in Pitt Football 46 Words

Sun Bowl Open Thread

Watching/Listening options for todays games

  • Broadcast TV – Your local CBS station and I am assuming streaming on Paramount+
  • Radio – 93.7 The Fan
  • SiriusXM – Pitt channel 194, National channel 202
  • Sirius Pitt channel 134 (For those of you who, like me have a way old Sirius radio)
  • Sirius Streaming channel 956

536 thoughts on “Sun Bowl Open Thread”

  1. YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!!

    A suspect was arrested Friday morning in connection with the brutal November stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.

    Bryan Christopher Kohberger, 28, was arrested in the early hours of Friday in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The arrest was not made by the FBI, NewsNation sources confirmed.”

    Hopefully I wont be inundated with phone calls and emails… There are a lot of Kohbergers all over the US and one has to accused of doing something like this…

    Anyway, Go Pitt!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. From Rich:

    Watching/Listening options for todays games

    Broadcast TV – Your local CBS station and I am assuming streaming on Paramount+
    Radio – 93.7 The Fan
    SiriusXM – Pitt channel 194, National channel 202
    Sirius Pitt channel 134 (For those of you who, like me have a way old Sirius radio)
    Sirius Streaming channel 956

    Like

  4. No notable Monteleones in the police blotter lately, but in fairness, I didn’t google it!

    With that said, before this game starts I’d like to go on record saying that I think our Linebackers are going to be a liability without the services of Sirvocea Dennis.

    but…despite all the grumblings about the opt outs, I am VERY interested to see how the depth performs, and what a great feel-good story if Patti leads us to victory.

    Lets go Pitt!

    Liked by 4 people

  9. IDK about you guys but so far I love this offense with Patti at the helm.

    It’s early though, but damn he’s just getting chunks.

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  19. Lot of issues on that “defensive” drive, but as I predicted it looked like the linebacker was supposed to have the WR that scored the TD

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  24. Hate to say this but our TE was loafing on that 3rd and goal play by Pitt. He ran into the endzone and just stood there – didn’t run to open space…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

  25. How many times are they going to show Duzz shout BS.

    Doesn’t he have a coach who can tell the King he is wrong?

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  33. Third and five, all receivers short of the chains. If he catches it, still short.

    Frank’s game plan. Only let Patti throw short slants.

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  37. Keep in mind we are watching next year’s defense.

    With that in mind…I am worried about next year’s defense.

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  39. UCLA are a bunch of punks. Especially their QB

    And narduzzis emotional outbursts and whining isn’t helping.

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  40. Maloney then Brima looking pretty ineffective at DE. Hayes lines up offsides two plays in a row…. Yikes.

    Go Pitt.

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    1. Some of the shine is off Gavin B. Would love to see him make a couple plays and get some confidence and aggressiveness back…

      Go Pitt.

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  47. Do we not have any deep pass plays?

    We are making the bruin D look good.

    And, yeah I saw Bart drop that perfect pass from Nick…

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  50. If means actually would have blocked his guy on that 1st down run, hammond would still be running

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  60. How in the hell did Kedon Slovis beat out Nick Patti in September ??? From what I’m seeing it’s not even close as far as the the better QB !! We might be playing tomorrow night in the big 4 ….Unbelievable !!!

    Liked by 3 people

  61. I think this game means something to some of these guys. A lot of chirping going on – including our HC.

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  64. Between Brandon George and Bangally Karama we have two linebackers that can hurt us next year

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    1. Slow and a liability in pass coverage. We should seriously think about going to a a 4-2-5 next year

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  70. McIntyre gets burned – missing Hill, SirV and Kancey

    No pressure and the run stuffing is not evident that I can see.

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    1. and a heady play to throw it away under pressure. He’s got a legit shot to be #2 next year.

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  79. exposing the QB by running late in the first half. didn’t learn from what happened to Slovis at end of 1st half against Tennessee.

    Liked by 1 person

        1. Vaxmonsky

          grew up in West Pittston, brother in Pittston now with kids in their 20’s that attended Pittston Area

          dad coached Wyoming Area after Abington Heights, last year was v Cefalo iirc 1976

          your last name?

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          1. Familiar with the name. Want to say that you have a relative by the name of Nancy. My last name is Wassel, and I’m from Pittsburgh originally. Transplanted here 20 years ago. My wife is a Falcone. I’m sure you heard that name growing up.

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Nancy married to brother Jake

              Falcone of Beverage distributor? might have bought a bottle or keg from them 🙂

              any favorite pizza place? mine is Demuro’s for white and Tu go’s Wyoming or Pizza L’Oven in Exeter for red 🙂 , there are many others I’d settle for

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              1. We are big fans of Pizza L’Oven. My office is right up the street from Demuros. My daughter played field hockey with your niece. Small world.

