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Pitt vs BYU Round 2 in the 2’nd Round

Another excellent article by my fellow South Carolinian John Demko (John in South Carolina).

Pitt’s 2nd round opponent in the tournament this year is BYU which defeated James Madison in the 1st round.  Pitt is 2-1 all-time versus BYU.  Pitt has played them once this year and once last year.  Last year Pitt defeated BYU at the Fitz 3-1.  That was BYU’s only regular season loss in 2021.  This year Pitt played BYU at their facility.  Below is my summary of the match posted on the blog.

“On Saturday evening the BYU’s gym was packed for the match against Pitt.  To be successful against BYU Pitt had to press them at the net and keep them out of system.  Pitt did exactly that and defeated BYU 3-1.  Pitt also played great back row defense led by Browske with 17 digs followed closely by Fairbanks with 16.  Fairbanks had one of her double doubles as she had 30 assists followed by Cam Ennis with 23.  This defeat ended BYU’s home 30-match home win streak that went back to 2019.”

In the match Pitt hit 0.260 versus BYU .260.  Pitt out blocked BYU 12-10 as well as out hit them 61 to 59.  Akeo did not play in the match.  Vazquez Gomez led the Panthers in kills with 16 followed by Buzzerio with 15 and Dalton with 12.  Livingston led BYU with 20 kills followed by Llarenas with 10 and Gneiting with 9.

BYU went on to a 21-6 regular season record.  Their other losses were to Georgia Tech, Ohio State, Pacific, and twice to San Diego.  BYU only won one set overall against San Diego and were swept by both Georgia Tech and Ohio State.  As a reminder, Pitt defeated Georgia Tech twice and swept Ohio State.  We lost our 1st match of the season to San Diego in 5 sets.

BYU overall is hitting 0.297 versus their opponents 0.178.  They have 135 serve aces versus 167 serve errors.  They have 2.41 blocks per set and 13.42 digs per set.

BYU runs a 5-1 offense.  This means their setter will be on the front line 3 of the 6 rotations.  It also means their middles will slide to either corner to attack some of the time.  Both of BYU setters are 5’9” which is on the small side.

BYU has only one main outside hitter.  She is #10 6’2” junior Erin Livingston who leads the team in kills with 404.  The next best kill total for an outside is 124.  Erin is also a six-rotation player.  BYU strength is their middles.  Their primary middle is #2 6’5” senior Heather Gneiting who is second on the team in kills with 229 to go along with her team leading 122 blocks at a 1.22 blocks per set pace.  BYU second middle is #21 6’3” sophomore Whitney Llarenas.  She has 207 kills to go along with her 88 blocks at a 0.96 blocks per set.  Either due to injury or just because she is a better overall player than BYUs outside hitters, BYU has been using a third middle blocker lately in their matches.  She is #1 6’4” freshman Kate Prior.  She did not play against Pitt earlier this year.

BYU placed four players on the first team All-West Coast Conference team.  They are Livingston, Gneiting, Llarenas, and #7 5’9” senior setter Whitney Bower.  BYU also had two honorable mentions in #16 5’8” graduate student libero Kelsey Knudsen and Prior.  Prior also was named to the All-freshman team.

What are the keys to defeating BYU?  BYU’s only attackers are their middles and Livingston.   When Livingston is in the back row, attack her with the serves and kills from the front of the net to wear her down.  When she is in the front, press her at the net.  Buzzerio should be able to handle her one on one.

When the BYU setter is at the net, there are only two attackers on the front line.  Pitt’s outsides need to pinch in when the BYU middle stays home and attacks from the middle.  When the BYU middle slides, our middle needs to move with her.

When Pitt is attacking and the BYU setter is on the net, attack over the setter.  We have a big height advantage.  Make the BYU middle blockers move a lot laterally at the net.  Pitt needs to also move the ball from corner to corner on the net to prevent the middles from cheating to one side all the time.  If I was BYU, I would cheat my middles to Buzzerio’s side when she is on the front line.  This means more of the scoring burden will fall on Vazquez Gomez and Dalton from either the left side or the back row.  To keep the BYU’s middles honest, we also need to attack quickly in the middle as we usually do.  One on one, BYU’s middles will be more of a problem as they are big and athletic.

I see this match going to four or five sets with Pitt winning the match.  All sets will be decided by five points or less.

Due to the quick turnaround between rounds, my comments about Pitt’s 1st round match will be in the comments.

285 thoughts on “Pitt vs BYU Round 2 in the 2’nd Round”

  1. Some thoughts about Pitt’s win over Colgate.

    The most obvious thing about last night’s match against Colgate was that Pitt had the much better athletes on the floor even without Julianna Dalton, out 6’5″ OH.

    Hopefully Dalton was rested in order to allow her to heal one more day before tonight’s match against BYU. Per Coach Fisher’s comments after the match, Dalton was cleared to play if needed. Another person that Pitt could use against BYU is Sabrina Starks who came in at the end of the third set and got two quick kills. I expect to see more of her tonight even if Dalton plays.

    Valeria Vazquez Gomez is peaking in time for the tournament. She was the ACC player of the week last week. Last night she led the Panthers with 13 kills. Buzzerio was next with 9 kills. Pitt’s middles combined for 13 kills and 5 block assists.

    Pitt’s players are playing with “a chip on their shoulder” as they felt they were slighted by the tournament committee by not selecting them as a #1 seed. Ashley Browske was the one who fired up her teammates after they heard how they were seeded in the tournament. Browske and Chiamaka Nwokolo are the two co-captains of the squad.

    This is the first NCAA tournament for graduate students Courtney Buzzerio and Cam Ennis.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Nice summary. Size is important, bit I think Pitt has the better athletes. In any case, Pitt’s offensive quickness may be the difference. Although it’s tough to beat a good team twice in one season, I see a Pitt win tonight.
      Let’s go Pitt!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. To add to what I said in the article here are some things I notice after watching the BYU versus James Madison match.

