team. That, guys, is not a good combination.

    Liked by 3 people

  196. Time for the Pittsburgh media to hold Coach Pat accountable for this garbage.

    “Oh, I thought with our veteran offensive line….you know we have all our starters back…I thought we could run it.”

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  198. Time out burned in a one score game.

    Priceless…

    Our stable of RB’s is less impressive with Hammond on the IRL.

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  216. It took WMU 1 minute to score a TD on 3 plays. Even after last year with Pitt being 3rd in the nation in scoring……Narduzzi does not understand the game of today.

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  217. POV’ers we are not playing Clemson, Miami or NC State we are trying to hang in with WMU and our guys are suffering one injury after another. I will repeat bring on Rhode zIsland this is torture.

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  221. Another strategically called time out.

    We have one left with over 13 minutes left to play in a one score game with a MAC directional school.

    Brilliant!

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  234. I actually like Yarmell’s composure. He is getting no coaching support. The WMU coaches are having a better night in all phases of the game – but at Pitt we are used to that. We have better players, they have much better coaches. Sad.

    Not a top 25 team. Horrible offensive and defensive lines which is amazing to me. I thought they’d be a strength, I really did. I’m sad about that.

    Bright side – Yarnell proves he belongs even with the coaches working against him.

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  238. Well, call me a dinosaur but I kinda enjoy watching successful 3 yards and a cloud of dust offenses when they are clicking. Thiemann, Riggins and the 1980’s Hogs are the Pro example.

    Plus I like to win.

    H2P

    Liked by 2 people

  241. 5 quarterbacks that were ahead of Yarnell on the depth chart over the last 2 years have left or were not available. He didn’t practice this winter due to injury.
    Coaches brought him along slowly in this game. Seems reasonable to me.

    Liked by 2 people

  243. 5 quarterbacks that were ahead of Yarnell on the depth chart over the last 2 years have left or were not available. He didn’t practice this winter due to injury.
    Coaches brought him along slowly in this game. Seems reasonable to me.

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  245. If we had good line play we would be really dangerous, but that is not the case. Nice to see us not collapse tonight……key thing of importance we face RI and will have an extra week for our injured players to get back in the games.

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  247. Say what you want about Cignetti but we would not have lost to w Michigan last year if he was OC. Word out of Nebraska is Whipple may be gone by Monday. He has managed to piss off many coaches and the AD at Nebraska. Good friend of mine played safety for Nebraska 78-82

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  248. Izzy should be getting some love also. Took a beating and kept on ticking! 31 carries 133 yards!

    Yarnell looks to be a better option than Patti at this stage. At least he can stay healthy for a whole game as a starter.

    Pitt secondary with 3 picks including a pick six and one in our own end zone to prevent a score!

    Next week we need to see a new field goal kicker! No more excuses!

    Liked by 1 person

  249. More good than bad, Yarnell handled the game plan well. As usual Pitt struggled with a less talented team until the 4th quarter, but as a long time fan this is ops normal. But we got a W, H2P!

    Liked by 1 person

  251. Was a bit dicey there for a while, wasn’t it?

    Fully appreciate easing Yarnell into the game.

    In addition to Hallett’s pick, Cignetti’s call to roll out Yarnell helped open up the offense.
    Was fun to watch him while worrying about the outcome.

    The optimism expressed before the game was justified. I didnt think we would cover if Slovis didnt play. Nice to cover. A road win with a 3rd string QB….we should hold our own in the rankings.

    Liked by 2 people

  252. I think you start Yarnell next week and play him the whole first half next week unless RI is kicking our butts. Then you give Slovis the ball to start the second half for a tune up series and then bring Nate back to finish the game.

    We can not afford to expose Slovis to unnecessary damage at this point.

    Liked by 2 people

  253. Well, we won by 3 scores, more than most of us predicted. With the exception of about a dozen key injuries, my glass is definitely half full at this point.