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  82. That was a complete mismanagement of the situation by our coaches.

    UGH!

    UCLA get’s the ball to start the 2nd half. We’ll be down 14 in no time.

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  83. Chip Kelly, not only an offensive genius, but quite quotable

    On playing with emotion
    “we have to play with emotion, not let emotion play with us”

    On what he’s going to say to them in the locker room
    “let go win”

    I’m dying

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  84. A reminder- Pitt BB beat UNC today to go to 3-0 in the ACC.

    I can’t believe what I’m watching the turn-around by the BB team. We have some decent players – been a while…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. probably the necessary trajectory on that play, flat maybe tipped or int.

        does he have a flat ball that can get there at 20-25? that’s the question

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  92. We won’t have to worry about losing a bowl game next season because Pitt won’t qualify for a bowl with anything close to the defense we are putting on the field today.

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    1. in an alternate universe Nick Patti has thrown for 3000 yards and 21 TD’s, and Shocky Jaques Louis has 800 yards receiving for Pitt, in addition to Jared Wayne’s 1000+

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    2. I think Mumpfield will be good. Needs a bit more muscle, IMHO.

      But we need to find a burner somewhere…

      Go Pitt.

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    2. Yea not sure if Slovis throws that ball. He would have been sacked five times by now, but probably doesn’t throw that ball…

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  117. I hate sideways passes – Pitt uses them too much.

    We have no speed at WR so I’m not sure why Cig calls those plays.

    Throw down field please.

    Liked by 3 people

  121. Biggest problem with Cigs offense is that teams just sit on his short passing game. That and the tight line usually has 8 in the box

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  130. Is Duzz excited because he is only down 7 going into the 4th qtr or that Pitt is punting to start the qtr and his D is back on the field?

    I feel a UNC blowout about to take place.

    I hope I’m wrong.

    The DLine has done very little today and probably now have tired legs.

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  136. Pitt has scored more points in this Sun Bowl than the last two combined.

    Actually that was true on the last TD

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  140. 3-1 in turnovers doing the job for us. 29:46 time of possession so far. Hope their defense wears down from all this running we’re doing.

    Liked by 1 person

  160. Okay yes that 3rd and goal from the 8 play was TERRIBLE. Three guys in the middle.

    But I will also take a free 3 points from the Bruins.

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  180. Perfect pass by Patti.

    First we have Fumble Flea,

    Then it’s Weak-handed Wayne,

    And now it 4th and forever.

    Drama galore!

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    2. I guess Narduzzi knows they have their backup QB in there deep is we didn’t get. I’ll take the 3 though.

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  199. If you’ve followed this blog all year, you know I’ve called for Patti since game 3. No you know why! I sure hope it wasn’t Narduzzi’s stubborn arrogance that kept him out!!

    Liked by 1 person

      2. Context. That was when they had the bad set of downs, turned the ball over and gave up the TD. Then Patti did patti with 34 sec left!

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  212. Lots of questions for Cignetti and Narddog re: what the heck were you thinking about keeping Nick on the bench when Slovis was struggling????

    Liked by 2 people

  232. This is all on Pat!
    Fourth and one – botch!
    Second and goal – two batted passes.
    A second time out because you don’t have enough players on the field after the first time out.
    Heather needs to get someone with an IQ over 100 to stand next to him and whisper in his ear.
    Dunce!

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  240. Duzz F d up all year staying with Slovis, he almost cost Pitt this game. I don’t care who’s coming in at QB. Patti is my #1 starter next year!

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  248. Show some class guys….

    This game was the antithesis of the 3-0 Sun Bowl game. This one will erase a lot of recent bad bowl game memories. H2P

    Liked by 1 person

    1. No chance Slovis was locked at the hip with Narduzzi. When Slovis was playing at his worst versus GT and Louisville and wasn’t replaced tols it all. That is all except for the few POV posters who insisted the coaches who watched practice knew better. Even Cy Young winning pictures get replaced when they are having a bad day but not at Pitt when the HC is handcuffed to his chosen QB.—-By the way I turned off the TV after the UCLA last score and missed all the drama of the last 45 seconds. Talk about having egg on my face this morning. However I did turn the TV on right after the Pitt FG to win the game to my pleasant surprise.

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  253. Patti has a place now in Pitt fb history. Last year he was out early and Beville was completely lost so Spartans won. Great win today

    Liked by 1 person

    3. Poor QB play definitely cost them the GT and Louisville games. I don’t think Patti was available for the GT game from his injury against Tennessee, but I could be wrong.

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    2. Yep, I agree we lose with Slovis at QB. I think I posted either here or on the Lair that with all the opt outs and injuries the only possible upgrade in the UCLA game would be Patti over Slovis.

