218 thoughts on “Early Signing Day Open Thread”

  6. Per the Rivals Team Ranking site, only the QB Dieffenbach and ATH Israel Polk haven’t signed. Both are California commits and were probably sleeping when signing time opened.

    Per PantherLiar, both McMillion and Veilleux have also signed.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. They must have a very early lunch in California. Dieffenbach signed about 30 plus minutes ago. Jurkovec also signed and I think the other kid from California Polk is the only expected recruit Pitt is still waiting for now.

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  8. Note to local kids. Just go to Pitt out of high school instead of riding the pine elsewhere for years.

    Petrishen, Devonshire, Jurkovec, McMillion.

    Liked by 4 people

  9. I think narduzzi needs to do a better job convincing these local kids and their coaches. I can’t see many area coaches recommending Pitt with King complex Narduzzi as coach and Dodo Cig as OC.

    Sorry to hear about Francos passing. But Hell has visitations on mondays so he can now stop by and see his former beloved coach JoePa. Maybe bring him some diapers.

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      2. it’s low but when it was exposed there should have been open and extreme contrition expressed by all involved and surrounding, it was certainly NOT by many

        these were children, Sandusky should be suffering and those that enabled and those that didn’t go to every length to stop it all deserve the same

        I’ll never forget the USC/PSU bowl game where the game announcers were praising PSU for putting it behind them, it was disgusting

        Liked by 1 person

  10. OT – Congrats to the BB team for being 2-0 in the ACC, and both road wins.

    That last possession by the Orange reminded me of the type of crappy shot Pitt would normally take in that situation. Sure glad the game didn’t go to OT…

    (The Franco news is a shocker…. I remember watching him run straight up the gut of the Pitt defense for a long TD at Pitt Stadium when I was a student. Course we were terrible then. )

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. True.

      I remember that play because PSU was wearing their standard all whities and from the student section all you saw was Franco’s rather ample butt running down the field…. A memory I haven’t been able to suppress…

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Any of these 16 recruits have offers from Elon like in previous years. Like when Pitt was a kids only real P5 offer. Huge red flag when a kids only P5 interest is from Pitt. I don’t think we have this reach with this class at least. But the overall quality is still very blah. Have a tough time seeing at least six impact players from this bunch. But you guys will bank on the Kings assistants to develop and coach up. You can’t teach speed or size.

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      3. Well Amarion Donald didn’t even have an Elon offer. But if it weren’t for Rutgers, Pitt would have been Donald’s ONLY Power 5 offer (he was also offered by Toledo and Akron, I believe). Sometimes our guys do recognize talent when others don’t perhaps?

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  12. Good point John in fact this is how Dixon’s teams played, got crushed at the 3 point line and fought back only to lose by a few.

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  13. RIP Franco, I remember he and Lydel Mitchell tearing up Pitt. I was furious with the Steelers for not taking Mitchell ( who went to the (Colts).

    I was living in Shadyside working my first job in the print business post graduation from Pitt. We listened to the Steelers on the radio and as I bleed Black and Gold,
    I had been screaming at the radio as
    Raiders just were crushing the Steelers. I gave up on the game and was taking a shower when my roommate came in told me the news of the Immaculate Reception.
    RIP Franco.

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  14. Lone Star…I didn’t think I could have a lower opinion of your comments until today. To say it was uncalled for would be an understatement. Franco was a great man and a wonderful humanitarian! And a true Pittsburgher!

    Liked by 3 people

  15. We will not know for two or three years how good this class is, but Narduzzi and Co. have been pretty good at finding under rated talent.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Many subjects covered on the blog, today… As for the Pitt BB victory, it was a great win but exposed some weaknesses the ACC teams will be able to exploit. For example, Pitt can expect to see much more full court pressure because they don’t have the PGs needed to consistently break the press.

    Also, the number of cross court passes is a concern. There were 10 turnovers in the second half when Pitt should have been protecting the basketball and the lead. Pitt got tight as the lead shrank, and the shooting got worse. They didn’t score for nearly 7 minutes near the end. Teams will shut off the outside shooting if Pitt can’t get more scoring in the paint.

    And Dan, I was hoping you would weigh in on the comparison between Dior and Mintz. Can you provide your observed judgment?