    Liked by 2 people

  254. Annoying but stress free game. Pretty funny how vanilla and careful they played. Even a whiff of injury got you pulled. That was very much a we’ll beat you just by showing up game. Another scrimmage next week and then back to the regularly scheduled programming. Might as well roll with Yarnell next week too. Slovis already and his tune ups for ACC play.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Ha. Did you really feel stress? I didn’t read the comments. I usually avoid the game day thread live because of the panic posting. There was literally not one point in the game I thought Pitt would lose that game. We dominated them on both sides of the ball. You could tell the lack of respect Pitt had for that team from the coaches to players. No one on Pitt’s side had any doubt.

        Liked by 2 people

  255. What I saw was a well executed game plan on offense and defense. You are not going to run your full offense with a third string QB that has not seen meaningful game action since he was in high school. The defense was going make them use the QB to beat us, and that was worth seven points for us. It may not have been high octane on offense, but I found it fun to watch for a change of pace from the game today. Did any of you think we were not going to run it down their throats on that last scoring drive? To me, that is as much fun to watch as passing it down the field without resistance.

    Liked by 5 people

  256. I admit it, I was dead wrong about this game. Yarnell is definitely the best 3rd string QB I can remember at Pitt. Whipple would never have been able to nurse a 3rd string QB along, he’s a one trick pony.

    Izzy deserves a ton of credit for taking a pounding and never giving up. Not sure I can remember the last time a Pitt OL wore down an opponent. However, VD and Hammond are both quicker to the hole.

    Although Patti has been a good soldier and loyal to a fault, I think his career at Pitt is over. Hope he recovers and finds a good transfer spot.

    In 2 weeks the real season begins and this team needs to heal it wounds in a big way.

    Liked by 2 people

  259. Consider this. A year ago WMU beat us at home when we were healthy. Both teams lost their QB and star WR. This year we were unhealthy playing at their place.

    We can’t worry about style points right now. There is no reason why we can’t win the next 3 at home. Hopefully after that we are healthy and have adjusted

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Very sound points – GT was shut out yesterday in a boat race.

      Yarnell’s performance sheds some positive light on the QB future too.

      The score was similar to how psuX beat their MAC opponent in their 2nd game without the injuries.

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  261. Pulled this from ESPN game summary:

    Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said Yarnell began the week as the team’s fourth-string quarterback before earning start.

    “He’s so calm in the huddle and I thought he looked comfortable out there the whole time,” Narduzzi said. “I don’t think he was nervous, not one bit. Not even close, which was shocking, because I was damn nervous.”

    Liked by 2 people

  262. Great win and fantastic seeing a kid from Austin at QB for Pitt. Calm and cool, Nate made a lot of terrific throws. Now, start him next week and sit as many guys as possible to rest up for ACC play.

    Those first two home games in the ACC are very winnable, so a 5-1 start is very possible. I remember a time on here when I read Geoff Collins was out recruiting Narduzzi and the tide was about to shift in that series. It is incredible how bad the Yellow Jackets are, but the administration at the school cares as much about football as those loser bureaucrats did at Pitt in the awful 90s.

    Liked by 2 people

  263. I was unable to watch the game and didn’t know the score when I came to this site this morning. The last half of the comments didn’t load for some reason and wow…I thought we lost or won a very close one. It was not at all indicative of the score. I just watched some highlights and saw Yarnell looking great! I know those are just highlights, so I’ll watch the full game when I can find it. But, he looked the part.

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  264. Also, I can understand playing not to lose in a game where there’s nothing to win and everything to lose. Not to mention all of the injuries. Can you imagine the firestorm against Nard and the team if they lost two straight to Western Michigan? That’s a stain that would never go away.

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  265. Good morning folks,

    That was a game Pitt used to lose back in the days of SOP. Love him or hate him (I can appreciate both), Narduzzi has instilled a winning mindset into this team. A lot to overcome last night:

    4th string QB starts for first time since high school.
    Shuffling the OL to overcome an injury at center.
    Top WR leaves the game after making a couple big catches
    DB leaves after making a pick 6
    mounting injuries… need I go on
    penalties that kept the Broncos in the game
    A WMU drive that looked like it might just break Pitt….only to have Hallett make a huge play

    It got to a point last night that my brother texted me and pronounced, “Look for 1-2 after tonight, I am going to watch a movie, (heck) UT is killing Akron 48-0”

    I will have to ask him what movie he watched… he missed a really good response from Pitt.

