in Pitt Football 3,425 Words

Mid-Week Football Stuff: 11/23/22

Sorry for not posting these releases from the Pitt Admin but better late than never I suppose… Here are five press releases that came over the last few days… Have a great and safe Thanksgiving Day and weekend!

PITT COACH PAT NARDUZZI TRANSCRIPT (DUKE)
November 19, 2022

PAT NARDUZZI: Well, a win is a win is a win. A win is pretty — helped us get the win today. Appreciate it.

First of all just happy for our seniors what they did out there today, a lot of our seniors played maybe the best game they played, you know, from John Morgan across the board. So I’m happy for our seniors. Senior Day, our guys found a way to win. We did it the hard way.

There was a lot of positive plays out there today. You know, two field goals over 47 yards, a 51, a 47-yarder. I thought the two-minute drive before the half was a big drive, big-time drive, big-time throw into the end zone. The sudden change stop by — after two interceptions, two sudden change defenses, defensive stops were big time. I mean, they were big time. You’re talking about — let me see what I’ve got here, I don’t have the yardage here, plus 42 one time. Great job. One of them was a fourth down stop.

The scoop-and-score by Brandon was big time. Getting another with 3:32 to go in the fourth quarter, another fourth-down stop by our defense which was big time. And then obviously came down to the two-point play and did a great play by our defense there.

The third — the touchdown pass on fourth down we were probably in perfect coverage, and the tailback slipped out of the backfield, linebacker didn’t get it. Didn’t see it. We obviously didn’t practice that enough with him slipping out. He had himself in, and we turned the guy loose. We shouldn’t have even got to the two-point play.

We did some uncharacteristic things — things on defense as far as just we had a busted coverage one time on a big pass in the third quarter, I think it was, or beginning of the fourth, and just some communication things that just can’t happen.

So we gave them some stuff, but with as much as we gave them, we were able to come out with a W.

Q. Did you prepare for the trick play that you saw on the conversion attempt?

PAT NARDUZZI: You know, they like trick plays down there. I can’t tell you we saw the exact one but it’s a great play by our defense. They like their reverses… We didn’t call it out before the snap, I can tell you that but great play by our defense.

Q. Was Izzy available on the last drive?

PAT NARDUZZI: He was not but he would have been in there if he was, I can promise you that.

Q. Talking about all the big plays the defense made, two interceptions by Kedon in the third quarter, and Duke gets no points off of either of them. Can you talk about how important that was as far as momentum goes?

PAT NARDUZZI: Big. Big. You know, they can — our defense is playing at a high level. We made some stupid mistakes out there which drives me nuts.

But you know, overall, with what we were dealing with out there, I think we were on the field for 35 minutes or 34 minutes, something like that. The defense did a good job today. They won time of possession today which hasn’t happened much this year. But our defense stepped up. Made some good plays. We stopped the run. Quarterback didn’t run the ball like the leading rusher. We were able to stifle him as well.

Q. Second straight year where you had five defensive touchdowns. What allows for that and how do you account for those?

PAT NARDUZZI: I just say my prayers the night before the game, during the game, whatever it may be. Thank the Guy up there. The defense goes out and makes some plays and that was a big play by Brandon. Excited for him. Good to see another touchdown on defense.

Q. The penalties, the dropped snap, just continue to be a problem for the punting unit.

PAT NARDUZZI: Yeah, you tell me. I’m going to ask you guys on Monday. Maybe you can help me out because I’ve tried and tried. We’ve rotated through three punters. Junko, really felt like he was the guy. Sam had two good sky punts in there, and it just can’t happen.

Again, our defense stepped up and finished the game. You know, we tried to give it to them today that’s for sure.

Q. You’ve won three straight games. Does it feel like you’re carrying momentum heading into the season finale?

PAT NARDUZZI: You know what you can say that. I’ll go home and watch this videotape and make myself sick, one of those, you know, gave them too much today. But we got momentum I guess, right. And we’ve got a chance to go down to Miami and play some ball Saturday at 8:00 p.m.

