in Pitt Football 80 Words

Pitt DB Darrell Revis Up for HOF

Revis, who also came out in the 2007 draft, moved around much more, spending time with the Jets, Tampa Bay, New England and Kansas City.

His best stretch came in New York where he was a first-team All-Pro from 2009-11 and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2009 when he repeatedly shut down top receivers by sending them to “Revis Island.”

Revis spent one year in New England, helping the Patriots win the Super Bowl in the 2014 season.

184 thoughts on “Pitt DB Darrell Revis Up for HOF”

  1. since this new thread will bury the last comments on the UVA game thread that are football related, I’ll add this here

    after the Patti interview by Peak, while I thought is was extremely good to learn what Nick had to say from his perspective, it leaves me with one other question that I’d LOVE to hear Nick’s answer on

    that is what is his opinion as to why Jordan exited Pitt? of course night not get THE answer, but really could be a huge insight into the program or into much more

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    1. He left because he was ready to go pro but not allowed to let the rules. He wasn’t 3 years removed from HS. He had accomplished what he wanted and decided to get paid while paying for a team that possibly could have playoff aspirations. They get within one game if that so I can’t really argue with his decision. He narrowly avoided serious injury, too, which IMO justified him taking the money and running. As we’ve seen this week … All it takes is one play in football. I can’t fault anyone doing what they feel is in their best interest.

      Liked by 1 person

        1. I mean SoCal-Pitt. Good friend as QB. New OC or Lincoln Riley? New QB or BFF?

          I just think he took advantage of his situation. A lot of unknowns with Pitt. I doubt he was excited about playing college football again.

          I think people try to make too big of a deal about this. It came out of left field but he lost his Heisman contending QB and pass happy OC.

          I think he felt he had peaked at Pitt. He got to within a game if the playoff and maybe they get in if Caleb doesn’t get hurt.

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          1. Anyone that would turn down 3 mil and more would be a fool. The rest of those considerations are minor. He would still have got his yards and awards if he stayed at Pitt.

            Liked by 2 people

          2. good friend as QB, I doubt that description

            New QB or BFF – are you saying the same thing as above? which I doubt, having spoken to family

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            1. Addison and Caleb Williams know each other very well. They both played locally here in the DMV (DC) area. Football is a community.

              “I was. I was in his ear. I was,” USC’s transfer quarterback said. “I even got probably, I think it was like 15 of my teammates that I had text Jordan. I was like, ‘Text this kid. Like guys we’re going to need him to go win some big games.’ That’s how important Jordan was.”

              BFF was just hyperbole. There was a certainly a friendship and familiarity though. Which clearly helped.

              Addison lost a Heisman finalist QB. He went to another Heisman contender. I really can’t blame him. They got within one game of getting into the playoff and his QB was the Heisman leader going into the game. Hard to argue his decision making. Outside of loyalty. But these kids see it as business now. Loyalty only goes so far. Latest mock on ESPN has him as the #1 WR off the board. He definitely didn’t hurt his brand.

              It was a decision he made and people have to live with it. It had less to do with Pitt and more to do with what he thought was best for him. Hard to argue the outcome. If he doesn’t get hurt, he’s well over 1k yards and double digit TD’s again with a ton of receptions.

              Liked by 1 person

                1. My other comment didn’t post, yet. They’re friends from the DC area. Best friends was hyperbole but they were/are friends and Caleb recruited him. Addison played just north of DC in Frederick, MD. There was certainly a familiarity between the two.

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                  1. I found and approved. It’s above.

                    BTW, I have said numerous times that WP doesn’t like links without some verbiage. This one had verbiage but the two or three before didn’t.

                    That doesn’t mean a comment with a short explanation and a link will go thru but it definitely will approve the odds.

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                  2. not friends, barely knew of CW is what I learned a while back

                    different FB playing circles but whatever, my info could be incorrect but I doubt it

                    point is, I’d love to hear Nick’s explanation or real insights as I think Chris Peak got some great information from him during the interview

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                    1. Player insights are always great. My bigger point was I don’t think Addison had any beef with Pitt. Just saw a better opportunity and the timing made since (and $$$$).