    Pitt not only found a way to win but was able to impose its will towards the end. Nothing quite so satisfying as watching Izzy and Vincent Davis pound the ball the way they did. Even folks who hate the Cignetti offense (and Im not sure why) would have to acknowledge that closing a game out in that fashion is the way to do it.

    And they also found a backup (and future starting?) QB.

    Yes, its WMU. I know, I know. But its a good MAC program and one of that conference’s better defensive units. In their house in prime time on national TV against a ranked opponent. And did I mention we have a lot of injuries?…and were perhaps worn out after two straight “big” games? I don’t think this should be dismissed.

    Duzz started his postgame by taking shots at WMU and WVU… horse(droppings) police escort and a bottle-throwing student section, comparing them to Morgantown. Wonder what the escort issue was? This guy sure wears his heart on his sleeve.

    In the end, Pitt was expected to win and it did. They were expected to win by multiple scores and they did. Im going to try and enjoy that and give my brother a call.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Let’s not forget C’bo and Daniel Carter’s contribution to the tough, hard nose running game last night.

      In the end, it was a good win with the 4th string QB as you mention. We’ve had some very good success with QB’s named Nate.

      Looking past RI is ok, as we rest, heal and recalibrate for a run at repeating in the ACC.

      I’m not sure why Blue Mtn Bart is not a bigger part of the offensive equation – frankly it’s offensive in my book. Coming in to this game there were three players on O who deserved more touches – Izzy, Wayne and Bart. Izzy got his, Wayne did until he was hurt by a targeting miscall, but Blue Mtn Bart was limited (maybe due to injury from the TN game).

      All in all, this win “should” keep Pitt in the top 25.

      H2P!

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  268. Tossing – like you, I don’t particpate in the live game thread. Too hard to watch the game along with the online primal scream therapy for me. That said, it funny to go back and scan/read the posts – but only after a win (haha). Hair trigger, knee-jerk, emotionally charged…. all come to mind.

    Reed – how many of the gummies were on the table this morning? 🙂

    Dan – I absolutely love reading your posts. They cover the full spectrum of a passionate, knowledgable fan.

    All you guys criticizing Cignetti… why? What does 1976 offense mean anyhow? Details please. This guy adapts to what he is given and what he isn’t. Why would anyone expect the coaches to know how Yarnell would hold up in game conditions and put in anything but low-risk plays to start? Did anyone sane expect them to chuck the ball a lot last night? In light of who his QB was, I thought he called a pretty good game. I give him a B+

    Scanning the scores from yesterday, it appears #11, 12 and 13 all lost. Pitt gets a road win with a previously unknown 3/4 string QB. Pitt should (imo) move up into the top 20 as a result and perhaps bypass Wake.

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    1. Joel, your comments are much appreciated. I should not post during any game because I get emotional. Cignetti absolutely kept his plan simple and manageable and he should be praised!!

      Yarnell is a product of high-level Texas high school football and clearly, the State is loaded with superior, well-coached talent. What a huge step from high school to taking snaps on national TV as a 3rd/4th string P5 QB. Poise personified.

      I am a bit puzzled by all of our injuries. Obviously, injuries are part of the game of football///almost every game…but for reasons far beyond my comprehension, we seem to be getting more than our share this season. Fate?? Bad luck?? Hopefully, most of the injured players will be able to return for the start of our ACC schedule (Patti and Hampton huge question marks).

      Heather the way our schedule starts next year is absolutely INSANE//SHAME ON YOU.

      Joel, the Spiders look like they have a solid team this year // good luck.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. JoeL—I agree regarding Dan’s comments. Your post-game comments, however, almost always completely represent my thoughts (geez, don’t know what that says about you😵‍💫), although I doubt I could ever summarize it as simply and completely as you do. Thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Right on JoeL and TossingT. Funny to go back and read the sky is falling comments with the same targets thrown under the bus.
      Dan watches with his Heart on his sleeve and takes the cake. Love your passion Big Dan.
      BigB sorry for missing call, own you a call back. MAYBE a visit next week for Rhode Island???