Q. Is it a testament to growth, as many mistakes as you had and still win the game?

PAT NARDUZZI: No doubt about it. We have a good football team as we said and just can’t the mistakes we made today, special teams, especially. They made a couple big plays, the two interceptions. The second one was probably better than the first one. The (one) came off the vertical route, and it’s hard to see that one but the one he threw back across. Didn’t see that one coming in. Just have to be smart with the football.

Q. You’ve talked about the importance of winning in November, and it looks like you guys are finding a way to win these games, as opposed to October. Is that just a sign of growth of this team or is it a sign of things falling your way or a little bit of both?

PAT NARDUZZI: They fell our way. Didn’t fall our way earlier. You know, an inch here, an inch there. We were close to winning those other ACC games. It’s a shame we didn’t. You know, you can call it growth. You can call it whatever you want to. We’ve still got a ways to go. We still want to get better.

Q. Was Baldonado available today?

PAT NARDUZZI: He was not available. I’m hoping for next week. You saw him get banged up a week ago. So we’ll just keep an eye and we’ll keep him healthy. He was not available unfortunately.

Q. 60 wins, being tied for No. 2 — what does that mean to you?

PAT NARDUZZI: I haven’t really thought about it. It’s an honor. Again, it’s not me. It’s our football team. It’s our coaching staff. It’s everybody. There’s been some great coaches come through this university, and it’s a great win and it’s great team win, and we do it all together.

Q. You mentioned in your opening, the significance of the field goals by Sauls, how he’s performed.

PAT NARDUZZI: He’s done an outstanding job. Those are two long ones and that 51 is into the wind, he drove that thing, started getting nervous but he drove that thing through the uprights. We have got a lot of confidence in him right now and he’s got a lot of confidence in himself.

Q. What did you see with Erick today struggling on some of those deep passes?

PAT NARDUZZI: Senior Day, I don’t know. Who knows? I mean, sometimes that happens, and you know, they have got him on kind of a — you know, a stutter-go on the one and could have had a couple picks really but maybe he didn’t play his best game.

But I tell you what, on the hands team, that was a big play and he snatched it up at the end of the game.

Q. Brandon Hill was great in coverage and had a fumble return touchdown. What can you say about his day?

PAT NARDUZZI: Brandon has not had a lot of opportunity at times and they started some formation at the boundary and tried to attack him, and he did a nice job. Brandon had a great game.

Q. You talk with the clutch field goals, but what are your thoughts about finding a way to drive for the touchdown before the half?

PAT NARDUZZI: That was a big-time drive. That was a great two-minute at the half, and again that ball came out quick and he was decisive with it and aggressive with the throw. You know, he had a nice — that was a great drive.

Q. I notice your team when you were on the field, you had a Virginia flag. Whose decision was that?

PAT NARDUZZI: We got the shirts, remembering those three young men who didn’t deserve what they got last Sunday, and it’s a shame. But we stick with our brothers in Charlottesville. I couldn’t tell you whose idea was the flag. I don’t think — it was Heather’s idea. The rest of the story, but you know, Marquis took it out and again, I cannot imagine what they are going through down there. Prayers continue to go out because it’s not easy and it’s not over.

Q. Did Kedon look comfortable in the second half? Two throws, two interceptions, but do you think he was all together there?

PAT NARDUZZI: I think so. It’s hard to tell. When you throw two interceptions it starts to get to you a little bit and you start to question yourself. But he had a nice scramble for a first down which you don’t see him do that very often and he was composed and smooth on the sideline and good after the game. So I think he was fine. You know, he just didn’t make a couple throws that he needs to make.

Again, we have to make some catches as well. We dropped some balls as well that we can’t do. There was some – the one over the middle, I think middle of fourth quarter that I think — he has to get his eyes over the ball and should have been another completion. His completion percentage is not all on him.

Q. How much did not having Calijah in the second half affect what you were able to do?

PAT NARDUZZI: You know what, it always affects you. That guy, he’s special. You know, it’s always going to affect you when he’s not out there and obviously didn’t affect us as much as it did down at North Carolina. But our guys stepped up, David Green and John, those guys played a good game. John Morgan was really, really good out there. Again, a senior playing really good football.