    BYU is using Kate Prior, who is listed as a MB, as a right-side hitter. They are doing this because she is a better option there than their outside hitters. This also gives them a taller, better blocking front line. She will probably move back to the middle next year for them when Gneiting leaves after this year.

    BYU’s middles always slide to their right when attacking leaving the middle open. Pitt will be attacking for middle to negate this tendency.

    BYU’s setter Bower likes to try to sneak the ball over instead of setting it. Pitt’s middles, especially Serena Gray, is pretty good at stuffing these types of attacks. Bower is also coming off an injury. In a bit of a chess match Pitt will be attacking her during the serve while BYU will try protecting her.

    Without Dalton playing BYU’s size may decide the match in their favor. Pitt needs to come out of the gate fast if playing without Dalton to get BYU on their heels. Vazquez Gomez, Buzzerio, and our middles may still be able to beat BYU without her. I will feel a lot better if Dalton plays even if she is at 75%.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. OT: Pitt men’s soccer going to overtime tied 0-0 with Portland.

    The Panthers with 9 shots on goal to Portland’s 1 that did not happen until the middle of the 2nd half.

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      1. Agreed – I saw several crimes.

        Pitt soccer dominated play today, yet only won the match 1-nil in overtime.

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  12. I watched the tail end of the NDU vs Orange BB game and from what I saw neither team is a world beater. Low scoring, and the once vaunted Syracuse 3 point shooter offense was not to be seen. Very few fouls called.against each team. The Domers stayed in the game with some decent 3 point shooting, but I did not see enough of the game to know what happened to keep NDU with its fancy 7-1 record from winning. Pitt with a healthy Hugely and a sustained defensive effort should be able to stay with both of these teams. Panthers will not finish in the basement this year.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. OT: Rumor has it Slovis going to Missouri and Jurkevick coming to Pitt. If that ends up being the case it sounds like another year of boring offense with another non running QB.

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    1. Where do you hear these rumors?
      I do think Jurkovec is an upgrade, but if Wayne goes pro and I think he will Pitt needs some wide outs badly. Also Jurkovec needs to stay healthy.
      There are a couple other WPA guys that need to come home.

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      1. The rumor came from the Lair. Peak said he heard from a very reliable source that Slovis will enter the portal and PJ will likely to come to Pitt. He was hesitant to post the rumor he heard. But he indicated his source has been very reliable in the past.—Slovis if he still thinks he can be drafted by the NFL has to get away from the Cignetti offense Pitt utilized this season. Where do you think Slovis would be drafted by the NFL’s next draft based on his performance at Pitt this year? He has to get out of Dodge if he thinks he has a snowballs chance in hell of getting any shot at the NFL

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Jurkovec at least knows the offense and can run, unlike Slovis. Hopefully Wayne comes back as a super senior.

      Word is a local receiver at Kent State, Cephas, is transferring to Pitt but he’s not in the portal yet.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. What is the attraction at Mizzou to make him want to play in the middle of nowhere on a very mediocre team?

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  16. Pitt wrestling beats B1G Joke Illinois pretty handedly.

    Good day for our Panthers – need to win the volleyball cat fight tonight.

    Is Heather in the house?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. apparently Pitt dominated posession and SOG but didn’t score until 2nd OT

      I didn’t watch any of the game at all but I’m certain Tex is proud of the support the soccer team gets from our amazing AD paving the way to men’s soccer success

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I watched the soccer game. It wasas exciting as a 1-0 match can be, and I mean that it WAS exciting. So proud of the boys for their effort!

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  18. Thought my reply went in on the last thread but apparently not.

    @NRS

    “By far Capel’s most talented, deepest roster. The young bigs are going to be very good.

    So happy USC got destroyed. Go Utes!”

    Say what? Did you’d say Utes? What’s a Ute?

    Oh….youths….

    H2P!

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  20. I know this will open me up to some criticism, but I followed local HS football pretty closely for many years, and I thought PJ was the best HS qb I’d ever seen. I was stunned by what happened over the course of his career. Whatever the reason, I’d really, really like to see him here.
    Let’s go VB.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Pitt playing without Dalton. Pitt up 15-13 at the media timeout. Ennis is our left side hitter with Vazquez Gomez moving to the right side in the rotation.

    This is going to be a very good match. I trust Coach Fisher has our best and healthiest players out there.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. BYU calls time out at 17-13. Pitt serving at Bower. Pitt needs to keep up the pressure. It is critical Pitt wins this first set.

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  23. In men’s soccer – 2 of 3 ACC teams advance to the final 4 – Pitt and Cuse.

    Duke, ranked #2 in the tournament lost to Creighton 3-2.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. BYU uses their second timeout in the first set with Pitt up 22-18. Buzzerio is on the left side due to Dalton being out. Coach Fisher successfully challenged a call between the two BYU timeouts.

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  28. Panthers do what they had to do and win the first set 25-21! We need to keep attacking from the middle. Ennis is not a very good option at the net at 6’0″ but Coach says she our best chance, so we need to trust him.

    Pitt is going very defensive in the back row with both Klika and Browske back there most of the time. We will see Pitt attacking more from the back row.

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    1. I was a hard nosed grinder EE, you’d kill me on every skill/technique sport, not just golf!!!

      I could do damage on the wrestling mat
      🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I was captain of my HS wrestling team my senior year. Doesn’t mean I’d fair well if your son is coaching you on the side.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. as good as my kid was, I was probably a little better on my feet, he’d have hammered me from top with his cradle and maybe even matched with me on top

          I was captain too but my kid had all the advantages of the best coaching and youth team here in Maryland from 4th grade on

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  30. nice early run with a big hit just in by Buzz then a spectacular dig by Klicka on a touched block that VVG kills to put Pitt up 6-2

    Liked by 1 person

  31. BYU call a timeout with Pitt up 6-2. Just as important is that BYU lost a challenge and only has one until the fifth set if it goes that far.

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  33. BYU calls its second and last time out with Pitt up 14-10. What a tough group of Panthers fighting tonight!!