      Liked by 1 person

  260. Great day to be a Pitt fan and alumnus! Hail To Pitt!

    With his performance today, Patti proves what most of us said and thought. He should have been the starter over Slowwvis!

    Liked by 5 people

  267. Great game. Many up and downs. No SOP. No 5-loss season. Maybe sneak into the rankings.

    Totally wrong about the UCLA offensive prowess. Underestimated the Pitt defensive backups. Really happy to be wrong.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Special teams was A+ all day. We lose if they don’t get that kickoff turnover. That and Sauls’ kick to the 5, the 5 FG’s and the 85 yard punt. Never seen better…

      Liked by 3 people

    2. Me as a fan. It gives you a good short term high but it’s not a game that I’ll be telling the grandkids about.

      For the players who played it had meaning. And for narduzzi he can now brag about his 2-4 bowl record and being 8-17 against ranked teams.

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  272. So, does anyone here still think Scarton should still be our field-goal kicker?

    Just another bone-headed decision by Narduzzi…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 3 people

      1. My point was that Sauls must have out-performed Scarton in camp and Duzz made the change. I give Duzz credit for making that move – can’t be easy to sit a starting kicker who has had success but who didn’t have as big a leg…

        Go Pitt.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. And Scarton was all-ACC along with holding the single season scoring record in the entire history of Pitt FB.

        Scarton is also an engineering grad 🤓

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  273. I don’t think Cig was the problem on offense TODAY

    NP works better and gives you a chance Slowvis never did/will, neither could throw the deep ball

    truth is, NP never lasts the season due to injury anyway so keep that in mind, Slow was going to see the field sooner AND later 😦

    and my comment about troll does not reference anyone posting here today iirc

    not really thinking I needed to clarify but….

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Nick Patti showed really nice footwork to move around and avoid the pass rush to extend plays. Slovis doesn’t have that ability/ instinct.

      Over a season, I think Nicks low release point would be a problem – but I sure wish him the best. The team loves Nick – which makes sense.

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Nick could have opened up some RPO but yes I do question if he would have held up over a long season. Nick is the more dynamic QB when healthy.

      Liked by 1 person

  274. Haven’t enjoyed a day of Pitt sports like this since we beat WF for the ACC Championship.

    What were the odds of Pitt scoring in that last possession? Amazing work by Nick Patti…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 12 people

  275. one more thing, not sure Erie could deliver into the wind like Sauls did

    his aim point was probably 5 yards to the left of the left post

    Erie?!?!? can you control it like that draw with THAT wind?

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  276. Ranks high on the all time unexpected Pitt Days.
    In both games we went from the outhouse of to the penthouse, in the football game we made a return trip to both.

    Liked by 5 people

      1. Who’s Chip Kelly to run off the field without shaking hands. He just let the absolute worst college football coach beat his team without 8 starters not playing. He should be ashamed of himself to reach these lows.

        Liked by 9 people

  279. What’s up with Maryland 16 Ncst 12 lmao, that must have been one boring game.

    None of the pundits gave Pitt a chance, that was one heck of a coaching job anyway you cut it.

    No quit in that team.

    Having been there still wondering how Pitt beat UNC. A mighty game by Burton and a solid job by Fede on Bacot. Really special stuff especially with some poor reffing in both games.

    Liked by 2 people

  280. For you young Pitt Fans that watched both the Badketball and Football upset wins today, that high is the feeling Pitt fans (who suffered for years) had after Pitt beat Georgia for the Football National Championship in 1976! I pray you will get to feel that high again!

    Liked by 4 people

  281. Nick Patty “if an injured would’ve won the peach bowl… Most likely he would’ve beaten Georgia Tech and Louisville… narduzzi brings in no energy Slovis and puts a” C” on his chest…. Nick gets another bowl chance and shows what a gamer and Baller he is… Reminds me of Rick, Trocano, and John Congemi… Narduzzi was a dick the way he handled that… I lost interest in Pitt football for the season until Nick got back in there… We beat UCLA with our second string… Maybe Narduzzi learn something but don’t count on it… He has a very thick skull, die thought much on the order of his lower legs…. and hang in there, Nate Yarnell, you are a competitor… Maybe we do not need these couple of transfers… Some thing about being loyal to your players send a message to the team! And Cignetti… There was a lot of room to play a Football game behind their defensive backs… You don’t have to call every play within 15 yards of the line of scrimmage… Total BS! You really pissed me off tonight because your family is from my home area…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So many great bowl games this year… Maybe they take on new importance going forward and not so many people sit out… One more chance to shine for the scouts

      Liked by 2 people

  285. After Patti threw that first TD pass, he got flattened by a Bruin. Trouble was it was about 5-seconds after Nick threw the ball.