Q. How is Calijah?

PAT NARDUZZI: He’s okay. He’s happy in the locker room after the game. We’ll see — keep you posted.

And….

PITT POSTGAME NOTES
Pitt 28, Duke 26
Nov. 19, 2022

TEAM

  • With today’s 28-26 win, Pitt is now 17-9 all-time against Duke. The Panthers are 8-1 against the Blue Devils in ACC play. Pat Narduzzi is 7-0 against Duke.
  • Nineteen players participated in Senior Day activities: DL Deslin Alexandre, DL Habakkuk Baldonado, LB Myles Canton, RB Vincent Davis, OL Owen Drexel, DB Erick Hallett, OL Gabe Houy, OL Jake Kradel, QB Derek Kylar, DL Chris Maloney, OL Marcus Minor, DL John Morgan III, QB Nick Patti, OL Dakota Peters, PK Sam Scarton, DB Judson Tallandier, OL Carter Warren, LB Tylar Wiltz and OL Blake Zubovic.

PAT NARDUZZI

  • With today’s win over Duke, Pat Narduzzi earned his 60th career head coaching victory at Pitt, tying him for second all-time with the legendary Glenn Scobey “Pop” Warner, who coached the Panthers from 1915-23.
  • Narduzzi, in his eighth season leading the Panthers, has fashioned a 60-41 record.

OFFENSE

  • Israel Abanikanda achieved his eighth 100-yard rushing game of the season, the most by a Pitt player since Dion Lewis logged 10 during the 2009 season.
  • Abanikanda rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries (6.6 avg.). He added a 2-point conversion rush that ultimately provided the winning margin.
  • Abanikanda’s 2-point conversion marked the first of his career. The Panthers’ last successful 2-point conversion was on Dec. 10, 2020 via a Kenny Pickett pass to D.J. Turner at Georgia Tech.
  • The Panthers’ last rushing 2-point conversion was by Jordan Whitehead at Syracuse on Oct. 7, 2017.

DEFENSE

  • Safety Brandon Hill’s 30-yard fumble return for a touchdown (forced by DT David Green) was Pitt’s fifth defensive touchdown of the season, tying the Pitt record set in 1986 and matched during the 2021 season. Hill’s touchdown gave Pitt a 28-14 lead with 13:30 left in the game.
  • Pitt has now scored 21 defensive TDs under Pat Narduzzi. The Panthers are 15-5 under Narduzzi when scoring a defensive touchdown, including 4-0 this season.
  • Pitt held Duke to 63 rushing yards on 27 carries (2.3 avg.). The Panthers are 33-10 under Narduzzi when holding an opponent under 100 rushing yards (5-2 this year).

SPECIAL TEAMS

  • Ben Sauls converted a 51-yard field goal to give Pitt a 13-7 lead at 9:12 of the second quarter. It was the longest field goal by a Pitt player since Nov. 21, 2020, when Alex Kessman converted kicks of 52 and 53 yards against Virginia Tech.
  • Sauls accounted for eight points in the victory, converting each of his four placements (2-2 FG, 2-2 XP). He opened the scoring with a 47-yard field goal at the 12:08 mark of the first quarter.

And…

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

November 26, 2022 • 8 p.m. (ET)

Hard Rock Stadium (64,767/Bermuda Grass) • Miami Gardens, Fla.

ACC Network • 93.7 The Fan • Pitt Panthers Radio Network

PittsburghPanthers.com • @Pitt_FB

GAME STORYLINES

√ Pitt seeks a fourth consecutive win and an enhanced bowl résumé when it plays at Miami.

√ Dating back to the 2021 season, Pitt is 7-0 during the month of November. That includes a 4-0 mark in 2021 and 3-0 record this year.

√ Pitt seeks its first win over Miami since 2017, when the Panthers shocked the No. 2-ranked Hurricanes, 24-14, in Pittsburgh.