                      Liked by 1 person

    1. Petrino has nine lives. He is the exact reason why players deserve the portal. The coaches and universities started the instability in college sports allowing and encouraging coaches to break commitments and contracts. Every time they do it, a bunch of players get screwed. They build a relationship with a coach, sign on to that team and the coach bolts. Many times without even saying goodbye like Chryst and Graham.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. The power of prayer, good doctors and a very strong young man with great family support. Think about and pray for this kid every day.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Capel still has one or two scholarships available for this year. He should be able to build on his current highly ranked 2023 class with a couple of solid transfers once he knows for sure who will be coming back. I think it is not a slam dunk that Hugely and Jeffress will be coming back, especially Jeffress. He seems like someone who would benefit from a fresh start somewhere else. The Jeffress and X Man experiments show why having a player move up in class is not a good thing from a maturity standpoint.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Jeffress is still in a boot and on a scooter at the games. He never adapted to the speed of the game. His future is extremely doubtful. Hopefully he has spent a lot of time bench pressing and will have improved upper body strength. But like you say, where, when and if he plays are all in question.

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    3. He will hit the portal again and I like his chances that he gets the type of players he wants. Especially if they continue to win and make the tournament.

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  8. So way off any topic, but why is Bill O’Brien the O coordinator at Alabama and not a head coach some where? He was great at PSU even with the sanctions and had a long run in the NFL. Making 1.1 mil at Alabama not chump change, but still…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Saban is the coach Whisperer. It’s where reject coaches go for revitalization. He’ll get his again. Rumor is he’ll be going to NE next season as OC and will be groomed to replace Beli. Saban and Beli are very tight as well.

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  17. Any player who doesn’t take the money is being foolish. NFL is using college football as a minor league at no cost. In baseball, players can go after HS. In Basketball, after one-year post-HS. But, in football, only after three years post-HS. Coaches make promises, then run for the money. Loyalty, ask Nick Patti.

    Remember Christian Hackenberg? I recollect that after his freshman year, most pundits had him as a top NFL pick. Two years later, he dropped to the second round and lost both two years of earnings plus the loss of dropping to the second round. Millions lost. Once in a lifetime generational money for him and his descendants.

    Imagine if Bill Gates was told he couldn’t start a business until three years after he started College. Take the money and run!

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  18. OT – Saw where the Georgetown BB team, under Coach Patrick Ewing, has now lost 25 regular-season Big East games in a row.

    Ouch.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Remember that the $$ these NIL players and transfers receive is not coming from the school itself – that is not allowed, but the school can pay the players an equal amount of money as a stipend per NCAA rules. If Player A gets $300 a month then Player Z gets the same.

    The NIL $$ is coming from Alumni organizations, donors and businesses. The school can arrange a club like the Golden Panthers were and those entities can pay the NIL $$ – but not the universities themselves.

    That is if something changed that I was aware of in the last month or so.

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  20. I think I recall Narduzzi saying that the Pitt players each get $5,000 per year as expense money.

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    1. I believe that expense money is “Cost of Attendance” money. The NCAA allows that payment. There was pushback on that payment because each school set their own amount and the NCAA provided few details on guidance.

      It was believed that the SEC teams would be very liberal in their approach to calculating payments and therefore would have a recruiting advantage. Times sure have changed.

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  21. Reed – All the major recruiting schools have large NIL consortiums that generate income. So, yes, while it’s not from the school technically … it’s from the school. It’s a middle man, essentially. At least for the schools doing it right. Pitt has a couple.Alliance 412, spearheaded by Duzz’s namesake, Chris Bickell. They also have the Steel City NIL club that literally requests donations from fans so that they can equally distribute among the team. Depending on what you donate, they will give you some perks with the players.

    https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/2022/08/09/steel-city-nil-club-launches-to-provide-interaction-with-pitt-players-and-additional-nil-opportunities/

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Does anyone on here contribute to the Steel City NIL Club? I don’t remember hearing about it.

    I, for one, would be happy to contribute something in order to have access to “chalk talk” type events or game-film breakdowns. That’s the kind of stuff that interests me…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John, Scooter gives “chalk talks” after his 3rd beer at Hemingways every hoop pregame…and they’re free!!
      My 2 favorite topics are:
      “This game isn’t that hard” and “Get him out of there”

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Would love to hear Scooter breaking down film.