    No flag because it was so late apparently the refs were all looking at the endzone…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Jackie was ranked each of those 11-1 years and had a stellar record against top 25 teams. And didn’t alienate 99 percent of boosters and alumni.

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  287. Well, well, well! What a day for Pitt sports. Looks like the yellow bloused mouse has a vision for Pitt sports that old gorilla arms and Capel and his 4 HC’s of doom are bringing to fruition. What I see are the establishment of a solid “program” in FB and the potential for a great year in BB. Another thing that I saw today is that bowl games matter…for the coaches, the players, and the fans. Nick Patti earned this chance to play on national TV and I am so glad he had the opportunity to shine. H2P! H2P!

    Liked by 11 people

  292. Don’t you think it is time to stop bitching about Narduzzi. Probably not on this site. Best 2 years since 1981 and we will still get the derogatory comments. Give the guy some credit. 20 wins in 2 years I will take it.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Yes. Let’s give the man a crown and another extension. For one ranked season in his eight years and never a sniff of BCS. And now he’s 8-17 versus ranked teams and 2-4 in bowls. Let’s just anoint the man.

      Pitt players won this game despite his coaching and sideline antics.

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      1. Yes, you are right Tex especially because Narduzzi had nothing to do with recruiting and training those players. And his 3rd rank ACC record since being hired proves nothing.

        Liked by 2 people

    1. If the bruins are ranked, then Pitt will be as well – better team should be ranked higher, right?

      Ranked teams usually don’t slip to far with a close bowl lose.

      We shall see…Pitt was ranked in the mid to high 30’s.

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  295. Congratulations to MajorMajors for predicting a 34 – 33 Pitt win.

    Grizz was second with a prediction of 34 – 24 Pitt win. Ulterior Motifs also had Pitt scoring 34 but losing to UCLA by 4.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Excellent work… You guys should both get an honorary doctorate from the University for your prognostications

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  296. 2 unexpected wins but predicted here by the skins of our teeth. Long time coming. FB recruiting and BB have momentum now. Happy New Year. H2P

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    1. You hit the nail on the head! Instead of losing we come out with HUGE WINS and any recruit for football or basketball had to feel some of the energy being generated. The close up looks at the happy faces of our teams and fans has to have a positive effect on some of our future commits. Excelsior–Onward and upward H2P!!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Here’s the truth. The acc championship did little to improve recruiting. This win will do little as well. Recruits want to play for teams with modern day offenses and want a chance to start right away. They don’t want their chance to be taken away by a transfer. I just know a few fathers of high school recruits so I know how they think.

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      1. UCLA has been in prevent nearly all year. Statistically they had the worst passing defense in the pac 12 over the second half of the season. Pitt was fortunate Nick started and slow foot Slovis is now in LDS territory.

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        1. They had 8 guys in the box all afternoon and put pressure on Patti the whole game…until the last 34 seconds.

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    1. From the Trib:

      Capel called Burton’s performance “incredibly efficient,” given that he made 14 of 17 shots from the field, including a three-point play to give the Panthers the lead with 3 minutes, 59 seconds remaining. North Carolina coach Hubert Davis was more succinct.

      “Defensively, we just didn’t have an answer for Burton,” Davis said. “Nobody on our team could guard him.”

      Liked by 2 people

  300. Today was just an incredible day. The hoops program digging deep and then the depleted football team pulls off an improbable victory.

    I was so down and empty when the Bruins scored to go up, 35-34. Shocked that Pitt couldn’t salt it away, but now I’m glad it played out the way that it did.

    There have been some bowl struggles since 2011 due to administrative incompetence, coaches blowing 34-13 leads, injuries to star players, playing Navy in fronts of its own fans to recently, opt outs.

    Today the Football Gods threw us a bone. I’m going to savor this win for a while.

    Liked by 6 people

  301. So narduzzi/cignetti sux but they coach the second team go out and beat a ranked team?

    Some of u need to switch to the Oprah network full time

    Liked by 3 people

  302. this is pure humble you have to love: “Flip it a year from then and we’re kicking game-winners and going 5 for 5,” Sauls said. “You are what you tell yourself. And at the end of the day, I really think I’m a decent kicker.”

    dude was way better than decent today,,,,, and all year!!!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. is there a better kicker in the country?

      from Tipp City, Ohio,,,, needs to pass right through Columbus on his drive to Pitt 🙂

      F tOSU!

      Liked by 1 person

  304. Can’t help myself – I watched the FB highlights. Those last four plays were all exceptional.

    —The throw and catch to Wayne along the sideline.
    -The catch by none other than Bub Means on the low pass.
    —The run for a 1st down by Nick Patti.
    —The kick by Ben Saul.

    We needed to be 4 for 4 on those plays – and we were. Still not sure I actually saw my team do all that…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 13 people

  309. Read on the Lair that Dior was on the bench today and was cheering on his teammates – that he appeared to be really into it….