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Problem w tall players inbounding the ball is they often start or bring the ball down to belt buckle level, easy to steal.
        Also, they don’t have the ability to head fake like guards and forwards.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I have only seen tape of Dior. Having said that and huge respect for Mintz, they appear to be the same player! Dior might be a smidgen better ball-handler.
      I am so excited to see Dior play. Hope he’s stayed in shape. I’ll be crushed if Pitt axes him.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Pitt certainly did not make it easy on the fans last night, but how many times have we seen that go the other way? How many bet on Pitt winning its first two ACC games on the road to boot. Especially if you were at the WV game and watched them play Michigan this was totally unexpected. For the first time ever Pitt has multiple guys that can shoot from the three point line and it is fun to watch. Who do you want to take the last shot for the win?

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Truly shocked and saddened by the news of Franco’s death.

    My personal memory of Franco was playing basketball against him at Trees Hall. A lot of Steelers would come to Trees for the pick-up games. Guess they saw it as a way to stay in shape by running the floor with college kids.

    Franco was one of them. In the games I played against him we would always get paired up because we were about the same height… although he did have 20 pounds or so on me. He was probably around 29 at the time.

    Let me just say, he was a much better football player lol. He loved to push off and felt absolutely no guilt about it. Think it might have been a Penn State/Pitt thing LOL.

    Still, always a huge Franco fan. Older Steelers fans surely remember the IMMEDIATE impact he had on the team. Before Bradshaw became Bradshaw and Swann and Stallworth, it was Franco who gave the Steelers a chance. He made them legit.

    A true Pittsburgh icon who will be missed.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I played in those pick up games a few years before you, run and gun, very competitive. The black kids from the hill would alway pick me because I was one of few that would pass the ball.

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  19. Tex just likes the attention.

    Not sure about the freshmen but I like the transfers.

    Recruit for depth and find transfers for immediate needs. That’s the new era.

    The blue bloods will stay focused on recruiting and the high profile transfers. Schools like Pitt will find the borderline NFL players that are excellent college players. Sprinkle those guys in with the late bloomer recruits and it’s a good way to stay very competitive.

    Pitt can win a lot of games and be very successful this way. More successful than relying on just recruiting alone.

    We’re not very marketable to recruits but we are very marketable to borderline NFL guys looking for a chance.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I agree. Narduzzi has the right recipe for sure for a school like Pitt. Anyone who thinks we have the resources (or really desire) to compete head to head with the big boys is just deluding themselves.

      Duzz does a good job of selling Pitt’s advantages, I would would suspect Pitt has some kind of secret sauce (or maybe over investment relative to other schools) in the talent eval department. And they also do a great job developing.

      And that’s how you get to win 8 games with a meh quarterback. Not a lot of teams can do that.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. A-flamin’-men. That is THE substance of who we are. And I love who we are. I personally would find it boring to never be able to celebrate a surprise victory (because you are expected to win them all) and only be able to cry over any loss (because you are never supposed to lose).

        Liked by 2 people

  20. I was in my first year of Grad school in Franco’s first year as a Steeler. We had been having Sunday Steeler parties for a couple years but Franco changed everything. What a joy to watch him stiff arm guys down the sideline. Some fans were critical of him going out of bounds rather than take the punishment to get a couple extra yards. it will be interesting to see if they evaluate his brain for CTS. Avoided a lot of head trauma by going out of bounds.

    We had to listen to the playoff game because of the home blackouts in those days. If not for the fake punt by Miami the next week, the Steelers probably win their first superbowl that year.

    Eight days after the Immaculate Reception, Roberto Clemente died.

    It was also Tony Dorsett’s freshman year….

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Yeah, me, my brother and my dad went down to Three Rivers to get tickets for the Raiders and the Miami games. I was shocked that the line was not long at all. We had nose bleed seats in the end zone facing the scoreboard for the Raider’s game and great seats for the Miami game.

      We dominated the Raiders game until Kenny Stabler scrambled and scored their only TD into the end zone where we were seated. Craig Hanneman our DE had contain and decided to blitz Stabler. He sidestepped Craig and went in to score.

      The Miami game was in beautiful weather with a high in the upper’60’s. we were so pissed it wasn’t cold out. Larry Sipel was their punter and Noll sent in one player after the punter and he just turned around half way in. Sipel had a green light to run, it was not planned by the coaching staff. The whole crowd was screaming to no avail. Miami I admit outplayed us in the game.

      I’m still sorry I didn’t keep the game ticket stub.

      Liked by 2 people

  21. Here’s another index of how far we’ve come (despite stars): Pitt’s late adds are equal to or better quality than most of Paul Chyst’s recruits in general.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. I like this class. Covered all the positions, got some good transfers, some Florida kids, Charlie Partridge under the radar DL kids, a young QB. A typical Pitt class.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. All Pitt needs is a booster club capable of generating at least three million per year and Pitt can compete for four stars. The old golden panthers generated $26 million in todays dollars per some fellow POVert from the other day. Don’t be saying it isn’t possible. But let’s see what the new chancellor says. She should be receptive to the concept under the proper oversight.

