in Pitt Football 378 Words

Tuesday Morning Quarterback – Virginia

Hello all, Reed is indisposed this week and so I’m jumping in to do a “Tuesday Morning Quarterback” and keep the conversation going.

The good news is that we won another football game in classic Narduzzi / Cignetti fashion: a strong running game, good defense and near-double digit penalties. And I’ll go on record to say that if it wasn’t for those two picks sixes and eight sacks the game would have been a real snoozer.

Cignetti’s “balanced” offense (33% pass / 67% run) put up the expected 23 points while grinding out 189 yards on the ground and adding 203 through the air. Yes there were some deep shots that were missed, but at the end of the day this offense is what it is, and that is right in line with Cignetti’s history: Run heavy with middling quarterback play (and I use the term middling generously, …although Slovis wasn’t terrible on Saturday). Oh and a 60/40 advantage in time of possession.

Don’t get me wrong, Izzy’s emergence is a good thing, and a healthy Hammond and complementary C’Bo bode well for the future, but hey folks this is a passing league, and you need to be able to throw the ball. But don’t worry, Pitt has a four-star dual threat QB enrolling early. Oh…about that, The Notre Dame Booster club would like a word.

But the defense. Oh the defense. If only those linebackers had rounded into form just a few games earlier, we might not have even needed to put the offense on the field. I mean look, Virginia and a quarterback-hobbled Syracuse aren’t exactly the class of the league (quite the oppposite actually), but neither are Georgia Tech and Louisville (at least on offense), and Pitt hasn’t played this kind of defense all year. 14 sacks and 18 TFL (by my count) in the last 2 games says it all.

At any rate, if you read the propaganda, the team’s goal is to win out. And why wouldn’t it be? The only question is whether they can use the same offensive formula that worked against Western Michigan and the ACC bottom-feeders (well three times out of four…), and the defense can carry the day.

Hail to Time of Possession!

Michaelangelo Monteleone

.

147 thoughts on “Tuesday Morning Quarterback – Virginia”

      2. Terrific MM, I couldn’t write that at the library with the help of a sports reporter from a local newspaper.—You’ll have to write one from the airport on the Pitt 2023 recruiting class next. 3 out and none added in in the last month with another highly rated recruit likely out the door in the not too distant future.

        Like

  3. Thanks MM.

    Pitt’s D may get them the next two wins but I doubt it. You aren’t beating even average teams running the ball 67% of the time and not being able to convert on third down.

    I don’t have a Twitter account but I saw the posts PSN put in their article. Cignetti’s offense is getting bashed as it should.

    Like

  5. PITT (6-4, 3-3 ACC) vs. DUKE (7-3, 4-2 ACC): Complete Game Release Link

    November 19, 2022 ∙ Noon (ET)

    Acrisure Stadium (68,400/Natural Grass) ∙ Pittsburgh, Pa.

    ACC Network ∙ 93.7 The Fan ∙ Pitt Panthers Radio Network

    PittsburghPanthers.com ∙ @Pitt_FB

    GAME STORYLINES

    √ The Panthers seek a third consecutive win and a boost to their postseason credentials when they host Duke this Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. The upstart Blue Devils are 7-3 under new coach Mike Elko.

    √ Pitt is 7-1 against the Blue Devils in ACC play and has won each of the last six encounters. Duke’s lone ACC win over Pitt was a 51-48 double-overtime victory at the former Heinz Field in 2014.

    √ Since 2015, Pat Narduzzi has directed Pitt to 39 victories in ACC play, the third-highest win total during that span. The Panthers trail only Clemson (59) and Miami (40).

    √ A win over Duke would give Pat Narduzzi his 60th career coaching victory at Pitt, tying him for second all-time with the legendary Glenn Scobey “Pop” Warner, who coached the Panthers from 1915-23.

    √ Pitt once again boasts the nation’s top pass rush. The Panthers are averaging 3.70 sacks per game to lead the nation. Over the past four seasons (since 2019), Pitt has compiled an FBS-best 188 sacks.

    √ Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, the country’s best interior pass rusher, leads the Panthers with seven sacks. Kancey is a highly viable All-America candidate.

    √ Israel Abanikanda, who missed the Nov. 5 Syracuse game, returned to healthy form in last week’s Virginia victory, rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown.