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  35. mini runs where Pitt gets up 5 then BYU back to 2 down with 3 mistakes in a row by Pitt

    16-14 BYU serving

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  37. As tvax1 stated Fisher has challenged twice in this set and won both for two critical points. Pitt calls its second time out up 23-20.

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  39. Pitt wins second set. Pitt needs to go more to Vazquez Gomez when she is on the left side and Courtney is on the right side. BYU is cheating over toward Buzzerio.

    Pitt needs to continue to keep the pressure on BYU. This smaller Pitt team is having to use their legs more than BYU so the longer the match goes the more the advantage goes to BYU.

    Liked by 2 people

  42. BYU calls their last timeout in the third set with Pitt up 13-6. Rachel Fairbanks has a triple-double with assists, kills, and digs! That is super impressive!!!

    Liked by 3 people

  43. 13-6, this is where EE calls for foot to the neck

    this WVB team looking like they will deliver

    amazing shoulders on VVG, and I don’t mean she’s a beast in any negative way, would love to have my athletic girls look so powerful!!!

    Liked by 3 people

  44. Pitt calls a time out with run by BYU. Pitt up 22-16. Need to get the next point to put an end to this run.

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  47. Wow!!!! These Panthers played a great match!! Despite being undersized they out defended BYU into submission. Courtney Buzzerio, Valeria Vazquez Gomez, Rachel Fairbanks, Ashley Browske, and Emmy Klika were fantastic!!!

    Liked by 9 people

  48. just a few unforced errors here and there but FEW

    I only wish they would/could block a bit better, that seems to be a weaker part of their game versus most opponents

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Being a lot smaller than the other team has something to do with that tonight. Cam Ennis was getting stuffed time after time. To her credit she did not back down and got a couple of cross court kills.

      Pitt will need another good outside hitter and two middle blockers from the transfer portal. Coach Fisher is making this an easy decision for really good players. He played Ennis the two playoff matches even though she played the left side hardly ever during the regular season. He puts his best players on the court. That should speak volumes to transfers.

      Liked by 3 people

    1. Richard.. please don’t make me vomit…. He’s no QB. But come to think of it neither is Slovis…. If PITT is going to compete for championships the need to up- grade to Maye/ Kubrick caliber players…. Don’t see it happening

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  54. Is there a numerical limit for how many new players, including both high school and transfers, that a college can bring in? Or is the 85 scholarship limit all that matters?

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  56. Looking at the upcoming men’s BB schedule things look pretty favorable until they get to North Carolina on Dec 30th. Could be a good run..

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  57. Pitt had the lead late in the 3rd quarter. It started to go downhill right before the half when Kancey was ejected for targeting. He was getting a lot of pressure in the first half.

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  58. Too bad we didn’t get Carolina later in the year, they finish with 3 straight losses. How’s that for coaching? Does Maye enter the portal? Too bad Pitt couldn’t afford him.

    Looks like defense does win Championships. Utah, Clemson and Michigan with strong D performances.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maye’s stats were off the charts. He isn’t leaving Phil Longo’s offense that is making him a future first round pick.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Maye & Mack Briwn are no dummies either. You better believe Mack is schooling him on what happened to Armstrong at UVA and TVD at Miami.

        A different OC after a very good year by a QB with NFL aspirations can spell disaster.

        Liked by 1 person

  59. Some people were looking for Capwl’s post game presser after the big win over NC State yesterday.

    I found it at insidepacksports.com. Obviously a NC State site.

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  60. All Pitt needs for Christmas is an aquitted Dior, a healthy Hugley, some portal success, more Volleyball and Soccer wins, and a most elusive bowl win. Writing a letter to Santa.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well only change from last year at this point is womens soccer. Not sure how cross country did this year. So might be same number of points. But mens soccer has a real good chance to go to the Finals. Womens volleyball is in a tougher spot.

      And yes Heather hired randy but she did not hire fisher or coach J. Those two are Pitts best coaches hands down.

      Liked by 1 person

  62. I’m thinkin’ John in SC, Annie, Dan, and Lone Star should all be smiling about their favorite Pitt teams this weekend…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Glad about Pitt mens soccer after the USA showing. Could not go down by two right before half when you don’t have a striker.

      Pitt men will either face Hoosiers or UNC Greensboro. I like their chances to reach the NC game.

      Pitt soccers D has improved since I called them a bunch of soft and whiny Euros. Don Cherry is pleased.

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    2. I couldn’t go the the vb game because my BIL had a retirement dinner for my sister at a restaurant. Thank goodness for HULU- I watched it on my phone (as much as possible while paying attention to everyone else.) Good win by the ladies. No messing around- getting it done in 3 sets.

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  63. John in SC: I was switching between Volleyball and the Penguins game, so I didn’t see the whole match. But I was very impressed by Livingston for BYU. We clearly had greater depth of talent than BYU. But she was one of the better players we’ve faced this year.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Livingston was BYU’s best player by far. Pitt was able to keep her from controlling the game. We also negated BYU’s middles with our ball movement. Per tvax1 below the one server was very good but our two defensive specialists did a good job receiving.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. He was a 5-star back in Clemson’s 2017 recruiting class. Transferred to Northwestern for 2019 season.

      He was actually looking for a Grad assistant job when he approached Clemson. Dabo asked if he had eligibility and then welcomed him back to Clemson for depth.

      QB Hunter Johnson is Clemson’s one and only TP addition. Dabo doesn’t believe in using the TP because of the “culture” he has installed at Clemson.

      Liked by 1 person

  65. Bowl negotiations should be hot and heavy this morning. How long until we start hearing some more credible rumors?

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    1. I believe we’ve heard credible landing spots – baseball park or Annapolis are the likely choices.

      Heather is on the job pushing the right buttons.

      Legitimate question: who is our QB if & when Slovis jumps in the portal as a grad transfer?

      Yarnell looked very good beating a lower level MAC team, but never saw the field again. Patti was hurt in the Tennessee game and never saw the field again. The Ivy grad transfer never saw the field.