        After a thorough film study, Scooter sums up his evaluation: “He stinks!” 😊

        Go Scooter! 👍

        Liked by 4 people

  23. “I felt a really good connection, really good vibe from (Cignetti) and coach Narduzzi and Jon DiBiaso,” Veilleux told PSN Wednesday. “I felt a lot of love from those guys. (Pitt has) a great business school, especially with their finance program, that’s what I want to study, I couldn’t do that at Penn State, and I can do it at Pitt.”

    Nice to see players considering academics in the portal decision. Also, some more Cig love from a QB

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Especially since back in early 1950s to mid 1960s my dad was a professor in, then later Dean of the Graduate School of Business. For a while there when I was a late teen it seemed like older guys would always slide a free beer down the bar when they heard my last name! A lot were his students and some staff peers. Since my dad died when I was 13 it was nice to hear stories about him.

      What a change from hearing “Kohberger ” now…21 phone calls and 12 texts asking if I knew or are related to that Prick in Iowa. Three wanted to do video interviews with me even though I already told them to shove off.

      Went to library and as I was checking out books the librarian saw the name and quickly looked up at me – I said “No!!” pretty loudly and scared some other people there.

      Good news about Hamlin…

      Liked by 9 people

  24. By the way,
    Jimbo Fisher’s staff at A&M now has Petrino, DJ Durkin and Steve Addazio. A collection of weird characters.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Saying that Hamlin wanted to know who won the game? Drs. told him you won the game of life. Good stuff!

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  30. Some random thoughts:

    It is really heartwarming to see that Damar is on the road to recovery. No overnight miracles, but the tide has started to turn in his favor!!

    As a Pitt man and a looong time Jets fan I am 200% behind Revis being chosen for the possibility of entering the HOF.

    ….and lastly Orange Ladies 89 // Pitt Ladies 71 NO COMMENT

    Liked by 1 person

  32. Pitt Ladies Basketballers lose to Syracuse 89-71. Until the coach stops playing every player and recruits some height and inside talent, these losses will mount up. In fact I don’t see a single ACC win!

    The only sport that needs fixing!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I agree, Dan. I feel sorry for these young ladies – in his 5 years here, Coach has brought in one semi-legit center. One! And she stayed a couple years and then transferred to Ole Miss. She was 6-4 and an imposing presence in the paint. Now we have a 6-footer in the paint…

      Coach has no one to blame – but Coach. Tonight, they had a nice 19-2 run to take a 5 point lead at the half. The Orange height wore them down in the second half. BTW, for most of the 19-2 run, the 3 freshmen guards were on the floor – and hitting shots.

      I too will be shocked if they win a game in the ACC.

      Go Pitt.

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    2. Have you watch our softball team with the MAC HC Heather hired?

      That sport was fine at Pitt until Heather arrived and hand picked the coach.

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    3. Pitt’s women’s program has zero tradition. Another sport ignored by eggheads of the past. Wasn’t there a time when western Penn., pumped out a ton of talent for a couple of decades?

      Similar to the men’s program when the area produced players at an alarming rate from 1951 to the mid-70s. Awesome to not take it a little more serious and hire a coach who liked to recruit; unlike Doc, Timmons and Ridl.

      I think the early 50s could’ve fielded a team with Maurice Stokes and Jack Twyan together for three years. In the late 60s with Van Lier, Calabria, Durrett, Simmie Hill and Stu Lance.

      The mid-70s with Brad Davis, Larry Harris and Pat Cummings.

      Those are just some of the names I know. Oh, how about the 1973-74 team with Dwight Clay and Maurice Lucas.

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  34. Had a thought that if Coach Capel gets the Panthers into the NCAA tourney, a certain AD we know may become a hot commodity in the world of college sports.

    To the delight of some…

    Go Pitt.

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  35. So sad that one of our friends is no longer here to talk about the Head FB and BB coaches at UT. FB coach cursing out someone on the sideline (can’t repeat what he said) and BB Coach up on domestic assault charges.

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    2. yeah, dude called me out for dissing another poster here while he disses all of humanity and civility

      vile

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  36. I never did understand the situation with Pitt and Hood-Shifino. Pitt had offered him and then wouldn’t let him come for an official visit? He’s now lighting it up for Indiana. Does anyone know the back story on his recruiting?

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    1. I thought he verbaled early, then changed his mind, then changed his mind again, then wasn’t offered a visit or something like that. But like Judah Mintz, another one that got away. It’s like fishing, getting them on the line doesn’t mean you will reel them in.