    Sounds good — fingers crossed…

    Crazy and unfortunate having him and Hugley on the bench cheering for the team…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Capel commented that one of the reasons Pitt played so well on D was that practices had suddenly gotten much harder!!! Guess who he was talking about ?

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  310. Nick should have been the starter all season. But narduzzi and his obsession with transfers. Good win for the players that played. They deserve high praise. Now don’t forget to save some kittens when you get back to the Burg or the King will be upset and anal.

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  311. Tony The Tiger outdone by Patti The Panther!!
    Won’t ever forget this day.
    Woke up at 4:00 with a jonesing to watch the replays of both games back to back and thats what I’m doing.
    H2P

    Liked by 7 people

    1. watched them but they don’t come close to capturing the feel of the game at all

      need to watch the entire 4th quarter

      .
      exactly the same for the Pitt BB game not capturing the feel with the finish of the game and in particular with the inbounding play and tip at 2.3 seconds then the agonizingly long review time that I swore they’d get wrong because the TV view was definitely not definitive to overturn

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  313. First, I’ve been critical of the Narduzzi hire since day one. IMO, he has few coaching faults. Objectively, he’s done a great Job at Pitt. 2 Coastals and a ACC title. Remember this is Pitt, not Alabama etc.. he’s helped establish a pretty solid program.
    But, what in the world do the coaches see in Patti that keep him off the field?? I saw a winner out there.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Duzz was so committed to Slovis he either couldn’t see his faults or didn’t want to admit he made a mistake in bringing him from the transfer portal. Slovis either couldn’t or wouldn’t ever run with the ball and all season long Pitt lacked that dimension on offense.—What a difference Patti made on the few running plays he attempted in this game. Duzz was brain dead on the QB situation all year long as stated by many here over the course of the season.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m choosing to forget the negative today and focus on the positive.

      Duzz and his band of 2nd stringers (mostly 2 & 3 stars) beat #18 UCLA on national TV in a bowl game to end the season 9-4 with a back-up QB.

      I prefer 10 + wins but I was spoiled when I attended Pitt and I really hate psuX.

      Some may consider that last sentence as negative.

      Regarding Capel, for now his “team” is 10-4 and 3-0 to start the ACC with wins over NC ST, cuse and UNC. That is impressive and hopefully sustainable for the whole season.

      Liked by 4 people

  315. I’m sorry, but I find it typical that after one of the best days in Pitt History when Narduzzi and Cignetti coach a brilliant game so many want to focus on Patti vs. Slovis and that somehow the coaches are stupid for not playing Patti over Slovis.

    Granted Patti had an excellent game, but the win was definitely a team effort. Four interceptions and spectacular special teams play. Narduzzi outcoached Kelly and got a win without a massive number of first string guys.

    No doubt Patti had the game of a lifetime, he ran for 81 yards and his last run was a thing of beauty which saved the game. But he also had a pick six and couldn’t pick up a fourth and fumbled on fourth and short which would have sealed the deal earlier.

    I think everyone agrees that UCLA’s defense is pretty weak.

    So to assume we win more games with Patti is just an assumption, no way to know if he doesn’t get injured, it has happened before. To say he would have beat GT when we don’t even know whether he was healthy enough to play is pure speculation.

    While Slovis wasn’t great and had problems the losses were team efforts just as yesterdays win was the ultimate team effort.

    It just bugs me that Narduzzi’s detractors will take any opportunity to knock him even after a brilliant win. He certainly isn’t perfect and has many flaws, was going with Slovis the right choice, we will never know but there were guys on this blog that said that Patti shouldn’t have played yesterday because he is leaving and some of the guys showing the love for Patti today predicted a massive loss the day before.

    Somehow Narduzzi and Cignetti got to nine wins this year without KP and Addison, and with a ton of injuries to key players. Slovis won his last 4 and is one of four Pitt QB’s to beat WV and Miami in the same season, ok they were down but still…

    While QB’s get all the credit win or lose, the amazing thing yesterday was the play of the defense without Kancy, Alexander, Morgan, Dennis, Hill did Haba play? Against a very prolific UCLA offense. I would say some spectacular coaching. Also a field goal kicker who missed two against Tennessee but meant just as much to the victory as anyone.

    My coffee is tasting exceptionally good today except for the bitterness towards Narduzzi and Cignetti, who called Patti’s great day.

    Liked by 7 people

    2. I agree completely, Gordon. But you can save your breath. Those who hate Coach Narduzzi will easily find reasons after a loss and just as easily find reasons after a win. That’’s not going to change.

      I feel that we are in the midst of the best string of football success since the three back-to-back 11-1 seasons. Hopefully Heather and the incoming Chancellor see it that way as well. I’m pretty sure she does.