      Pitt had 5 clear blowout wins in 2022, all after the Tennessee game. What was Duzz thinking by not getting playing time for the back-up QB, whoever he might be?

      Not playing the back-up is consistent with the Duzz era, but that does not make it the right strategy.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Heather should be on the phone with the Gator. No other bowl will cut it. I’d want narduzzi to play the toughest team possible. Got to play a top 25 to have a chance at top 25. Top 25 seasons are important.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Agree, but that is most college coaches and OCs. I wasn’t impressed with Yarnell’s arm strength or athletic ability. Pitt needs some QBs.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. That is why I ask the question – what do we have when Slovis jumps in the portal besides temporary relief before reality sets in.

          I think given the three QB’s left, you have to play Yarnell and then we’ll know. Regardless, the other two are gone after the bowl game, unless Patti decides to take his COVID year.

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          1. There will be plenty of transfer QBs. The only problem, it takes 11 games to learn Cignetti’s offense. UGH

            Maybe they go after the BC kid because he already knows it. If I was Patti I go to a smaller school like Flacco did. Try to kill it for one year to get a NFL tryout.

            Cignetti better be out there saying they are going to open up this offense next year or they aren’t getting anyone good.

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        2. not impressed with Yarnell’s arm strength or athleticism but is he any weaker in those 2 areas than Slow? he does fit that same mode being a pocket passer and little else, I frankly don’t expect any drop off if he’s the guy going into next year

          is he accurate? small sample size says yes

          how they played things and Cig used him in the WMU game makes me wonder and yet there wasn’t anything that stood out to make me think he can’t do

          now whether he sees the field and knows the offense, that is the question…
          …he’s taller so seeing the field at least starts there, although I know it is far more a brain process than just a physical and optics thing

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  66. Miami CB Al Blades Jr entered the transfer portal with 2 years remaining of eligibility. Here’s hoping former Pitt LB HB Blades puts a good word in this young man’s ear – go where you are needed and be sure to look at how many DB’s from Pitt are in the NFL.

    Liked by 3 people

  67. For those wanting to keep their calendars clear, the Pitt Volleyball team plays Florida next Thursday evening and the Men’s Soccer team plays Indiana next Friday evening. I don’t believe times have been set for either event yet.

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  68. Volleyball has it tough. They play Florida. Then most likely Wisconsin. Then probably Louisville and then most likely Texas. A murderers row.

    The mens soccer gets a rematch with Indiana. Indiana beat them two years ago in the Cup. But Pitts D is improved particularly goalkeeper and Pitt has far more experience this time. I like Pitts chances.

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  69. This projection has Pitt in the Sun against ucla. I’ve also seen them in the gator against Mississippi state. I’d watch those games. If possible, I’d fly recruits out to those games if permissible. I’d prefer the gator since Pitt recruits from that state. I’d invite every uncommitted four star and high three in the state to that game.

    https://sports.yahoo.com/bowl-projections-college-football-playoff-045811005.html

    I’d also require that Cignetti employ the RPO. And I’d want Pitt D to blitz on every play.

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  74. Watching the games yesterday, I couldn’t believe the arm strength of those quarterbacks. We haven’t seen anything close to that at Pitt, Pickett included, since Marino.

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  75. On the surface a very weak offer sheet…smart//Yale and Tulane but like our basketball twins much in need of a conditioning program///6ft 5″ and 195 lbs…probably a candidate for a medical extension after getting pounded by some of the teams on Heather’s schedules. UNLV plays at a completely different level and here we go again a West Coast QB who might have some talent but needs extensive coaching nothing more than a project.

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  76. I can’t fathom why Missouri would want Slovis. I would think the SEC defenses would eat him alive. You would also think Slovis would see value in a second year in the same system.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Slowvis sees the value in avoiding the idiotic schedule next year, Huff has that 100% right

      he’s not interested in getting hammered early and often

      and I do not blame him

      Heather’s biggest mistake(if she is the one responsible for scheduling)

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      1. Barnes scheduled Cincinnati.

        Heather and WVU? Either way, everyone wanted that game.

        ND just happened to fall in 2023. I don’t think Barnes knew that in 2017 when Cincy was added. Don’t all Pitt fans want to play ND?

        People on here have said repeatedly they want to see good teams on the schedule, not New Hampshire. Getting their wish.

        Liked by 3 people

        1. so once scheduled can’t be changed?

          WVU is fine as the one big OOC

          people on here can be just as wrong about what to schedule for success I’ve noticed, no?

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          1. I’m the mouthpiece for wanting one tough game and three cupcakes in the OOC.

            I think it just fell this way and there really is no getting out of these games once scheduled to my knowledge. If you can get out, then tell Wisconsin to pound salt. Pitt should not play SEC and B10 teams since those two conferences are trying to bottleneck the other conferences from a larger piece of the pie.

            Liked by 1 person

    2. I can’t understand why Slovis wants to continue football… only took me 3 chemistry courses to realize I didn’t have what it took to be a brain surgeon( back in the merit based days) Knowing your weaknesses is a strength… move on Kedon, you have read the PIV whispers and heard the boos!!! Time to move on young man… head West!!!!

      Liked by 1 person

  77. Pit should be able to go 2-2 with that schedule. Missouri may have an easier OOC schedule but their SEC schedule should be substantially harder than Pitt’s ACC schedule IMHO.

    Liked by 1 person

  78. No way tOSU should be in the CFP. They couldn’t even make their conference championship. Grossly unfair system.

    H2P!!!TGFV. GMS!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. In that case, why not take Alabama? Who wants to watch Michigan-tOSU again except my cousins in Columbus.

      H2P!!!

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  80. Pitt FB ranked 30th in the Coaches Poll and 36th in the AP.

    Beating Cincinnati in Annopolis probably doesn’t move us into the to 25 unless all the 4 loss teams ahead of us lose their meaningless bowl games.