    √ Abanikanda, a Doak Walker Award candidate, leads the country in scoring with an average of 12.0 points per contest. He also ranks first in total touchdowns (18), second in all-purpose yards (172.44) and sixth in rushing (134.1).

    BROADCAST INFORMATION

    Television ∙ ACC Network

    Chris Cotter (play-by-play)

    Mark Herzlich (analyst)

    Lericia Harris (reporter)

    Pitt Radio ∙ 93.7 The Fan & Pitt Panthers Radio Network

    Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play)

    Pat Bostick (analyst)

    Larry Richert and Dorin Dickerson (reporters)

    SiriusXM Satellite Radio

    SiriusXM Channel 133 or 193, SXM App Channel 955

    WPTS Radio (Pitt Student Station) ∙ 92.1 FM

    Online Audio

    937thefan.radio.com

    Like

  6. It’s going to be a slog trying to win against a good Duke team and away in Miami, but hope springs eternal.

    Cigknownothing (CKN) is what he is, unimaginative, consistent, and stuck in the 70’s. Sadly it’s going to take something terrible to wake Nardummy up to find an OC who understands what the game is today. In some ways winning out and beating a weak opponent in a bowl game would provide immediate gratification, but long-term pain as it artificially reinforces CKN’s strategy.

    I see Bart in the portal soon trying to find an OC who gives him a shot. If you notice, the successful pass plays were not sideline patterns which seems to be what CKN mostly designs and calls. TE receptions in the middle of the field give him a chance at running some folks over instead of them just pinning him against the sideline.

    I hope those who remain hopeful about CKN are right and that he’ll eventually make the changes necessary, but then again I’ve been hoping for a growth spurt to get to 6 feet for the past 50 years.

    Like

  7. Sorry on missing MMQB article and thanks so much to Mike and Rich for taking up the slack. Didn’t watch the game but those gift Pick 6s must have really depressed the UVA offense.

    BTW – Gordon was nice enough to send me Pitt BB tickets for Dec 17. Two seats & parking. When that game gets closer I’ll post and we can get someone to sit with me and maybe a dinner/drinks afterward (on me) for all POVers in attendance.

    Looking forward to that…

    Like

    1. Reed: I think that my son’s last final is Saturday morning the 18th. So I’ll be in town to grab him and will definitely attend.

      Like

    2. How do you know that the pick 6s were gifts if you did not watch the game?
      I say that the Pitt defense deserves credit. The D-Line pressured the QB and the DBs were in position and made good breaks on the ball.

      Like

  8. Slovis has decided to not walk out with the seniors come Saturday Pitt’s last home game. I’m guessing that means another season watching a non running QB plodding down the field each game next season. Yikes!!! I can hardly wait.

    Like

  9. With Minchey bailing out so late in the recruiting process, as bad as Slow-vis has been, it may be a good thing that he comes back. However he says that hasn’t been decided yet.

    Bigger surprise is SirVocea not walking, I gotta believe he’ll get positive answers to his NFL future once he starts his investigation.

    Like

  10. One game at a time, this should be a tough one. Even with the criticism of Cig, if Slovis throws a hits a few more guys in stride the offense can be pretty good. His timing has been a little late on many plays even when the ball has been caught. With Minchey not coming I hope he does come back.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Ike’s right Minchey could come to Pitt this spring and play like Dan Marino and Narduzzi would start Slovis next season saying he practices better. Narduzzi’s has blinders on watching the Pitt offense as he only has love for the defensive side of the ball.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Ike-jrnpitt

      You got me, I didn’t think of that but you could have hit it on the nose. If Slovis comes back he’ll be anointed the starter the first day of spring drills.

      However ND has 4 QBs coming back next year so I’d be a bit surprised if he was promised to start. Maybe it was all about the $$$$ while he’s in waiting. Feel bad about feeling like this but I kinda hope he gets Jurkovec’d and never sees the ND field.

      Liked by 2 people

  14. Pitt has an amazing and wonderful football history, however, it is truly sad to see a heritage football power being so badly mishandled today. HAIL 2 PITT!!

    Like

    1. Bart is GONE my dearest Isnore. Hate to be right about this, but I am. And he’s 100 percent right for making the decision to do so.