√ Pitt last faced first-year Miami coach Mario Cristobal when he was leading the program at FIU (2007-12). The Panthers, under the direction of Dave Wannstedt, defeated FIU, 44-17, during the 2010 season.

√ Since 2015, Pat Narduzzi has directed Pitt to 40 victories in ACC play, tied with Miami for the second-most wins during that span. The Panthers trail only Clemson (60).

√ Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, a Miami native, is a finalist for the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented to the nation’s top defensive player.

√ Kancey, who leads the Panthers with 14 tackles for loss and seven quarterback sacks, is also a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy (top interior lineman) and Chuck Bednarik Award (national defensive player of the year).

√ Running back Israel Abanikanda, a Doak Walker Award candidate, has eight 100-yard rushing games this season, the most at Pitt since Dion Lewis had 10 in 2009.

√ Abanikanda, a semifinalist for the Maxwell and Walter Camp player of the year awards, leads the country in scoring with an average of 11.6 points per contest. He ranks second nationally in all-purpose yards at 168.60 yards per game.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television • ACC Network

Dave O’Brien (play-by-play)

Tim Hasselbeck (analyst)

Kelsey Riggs (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 138 or 194, SXM App Channel 955

WPTS Radio (Pitt Student Station) • 92.1 FM

Online Audio

937thefan.radio.com

And…

Four Panthers Earn ACC Football Player of the Week Accolades

PITTSBURGH—Pitt dominated the ACC’s weekly football awards following Saturday’s 28-26 win over Duke. Four Panthers were honored: Israel Abanikanda (running back of the week); SirVocea Dennis (linebacker), Brandon Hill (defensive back) and Ben Sauls (specialist).

Abanikanda achieved his eighth 100-yard rushing game of the season, the most by a Pitt player since Dion Lewis logged 10 in 2009. He rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries (6.6 avg.), and added a 2-point conversion rush that ultimately provided the winning margin. This is Abanikanda’s fourth ACC Running Back of the Week accolade of the season and his fifth weekly ACC award overall.

Dennis collected a career-high 14 tackles and added a TFL and forced fumble against the Blue Devils. He was responsible for the game’s most pivotal stop, snuffing out a trick play on a 2-point conversion attempt with 47 seconds remaining. Dennis sacked Duke’s Jordan Moore, who had taken a handoff on a reverse pass play, preserving Pitt’s two-point lead. This is his first ACC Linebacker of the Week honor of the season and fourth of his career.

Hill’s 30-yard scoop and score in the fourth quarter proved crucial in Pitt’s victory. The fumble return touchdown and subsequent 2-point conversion gave the Panthers a 28-14 lead with 13:30 left. In addition to his decisive TD, Hill added eight tackles and a pass breakup. This is his first ACC Defensive Back of the Week honor of the season and third of his career.

Sauls accounted for eight points in the victory, converting each of his four placements (2-of-2 field goals, 2-of-2 extra points). He opened the scoring with a 47-yard field goal and later boomed a 51-yarder under blustery and cold conditions. Sauls’ 51-yard field goal marked the longest by a Pitt player since Nov. 21, 2020, when Alex Kessman converted kicks of 52 and 53 yards against Virginia Tech. This is Sauls’ first career ACC Specialist of the Week honor.

Winners of three consecutive games, the Panthers (7-4, 4-3 ACC) play at Miami (5-6, 3-4) this Saturday. The game will be an ACC Network telecast and kick off at 8 p.m.

And…

Pitt’s Abanikanda Named Doak Walker Award Semifinalist

 PITTSBURGH—Pitt running back Israel Abanikanda, the nation’s scoring leader with an average of 11.6 points per contest, has been named a semifinalist for Doak Walker National Collegiate Running Back Award, it was announced today by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum.

Abanikanda is one of 10 semifinalists for the award and the lone representative of the ACC. He is the Panthers’ first Doak Walker semifinalist since James Conner in 2014.

Finalists for the 2022 Doak Walker Award will be announced on Nov. 29. The winner will be announced on ESPN’s live telecast of The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 8.