    Liked by 1 person

  81. Does anyone really believe that we have a chance to get picked for the Gator Bowl? Have we ever been favorably surprised by our bowl selection? We always wind up getting slotted a tier below where we actually deserve. Of course, we won’t travel well anywhere that’s not in driving distance or in Florida. So I do understand it.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. If it’s the Sun Bowl, that kicks off at 2 PM. The Pitt UNC game was shown as either the 30th or 31st for a long time on the Pitt app. Recently shown as the 30th with time TBD. But I haven’t seen Pitt vs UCLA in the Sun yet. Have you, Fran?

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  90. Mike Tomlin continues to do all he can to keep the Steeler’s roster mediocre and the worst in their Division, IMHO…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Ya gotta know how to be a real loser to be a JETS fan…so, what else is new? Our QB threw for 345 yards, but the JETSIES had a lousy running game. It is always something, but this year the Sun has peaked out of the clouds a few times.

      Liked by 1 person

  96. Well, quickly, my take is I’m upset most Pitt fans won’t be able to attend, also that the BoJangles league slotted us 5th. I am, however very pleased playing UCLA . It’s probably the highest ranked team we could have played, and unless we have massive opt outs Imreally, really like our chances. That said, if you don’t want to be slotted 5th don’t lose 4 games.

    Liked by 5 people

  97. Personally I hope Slovis plays in the bowl and comes back to Pitt next season. 8-4 is a good season. It could certainly be much worse. We had one bad home game in miserable weather versus Georgia Tech. One out of seven. I’ll take that every year.

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    1. I am fine either way. When you consider Pitt lost it’s franchise player, had a ton of injuries including Slovis’s noggin, 8-4 is not bad. 9-4 would be great especially against a good UCLA team.

      When you compare it to UNC who had everything going for them and lost their last three in a row, with a franchise QB, or Miami that was favored to win the Coastal, I’ll take Pitt’s season.

      I kind of like the home town kid finishing his college career at Pitt, if Slovis chooses to go, but just hope we get an experienced kid against next year’s schedule.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. For starters , just to see if our 8 million dollar man Duzz can beat a P5 team with a 9-3 record outside of the wacky ACC Coastal..

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  98. The Heather bashing seems to have abated now that Pitt teams are doing well in so many different sports. There are some commenters on this board that really need to give credit where credit is due. Ike was right, as usual, and Tex owes Heather a major apology.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Heather had nothing to do with hiring two of Pitts best coaches. I give her credit for hiring randy. I do not like the extensions for Capel and narduzzi. And victory heights is a debt laden project. We’re still next to last in donations among acc schools. Athletics is still being run in the red. However I will give her credit for wearing much less yellow this year.

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      1. The day I apologize to Heather and that atom counter is the day that Heather is dressed in white and that government bureaucrat doesn’t know basic arithmetic.

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  99. I’m with the group that would buy his ticket to Missouri or any othert place if that would help him make his decision. In college football you need a QB that can give you the run option much like KP did for us last year. Slovis is not that guy and I would be very happy if the rumors of him moving on into the portal are confirmed tomorrow.

    Liked by 3 people

    2. jrn. – I agree with you, but when it comes to Pitt football, I survive on hope.

      —I hope Slovis leaves (because of his lack of mobility) but if he stays, I hope our offense is better from Slovis being in the offense for the second year.

      —If Jurkovec becomes a Panther, I hope our offense is better because he has played in Coach Cig’s offense and as a bonus, he’s more mobile that Slovis.

      —Then I hope Minchey enters the portal and comes to Pitt when he realizes ND has 3 other QBs as good as him…

      Go Pitt

      Like

  100. WOWEEEE I am going batsh-t KRAZEE because the first college football game that I attended in my life was Pitt vs UCLA in September of 1959. I had never been in a college stadium and the colors, huge screaming crowd, and amazing Pitt Band with the Herald trumpets blew my mind. Johnny Michelosen was the coach, Ivan Toncic was the QB and we had a pretty good football player named Mike Ditka. I don’t remember all the details of the game but I do remember Pitt winning at the end after losing most of the way and the stadium went absolutely INSANE!!!!! I remember that it was a pass play with little time left on the clock (no I don’t remember the exact details or final score). Whatta way to see my first college football game UCLA will always be stamped into my mind. PITT WINS THE SUN BOWL!!

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Isnore, I googled the Pittsburgh Press archives and read the article for that game.
      Pitt scored 3 touchdowns in the last 6 minutes…the last with 31 seconds left for the win.
      QB Toncic needed oxygen and ammonia in the locker room after the game.
      Sounds like a helluva introduction to Pitt football!!

      Liked by 6 people

      2. I remember that the finish was fast and furious. 31 seconds WOW, I just remember screaming like a lunatic and after the game the beer was flowing like a river. Pitt played, USC, UCLA, OKLAHOMA,Washington, Baylor, ARMY, NAVY (they were strong back then), Powerhouse Syracuse, Might MIAMI (with George Mira), the Domers, WVU, PENN STATE, etc. etc. as an independent –no conference just a brutal, bone crushing schedule almost every year…..PITT WAS A FOOOTBALLL SCHOOL!! Pitt is in my blood.

        Liked by 6 people

    1. Pitt is Greeeeaatt!

      I do like mesulf some Frosted Flakes.

      I expect king Pat to pull another brain fart and become 1-5 in bowl games.

      But he’s worth it Pitt fans who luv some mediocrity and meatballs. M&M’s are my fav. BTW.

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  103. Whether or not Heather hired all the coaches is irrelevant. It’s about running an athletics dept. with dozens of coaches and hundreds of players involved. It is not a coincidence that multiple sports teams are doing well. So what if Vic Hts is being built with borrowed money. Heather had to fight for every dime. Name one Pitt AD that had done better across all sports!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Who Heather hires is very relevant. How Heather uses debt to finance projects that could BK Pitt is very relevant. How Heather collects funds from supporters via donations is very relevant. How heathers business acumen is put to the test is very relevant. Pitt still operates with one of the highest subsidies among P5 schools. You can’t gloss those things over and award her Queen. You know better.