      Like

      1. Wishful thinking on my part…a totally mishandled talent by Pitt’s horrendous coaching staff…we will see others bailing out in the near future.

        Like

  17. Just heard John Petrishen on the radio. Said he was with the Bills for a while and Washington for a while. Now he’s keeping in shape in Florida, still hoping to catch on with somebody…

    He talked about his recruitment out of Central Catholic. Thought he said 35 schools were interested. Said one of the schools on his list initially was Pitt, but then Coach Chryst left and Duzz came in. Said Duzz recruited him hard but at that time Franklin and staff had been recruiting him for 2 years, vs. Duzz and staff for 2 months, so he went to PSU. When he told Coach Duzz that he had decided to go to PSU, JP said Duzz told him that if he ever wanted to come home, Pitt would have a spot for him. Cool story, I thought…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Former Panther Jim Medure is co-hosting a program on 93.7 the Fan tonight…. That’s the program that John Petrishen called in on…

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Heard that too John…good story by JP and at one point earlier in the show I thought Medure say to either a caller or his co-host” let’s get one thing clear, you like and follow Pitt but I’m A PITT MAN”

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Everyone thought Jerkovec was a big miss for Pitt. NOT.

    Get rid of Frank and a good QB could be had.

    Like

  19. Colgate topped Syracuse by 12 tonight. The RedRaiders hit 19 3 pointers!! Judah Mintz scored 20 and his talent is obvious….. a big Pitt recruiting loss. The Orange were a very poor shooting team and look like a possible losing team for a second straight year.

    Like

  20. If you’re not watching MSU vs Kentucky BBall you are missing one of the great games of all time! 2OTs. MSU may win it.

    Like

  21. Pitt opens as a 9.5 underdog to Michigan tomorrow. Michigan has one of the best centers and point guards in the land.
    On ESPNU

    I’d like to think we can’t play worse than vs WVU but this is Pitt ….and Capel. I think 9.5 is very low even with Hugley coming back. H2P

    Like

    1. We did score 2 offensive TDs in the 1st quarter to add on to those 2 pick sixes.
      The last 3 quarters were the sloth fest with Pitt winning 9 – 7.

      Like

  23. I just saw that PITT is a 7.5 point favorite on Saturday against DUKE. That seems like a lot. However, I think the Panthers are a far more physical team than the Blue Devils.

    Liked by 2 people

      1. DUKE is averaging 204 ypg rushing on offense. I doubt they will get that number on Saturday. IMO therein lies the game.

        Like

  24. The betting line is about how dominant the Pitt D front 7 have been for the most part of the last two games. But the Pitt O is always capable of leaving any team in the game.

    Like

  25. So if Slovis stinks, why is it stupid for Cignetti to pursue a run dominant offensive scheme? And please don’t change the subject to why isn’t Bart getting more passing opportunities or why Yarnell should be playing more.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Question for the gallery: Are we (myself included) being too hard on Narduzzi? We are possibly on the cusp of a respectable season. This is Nard’s 8th season at Pitt and he has only had one losing campaign (2017). In all of the years I’ve followed the program, I don’t think another coach can boast that stat.

    Wanny: In six years, two losing seasons. He had Pat both had one double digit win season.

    Chryst: To be honest, I will never forgive the man for losing to Youngstown and Akron and having to be embarrassed like that in person. In three years at Pitt, Chryst had one losing season, one .500 season, and a 7 and 6.

    We could currently be at the pinnacle of Pitt football since the early 80’s and many of us might not be stopping to smell the roses.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. 9-4 gets you roses

      8-5 gets you a bouquet from giant eagle

      7-6 gets you Chrystanthemums

      (I’m here all day folks)

      Like

  27. No I don’t think we are being too hard on Narduzzi. Not switching to Patti when Slovis was really struggling against GT, Louisville and NC was inexcusable. He shouldn’t be graded just on one season but graded on many of his game day decisions they fell flat on his face. He is an average recruiter and a below average game day head coach from where I’m viewing.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. That’s the Balcones talkin. It talked plenty when the Horns played the Frogs this past Saturday. I’m still hurtin from that game. Son didn’t go. Daughter did. Too much like early 90’s to me. They will both be bitter. P&V. But arch arrives next year. Maybe. Pitt however has no hope.