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    4. Thanks for the comments, guys. I’m not immune to the occasional outburst myself. A couple years ago, I had a meltdown after consecutive losses to BC and NC State (THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED – GRRRR!!!). Was convinced Narduzzi would not win the ACC – ever.

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  270. After the upcoming RI game we may be calling Yarnell the backup QB to Slovis. Expand his pass playbook for the next game and lets see if that can help energize this offense even more going forward.

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  271. There were a bunch of injuries but none seemed serious at face value. Baldanado being the big one but he was standing and walking around without a limp. Most looked like precautionary removals. At least my fingers are crossed anyways.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Love the Jets today Brooklyn!!
      A Cleveland brutal loss is equal to a Penn State loss!!

      I’ve watched Flacco pull out so many games late.

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  275. I predicted a strong running attack for Pitt and a 34-20 win last night. I guess I gave WMU too much credit. Yarnell has great potential but needs work. His corner fades need practice, and the end zone pass to Bart should have been intercepted. But he definitely looks like Pitt’s QB of the future.

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      1. …and Pitt was the only school to drop from the top 25 this week. We even won by 3 TD’s?

        Washington #24 with Cam Bright starting at LB moved into the top 25 after beating Michigan State pretty convincingly. Michigan State dropped to 21, three spots ahead of the team that just beat them.

        SOP treatment

        Liked by 1 person

  278. Yup, keep playing that schedule. Get beat up, lose 9-10 starters, and get all that credit. What will it take before you realize it’s not 1965. Also, don’t start with Cignetti. Playing that close leaves little margin for error. Plenty of simple throws, misdirection, etc you could have done.
    Also, I believe littl Rhody is ranked in the top 15, so it’s a much better than average cupcake.

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  279. Pitt drops to 24 in the AP polls

    With 8 SEC teams in the top 25, the ACC is second with 5 teams. Clemson 5, NCST 12, W_F 21, Pitt 24 and miami 25

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  280. JoeL, TT, and ike, you are better than me if you were stress free. I have seen SOP too many times to not think it was poised to rear its ugly head again. I’m glad to be wrong.

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Plus, no way HCPN loses making mistakes against WMU ever again

      Based on the rankings looking like we go undefeated from here THROUGH Miami!!!

      H2P!!!

      Liked by 1 person

  285. Pitt Women’s Volleyball sweeps #5 Ohio State 3-0. As pointed out above, this is a HUGE win.
    Pitt should reenter the top 10 in the AVCA poll this week! Pitt had two sweeps over Power 5 teams this weekend! Attendance today was listed at 2433. Should have been a packed house. I will be at the North Carolina match Friday! Looking forward to it!

    I made a mistake and watched the Steelers game instead of the volleyball match. Will catch it later on ACCNX.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. The Steelers were home and playing at the same time as the vb team. They opened up the bleachers on the second floor for fans.Wolfe’s favorite Valeria Vazquez Gomez had a great game. Team chemistry has definitely improved from the start of the season. I think the transfers have acclimated to the Pitt style. It was so loud in the Field House…

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I watched the game. Coach Fisher played his A team against Ohio State. He should have done the same against Towson. Ohio State was playing without one of their starting middles.

        Based on what I saw Pitt is now the second-best team in the ACC behind Louisville. We are better than Georgia Tech based on what I saw in their match against Arkansas.

        Lexis Akeo’s back seems to still be a problem based on the way she was sitting during the match when she was not playing. Hopefully her back will continue to mend. Buzzerio and Dalton are really good additions. Vazquez Gomez has really developed over the last year!

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  286. Coaching >>I will watch game later too. But, I assumed excellent coaching because when you consider the number of new players in our lineup coming up against a power team like Ohio State winning does not happen by accident. Fisher judges talent very well and has clearly created a team winning environment for his players. I wish I could say the same thing for coach Capel, but oh well….

    Liked by 1 person

  289. Herm Edwards fired as HC of Arizona State today.

    Nebraska DC fired today also after getting crushed by Oklahoma yesterday. Is OC Whipple next?

    H2P!