      Like

    2. If you have a degree from Pitt you should care. Far more than any fan who just follows Pitt like I just follow the Longhorns. Pitt is great in my opinion due to its combination of athletic and academic goodness. Both can be improved. But there’s never a day that I don’t show my colors down here. Just being real like a Texan with Appalachian roots.

      Liked by 1 person

  104. Decent game by Kenny today. I’d rather have anyone but Slovis at QB and will also pay for his Greyhound Bus ride to Mizzou! BBall Wednesday vs Vandy can’t get here soon enough. Still can’t believe we let them get off a 3 to beat us in 88!

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      1. The huddle before was a mess. Half yelled to foul, the other half not to foul. Showed how poor of a communicator Evans was and his assistants doing nothing to get a final answer.

        It was still just two shots back then when fouled in the act of shooting.

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  107. I don’t think Heather needs any false praise. Her successful results speak for her incredible competence! What other Pitt AD has even come close??

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  109. Pitt is playing probably the highest ranked team they could of played. But it does zero good in recruiting. Few if any Texas or Cali recruits will come to Pitt. I told all the uncommitted Texans to go to the real UT. The Gator was THE bowl. Thanks Heather… again. But boy do those Fantas taste great when we’re down by 30.

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    1. considering how great the last week has been in recruiting, I don’t think it could be going worse

      not thinking ANY AD changes the bowl selection much at all

      is UCLA happy to be going to El Paso? they have a pathetic AD too?

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    1. Elf and National Lampoon Christmas Vacation would be in my top 3 list. The make me laugh out loud every time I see them.

      Like

  112. If you knew Pitt football like I knew Pitt football from ‘88 to ‘93 you’d be a fan of Violent Night as a Christmas Movie. It was by far the worst stretch of Pitt football in history. You had Paul can’t Hackett and Back to the Future Johnny Majors. What a crap show. So I fantasize that I’m Santa and those Killer B’s are breaking into a Santa loving home. Watch the upcoming movie. That’s me in the Santa Suit.

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    1. Seems every Pitt student thinks they saw the worst stretch of Pitt football. I was there in the late 60s; tough to beat that stretch with three 1-9 seasons in a row…

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 3 people

    2. At least 1988 and ’89 were winning records and fun teams to tune into.

      Worst stretch by far to be a student was 1992-96. Those Pitt students deserve a written apology from administrators for not having a football team to come watch. Those were my years at Ohio State, which was the opposite. The school double downed on football and results ever since have been pretty spectacular.

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  113. Erie Express, Let me graciously submit that Pitt football is 35th in the AP Poll (not 36th). Counting is one of the last remaining remnants of my legacy as a retired Professional Engineer and a Pitt mechanical engineering grad.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I must have been distracted when I saw South Alabama and Fresno State in front of us and miscounted.

      Either number is disappointing in my book and big leap to end the season inside the top 25. Nearly impossible.

      I stand corrected Tony.

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  114. Major is correct…1966 – 1968 under the great Dave Hart had 3 1-9 seasons in a row.
    First away game my freshman year UCLA edged us something like 65-7.
    Ah, the good old days 😪

    Liked by 2 people

  119. So Pitt is playing in a real bowl against a tough team, what did it have to overcome to get here?

    Here are a few bullet points.

    The loss of their ultimate superstar, an unusual occurence to say the least.

    A new OC and System, a new QB, two portal receivers.

    Two portal linebackers with young back-ups.

    Starting with a rivalry game.

    A second game against a formidable SEC team that took out our first string QB and injured many.

    A third game with a third string starting QB

    A fourth game against a team that got their coach fired with a QB coming back from concussion.

    A massive number of injuries causing lost participation

     Slovis concussion, 1 missed game 
 Warren 8 missed games, Drexel 7 missed games, Houy 4 missed games
 Hammond 5, Izzy 1, Carter 1
 Wayne 1, Mumpfield 1, Karter Johnson 1, Bradley 6 after he quit

    On defense

     Kancy 1
 Alexandre 3
 Haba 3
 Danielson 2
 Hayes 5*
 Bentley 1
 Brima 1
 George 9
 Battle 9

    This does not include partial games when the injury took place or games where they were not 100% following their return.

    No doubt injuries are a part of the game that effect performance.

    Yes the season was disappointing for what might have been, but was decent considering they never gave up and won eight games had a 1000 yd RB and a 1000 yd WR and led the nation in Sacks. Pretty good considering the hurdles along the way.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Was maddening to me that our two WRs of the law firm Barden and Bradley contributed so little. Those two had been around a while and should have been ready to go.

      Whether it was poor coaching, poor attitudes or poor recruiting, we ended up with a big negative impact. We ended up depending too much on Bub Means.

      Would you want Jordan Addison or Bradley or Barden or Bub Means. I just can’t decide… 🤔

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Bradley was obviously a head case. I don’t understand not using Barden at all. He proved last year he could get open deep but didn’t have great hands. With a running focus, Means was the far better blocker but why not run Barden deep a few times a game? Hard to figure.

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  120. The state of the high school recruiting class is depressing. Should the coaches be concentrating their efforts on three star high school kids or working on bringing in four star transfer portal players?

    Basketball recruiting leans toward the portal.

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  121. Recruiting has definitely changed because of the portal. Much more scrambling and defections at the last minute. Kids do not feel obligated to stand by their word since schools continue to pursue them till the bitter end. Now with the portal a written committment is only a year at a time, if that. The only thing constant is change.

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  124. So does Patti or Yarnell get the start in the bowl?

    UCLA’s QB and others are undecided since they will get drafted.

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    1. That’s a great question. I’m cheering for Patti because I believe he should have got a shot last year. He should be hungry to kick some butt in what will most likely be his last hurrah as a Panther.

      Liked by 2 people

  126. The Slovis move is best for both parties. Duzz made a big mistake.

    Slovis should find a system like USC used; Pitt should find someone more mobile…. 👍

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  127. As much as Slovis was so/so at quarterback, I am mad he is leaving because I purchased a Chinese knock off Pitt Slovis jersey that only arrived three weeks ago. I guess I can put that with my Ben Dinucci jersey, Joe Felitsky autographed photo, and Mike Haywood autographed mini helmet…Pitt relics of those that did not spend much time with us haha.