      Like

  29. Posted this yesterday. Went to Pitt @ UVA the weekend after Tree of Life and snapped this picture. #HeartsAreWithUVA

    Liked by 6 people

  30. Narduzzi wasn’t much of a motivator, especially in the GT game for sure, and every year he loses a game he should win. He is supposedly a players coach but motivating them on the field is also lacking.

    I sense Narduzzi is increasingly relying on the transfer portal for players, which doesn’t help with recruiting high school players. The Minchey situation was expected all along by many posters on this board. If it was so obvious to us, why was Narduzzi not recruiting a 2nd QB?

    Like

  31. If I am Blue Mountain BART I would be wearing Carolina Blue in 2023… Play with a Heisman candidate quarterback with a team who possibly wins the ACC championship And rub it in Narduzzi and Cignetti’s nose… that almost sounds like a reverse of the Jordan Addison situation who played with a Heisman candidate on an ACC championship team…..

    Like

    1. If I’m Bart, I’m focused on Duke and making sure I don’t get called for holding two or three times as he did versus Virginia. Those drives were killed with those penalties.

      Like

  32. The GT loss was the only really bad one this year. While disappointing so far the overall evaluation of the season remains to be seen. If Slovis plays well enough to win the net three game, nine wins is pretty good, eight wins while disappointing is a respectable.

    Things certainly didn’t go Pitt’s way this year, but much of the hand wringing is over the top.
    The difference between winning and losing is always a fine line. To have a great season you need to win the close ones, this is done by making plays at crucial moments, just too few of those this year.

    The biggest losses this year were Addison getting stolen and now again with Minchey, really difficult to be great when this happens. When I predicted the loss of Addison would cost Pitt two games, I underestimated the domino effect of his loss. Who knows what the ultimate loss of Minchey will cost.

    Liked by 2 people

  33. Unfortunately or fortunately we will see how Minchey “unfold” from a distance…what amazes me is how a lot of these highly recruited QBs are no longer at ther original school or don’t pan out for the 4-5 years of college and just blow away like a tumbling tumble-weed.

    Narduzzi has been a terrible recruiter on the O side especially with QB’s and TE’s…maybe the 4-5 star O-Linemen start considering PITT now that the word is out we pound the ball 60% of the time,,,,Nard-dog has transformed PITT into a middling BIG10 team…..my interest is waning- too much Slovis-too much Narduzzi and too far gone from being COLLEGE football…geez I remember the day when the players roomed in the towers and took the some of the same classes as I did……………

    Liked by 4 people

  35. Maybe this team focuses on the run because that is where the talent is, and not because the coaches are stupid or inept. If Slovis can’t evade the rush and extend plays, doesn’t read the field quickly enough, throws a lot of passes behind his receivers, the line doesn’t give him enough protection, and the receivers struggle to get open and drop balls, why would you throw more and run less?

    Liked by 4 people

      1. The second string QB is always popular when things aren’t going well. I think if the coaches thought Patti gave them a better chance of winning they would play him.
        He has been around a long time so they know what he brings to the table.

        Like

  36. I’m 100% for using the transfer portal to fill gaps. But when a coach over relies on it, he begins to neglect the high school part, such as building relationships with high school coaches.

    By the way, this worship of Bart has gone overboard. If you watch him play, he makes too many mistakes, such as holds, runs wrong routes, and doesn’t seem to have the hands of a top TE. Some are too quick to blame Slovis or Cig for his lack of offensive production.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I agree, he looked great in a very limited role last year which turned him into a legend among some. Doesn’t show nearly the skill Krull had to catch the ball in a crowd. He is only a true soph though. I would like to see him used on a slant on third down though, the real test of a tight end’s value.

      Like

      1. Whoa, whoa, give me Bart over Krull any day of the week. Krull had a heck of an overtime against UNC but some on this blog last year referred to him as the, “Man with Hands of Stone.” He had at least ten drops last year.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Krull had 38 catches for 451 yds and 6 TDs. He caught many difficult passes in traffic. Yes he dropped a few. Bart had 28 catches, 326 yds and 4 TDs, many of his catches were wide open sideline plays.