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    1. I believe the Panther club is in the neighborhood of $8M or more for scholarships and much more for capital projects. I was a long time Golden Panther and past President of a chapter. Our goal at that time (mid-70s) was $1m which is today’s dollars is $5M. At that time, the administration did not want us to raise much money and provided little assistance. Today the involvement of the chancellor and trustees is integral to projects such as Victory Heights.

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  26. Michigan vs UNC (University of No Classes) tonight at 7 on ESPN.
    Good preview for Pitt’s next game.

    Still bummed over Franco. We are all at that age where every moment alive is precious. Franco’s death reminds us!

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    1. The women played last night with Michigan winning. That UNC game last Saturday was one the best regular season games I can remember. Bascot is a beast. I’m surprised he stayed all 4 years there. Looks like pro material to me…

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    1. That stat above, by itself, is meaningless relative to our class strength. There are certainly players I’d want to keep ahead of Bass.

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  30. Who cares about Franco? The guy spent the last 10 years of his life defending the fraud that was JoePa. Lost all credibility in my book.

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  32. I think the transfer portal is the great equalizer. Narduzzi gave his pitch on the air the other day. Basically he tells kids that NIL is chump change and Pitt can get them the big money in the NFL. Pitt gives kids about 5 grand each for spending money. Say what you want about Slovis, Narduzzi knew how to recruit him, He probably says it was no coincidence that the Steelers took KP in the first round.

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      1. No one in D1 wants a weak arm statue at QB, especially Air Raid offenses. He’ll be lucky to get an offer from Gannon!!

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  34. High expectations are probably also a curse. Slovis wasn’t going to realize Narduzzi’s promises in the Cignetti offense…

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  36. Forget class rankings as they are based on * ratings and anyone who is paying attention can see that as soon as a Pitt 3* recruit leaves for ND or any other “name” school they are bumped to 4* status. It’s all political and frankly a joke.

    B O’Neal (3), Q Ollison (3), D Jackson (2), R Weaver (2), P Jones (2), J Twyman (3), D Alexander (3), C Warren (3), O Drexel (2), C Bright (3), K Pickett (3), E Hallett (3), H Baldonado (3), Zubovic & Kradel (3), S Dennis (2), J Wayne (3), C Kancey (3), B Sauls (2), I Abanikanda (3), J Addison (3) are proof that non 4*s can be (1) significant contributors to winning teams, (2) condidates for Heisman, Nagurski or winners of Bilitnekoff national awards, (3) or NFL caliber talent.

    Frankly, the ranking services should be ashamed of their incompetence and probably couldn’t find their own back sides with both hands. The * system is pure and simple politics and therefore the ranking of recruiting classes are BS.

    And please spare me the argument about how the Alabamas, Clemsons, Georgias, PSU, OSU, NDs, etc win because of the number of 4* and 5s. Pitt will never be able to ompete with these teams recruiting wise, but just like TCU it doesn’t mean that Pitt can’t compete with these teams on the field with their 2 and 3* recruits. Pitt has beaten PSU, Clemson, ND. Facts are facts.

    Liked by 9 people

    1. Thanks for pulling the 2 and 3 star names. It is a great list.

      Don’t compare Pitt to any university without comparing football budget and revenue.

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  37. First off, the best of wishes to all of you during the holiday season. Just a few comments while I rest after eating too much today. One thing I am surprised that Pitt has not landed in this class is a stud running back. Pitt has had a lot of success running the ball not only this year, but back to Conner, Quadry, and Hall. I thought they would land a breakaway back in the portal. I was hoping the transfer kid from Gateway/LSU Derrick Davis would be interested in coming to Pitt as a RB. I hadn’t seen anything that he signed elsewhere, so maybe that is still a possibility.

    A comment on Franco. I had the pleasure to meet him a few times and he was as nice as could be. A true gentlemen. A while back, Joe Greene was getting a lifetime achievement award at the Dapper Dan Banquet, and Franco was there. When he was standing by Joe Greene, I couldn’t believe that Franco actually looked as big as Mean Joe. I know this a long time after their playing days, but it still was interesting to see them side by side. I couldn’t imagine trying to tackle him at full speed. I know a few on here have blasted him for his stance concerning Joe Paterno. However, I will say this, watch Ryan Clark’s show The Pivot with the Pouncey brothers. It is interesting to hear them talk about Aaron Hernandez. You don’t have to agree with them by any means, but I do respect their opinion and I guess I could put Franco in the same boat. Again, I’m not supporting their stance or their opinions.