    Liked by 7 people

  128. As much as Slovis was so/so at quarterback, I am mad he is leaving because I purchased a Chinese knock off Pitt Slovis jersey that only arrived three weeks ago. I guess I can put that with my Ben Dinucci jersey, Joe Felitsky autographed photo, and Mike Haywood autographed mini helmet…Pitt relics of those that did not spend much time with us haha.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I liked this second post ajs32 after passing on your first 😉

      I have 2 Addison jerseys that are annoying to have spent any $ on

      at least he’s going to have a shot at the next level so if he hits it big, I may have to bring them out 🙂

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  131. Many of these transfer portal kids will end up playing for colleges in lower conferences. I guess what they are saying is that they would rather play at a lower level than challenge for playing time at a higher level. Can’t blame them but maybe Pitt shouldn’t be recruiting kids who can’t play at a top conference.

    As for Slovis, it seems to me that our players do read the POV, and there has been some pretty tough criticism of him on this site bordering on slander. I think that criticizing coaches is fair game, but players deserve some restraint from POVers who are unhappy with Pitt’s overall performances. After all, could any college student perform at a top level when there is a nearly daily stream of degrading insults flowing at him? All these kids owe us is a best effort to perform well, and personal attacks against these kids should never be part of the dialogue.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. I agree to a point but criticism goes with the territory and these kids know it and are coached to deal with it. My concern is that when recruits read the POV they may have serious concerns about their futures. The hatred towards the coaches, AD, and BOT is over the top. The actual game threads are a disaster, if you read one after the fact you would never think we won a game.

      Unfortunately in the age of social media where teenage girls are routinely committing suicide because of what is said about them and portrayed on instagram, sports figures have to take the good with the bad.

      I wrote my bullet points above as a counter to all of the Nard and Cig stink POV’s without much in the way of facts to back it up. Nard has won the 2nd most games as a Pitt coach, the 2nd most ACC games since he came. Cig won 8 games with all the hurdles stated above, with a QB that many are happy is leaving.

      While everyone is entitled to their opinion, an opinion without some reasonable facts is only an opinion.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. If recruits read the POV and use that for decision making, Pitt has more problems than we suspect.

        When you’re a QB or pitcher, criticism comes with the position!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Dan, if a player is a highly valued recruit with, say, 15 offers, the decision may come down to where he feels the most comfortable. I recall many players at Pitt, from all sports, saying it came down to the family atmosphere they experienced when visiting. Now that Slovis is transferring, if you are Jurkovec aren’t you on the phone asking him why he is leaving?

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      2. Sorry GC I typically agree with your points of view but the criticism of Slow-vis performance was supported by facts. I do not ever agree with personal attacks but poor performance and horrible decisions leading to TOs that crushed momentum were numerous and it is totally fair for us as fans to call him out on those.

        He rightfully has a share of the blame (along with Cig70’s horrible offensive strategy) for the GT and Louisville losses.

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  132. There are so very many interesting qbs in the portal. In addition to Phil the Thrill I’d seriously go after the PSU transfer. He looked really good in the couple games he played, mobile and a very nice arm. They are putting all their eggs in the big kid but he’ll either be a star or the second coming of Hack a sack. But really, does it matter if all you do is hand off and throw 5 yd passes.

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  135. Jurk is the obvious choice to come in for one year because of his working knowledge of the system… Armstrong and Devin Leary NCSU are really good QBs but probably ruled out due to the “time to learn” element with only one year of eligibility

    Liked by 1 person

  136. Slovis was made a Captain of the Panthers in pre-season….hmmm. Toal failure. A number of talented QB’s are already in the portal and I will guarantee that a minimum of 2-3 more excellent prospects will enter this week. So, who wants to follow Slovis and play 1980’s football with Cignetti? In my opinion the best choice for Pitt would be Jurkovec, a 412 boy, experience playing Cignetti’s Encyclopedia Britannica sized system and his family will be very close by. I hate to even say this but given his injury problems Pitt offers world class care and rehab. PULEEZE NO MORE WEST COAST QB’S.

    Liked by 1 person

  137. While Slovis could be much better, he is certainly not the main issue. Cignetti is. He has no recent history to suggest he can get the job done. None.

    Cignetti’s points per game ranking.

    2022 49th
    2021 93rd
    2020 68th

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  138. Saying Cignetti won eight games is not an argument in his favor. Pitt should have won more games and they would have if his crappy offense could have score more.

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  139. I completely agree with Gordon. Some criticism can be expected, but the negativity can be too much. If I am a potential recruit I would be going to all of the media sites to learn more about the university and the overall atmosphere of the program and fan base. Reading this site and how Slovis was treated, no potential recruit would want to subject themselves to that. All Slovis did was to accept Narduzzi’s offer to come play football at Pitt.

    He obviously wasn’t the savior as many hoped, but had to overcome many obstacles such as a new coaching staff, new playbook, new group of receivers, etc. Perhaps a second year would have been much better- but we will never know. Let’s see if some outside QB will step in and do better…

    And the constant attacks against the lousy OC and the coach who hired him will also drive recruits away. Despite a limited budget and off campus facility, Narduzzi has won more games than all but one former Pitt coach, but the personal attacks against him are endless. After reading this blog for a while, if you were a recruit would you want to come here?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Agree with the attacks on HCPN (occasionally referred to as Nardummy by me) being over the top. The guy has been one of Pitt’s most successful coaches. However, even good coaches can be criticized for bad decisions. Winning the ACC and two Coastal titles in his time supports his successes and critics who ignore this do it at the peril of their credibility.

      Cig70’s has frankly not been successful in any P5 job he’s had. Hiring him may be one of the bad decisions for which rightful criticism of HCPN is deserved.