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  290. Apparently there was some controversy between Narduzzi and WMU. Was there bottle throwing or was it something else?

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    1. It may stem from comments made by the WMU HC Lester after last year’s Heinz Field air & ground attack.

      Lester was at cuse about 7 years ago and he went back and looked at the Duzz D film from that Pitt vs cuse game (claimed it was at least 300 views). He told the media after the WMU win last year that he knew exactly how to attack the Pitt D because nothing changed.

      And Lester was right and that I believe may be a part of the controversy.

      On Saturday’s post game presser, Duzz made it a point to say the Pitt D dominated and that WMU could do nothing offensively all game. He went on to say the two FG’s were gifted to the broncos as one was on a fumbled punt recovery and he stopped short of blaming the refs for the 2nd gift FG.

      Speaking of special teams, Pitt was ranked 128th out of 131 teams going in to the WMU game – the ST play Saturday should help solidify that poor ranking – 1 missed FG, punting average was 35 yards per kick, punt returns averaged minus 2 yards and the kick return yard average was 18 (a fair catch nets you 25 yards).

      Liked by 1 person

    1. was dismissed by the posters on the Lair.

      He was wearing a boot after the WVU game and the thought is he has a high ankle sprain. There is a photo in the twittersphere showing his ankle getting boinked.

      So, logical that he would not travel to Mich with the team – which may be why the rumor started.

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  294. Just bringing up a memory -didn’t read all the comments, but anyone else remember that KP also won a game (Miami) in his first start? Not to say that we have another KP in line, but we were excited then, as well. Just hope NY doesn’t take 4 more years to develop! Another performance or two like this one, and we’ll start drooling!

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  295. I believe Duzz’s principle issue with WMU was that their crowd emulated WVU’s fans … bottle throwing, “Eat sh!t Pitt, etc

    Sent from my iPhone

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  297. Next up Rhode Island, Duzzi’s alma mater. URI has a better-than-average FCS team, however, it was blasted by The Delaware Blue Hens. a very strong team that topped Navy this year. I am sure that we all recall the debacle against UD about 4 years ago when we needed help from the Almighty to win. Don’t even mention Youngstown and other games “that we had in the bag”. No question about it we should be able to mash URI and give our 2nd and 3rd string players time on the turf. My guess would be that Yarnell starts and if the game is going strong in our favor we might see Slovis and possibly Kyler for a few series of downs. A week to rest the injured for our ACC schedule. Heather would have preferred to schedule Iowa or Texas Tech just to keep the P5 schedule on track.

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  298. Ironically, that 2019 Delaware game was the same scenario as this past WMU game. Pitt came off two close emotional games (PSU and UCF) and was forced to play an untested QB. Of course, what helped this time was last year’s loss to WMU. Thus, this game could not be taken too lightly

    I don’t think the team will be up emotionally for the URI game, but in the end, I would think the superior talent will win out.

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  299. I don’t get the SOP stuff at all. Pitt has won plenty of games they would have historically lost and they don’t lose many that they should win … every school has these by the way … even the Bama’s and Clemson’s.

    But, to the credit of most posters … not many incessantly post the same negative comments over and over and over again … The repetitive and agenda driven posts are not needed. We know where you stand. You’ve told us 8743 times.

    There is plenty to critique and most have legitimate gripes. I’ll question some or toss out my opinion but I do respect most posts.

    Just a reminder, that Pitt is the defending ACC champs until they aren’t …

    Liked by 5 people

  300. ​​ ​

    ​​​​​​​​View release ​online

    September 19, 2022​

    Pitt’s Deslin Alexandre Named to Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

    PITTSBURGH—Pitt senior defensive end Deslin Alexandre has been named to the 2022 Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team, a prestigious honor that recognizes college football student-athletes for their dedication to community service and the positive impact they have made on the lives of others.

    Alexandre is one of 22 players named to this year’s team, which was selected from a nationwide pool of 114 nominees. Eleven players were chosen from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), while the additional 11 players represent the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Division II, Division III and NAIA levels of play.

    Allstate will continue its tradition of rewarding these student-athletes with a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunity as well as a charity match from The Allstate Foundation.