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      5. you must not listen to any sports talk radio

        in this area it’s not bland, it’s a stupid $hit show with the hosts being stupider than the callers in many cases

        lots of stuff on the Commanders and I swear while I’ve listened off and on for 25 years they’ve have only a few with good quality content

        is there much better talk radio in Pgh?

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      1. Peak needs a cohost. He simply not interesting or engaging enough to carry a podcast/video by himself. Every time I try to listen to him, I wonder how he can think that what he is doing is entertaining. Like Gordon mentioned above, it’s like watching a lecture. It may be informative but it is not entertaining.

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  39. Most kids don’t land in the nfl. And if they do it’s later rounds or practice squad as free agents…if you’re a Pitt player. Narduzzi landing guys in the pros. Come on. Bama can say the same plus they get far far bigger NIL. And those guys actually become starters and get guaranteed contracts as first rounders.

    Who’s he trying to fool. Only himself. Go back to Youngstown you Jagoff Meatball. And take the locks for your gates with you.

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    1. Sorry but your missing the point again. Ask Robert Foster if he wishes he had Tyler Boyd’s college career which led to a highly profitable and successful NFL career. Most NIL $$$ is a pitance of what can be made in the NFL, but you can’t get to the NFL if you can’t get on the field.

      Besides, there are only 32 first rounders, so almost every college player is 99.99% more likely to NOT be one of those.

      Liked by 3 people

  40. If memory serves me correctly, in Franco’s first year as a Steeler, he didn’t have a car and would take public transportation everywhere (mostly a bus).

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  41. Reading Dan’s very “Dan-like” description of his Immaculate Reception memory (which I enjoyed quite a bit), it reminded me of my own story, which I’d like to share…

    I was a 12 yr old carrier for The Pittsburgh Press on Saturday, December 23, 1972. Pgh Press carriers had afternoon runs 6 days a week and Sunday mornings back then. Saturday papers were thin back then (even by today’s stds) – yippee, btw – and so the route went fast.

    I had about 5 houses to go when I saw Reverend Kelly (a minister) washing his car in his driveway. A very large green Chevorlet Impala Station Wagon, btw. It was a bit mild on that day… mid 40’s … unusual for December.

    Anyhow, he has the game on his transistor radio and I plop down next to it to listen to some of the game. The Steelers were winning and things were looking good, when Ken Stabler scrambled for that late touchdown.

    Steelers get the ball and things look bleak. 4th and 10 wiht 22 seconds left.

    The Reverend looks at me and says, “Son, I think it’s time we prayed”
    We both put our heads down hands folded in prayer.

    So, there you go… the power of prayer.

    Liked by 14 people

  42. “Brings leadership that maybe we lacked this year.” Narduzzi’s comment on Jurkovec coming to Pitt. So what does that say about the head coach’s leadership when he refused to replace Slovis when he was playing at his worst?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Narduzzi has done a nice job with the program overall, obviously, but this is a legit criticism. Yarnell came in this year and looked better than Slovis; I know, that’s a short window to judge, but it didn’t surprise me either. I can’t stand it when coaches make promises to players and then feel bound to keep those promises. I know he’d never admit it, but I find it hard to believe that Patti or Yarnell wouldn’t have given Pitt a boost if given the opportunity in certain games this past year. Shameful QB management IMHO.

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      1. 1618mt, I’ve been trying to make that very point all season long but many don’t want to accept it. I do believe that Narduzzi made a commitment(promise) to Slovis and he wasn’t going to pull him out of any game absent an injury. I still believe if Patti relieved Slovis in the GT and Louisville games Pitt would have won both.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Heather couldn’t even get the blue right. It’s purple in most pics. She would nail the color yellow though. I give her credit for that. One of the few things ever.

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  46. What Francis death really made me realize….. it’s been 50 years since Fran, GC,John and others and I graduated. We are 72 years old Class of 72!

    Liked by 5 people

  48. Man, no wonder PSU keeps Franklin, what a recruiting class in terms of stars mostly 4’s, 1 5. Didn’t see where Cephas signed.

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  49. A buddy of mine from Arkansas sent me some info about John Morgan, Morgan got big interest in the portal immediately from Arkansas after entering – he’s expected to garner a six-figure NIL package. Morgan’s Pitt career ended with 14.5 sacks.