      Like

  140. Couple of things:
    1) Every team has injuries during the season. We just know more about our kids who are hurt. Other teams may have key players out also, and coaching changes can be funny and effect kids in different ways.
    2) I sure hope we have a dedicated staff ( multiple guys) who are solely responsible for IDENTIFYING transfer portal available players. This is the way of the future. You may have stud HS recruiters but transfer portal identification and recruiting is the way a school like Pitt can succeed. Get on top of it for once and find your nitch. Man, this is a golden opportunity.
    3) VOR, if you go on other boards you’ll know we aren’t all that different. They all badmouth coaches and players, and they all think they know more than the OC. Every poster thinks their team should score 50 and totally shut down the opponent, and if not there’s something wrong. Heck, look at tOSU, guys looses 1 game, yup, one game, and they want a change. Any kid who makes his decision based on what 50:yr old alums think is just nuts.
    4) Perhaps Cincy will not be the powerhouse they have been next year. They’ll lose a heck of a lot when LF goes. Keep,an eye out.
    5) We open as 6.5 dogs. Let’s see who is showing up for the game. Anyone who bets on bowls nowadays is nuts. Sure, tell me it’s easy money.
    6) Oops, guess that was more than a couple. My bad.

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    1. Every team has injuries and they affect win loss records.
      Pitt had virtually no major injuries last year except for Mack, but they had plenty of other guys. I think Camp too, but nothing like this year. If I recall the year before when Addison was hurt they lost.
      Healthy teams tend to win more games. Teams that lose key players tend to lose more.
      Look at the Steelers record with and without TJ or Polamalu.
      Many a football season went down the tubes due to injuries.

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  141. When a player transfers in and then leaves after one year, it is a bad look for the college and a stain on the program. Pitt isn’t that successful that they can just shrug their shoulders when their starting QB leaves for greener pastures.

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    1. I disagree. A mistake was made by Coach Duzz. Being given the opportunity is what’s important. Sometimes things don’t work out. In this new world of college FB, the answer is to move on…

      Anyone who would hold the Slovis episode against Pitt should look into Kenny Pickett’s career at Pitt…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  142. What personal attacks are you referring to? My main problem with Slovis was he just would never give Pitt the run option that most starting P5 QB’s can offer to some extent. By the way Slovis was not slow and the very few times he did run he showed some decent speed. But IMO he never wanted to run most probably because he feared another concussion that would KO him for the season. So if you have to ability to run but refuse to do so then move on to another program that will take you with that limitation. Which looks like that’s want is about to happen.—I’m just happy dan, BB and I don’t have to pay for his one way ticket out of Pittsburgh. And from what I hear a good number of roster players are not unhappy with his decision to leave town.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Who said Slovis was transferring? He was voted on by the players to be captain. That is hardly being hated. Sounds like BS from a forum.

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  143. jrnpitt, you make good points. We never know what goes on in the locker room. Granted, Slovis was not the runner that Pickett was. That is fair criticism, but mocking him, as some have done, goes too far. He may have been pressured to come back too quickly after the concussion and was hesitant to run.

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    1. I, for one, won’t miss the “Slow-vis” comments…. So clever.

      Next up — Jurkovec! Can anyone see where this is headed?

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 2 people

  144. For those worried about recruits reading the POV, Ped St fans are a million times worse. If you want to see over the top criticism of a HC, OC, DC or QB, hold your nose and go on to Black shoe diaries. They hate everyone. This place is a safe space with hot coco and coloring books compared to that.

    This is major college football. Fan is short for fanatic. If some recruit is turned off from Pitt because their starting QB caught heat on a message board that recruit should not play at an FBS school and look into Slippery Rock or Mansfield.

    Liked by 1 person

  145. A recruit isn’t picking a school based on blog comments. He is picking a school based on position stats, wins vs losses, number of the players the school puts in the NFL, relationship with coaches and for some, the academic side.

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  146. Don’t forget that Slovis came because he had Addison to throw to and a returning offensive line. Well Addison left and three starters missed a lot of games. Slovis was under a lot of pressure until the line jelled. At the same time the defense was not as vaunted as any of us anticipated, not much pressure on the QB’s, new linebackers not making plays resulting in few turnovers so many long fields for the offense. Add to that a concussion, the constant comparisons to Pickett and Wayne probably leaving so no wonder Slovis wants out of town.

    Of course it is all Cig’s fault.

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    2. If any of you read my post several days ago about meeting Jurkovec’s dad in York you understand his motivations for playing for Notre Dame and BC. PSUX was NEVER in the picture. We have added a very talented QB who I hope and pray can stay reasonably healthy. Cignetti knows what PJ can do and I believe that his offense will be tailored to his capabilities. BC did not have a very good supporting cast for Jurkovec, let’s all hope that we can keep some of our better players and have good fortune in the portal.

      Liked by 1 person

  151. Jurkovec to Pitt its almost official. Evidently he told ESPN not too many minutes ago he is transferring to Pitt. That probably is about the best Cignetti can do at this point.—To answer the Slovis captain question, its been suggested the players never did nominate him for the position and it was more or less forced on them by Narduzzi. How true that is may only come out now when Slovis moves on the greener pastures.

    Liked by 1 person

  152. MJ Devonshire scored more points for this team than every offensive player not named Wayne, Abanakanda and Sauls. Only two offensive players in front of him. Sad but true and good for MJ.

    His points this year would have placed him behind nine offensive players on last years team. A lot more offensive players got a lot more touches last year. Thus Bradley and Barden being gone. Hopefully not Bart.

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  155. Kudos to whoever called this on a thread a few days ago. I will have to look back to find a name. I never thought Slovis would transfer and I never thought my fellow PR alum the Big Phil Dizzle would end up at Pitt. Someone on our blog has some big league insider information and reported everything earlier than the media lol.

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  156. Regarding the idea of Phil hypothetically being eligible for the bowl … there may not be anything in the rule book because doesn’t he have to be enrolled at Pitt? He’s currently enrolled at BC and would not be eligible until classes start, correct? Or since the game is after finals, does that clear him? I get it’s not happening but it is a fascinating scenario.

    Liked by 1 person

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