          Krull did all the heavy lifting last year, Bart has a lot left to prove, not saying he won’t do it, but all the talk that he should be the featured receiver is just talk with nothing to back it up.

          What is the reason he isn’t used for slants on third downs? Is it Cigs offense or Bart’s abilities? Many blame Cig, but do we really know?

          Like

          1. https://www.pressreader.com/usa/pittsburgh-post-gazette/20211114/283313230696525

            Agree that Bart has a lot to improve, but Krull Daddy was a drive killer last year on multiple occasions. This article from the Postgazette said Krull had five drops in five games before his big UNC performance and these drops were towards the end of the season when he started showing progress. I couldn’t find his stats for all fourteen games but he had some slippery hands…loved the blonde hair though.

            Like

    2. Regarding the portal, not a coincidence that the three most underperforming positions, QB, Receiver, and Linebacker are filled by portal players. This says a lot about recruiting, except that three excellent players left voluntarily at those positions leaving the void.

      Like

      1. While losing Addison was the biggest hit, Bright and Wendell Davis would have made a major difference. Both units went from major strengths to weaknesses.

        It does appear that these units are getting better, hopefully they continue to do so this week.

        Liked by 2 people

  37. Bart’s blocking is suspect as well. I saw him miss a block and almost get Izzy killed in the backfield.

    Like

    2. Maybe Cig should stop all the silly double TE shifts from side to side and actually let one or both get set long enough to actually know who to block. It doesn’t mix up the D in the least.

      Liked by 1 person

  38. Wofford added to the 2023 schedule. Interesting, Pitt may need to play a game in Week 0. All of Pitt’s opponents next year are scheduled to play on September 2nd.

    Like

  39. GC..as soon as I read your last post I had flash-back to Brian O’Neil and smiled…what a stud he turned into but I will always wonder if he had not eaten all of those peanut butter and jelly sandwiches perhaps he would have become an “All-World” TE.

    Liked by 1 person

  41. Krull. That was one bad movie. I wasted four dollars to see that at a theatre in Indiana. Could have used that money for the arcades.

    Like

  42. Lone, That bad boy lost about 15 million 40 years ago…whats that worth today?
    Making Texas chili for Saturday now that I know I can make the game.
    #🤠🌶

    Liked by 2 people

  43. Basketball at 6PM at Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn about a 2 minute walk from what could have been the new home of my Brooklyn Dodgers.

    Even with Hugley (probably not ready yet for fulltime play) I hate to say that we could lose tonight by 15+ points…if we can stay close to the Wolverines I would consider the game a Pitt victory.

    Like

  44. Line on Pitt Michigan has dropped from 9.5 to 8.5. No idea why. I’ll be watching and commenting along w Isnore.

    Like

  47. Pitt down 3 w 8 minutes to go. Pitt has no answer for Michigan speed and quickness. This could get ugly soon.

    Like

  48. Turning point last game and looks like this game is when he inserts Nike. Kid is just a disaster on both ends of the floor. Confused on d, and his being out of position screws everyone else up. Offense is bad, forces stuff, maybe it’s rust, but he currently should not be on the floor.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. Just like WVU…Pitt coming apart at the seams before halftime. Michigan playing great defense. Pitt playing none! Pitt stone cold from the field and now, of course a technical on Pitt for taking a dive.
    Difference in talent level noticeable
    Difference in coaching astounding!
    Pitt down 10 w 4 minutes to go.

    Like

    1. The game announcers spent 90% of the 1st half talkin Miccchigan.
      We learned about every one of their players…..Pitt had the nerve to score…to
      get a brief mention.

      Like

  53. For the time I had watched the game…..EVERY call went against Pitt !
    Hate playing BigJoke teams !!!

    Like

  54. Are any of these future Pitt recruits he recruited….Point Guards…since Dion looks like he could be a goner ???

    Like

  58. A Pitt big man sub’d out and appeared to leave the court…..somebody came in.
    But the michigan/bigjoke announcers couldn’t be bothered !

    Like

  59. We have no answer for Michigan. Forcing shots from perimeter and lost on defense. Earlier I said Michigan by 15+. Sorry, 20+. Crispin does not know that Pitt is playing …..again all I hear is Hunter Dickinson x 25. I get it enough already.