      Hopefully this team keeps trending in the right direction so that the program keeps trending upward as well. But as we have seen, kids come and go on a whim.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Does the NCAA still enforce? Michigan should do what PSU did: react and fight back nonstop until the NCAA relents. They will cave eventually.

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    1. If Big John plays vs Clemson Saturday, if I’m HC Capel, I specifically bring Hugely off the bench for rebounds, specifically offensive rebounds. Be the Round Mound of Pound. I would let John know it is ok to foul out – we want you to play aggressive and hard.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. I noticed in the box score of the Clemson win over VT that Clemson had a freshman forward, RJ Godfrey, come off the bench and foul out in 16 minutes of play. Apparently he wasn’t just a designated fouler at the end of the game as he scored 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. That is pretty efficient in only 16 minutes on the floor.

        Liked by 1 person

  39. The Hugely thing is perplexing. Capel said it is for personal reasons. That does not mean injury. What the heck does it actually mean? Is he practicing? Can a reporter ask a question?
    At this point you have to wonder if he is going to sit out the entire year.

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  40. I don’t think the Hugley thing is very perplexing. I don’t have inside knowledge but my guess is Capel told Hugley he will not be part of the rotation until he’s in better shape. Instead of Hugley having to deal with the humility of being Pitt’s best player to not getting playing time, Capel and staff are letting Hugley get back in shape without having to bench him. He was more of a liability than an asset. Pitt probably beats Vandy if Hugley doesn’t play. By labeling it personal, it does limit the types of questions that reporters can ask and takes pressure off of Hugley to get in shape.

    Not fact. It’s a guess. But IMO one that makes sense.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I think it is a combination of what you said and that the knee really wasn’t ready to take the pounding of physical play. If you have ever had knee problems you know they usually recur, especially when they aren’t fully healed. Good chance he will need surgery sooner or later. Hopefully he will be ok to tough out the season and then get a little work done in April. Again all speculation.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. The only reason I don’t think it’s his knee is that Capel said it wasn’t injury related. He said it wasn’t injury, academic, or punishment related. If it’s his knee, then Capel is a liar. I don’t think Capel or the school would set themselves up for that backlash.

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    3. I would think he would be in shape by now if that was the case. Not likes he’s in his fifties, LOL. Hope you’re right and he comes out like he was playing last year. This team would be very good with last years John.

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  41. The biggest surprise to me was how good Fede is compared to what he looked like in the first few games. He really has eased the pain of losing Hugley so far. He looks like he has the ability to go from good to great next year, with some more muscle and improved moves to the hoop. Both he and Diaz-Graham need to forget dribbling while in the paint and either shoot or pass, at least for now.

    The team rebounding has been good, I thought I heard Elliott is averaging 6-7 rebounds per game. Hopefully his shooting gets hot again. Hinson is the star/leader of this team and that won’t change even if Hugley comes back strong. Hopefully he can deal with that.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. will be very important he has a good combine numbers

      easy Pitt guy to like but probably helped himself the least(or actually hurt) with bowl performance

      who is a comparable pro?

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      1. I’d bet that he doesn’t get invited to the combine tvax. Guys who are projected to be mid to late round selections usually don’t receive invites. This one reminds me a little of Greg Lee. I hope that I’m wrong.

        Liked by 1 person

  43. Not surprised about Wayne. Asking a kid to play 6 years of college is hard. I don’t think a 6th year set him up better for the pros. Try to go pro or start your career outside of football.

    Pitt is having a bunch of portal WR’s visit so I was assuming Wayne was gone.

    Liked by 1 person

  44. OT — Had to have surgery this morning to remove an impacted wisdom tooth and a cyst developing adjacent to it. I highly recommend Dr. Dalton at AGH if you need oral surgery. His team had me in and out of there in no time.

    My jaw looks a bit like Brando in the “The Godfather” and my lips are numb, but I’m elated to have the surgery over with…. General Anesthesia is my favorite General!

    I guess I should have consulted with Dr. Tom…but all appears to be well…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Sounds like he got a raw deal from coaches. The team knew it too. That is part of the reason nobody liked Slovis.
      The kids know who can play and if it is close the guy that stayed there 5 years should have the job.
      I believe getting hurt playing the Vols killed his chances to win the job.