    “I would like to thank Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association for this incredible honor,” Alexandre said. “I want my blessings to benefit those who don’t have the same good fortune and opportunities I’ve had as a college football student-athlete. The Pitt football program has a great tradition of commitment to community service under Coach Narduzzi. As Panthers, we are proud to make a difference beyond the football field.”

    “Deslin is a leader,” Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said. “On and off the field, he represents the absolute best of what it means to be a Pitt football player. Deslin’s commitment to helping others really sets an inspiring example for everyone in our program and across the entire university. We are incredibly proud of Deslin and this honor is so well deserved.”

    Alexandre (Pompano Beach, Fla./Deerfield Beach) graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in communication and is now enrolled in Pitt’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. A two-time team captain of the Panthers, he has played in 50 career games, starting 27 contests. A preseason All-ACC selection by multiple publications, Alexandre has compiled 21.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks during his career.

    When it comes to community service, Alexandre is a pacesetter for Pitt’s entire athletic department. His efforts include service to veterans, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, literacy promotion and voter registration.

    Alexandre has become a fixture at Divine Mercy Parish, a Catholic church located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. He works specifically with “The Red Door” program, which the parish began during the Great Depression to provide relief for those in need. This includes providing meals and clothing as well as encouragement for the homeless.

    “Deslin has spent many hours at our church feeding and clothing the homeless,” said Sister Pawla Witula, the Red Door Ambassador. “He is extremely passionate and gives from his heart. Deslin speaks to every one of the homeless visitors who he serves and gives them a sense of dignity. Even with so many commitments, he has made serving the community—and those our parish serves—a priority in his life. I am so appreciative of everything Deslin does that I posted a picture of him in our church bulletin. I am hoping his goodwill will inspire other young people to follow in his footsteps.”

    Alexandre is now expanding his impact beyond America’s borders.

    Inspired by his own heritage, he is working to help the children of Haiti. (The impoverished country is estimated to have 1.2 million orphans and vulnerable children.) He hopes to build awareness and mobilize resources for education, healthcare and nutrition in the nation where he was born.

    Alexandre is the seventh Pitt player to be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The Panthers’ previous honorees are long snapper Cal Adomitis (2021), wide receiver Tre Tipton (2019), linebacker Mike Caprara (2016), running back James Conner (2015), quarterback Tyler Palko (2006) and quarterback Alex Van Pelt (1992).

    Pitt fans are encouraged to visit ESPN.com/Allstate, where they can cast their vote once a day for Alexandre to be named Captain of the 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Voting runs until November 22.

    E.J. Borghetti | Executive Associate A.D./Communications

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  302. -Hate the SOP crap…not even original.
    Stolen from the old yinzer colloquialism ‘Same Old Steelers’ from the 1940’1950s era.
    -Will miss the RI game this week. Golf outing for a friend raising $ for his young child with serious illness. The good news is the gang is back in Red5a for the rest of the season.

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    1. Exactly Fran! And as recently as 50 years ago this Dec 23rd (right before 4th and 10 with second to go), some folks were muttering that at Three Rivers.

      I will miss the RI game as well. I have this thing called a marriage that makes it unwise to travel up to Pgh three weekends in a row. Mrs JoeL graciously accepts being a football widow during selected fall weekends… Im a lucky lad.

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  303. I’m not doing a pregame review, but MM aka Mike said he would try to put something together. That’s not going to stop me from dropping tidbits.

    The URI QB was a 5.9 Rivals 4-star back in the class of 2017. He signed with Maryland and started. (Maryland went thru QB’s during his time at Maryland) He also injured his ACL during his true freshman year. After 2 years at Maryland he TP’d to Tennessee. He did not play at Tennessee in 2019. Another ACL injury. He transferred to URI for the 2020 season and has been the starter during that time.

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  305. BigB – some debate on that. Vuk reported that but Duzz said (this morning) it was bad info and he’s not out for the season.

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    1. Saw the same. There was some question on Sat as to why he didn’t make the trip to Kalamazoo, but been clarified he has an injury. And as you have said, Duzz said he would tell the media if a player was out for the season and Hayes is not.

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