Abanikanda is now a semifinalist for three prestigious national awards. He previously was named a semifinalist for the Maxwell and Walter Camp player of the year awards.

The recognition has been well earned. Abanikanda is producing at an All-America pace, ranking among the most productive running backs in the country.

In 10 games played this season (he missed the Nov. 5 Syracuse contest due to injury), Abanikanda has rushed for 1,320 yards and 18 touchdowns on 224 carries (5.9 avg.).

He currently leads the country in scoring per game (11.6) and total touchdowns (19). Abanikanda ranks second nationally in all-purpose yards per game (168.60), rushing touchdowns (18) and total points (116). Abanikanda ranks sixth in rushing yards per game (132.0), while his 1,320 total rushing yards rank 11th.

His eight 100-yard rushing games this season are the most at Pitt since Dion Lewis had 10 in 2009.

Abanikanda made history in Pitt’s 45-29 victory over Virginia Tech (Oct. 8), rushing for 320 yards and six touchdowns on 36 carries (8.9 avg.). His rushing yardage and rushing TDs are the most by an FBS player in a game this season.

He broke Dorsett’s school single-game rushing record of 303 yards set against Notre Dame on Nov. 15, 1975. Abanikanda also tied the 112-year-old school record for rushing touchdowns in a game, set by Norman Budd against Ohio on Oct. 29, 1910.

Per ESPN Stats & Info, Abanikanda joined LaDainian Tomlinson and Ricky Williams as the only players from current Power 5 programs to rush for 300 yards and score six rush TDs in a game over the last 25 seasons. 

Abanikanda and the Panthers seek their fourth consecutive victory on the season when they play at Miami this Saturday. Kickoff for the ACC Network telecast is 8 p.m.

50 thoughts on “Mid-Week Football Stuff: 11/23/22”

  2. There were a lot of positive points made in that write up, how dare they point them out.

    I also enjoyed last night’s announcers vs the usual ACC hacks. Sure they were over the top regarding Capel and his staff but much more enjoyable than listening to how great our opponents are every week.

    Another week of listening to Hasselback go on and on. let’s hope Pitt’s play keeps him silenced for long periods.

    This has been rough year for sure but it can be made a lot better with a win against Miami which has been our toughest ACC opponent. It will be really tough if Izzy, Kancy and Hab can’t play. As disappointing a season as Pitt has had Miami’s had been worse but you know they will play their best vs Pitt.

    Beat Miami, H2P

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The one thing Hasselback is correct on is his critical comments on Kedon’s play and Narduzzi’s inability to remove him.

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    1. We can only hope he does not come back! Unfortunately, he just got a NLI contract with Upper Deck selling signed Pitt gear. This probably indicates his return to Pitt next year. No doubt readers of the Pitt POV will be among his biggest customers:)

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  4. The biggest challenge for Narduzzi will be bringing a portal QB and receivers to Pitt. Also anyone else that can help including an O-lineman and linebackers.

    Recruiting to Pitt has become an absolute free for all. Opponents now know that Pitt is pretty strong at identifying guys with potential and are now picking them off like shooting in a barrel. Early verbals mean absolutely nothing. All the effort that goes into evaluation and convincing kids to commit is out the window. Pitt will need to go roque like their opponents.
    The Portal and NIL have created an absolute mess for schools that struggle to recruit like Pitt.

    The uneven playing field has tilted further away.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Slovis should get on with his life’s work.

    He has his degree. He has zero future in any football league including the Canadian.

    But then what’s him name from Pitt played for the Cowboys due to his daddy’s connections. So I guess Slovis might have a chance somewhere.

    Pitt needs to find a future QB. Start that Texas kid and find some NIL money for a four star recruit. The schedule next year is brutal.

    If Pitt beats Miami, they will have exceeded expectations for the year. But I doubt it will improve their shot at a nice southern bowl.