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  51. OT: Possible bowl game starting line-up with what we think we know:

    Offense

    QB Nick “Flame Thrower” Patti (Duzz gave him that nickname this week; not me, not Tex, not UPitt)
    RB Hammonds
    WR Blue Mtn Bart (ikr)
    WR Mumpfield
    WR Means
    TE K.Johnson
    RT Goncalves
    RG Zubovic
    C Drexel
    LG Kradel
    LT Taylor

    Defense

    DE Hayes
    DT Danielson
    DT Green
    DE Brima
    MLB Simon
    OLB Wiltz
    OLB Bangally
    CB Devonshire
    FS Hallett
    SS McIntyre
    CB Williams

    I think we can beat the bruins with this starting line-up, but I don’t want to see any of the opt-out guys on the sidelines. Save their travel money and use it for the NIL account.

    Captains – Nick Patti, Hallett, Williams and Drexel (Honorary Captain – has to be Tony D)

    Go Pitt!

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    1. We’re going to be hurting at WR without Wayne. We were weak at WR with Wayne. Maybe someone steps it up…

      Hoping to see Moore get some time at center and Fitzsimmons at DT…

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I put Blue Mtn Bart at WR to fill the void of Wayne.

        I think TE Karter Johnson is very good and so my suggestion is to put Bart in a receiver position, target him a few times early and see if we have some success – we may even see him hurdle a few defenders.

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      2. You could put Swan and Stallworth in their prime out there and Cignetti’s passing game would still not produce 😁.

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    2. Have Minor and Wayne officially opted out? I haven’t read anything about them. Speculation yes, officially no.

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    3. Please, not Drexel @ center….I was hoping he would opt out to prepare for the NFL draft…he specializes in long snapping, as in over the QB’s head!!!

      Liked by 3 people

  54. Addison sitting out the bowl game…USC paid 51k per pass caught.
    Crazy…
    Patti starts bowl game and will quit the team the next day.
    Crazy…

    Liked by 4 people

  55. The opt-out guys should be busy picking their stuff up off the curb outside their Universary-provided housing right now.

    Liked by 3 people

  57. Latest is that Cephas heading to PSU, nothing on Davis.

    Too bad, Cephas could follow many Penn Hills stars at Pitt. Davis from Gateway would be a solid addition.

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    3. Nick is supposed to return to Pitt next season to be the back-up QB (actually probably 3rd string) for yet another year — after he’s already done that at least 4 years.

      And you’d bench him for that even if he’s the best option? Wow.

      Go Pitt.

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  59. So your wife is leaving you after 5 years of marriage..
    Do you take her to one last family Christmas party for her loyalty for 5 years?

    Liked by 3 people

  60. Scary stuff — Saw this PG info posted on the Lair about how so few local players are getting Power 5 offers:

    “This is the fourth time in five years that the number of Power Five recruits from the WPIAL-City League has been less than 10. The classes of 2022 and 2020 had only six Power Five recruits and 2019 had eight.

    From the classes of 2000 through 2018, the WPIAL and City League never had fewer than 11 Power Five recruits and there were 14 or more 14 different times. The highest number of Power Five recruits since 2000 was 26 in 2007. The class of 2008 had 24, the class of 2004 had 23, and the class of 2006 had 20.

    To give you a better idea how things have changed with the big-time talent level of WPIAL and City League football in recent years, one can look at the five-year period of 1986-1990 as an example. The number of Power Five recruits in those classes were 30 in 1986, 31 in 1987, 27 in 1988, 31 in 1989, and 27 in 1990.”

    It’s all Duzzer’s fault, I tell ya… 😖

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 3 people

    3. He can do a far better job recruiting and not alienating every coach in the city league and wpial. And if there’s less water in the well, there are other wells in PA and the quad state area. Excuses.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Writing something doesn’t make it true, “… alienating every coach in the city league and wpial”.

        That is not even close to true.

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    1. The Nitters have twice as many. I think their coach can truly promise if you sign, there’s a good chance we’ll help get you to the pros. And by the way, pay you five times the Pitt NIL. And probably not have to be on your best behavior, get a 4.0 GPA and save kittens from tall trees every Sunday.

      One can argue that State Penn better prepared their players for the pros. Cares more about football. Recruits better. Wins more. Is ranked more. Has more money.

      But what does Pitt do? It has their King make false promises about the NFL. Poor excuses for a paltry NIL and some poor coaching and recruiting.

      Some things at Pitt haven’t changed since Jackie.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. So what’s our point? Pitt can not compete with PSU in any shape or form. They figured that out in the mid eighties. What the list proves is that what Pitt and Narduzzi have accomplished is pretty good considering the resources.