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      1. Wait a second. I thought that the coaches that see them practice every single day only pick the player that gives the team the best chance to win.

        Or…are deals made to the portal potty players?

        Can’t have it both ways, or can you? Appears that is what happened from the comments and interview.

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        1. I’ve been saying the same thing all season long. But quite a few here on the POV didn’t want to believe that Narduzzi didn’t have a deal with Slovis to play him at all costs.—By the way after the bowl game Narduzzi was asked if he should have started Patti earlier this season. His reply I don’t like to look backward I like to look forward. What ever the he”” that means. Sounds to me like he really didn’t want to answer the question.

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    2. I listened to the interview with Nick last night. Enjoyed his insight – sheds light (IMO) on how things played out and Nick even said he was not sure why he did not get more playing time as the season went on, but more importantly Nick thought he had won the starting job in the Spring and Fall camp.

      Nick will probably move on with his life’s work as he did say if he was going to continue with FB, he’d prefer to be the QB at Pitt.

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      1. Wait a second dudes. I thought that everyone on here believed that nardstop watches everyday in practice and only plays the people that give him the best chance to win.

        Or, is it politics with the portal potty players being promised the job and it is theirs to lose?

        So are we to believe that the player’s and Patti believed he straight up won the competition, and the king got it wrong? Were we setup for a huge year and blewitt because of some pre-portal signing secret double handshake? Asking for a friend.

        P.S. As an editrial note: There should be an E at the end of Darrell in article title. He is a sure HOf’r.

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  46. Fans Invited to Sign Banner in Support of Damar Hamlin at Saturday’s Pitt Basketball Game

    PITTSBURGH—Fans attending Saturday’s Pitt-Clemson men’s basketball game at the Petersen Events Center are invited to sign a banner in support of Buffalo Bills safety and former Panthers star Damar Hamlin.

    The banner will be available during pregame from 3 to 3:50 p.m., on the upper concourse level behind sections 224 and 225, adjacent to the double escalators.

    Following the game’s 4 p.m. tip-off, the banner will be displayed in the arena for all to see.

    A prep standout at nearby Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Hamlin was Pennsylvania’s top defensive prospect when he signed with Pitt and Coach Pat Narduzzi in 2016. He went on to collect 290 tackles and six interceptions during his collegiate career (2016-20), serving as a Pitt captain and earning All-ACC as a senior.

    Hamlin is a 2020 graduate of Pitt with a bachelor’s degree in communication. He was a sixth-round draft pick of the Bills in 2021 and highly productive starter throughout this current season.

    Said Narduzzi earlier this week: “Damar Hamlin is far more than just a football player. He’s a loving son, brother and friend. Damar is a hero to thousands of Pittsburgh kids.

    “Damar, we love you. We are praying for you. Pittsburgh’s always had your back. And now it’s obvious the entire country has your back, too.”

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  47. Pretty much the only move for Wayne. Time to find out if he can make a living in the pros. I like his chances.

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  48. it strikes me as to how different the personalities of the MBB team are watching interviews

    I have to say, I didn’t like the “look” of Blake Hinson on the court in several of the first few games, but he is extremely likeable and articulate and smart and understanding seemingly everything with this team and the coaches

    here are Burton and Hinson who contrast dramatically with Fedx2 and Greg Elliot if you’ve seen their interview videos:

    https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/2023/01/06/watch-pitts-blake-hinson-jamarius-burton-preview-clemson-game/

    Liked by 1 person

  49. Wayne was not well received by a few on here when he committed to Pitt. Ready for the NFL after four years. Best of luck, Jared.

    Narduzzi needs to reel in the two WR transfers this weekend. The UNLV kid is likely to be a Panther.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. I loved Nick Patti’s gutsy performance but let’s not get carried away. We won 9 games. Neither was the second coming of Kenny. Everyone loves the backup but they’re generally backups for a reason. He completed less than 50% of his passes in the bowl game. I’m glad he had his last hurrah moment but I highly doubt Pitt has a magical season because Patti started. There are a lot of factors going into the portal. If Slovis comes here and doesn’t win the job, does that make it more difficult to get future QB’s in the Portal? Was the difference between the two big enough to take that risk? This season we get a QB familiar with the offense. Hopefully, it helps. Portal QB’s are the way of the future. I doubt we’ll see too many home grown QB’s starting for Pitt in the portal era.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This also touches on my problem with loyalty. Patti was loyal to Pitt, but the loyalty wasn’t reciprocated. I’m, personally, okay with Slovis playing. I don’t think Patti was a difference maker. But, this is why I have no problem with guys transferring and I have an issue with fans being upset over a lack of loyalty. It’s rarely a two way street.