    Like

  62. We are not losing because of the refs,,, we just don’t have enough talent. Another loooong sad season coming.

    Like

    1. Snowball effect my man….you get enough calls against you on a consistent basis, it certainly has an effect. And even more so when you’re talent challenged.

      Like

  63. Pitt down 19 w 12 minutes to go.
    Horrible confused sloppy basketball by Pitt. Little to do w talent difference … a lot to do w Capel! Pitt surrendered about 6 minutes to half.
    Sorry I can’t stand it any more I’m out.

    Like

  65. Last comment. What offense Michigan is running is not complex. It’s a series of pick and rolls. Pitt has yet to defend a single one. If you can’t defend a pick and roll you can’t beat anyone. So disappointed in Pitt’s Coaches!

    Like

  67. Year 5 of Capel….no winning seasons….this looks like another one, based on the first
    3 games. So just how long does Pitt stick with Capel ???

    Like

  69. They mentioned Pitt beating UNC late last season…that had to be one of the biggest
    fixes in recent college bb history. LOL

    Like

  70. Pitt down thirty and being clowned by Michigan. Pitt has way more talent than this. I am now convinced Capel is the leader of this circus and cannot coach at D1 level.
    It’s time for a change! Pitt Basketball is a disgrace and it’s on the coaches period! Heather let’s get it over with!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  71. PittofDreams
    November 12, 2022 at 7:05 am

    Don’t you know this Pitt basketball team really is loaded with talent and Capel really is a good coach?

    What’s to worry about?

    This is what you call “sarcasm.”

    Like

    1. Not only Capel, but his brother and his 2 other former HC friends. Heather didn’t even insist he make ONE asst. coaching change…after the first 4 disaster years.

      Liked by 1 person

  75. 3…..2…..1……how long before the three 2023 recruits….de-commit ?
    Just a matter of time…like Judah Mintz who’s the leading score for Syracuse now.

    Like

  77. going to be a frustrating year for Hugley(and most of us, not all apparently)

    Cummings is serviceable as ball handler but nobody can shoot and spread the floor and I see no coaching(never have with Capel at Pitt) that creates opportunities other than iso’s for John and random 3’s that are usually bricked

    I have NO IDEA how good Dior is but I don’t see Capel coaching this group(even if Dior remained) into a team playing the type of basketball game that would make Pitt better than the sum of its below average parts

    IF we win 4 games in the ACC it is because there are a couple other weak teams and/or John dominates a few games OR we have that rare great shooting night that a team can stumble upon and for one game beat anyone

    Like

    1. Good call tvax. Pitt under Capel has never been as good as the sum of their parts! Nor were his Oklahoma teams which was why he was run off mid season. We need to make a similar move NOW.

      Like

  78. Dear Coach Capel,

    How to defend the pick and roll
    The most common way (and there are 6) to defend the pick and roll is for the man guarding the screener to hedge and recover!! He jumps out at the ball handler using the slowing screen as a weapon against the shooter.

    Not once did I see any of the 6 basic ways used to defend the myriad of ball screens and pick and rolls vs Michigan. Instead the Pitt defenders froze and just let Michigan get off uncontested shot after another or Pitt overdefended and allowed Michigan to dish off for a layup or uncontested jumper.

    I had to get out my coaches handbook to see if maybe it was me who was being overly critical! No it wasn’t!. It’s unfair to Pitt’s players to not give them proper instruction! What in the hell are you doing at practice Capel???

    A thoroughly embarrassed alum!

    Like

    1. Dan, I just could not comment very often because to put it bluntly we are underperforming on almost every level. The Wolverines had a tough time with Eastern Michigan ,so the betting line was around 8.5-9.5 (I do not place bets). Tomorrow we will be in the loser game and I am sure that either Arizona State or VCU will send us home with our Panther tails stuck between our legs.