      Until I hear Coach Cignetti say that he tried to tell Coach Duzz over and over that Nick Patti was the better QB, I will trust our coaches are making decisions that put the team in the best position to win.

      Liked by 3 people

    3. GG, I see you still have blinders on when it comes to Narduzzi and Slovis. Slovis played so badly in the GT and Louisville games that not even recognizing a substitution was called for is beyond naive. Do you even recognize yet that the run option Patti gave to Pitt was something Slovis either couldn’t or wouldn’t have given Pitt this season?

      Liked by 3 people

  316. Back to the basketball game, another amazing performance and outcome.
    First for those saying there will be a football stadium in Oakland someday, there was total gridlock again yesterday, left Monroeville around an hour before game time got in my seats with 7 minutes left in the half.

    First thing I noticed was an amazing amount of powder blue and some very loud cheers from them. The Zoo was about 30% due to the Holiday and a Blues Band was standing in since the Pitt Band was in Texas. Also only 4 cheerleaders stayed home and no Dance Team.

    It was a crazy game, Burton was a man possessed driving to the hoop, time and again, he was the only one keeping Pitt in the game offensively. He is a totally different player from last year. The rest were clanging threes with even some airballs.

    There was a really strong defensive effort going on by all but Fede was exceptional vs Bacot who still got his way a lot. From day one Federico is the most improved guy and just keeps getting better. Sibande provided some strong energy late in the game.

    Hinson finally got hot at the end and saved the day, but overall there hasn’t been this much defense in the Pete since Jamie left.

    The team is showing that it can win in multiple ways and really has some mojo, UNC and the refs made it a nail biter at the end, much like the football game, but Pitt would not yield.

    Hopefully the fans will be back this week, I’m sure the students will, the Pete should be rockin’ this year. It was pretty loud yesterday considering.

    As low as we were at the end of last year the turn a round is really something. Capel looks to have redeemed himself but a hard schedule ahead and no guarantees.

    If Capel can hold on to everyone, next year could really be something.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. What jumped out at me watching the BB game, aside from Burton’s amazing day, was the way Pitt played defense. Seems to have improved a bunch as the season has gone along…

      And loved that UNC had no defensive answer for Burton…

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 2 people

  318. Toward the final minutes of the basketball game I looked up at the scoreboard and saw that we had made 17% of our 3-point attempts. If you had told me that this team could shoot that poorly from the three and hang with, let alone beat, one of the top teams in the country, I wouldn’t have believed it.

    For those coming to the Virginia game Tuesday night, we have been told that Hemingways will still be closed for the holidays. I’m pretty sure we will be back at Mario’s again. Hopefully we can clarify that by Tuesday and lock up a table. If you think you might join your fellow POVers there, let us know so that we can attempt to secure enough room/seats.

    Liked by 1 person

  319. Gordon – Patti did not have an excellent game. He made some plays when he had to and some drops hurt him but he does not pass the look test as far as P5 starting QB. I loved the moment for him and he deserved to out in that manner. But, I don’t think he would have been a great QB to start all season. Slovis definitely has more natural talent. Slovis just belongs in an Air Raid offense. Not pro style material. But, I don’t think many of us would have been happy with Patti this season.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I think you are spot on with regard to Patti. Not sure you are right with regard to Slovis. First, I remain convinced that Slovis was a different (and not in a good way) QB after the Tennessee game. Second, at least after the Tennessee game, he was unable to go through his reads or for that matter pass the ball well enough to be an effective P5 QB.

      I can surely see that Slovis may have been a superb practice QB. After all, how much courage do you need as a QB when you are wearing that red jersey or you are throwing to WR running practice routes.

      When we talk about “natural talent” I just can’t exclude courage and leadership skills (among others) from the list of natural talent skills needed to be effective as a QB. And its beyond debatable that scrambling and running skills are natural talent skills.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Sorry. That was in the context of who had more talent. Patti may have been a better leader … but maybe not. He didn’t start for a reason. He was sub 50% for the game. Slovis won couple games for us, too. I don’t disagree about pre and post injury.

        Like

    2. When you watch Patti throw it’s nearly always sidearm, which gets a lot of passes batted down. He also shows a lot of effort in trying to make the deep throws. Not an NFL arm for sure. But he sure has an All American heart and a
      ton of loyalty. Great kid for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  320. Love it. Tex still can’t just enjoy a win.

    … But Narduzzi 🤣🤣🤣

    Football and basketball both beat ranked teams.

    … But Narduzzi 🤣🤣🤣

    December had Men’s (Final 4) and Women’s soccer in the playoffs.

    … But Narduzzi 🤣🤣🤣

    Pitt women’s volleyball with a Final 4.

    … But Narduzzi 🤣🤣🤣

    Amazing.