    Has there been any signature wins this year. I know there was that brutal loss to Tech as a 22.5 favorite at home.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Slovis should leave before he gets bood out of Acisure. No pro future, nada, none, nil not even in the CFL. He should step down and play for Fresno State, San Diego State. UNLV, etc.
    If he has been in the classroom he should use his degree to earn a good living. He will NEVER collect a pro paycheck.

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  7. Tex you posted while I was typing..LOL Slovis should say goodbye and Pitt can find another QB who can be “coached up” by Cignetti the offensive GURU. 2023 the season of 45,000 yellow seats glaring out at the cameras.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. If there are 45,000 empty seats next year, then Pitt fans truly are frauds and miserable humans. Pound and pound the table for good opponents and Cincy, FSU and N Carolina are coming to Heinz.

      Throw in road games at WVU, ND, Louisville and folks should be backing these kids so much because the dream is real: playing a tough schedule. Easier to be negative toward the program I guess. We’ll see how it plays out. I can’t wait. I’ll be behind the program despite the BoT doing its best to push me away.

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  8. Slovis just signed a deal with Upper Deck, so signs are pointing toward a return.

    Two of Pitt’s better recruits are on the verge of decommiting though. Kids are being offered more $$$ elsewhere. Sounds like Narduzzi is scrambling to find more cash for them. I won’t hold my breath. Pitt’s donations are a joke thanks to the seeds planted back in 1982 by the fearless leadership.

    Start taking 8-4 seasons as good and enjoyable ones. This program with its low donations, yellow seats and dullard leadership is going to struggle to tread water with how the game is now played.

    The pursuit of a grad transfer defensive end from Colgate with local ties is proof of how the staff will fill holes.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Happy Thanksgiving to the POV!
    I’m grateful for all on this site, those I’ve met and those I have yet to meet. It’s nice to have company in the teetering lifeboat that is Pitt Sports!

    And Reed, thank you for this site and for the way you handled the situation with your son. It’s something beyond my comprehension. My daughter is responsible for most of my gray hair but I don’t know what I’d do if I lost her.

    Anyhow, Happy Turkey day to all.
    I’m off to an 11am tee time!

    Liked by 7 people

  10. Pitt needs to do a far better job at creating booster clubs. A new era of the golden panthers with real oversight.

    But I don’t believe Heather is a fantastic fundraising. See victory heights and the paltry donations for this project. See where Pitt still ranks in athletic gifting among acc schools.

    And narduzzi doesn’t endear himself to boosters and potential ones except for that one guy who donated two million because he was happy with mediocrity. I wouldn’t buy any product or service from that guy.

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  11. To all – you have to know that even though I haven’t been able to be that involved in Pitt football or The Pitt POV over the last year – I always checked in at least once a day for the normalcy you all brought into my life.

    That wasn’t surprising as you folks are some of the best and good people I have had the pleasure to know. Even if knowing you is just reading your comments on here.

    Thanksgiving Day will be tough but I’ll think of you all with a smile on my face…

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Reed, you are the hard rock foundation of the POV and I know that I echo the thoughts of all POVers when I say THANKYOU for all that you have done, continue to do and will contribute to this community in the future. Thanksgiving is always difficult (as is Christmas) when family gatherings have that one person missing from the table….I have learned to treasure the memories of my wife of 51 years and for me it is a thanksgiving of wonderful shared moments. You will ALWAYS have your son in your mind, ALWAYS!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. https://triblive.com/sports/pitt-football-player-pleads-to-reduced-charge-of-harassment/

    If Pitt allows a return to the team, he will need a monitor to make sure that he stays on the railroad track…no excursions. Great potential, but does he have his head screwed on?/////after bouncing from HS to HS and offer after offer Capel has a game changer if he can handle him…time will tell but given Capel’s track record with problem players I would not bet the house on success.

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    1. He doused his girlfriend in bleach and assaulted her. But narduzzi apologizes for presuming him guilty? He has no business being on the team. When will society understand a man has no right to physically abuse a woman. Is narduzzi condoning this? I’m confused.

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      1. He still committed the act. Not sure how Pitt allows him to play let alone attend the university. Not only is this a terrible look for the school and team it (in my mind)condones the act.