      Heather has a big money problem…she will have to buy out Capel’s contract and will face a revolt next year when our football team totally crashes and has to pay off the football genius.\ WE ARE A VOLLEYBALL SCHOOL!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thought of you all night Isnore. As angry as I’ve ever been at any Pitt coaching staff. I really didn’t care if we won. I don’t gamble either. What I wanted to see was a buttoned up team running well disciplined offenses and defenses. Score be what it may.
        What I saw was a bunch of guys aimlessly running around stunned that they were getting clowned. Same as WVU. No improvement just regression and chaos on the floor. I saw each one of these Pitt guys play last year other than the twins. The new guys were all stars at their respective schools. The sum of these parts are not anywhere near the individual talent levels and that’s on Capel!!

        Yes Sibande and Burton are disrupters to their own team but to see Cummings, Hinson and Elliot play like this is exasperating. I watched a ton of tape on each.

        And, when is the last time any Pitt coach recruited a decent point guard. It just goes on and on and on!

        Like

  79. Watched the game in it’s entirety – absolutely nothing to comment on !! – I attended Pitt during the Smith, Lane, Gore era , and I realize times have changed over decades but this is some sort of curse – extremely sad state of current Pitt athletics !!!

    Like

    1. The curse at Pitt is always the same: bozo leadership. Gallagher hires Barnes, who thinks he wad some basketball god and coaches would trip over themselves for the job.

      He realized soon how tough it was going to be to lure a good coach to Pittsburgh, so he took care of his buddy and bolted, thus screwing us big time.

      You need smart people in high places or you better have high-end talent fall into your lap to make the coaches look good.

      Like

  80. No one at Pitt is capable of hiring a good coach. Capel and crew are thieves.

    What shoe guy is going to drop a good coach in our lap like Vaccaro did with Howland?

    Like

  81. Why has it taken so LONG for everyone (or nearly everyone) to see the light in this one?

    Not complicated.

    xxxxxxxx

    PittofDreams
    February 28, 2019 at 1:04 pm

    History clearly shows… Capel coaches DOWN (or UP) to the level of his Players.

    Just the way it is.

    xxxxxxxx

    Like

  82. Always considered myself a Pitt do-or-die guy (See Majors 2.0), but I don’t know how anyone can stand to watch Pitt hoops.
    What a shame!
    Thanks, Herman Munster.

    Like

    1. the loser of VCU/Arizona State. Naturally we’re in the LOSER’s bracket !
      VCU up 35-28 at half.

      Like

  84. OT – the Pitt women’s basketballers won a game today. Okay, it was only against Bryant. The score was in the 90s to in the 50s.

    Pitt shot over 50% from 3 and over 60% overall. This is unheard of for Pitt’s women’s team. Johnson and Harris were on fire today from all over the floor.

    Unfortunately, Pitt will struggle big-time in the ACC because we have no center. We have 2 players who are 6-2. Hutcherson is rather thin and will be pushed around by a good center; Ezeja is a sturdier 6-2, but not as athletic. At one point today we had a 6-foot skinny guard on our opponents 6-2 sturdy center – I guess the idea was to try to deny her the ball…

    We had a 6-4 center who was a real presence in the paint, but she transferred out because she said she didn’t feel like she was developing…. Not good. We did add a new offensive-minded assistant this season…
    Hoping he can help attract a real center (or maybe we can borrow a tall volleyballer…😊).

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 3 people

  86. Does Pitt have a Ping Pong team ? I know we did pretty good in Disk Golf the other year.
    But that wasn’t university sponsored. Maybe that’s the answer !!!

    Like

  87. Michigan players post game commented on how fatigued Pitt was second half and how easy it was to take advantage. That is the ultimate insult to Capel and coaches. Not only can’t they design a defense to stop the simplest ball screens but Pitt Coaches can’t even get them in game shape! Unreal.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. that helps explain the poor shooting

      on top of that they are poor shooters, don’t pass well, don’t handle the ball particularly well, don’t play team ball, etc.

      but coach Capel will tell you they really like each other
      let’s see how long that lasts if

      what little improvement from the Stallings era is only there because it had sunk so low and JC has fooled some talented kids into thinking they should go to Pitt and be allowed to shoot and play however they wish

      how much is Capel(and his brother) paid for that?

      Like

  89. Missing the days of Jamie’s shut down defense. May have been boring but it was effective.
    You can see there is some talent on the team, but no structure, looks like every Capel/Stallings team so far.
    Sure they were outmanned but not by 30 points.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.