    Liked by 4 people

  321. The radio announcer for N.C. State for the last 30 years has been suspended for a comment he made referring to the score of the Pitt-UCLA game.

    Like

    1. What a dummy. Politics and sports interject for sure … but, when you make a comment like that to instigate a reaction there will be consequences. You say something like that to get a reaction. It has no business in the broadcast. That goes for whatever political view you have. If you say it to get a reaction instead of as an opinion in flow of a discussion, you have to be prepared for the fallout. Hopefully, he get his job back. Hate to see someone lose a job over stupidity but that was stupid.

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  322. Mighty Clemson and Tex’s favorite Dabo got destroyed by Tennessee who Pitt took to overtime with a second string QB on one leg.

    NCST got beat by Maryland

    But Narduzzi and Cignetti….

    Liked by 2 people

      2. TT—Let’s see I count at least 4 throws dropped by the receivers and of course the throw that hit Bartholomew in the back when he turned to block when he taught Patti was going to run. So I do think he was the missing link because he was the best link Pitt had available for them this season.

        Like

        1. He definitely had drops but so did Slovis. I’m super happy for the kid going out the way he did. Pitt through and through. I don’t think he was the missing link. He did not “look” like a P5 QB. He played with heart and passion. No doubt. He won the game. It was a great moment for him and the team but he really wasn’t “better” than Slovis. At halftime everyone wanted Yarnell. The whims of a backup QB are amazing. Slovis started for a reason. I don’t doubt that.

          Like

  323. One more comment about Nick Patti. I remember last year, following the conclusion of the football season, Nick came to most of the basketball games at the Pete. You couldn’t mistake him with the longer hair, 5 o’clock shadow, and arm in a sling. Now I don’t know if he was friends with a basketball player or had a cheerleader girlfriend. But I like to think he is a kid who wants to soak in the full measure of the college experience. I’ve seen him referred to as a true “Pitt man”. And I’d have to agree.

    Liked by 7 people

  324. I guess ACCNT doesn’t have the rights to the Sun Bowl, no scheduled replay. I would love to see it. Saw the beginning and end but listened to a lot of it in the car. If anyone knows of a replay let me know.

    I also think a review or the predictions thread is worthwhile. I would like to know how many predicting a Pitt win really believed vs wishful thinking?

    H2P!!!!!!!!!

    Like

  327. I think (and have thought from the start) that the Duzz bellongs at Pitt. Could you imagine if Pitt had one of the slick, young “star” coaches? Let them stay in places far away from the ‘burgh. Duzz is like Pitt’s version of Chuck Noll.

    pmdH2P

    Liked by 1 person

  328. Patti was asked after the game if has decided to come back to Pitt again for next season? He said he didn’t know. I guess he doesn’t realize that Narduzzi is already joined at the hip with Jurkovec for next season and his only chance of ever seeing the field would be if both Jurkovec and Veilleux were to go down with injury.

    Like

  329. Second string QB’s always get more credit than they are due, because you haven’t seen them screw up. We and he (Patti) was very lucky to not be concussed.

    I am old enough to remember when Joe Gilliam was the better choice than Bradshaw and how many thought Hanratty was better than the “knucklehead” I kid you not that is what they called the future HOF QB.

    I loved the game that Patti played, so deserving of the success for being a loyal Panther, wondering if he might have done better than Slovis is one thing but stating it as fact….
    Not many guys are successful with a sidearm delivery, only Kosar comes to mind, and he is no Bernie Kosar.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Philip Rivers was another one. He’s the guy Cowher wanted to draft. Mahomes uses it too, but it’s not the preferred method of throwing for sure. And how many of Patti’s passes were batted down yesterday?

      Liked by 1 person

  331. Anyone hear why C’Bo didn’t play yesterday? Hope it was a minor injury and not a suspension for something…

    Also, did Fitzsimmons play? I thought we’d see him…

    I was encouraged by the game that Mumpfield had. He’ll give us at least one threat at WR next season…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Great question. C’Bo has shown that he can gain positive yardage and his somewhat shifty running style is a plus in tight situations. It is almost impossible to read Cignetti’s and Duzzi’s minds when it comes to judging talent.