        Liked by 3 people

        1. Pitt purposefully chooses not to compete. They can if they truly wanted to. But they think rightfully so that football is dirty. They don’t want to get dirty. I luv the dirt. That’s why you will never see me sip tea with Gallagher or drink a Shirley temple with Heather. It’s Balcones or Bust.

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    1. Thanks for posting that. Great article and so happy for Shell that he is doing well in all aspects of life. Too bad he was at Pitt during the Fraud and Chryst eras…a time of chaos and craziness at Pitt. Heck, Johnny Majors would have figured out a way to use him properly.

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  65. I think the issue with Slovis is more complicated than broken promises. Slovis was sold on the fact that Pitt had a returning Beletnikoff winner and an entire returning offensive line from the ACC champion. And as I recall, he committed without knowing who the OC would be.

    As the WR group deteriorated with Addison leaving and Mumpfield not ready for prime time, and with the OL depleted with injuries, Cignetti had to re-balance towards a running offense to win games. Slovis wanted stats and Pitt wanted wins. When Slovis got hurt, more in season adjustments were needed and Slovis didn’t seem to recover well from the concussion. He probably blamed the OL for his injury. Still, Narduzzi showed loyalty and kept him as the starter despite the public outcry.

    I would guess that Slovis let his attitude concerning the offense show and he didn’t live up to his Captain status. Leaving without telling his team mates he was transferring was classless, and he won’t be missed. I wonder if he had any real friends on the team. Narduzzi was subtly letting the public know there was a lack of leadership in the locker room.

    Liked by 3 people

  67. I think people are reading too much into Duzz’s comments. Sounds like the offense needed someone to step up in a leadership capacity and no one did. Not Slovis or the veterans on offense.

    Not necessarily a Slovis diss but a generalization about the offense. Sounds like Jurk has some traits that can command a room.

    Slovis was brought in for his ability. Jurk is being brought in for his leadership in addition to his QB skills. Two different narratives around the two players as they enter Pitt.

    Leadership wasn’t a highlighted trait when Pitt grabbed Slovis in the portal last year. I read it as Duzz underestimated the importance of the QB being the leader and felt the seniority on offense would carry Kenny’s torch … that didn’t happen.

    I’m guessing Patti and Yarnell had an opportunity to grab the bull by the horns and they did not … thus an entirely new QB room. I doubt Yarnell sticks around past the bowl game.

    Back to square one and, hopefully, lesson learned.

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  68. Well the lack of leadership comment was when Narduzzi was being asked about Jurkovec. I think it clearly was in reference to the QB position and
    Slovis. So we ended up with a QB that couldn’t give us a run option that had very little leadership skills. A costly lesson for Narduzzi who evidently did little in the way of a backround check on Slovis prior to recruiting him.

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  69. It is pretty hard to have command of the team when you don’t even have command of your own game. Slovis obviously struggled after the concussion. Not all his fault, pass protection wasn’t good and receivers were not playing their best either. Injuries were a major factor.

    But if Patti or Yarnell were better a option they would have been called on, to think otherwise doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.

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  70. I understand whenever someone states that the coaches see and obviously know more than us fans, but…when it was clear that the starter was struggling mightily the why not bring in a backup for no other reason than a change of pace.

    I have to believe that each QB has a number of plays that they can excel at given both theirs strengths and weaknesses.

    In the end we gave a couple of games away that perhaps a different strategy may have helped, or at the very least did not change the outcome.

    Have to believe that it also keeps that group more engaged which could help in their practice reps.

    H2P!

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    1. Because they didn’t earn it … You still have to earn it. Had some grabbed hold of the situation, they would have played.

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  71. Looking at the bigger picture… arguments have been made about “meaningless” bowl games.

    That said, I think that we might now be moving rapidly to where an argument can be made about “meaningless” school affiliations.

    Let’s forget altogether the pretense of pursuing a degree and any loyalty to school and just jump to an END GAME.

    How about an NFL Minor League system where athletic scholarships are replaced by player contracts funded not by the NFL but the colleges where the games are played?

    Sounds about right to me.

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  73. College athletics are evolving, not dead. Sometimes things have to get worse to get better. Once the P5 breaks from the NCAA, order will start to fall back in line.

    That’s the next domino to fall …

    How many transfers do the Pitt volleyball and soccer teams have? The new system has been okay for Pitt. The transfers are a boost to an otherwise uninspiring recruiting class as well.