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  13. OOOPS I glanced at the headline …MY BAD >>>Football so what. we are going nowhere>>>basketball WOW was I OFF BASE…SORRY!

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  14. Happy Thanksgiving to all.—-The recruiting debacle for Pitt in 2022 has very little chance of getting turned around anytime soon unfortunately. What should Narduzzi do? My answer he’s got to terminate Cignetti quickly and disclose that Slovis is not returning to Pitt next season(either via a voluntary or non a voluntary decision). Boring is what my good friend and former college FB player has said to me on several occasions this year after watching the Pitt O performance in several games. A dull boring offense will not help recruit either HS players or transfers this season. Narduzzi has to quickly change tactics before Pitt loses an entire recruiting season. And in this case Heather has to get in Narduzzi’s face quickly and relate the facts on just what is likely to happen if Narduzzi stands pat on the Cignetti and Slovis front.—-Likely outcome if Narduzzi stands pat Pitt goes from wining the ACC title to having the worst recruiting class in the ACC the following year.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Recruiting is key to success. Need NIL money to do it. That means booster clubs. What clubs does Pitt have and who are its big time boosters. I don’t know.

    You also have to be good at transfers. They cost money as well. Need a large recruiting budget and scouts like the pros to mine for under the radar talent.

    Then you have to be good at developing players and keeping them. Don’t become a factory that develops players for the elite schools.

    Pitt just doesn’t have this down as a science. These days it has become a science. Pitt is still doing water color paintings.

    I bet the athletic department is still using rotary phones and computers with floppy disks. ‘What are those?’, says the two star recruit with offers from Elon and Holy Cross.

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  16. Recruiting offensive players to play in a ’70’s style TOP game plan is like fighting Mike Tyson in his prime with one hand tied behind your back. But our HC is confused and thinks you get style points for winning TOP.

    Pitt will lose whoever they recruit offensively as soon as they have a good senior season like Minchey and Flowers whether they get NIL money or not. Blaming NIL is missing the point, these recruits will run from Cig70’s the first chance a real FBS OC shows interest.

    I also fear that our AD would be intimidated by any truly effective booster club so she’ll make sure the BoT never allows it to happen. Boosters are a compliance guru’s nightmare.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. BU, where I graduated from, is like Pitt about athletics.
    Actually, much worse, because they play low level basketball and dropped football.
    The hockey team is on TV right now and it reminded of Tex.
    The team has a rich tradition and after on 3 years and a couple of top 20 finishes they fired the BU coach.
    He was an alum.
    They told him the program is designed to be better and he was not up to the job.
    Someone at Pitt should have the same conversation with Nard and Jeffey

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  18. Pitt wins first set against Georgia Tech 25-21. Buzzerio outplaying Bergmann. This needs to continue. Klika replaced Browske as the defensive player in the back row after Georgia Tech got off to a fast start in the set.

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  20. Back from golf where everyone in MD was playing! Two things

    Kevin Willard hired mid season last year by Maryland has a top recruiting class and a top 15 team after 1 year. It can be done with the right hire.

    Towson who beat our VB team early in the year just won the CAC Championship for the third year.
    They are very good.

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  21. Here’s where you drive me crazy Tex and I mean that in a very nice Thanksgiving way. Your latest comment shows you realize the difficulties a football head coach encounters when taking a head coaching job at PITT or you’re just behaving your normal way of complain-ing about everything?

    Leaving Narduzzi out of the equation and just looking at the numbers by PITT the past eight years under these non-scientific conditions at U of PITT, I would think anyone would see how any head coach is doing a fine job.

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  22. Narduzzi is doing fine if you like mediocrity. I know he needs booster support and a better AD. But he also doesn’t help with his arrogant attitude and condescending ways. Who would support this A hole. Not me even if you pumped my veins full of bourbon.

    And the womens soccer team lost 3- nil to FSU. Good showing for the ladies this year. Made it to the sweet 16. Program on the rise. Hail to womens soccer.