      Liked by 1 person

  332. Sun Bowl Things I Think I Think:

    1-Patti does not have a P5 starting QB arm
    2-Patti does have P5 starting QB grit and determination
    3-You can win with grit and determination
    4-The D coaches have a real challenge next year with what we saw yesterday
    5-Hallet and Wayne hurt their NFL chances
    6-Wayne made the 2nd best catch of the season on the 0.34 minute drive
    7-Bub made the best catch of the season on that same drive
    8-Sauls will be kicking in the NFL soon, but hopefully not too soon.
    9-Shame the Sun Bowl had to use HS referees for the game
    10-I have no idea what roughing the kicker is in college football
    11-If knocking WRs to the ground isn’t PI, then I have a great idea for a defense
    12-Taylor better learn how to block a speed rush or Jurkovec will get killed
    13-Hayes has one technique, bull rush the OT into the QB
    12-Partridge needs to teach him spin, swim and speed rush techniques
    13-The 4* DT recruit (Neal) may see alot of playing time next year
    12-Where was the spring camp darling FitzSimmons
    13-I was half right that Kamara/DeShields would flourish playing with SirVocea
    14-B George is a great and loyal Pitt man, but not a P5 MLB
    15-Old man complaint, but I wish Pitt didn’t taunt as much as they do
    16-Pitt shut DTR up by the 3rd quarter, Hartman redux
    17-Coaches have made good O & D adjustments in 2nd half all season
    18-Surprised not to see C’bo, but maybe VD got his plays which is fine with me
    19-Mumpfield YAC was impressive, don’t give up on him too soon
    20-McIntyre will be a seemless transition from Hill
    21-Yarnell upset when he was pulled, may tranfer and make his mark elsewhere

    Reed/MM, if there’s a MMQB article I’d appreciate if this were copied over. I’m a technical dolt. Happy New Year all.

    Liked by 7 people

    2. Taxing – I question your 17th comment -lol

      What adjustments were made in your opinion at the half for the GT and Louisville games.

      Asking for my POV friends.

      Enjoyed reading the other 20 comments.

      Go Pitt!

      Like

    3. Taxing, great list. I’d only argue with the comment that the defense will be a challenge next year. We held UCLA to under their average in virtually every category despite playing a lot of guys with little experience. I think
      We’ll be fine again (but we’ll definitely miss Kancey and Dennis.
      Also, I agree we shut up UCLA’s vaunted QB as we did Hartman—but DTR is MUCH more annoying.

      Like

  333. I predicted a double win by the hair of my chiny chin chin in reference to an old nursery rhyme that us old guys remember. H2P

    Like

  334. Top 18 teams that lost their bowl game:

    #18 UCLA
    #19 S. Carolina
    #20 Texas
    #23 NC St.
    #25 UTSA

    #22 Miss. St. plays Illinois on Monday

    Might see an opening for Pitt somewhere in there in the final poll. And yes, it does matter.

    Liked by 6 people

  335. Thoughts that jumped off my TV screen into my head.

    Again… maybe the worst refereeing EVER!

    The reviewing of the spotting of the football after a first down by PITT and then relocating of the football bringing up fourth down, inciting Narduzzi to spittle out the words after PITT gets the first down the next play…. First F’n down. The animated King Pat was the coolest site.

    PITT just might get another year out of Wayne because he didn’t sit out the game and had a terrible untimely drop. imo Wayne has had the best hands on the team for the past two years.

    PITTs D-line will be fine next year. Oakalundo next star up and Hayes is already one.

    Hammond is great, tough as nails and a team player. Love this young man.

    Bangally made a great play but he’s not great player just yet…. but he will be.

    Steelers to move on from Canada, Franks style is for the Pros, lets switch? Nope? Maybe PITT and Narduzzi should find an OC that sticks the landing. The OC’s job is not only in the now but also the future. Continuity is underrated.

    Pittsburgh is the only place in the United States where Narduzzi is not held in high regard. No one thought the PITT football program would be where it’s at 7 years ago. I didn’t, but I also didn’t think I would see as much negativity from the POV fans I do considering how well PITT has been, all things considered. Just win baby!

    Liked by 7 people

  336. Amazing what a QB who can move around a bit in the pocket and run a bit will do for an offense.

    Look at yesterday where we had something like 200 yards rushing (Patti had 70) and 240 or so yards passing. Would have been 300 passing without two big drops. Those are decent enough numbers.

    And we scored 37 points. Now UCLA was generous to us, but we looked to me like with a QB with some mobility, the Cignetti offense can be okay…

    Go Pitt.

    PS: How did you feel when the Pitt offense started off the game with a delay-of-game penalty? First play from scrimmage! Nice recovery by Patti and Pitt…

    Liked by 4 people

      1. Tomlin haters would say he’s wrong, without a running QB it’s 10 on 11 football
        😦

        haters gonna hate

        Duzz, Heather, Capel seem to be earning a little less hate

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I would suggest that having a running qb, also makes a back-up qb more important and candidly, a backup qb in the league often doesn’t pass muster. Think of the best passers in the league. They are passers first and run when they need to. Just my guess.

          Like

  337. We are now over 500 comments on this article. That’s a lot of comments to wade thru especially if you are using a phone.

    I am going to put up a new article to continue the discussion. If you had any awe-inspiring comments, you could copy and paste in the new.

    Liked by 1 person

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