    Had the NCAA not resisted for so long, a new system would have evolved more gradually … this is all self-inflicted from greed … which makes it funny players are the ones being called greedy now. No, greedy schools created the current void we’re in.

    It will get sorted out, however.

    Liked by 1 person

  74. Next year will certainly be interesting … Kind of shocking to see it on paper … this is only right now, too … injuries and position battles will change the current roster even more.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. On offense, only big loss IMHO is Izzy (and Wayne if he’s gone…). Defense is another matter…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

    1. Well, the NCAA resisted everything and expected the courts to side with them … when they didn’t, they were not ready. 100% on the NCAA. This could have all been established 30 years ago, or longer …

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  77. Anna Dodson, the middle blocker from UCLA, has withdrawn from the portal. Carter Booth, a very good freshman 6’7″ middle blocker from Minnesota, has entered the portal. One small problem with Coach Fisher getting her. Her dad played basketball for PSU before going playing in the NBA for ten years.

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  79. BTW, proof that we are now a soccer school- 3 players were picked in the Major League Soccer draft: Bertin Jacquesson, Valentin Noel, and Jackson Walti. Noel and Walti will be teammates again in the pros. Woo hoo!

    Liked by 1 person

  80. From PSN – statement from LG Marcus Minor:

    “I am excited to announce that I will be chasing my childhood dream and declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. Before I depart, I have unfinished business. I look forward to playing my last Pitt game in the Sun Bowl. See you in El Paso! Thank you, Pittsburgh. Forever a Pitt Man.”

    Pittsburgh Panthers offensive lineman Marcus Minor (55) September 24, 2022

    After transferring to Pitt last year from Maryland, the former 4-star recruit went on to start 25 games the last two seasons at left guard and capped it off his senior season by earning first-team All-ACC honors this season.

    While starting left tackle Carter Warren won’t be available due to injury, Minor, Owen Drexel, Jake Kradel and Matt Goncalves will all be suiting up against UCLA. Last week, right tackle Gabe Houy announced that he will not be participating in the game (along with many other Pitt starters) and will be preparing for the 2023 NFL Draft.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. The picture of Marcus in the middle section of the quote did not post thru, thus the strange reference date of September 24, 2022…

      Glad he did not quit on his team.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. The picture of Marcus in the middle section of the quote did not post thru, thus the strange reference date of September 24, 2022…

      Glad he did not quit on his team.

      Like

  81. Watching the USC-Utah replay, Addison is tremendous, open on most plays, wide open on many. No doubt in my mind he would have made Slovis so much better and helped win at least two more games.

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  83. Hartman is overrated. Kid behind him is better. Gimmick offense. I bet he doesn’t even win the ND job.

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    1. My brother in law is a big ND fan and he told me the news –

      But when I searched the internet, I found nothing to back it up.

      Thanks for covering my back side…

      Liked by 1 person

  86. https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/2022/12/23/farrell-files-pitt-portal-qb-comparison/

    We definitely need some WR help from the portal. Watching the replay of the first USC-Utah game you can see what excellent WRs do for a QB. They get open and make the circus catches.
    While Slovis had his issues only Wayne was above the bar and mostly later in the year. Caleb should give a piece of his Heisman to Addison and his other guys.

    Unless the freshmen are off the hook, Jurkovec needs that portal help or he might look a lot like Slovis.

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    1. I think Pitt and the WR coach are having trouble attracting interested receivers in the portal.

      Cephis from the MAC and Penn Hills is probably on his way to psuX.

      Will Mumpfield and Means improve in year 2? I believe they would if Marion was coaching them.

      Let’s pool some NIL monies together and give Wayne an amount that would beat his NFL rookie pay.

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      1. There were three Florida Gator LB’s in the portal – one just committed to Nebraska.

        Duzz should go for the package deal – both went to HS in FL – Send Charlie with the trucking booster to close the deal.

        Go Pitt!

        Like

  88. @gc … no way. He’s a byproduct of that WF gimmick offense. He doesn’t play big in big moments either. I doubt he even wins the job.

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  89. Interesting thoughts on the ND and Cincy games –

    Our QB used to sit the bench for the Irish – not good enough to start, so he left for BC and now is at Pitt.

    Hartman lost to Pitt in the ACC championship two seasons ago. Which QB will be more motivated to win that game?

    With Cincy, their new HC Satterfield beat Duzz and Pitt – I hope that game is away, cause I believe the Bearcats will kick our rear ends into the river. I’d rather not see it in person. Many on the POV think and speak down on their new HC – he flat out beat Duzz…with a back-up QB. He’ll have a pretty good, mobile QB from the portal.