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  23. Georgia Tech takes second set 25-22. Georgia Tech made less hitting errors this set. Georgia Tech also becoming more aggressive at the net. Coach Fisher put in a cold server for defense at set point who promptly had a service error to end the set.

    Julia Bergmann won this set against Courtney Buzzerio. Both teams playing fairly clean match with hitting errors low.

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  25. Pitt on the back of Courtney Buzzerio wins the fourth set 25-22. Pitt needs to come out quickly in the fifth set. Remember this set ends when the first team to 15 wins. The win must be by two.

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  26. Pitt comes back from 10-5 in the fifth set and wins the set and match 19-17. Wow, what a match. Georgia Tech battled through 5 match points, losing on the 6th match point. Buzzerio along with Vazquez Gomez carried the Panthers.

    Pitt needs to defeat Boston College on Saturday at 1 PM in the Fitz to share the ACC title with Louisville. If that happens, Louisville will get the ACC’s automatic bid to the NCAA while Pitt will get an at-large bid. This is due to Louisville winning 5 sets versus Pitt’s 3 sets in their head-to-head matches.

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  27. Some things of note from tonight’s match. Emmy Klika came in after the first set as the libero and played the rest of the match, replacing Browske. Cam Ennis came in the fourth set and played that set and the last set, in place of Lexis Akeo. One thing about Coach Fisher, he is not afraid to make personnel changes if he feels it necessary.

    The win tonight was much needed especially in the eyes of the NCAA selection committee. The last 10 matches are one of the considerations for the seeding in the tournament by the committee. Two losses, back-to-back, would not have sat well.

    Wow, still on an adrenalin high! Hail To Pitt!!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. It was somewhat stressful but more exciting, Eric. My son-in-law and I took my 7 yr old granddaughter to the match. Coach Narduzzi and many of the football players were in the stands supporting the ladies. It was an outstanding atmosphere!

      Liked by 3 people

    1. Still a lot of possibilities if some seniors return. One defense end and two defensive tackles would go a long way. Voss, George and Simon at LB and Hallett; Woods or Williams in the secondary.

      Offense needs portal help.

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  30. In case in hasn’t been mentioned. Dayon Hayes charges were dropped down to misdemeanor? or something along those lines

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  31. as John stated a great VB match for Pitt women coming back after digging their hole with mostly several weak receiving service errors by a couple(?) different ladies on what didn’t look like particularly great serves

    then they got a very lucky serve by Valeria VG to climb over the net which was part of their comeback in the 5th set when down 4 or 5(don’t recall exactly) and then continued strong play by VVG and Buzzerio

    thought that touch by Cat was going to seal their doom but they came through

    son was in from Atlanta and I nearly had to kick his a$$ out as he was rooting for the GaTech ladies to finish the match and I knew(think) a Pitt loss would hurt our tournament placing more so than a GaTech loss would hurt theirs

    fortunately his cheering didn’t tip the scale so he can stay home for a nice Thanksgiving dinner today,,,, my apple pies already in the oven 🙂 and will taste all that much better with the lady Panther’s having won!!!

    H2P WVB!!!

    Happy Thanksgiving ALL POV’ers and especially Reed and any with family to think of not around, my dad Nov 14th 2020

    Liked by 4 people

  32. Happy Thanksgiving Panther fans.

    I am thankful for Reed, Meistro Mike, Pitt cocksfan, Dan and all the regular contributors to the POV. And for the Pitt volleyball team who are a joy to watch.

    I am especially thankful I have been blessed with family and friends and that life has been so good to me that I can spend my energy on grousing about Pitt football and basketball and not worrying about real trouble like where i will find my next meal.

    H2P! Beat the canes!

    Liked by 3 people

  34. If anyone is interested, Panther Deslin Alexandre is raising money to help kids in his hometown in Haiti with food and education. It’s called the “5th Down Campaign.” A good day to make a contribution.

    The goal is to raise $50,000 and with a recent donation from PGT Trucking, Deslin is now within $10,000 of his goal…. Congrats to Deslin.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

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