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  90. Hartmann didn’t lose to Pitt. If you recall the game, our DL beat their OC. We pressured while preserving lane integrity and discipline. We boxed him in. His line wasn’t that great and the majority of his passing yards over the year were because he scrambled his receivers open. Pitt disallowed the scrambling, while at the same time pressuring.

    He will be fine behind a solid ND offensive line. Most qb’s are. Such a great set-up for Minchey as well. He gets one year of experience, learning behind a solid draft pick.

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  91. Does anyone know if potential portal transfers can enroll in January still or do they have to wait until the next signing day?

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    1. Yes, if they sign all the necessary paperwork. I believe TP entrees do not sign same paperwork as HS recruits (National Letter of Intent – NLI) and are not subject to the same signing period as HS recruits. In fact, there are no designated signing periods for the TP.

      Liked by 1 person

  92. Lindsey Behonick, Dan Fisher’s assistant coach, was named the head coach of the Oregon State Women’s volleyball today. Scott Barnes is the Athletic Director of Oregon State.

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    1. Michael Behonick, her husband, is an assistant men’s soccer coach at Pitt. He will also need to be replaced.

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  94. ESPN reporting that rumors about UNC QC Drake Maye receiving NIL offers from 2 P5 HC were false as claimed by Pitt HC Pat Narduzzi.

    Who are we to believe?

    Lock the gates!

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  97. I found a transfer portal RB for Major Major –

    Transferred from Kentucky – went to HS in Alabama – 3 star Kavosiey Smoke 6’1” 215lbs

    He played a good bit when their starter Rodriguez was suspended to begin the season for 5 games for a DUI. KY started the season undefeated…

    Liked by 1 person

  100. Was that KP’s first NFL touchdown drive for the win to end the game?

    Another sign that he belongs. A hard fought game under tough conditions.

    Evenly matched average teams.

    Like

  101. Pitt ended the 2022 season on a high note with four straight victories, including a 42-16 win over Miami in its last outing. Though UCLA started to fall apart toward the end of the season, the Bruins were victorious in their final regular-season game, beating Cal, 35-28.

    Can Pitt parlay its recent momentum into the 15th bowl victory in school history? Or will UCLA snag its first bowl win since January 2015? Pitt has one bowl victory since 2015.

    Current betting lines
    Spread: PITT: +5.5 | UCLA: -5.5
    Total: 54.5 — Over/under

    UCLA ranked # 18 enters this contest as a clear favorite. Pitt is not in the top 30 of either poll.

    The Panthers didn’t fare too well against ranked schools. They lost against Tennessee and North Carolina. While they did secure a victory over Syracuse at the start of November, it’s worth pointing out that cuse was 1-5 in their last six games and the loss to the Panthers was one of five in a row.

    UCLA boasts an elite offense that puts up 39.1 points (No. 8) and 510.0 yards (No. 3) per game. UNC proved that the key to beating Pitt is through the air (388 passing yards), which is doable for the Bruins, who average 261 yards this season (No. 33). It’s easy to see why the Bruins should be favored at the Sun Bowl.

    My early prediction – UCLA: 41 | Pittsburgh: 23

    UCLA is 12-3 in its last 15 games.

    It won’t be surprising if the 2022 Sun Bowl ends up being a high-scoring showdown. With UCLA’s offense as strong as it is, Pitt will have to put its entire focus on matching the Bruins blow-for-blow. Naturally, that should lead to more points on the board. Take the over?
    On top of that, the total opt-outs for Pitt is close to 10. Add in the fact that all four Pitt captains will not play in the Sun Bowl (where will the leadership come from?) and most opt-out players are on the defensive side, the Bruins may blow out this undermanned Pitt team. As of yesterday, UCLA’s QB and All-American RB will play in this bowl game.

    At the very least, per the commentators on Sirius XM College Sports Radio, Pitt HC Pat Narduzzi usually has been on the losing side with regards to bowl games.

    I’ll be rooting for our Panthers to pull off an upset, but won’t be surprised with a loss.

    Meaningless, meh! I’m hoping to see a few leaders shine in prime time, and maybe even the next Pitt great surfaces for all to see.

    H2P!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Potential captains for the Sun Bowl

      QB Nick Patti
      WR Jared Wayne or LG Marcus Minor
      DT Danielson
      FS Hallett or LB Simon

      My choice for honorary captain for the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl would be Tony Dorsett

      Go Pitt!

      Like

  102. For the record Pitt expects 7 recruits and 3 transfers to enroll in January. Getting our 2 QB transfers in house has to be of some help hopefully.

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