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    2. I agree about Nick P. I have no doubt that Duzz made a mistake in going so strongly for Kedon in the portal – mainly because Kedon didn’t move well in the pocket (something Patti did very well). But I suspect that Duzz always had in the back of his head the outstanding year that Kedon had as a freshman at USC and the not-even-close number of real game snaps Kedon had versus Nick.

      Duzz likely made the wrong choice, but it wasn’t an easy call as I see it….

      Go Pitt.

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  51. I don’t see Wayne getting drafted unless his speed is really good. I doubt that, but he isn’t getting any better in college. He should go for it.

    Thank God for Damar’s recovery, continue to pray for him.

    There is a place for home grown QBs. If Pitt had a four star QB that got any game experience last year, I’d skip Jurkovec. I think WVU made a wise choice. They have a young 4 star that played and another kid with decent experience. No use hitting the portal. They do have an offense more conducive to getting other QBs playing time. Something most college OCs do not do.

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    2. There’s a place but you also have to be patient. Good programs rarely can be patient. Look how long it took for Kenny to pan out. We live in an instant gratification world. The good thing for Pitt is we got two transfers. CV from PSU is the future and Phil is the present. We’ll be set for the next 4 years if CV works out. Being a school that has a pro-style offense (rarer and rarer) … Pitt should always be a destination for transfer QB’s. Good thing to have on the NFL resume.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Agree on Pitt. They need to make a serious effort to get CV playing time this year. More than mop up duty.

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        1. I do disagree there. I think getting the backup playing time is overrated. CV has PT from PSU, too. I don’t think mop up duty helps. It’s not true playing time. Either you can play or you can’t. If Phil is the guy, you go with him all year.

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        2. What about Yarnell … does he get a fair shot?

          What high school recruit would want to come to PITT if Narduzzi keeps bringing portal people and putting them at the head of the line??? Oh, I forgot about the spring and fall camp QB competition… neck and neck between Slovis and Nick?? We all saw how that worked out. Nick a real stand up guy. Don’t see that too often… Slovis picked up his briefcase and moved on. Was PITT not good enough.. did he hear the student section booing… he should have been pulled somewhere during that 4 game losing streak…Yarnell or Nick should have been inserted. Oh well water over the damn dam…

          Liked by 2 people

      2. Kenny’s development was slowed down by his receivers leading the nation in drops in 2019 and 2020. That hurt his stats big time. Yarnell deserves a fair shot, too. Came in cold and threw a terrific pass in the bowl game. I hope he doesn’t get jerked around by the staff, but I can see one more year at Pitt and then gone with his degree.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Kenny found some “ new” accuracy in his short passing game as well as a deep ball his last year and it continues in the big league. Before that he was so frustratingly inconsistent with his passing- balls at receivers feet , behind them …

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  55. There were close to 5000 players in the transfer portal… Are they moving around because they all think they can make the big leagues? Many more players are opting out and leaving early to get ready for the NFL sessions… There are 53 players on each of the 32 teams… Do the math… Very few of them will ever see the NFL. Maybe we need a reset where it is stressed to these young men that your education should be taken seriously is it might lead to your ability to feed yourself and your family in the future… It’s become total BS.

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    1. Moving around is not a bad thing, other than Addison which is an outlier for many reasons, the portal has been good for Pitt, in both football and basketball. It is also good for the players, they have a chance to better their situation, which doesn’t always mean moving up in class. Barden and Bradley are moving down so that they can get a chance to play. Before the portal but look at DeNucci, he went to play and ended up with Dallas, if he stays at Pitt he is a back-up to KP.

      In sports things don’t work out for many players for many reasons, injuries, timing, bad fit, coaches leave etc. The portal gives guys a second chance, it doesn’t guarantee it will work out for either party.

      I’m not as positive about NIL, not clear how that will work out.

      Leaving for the NFL is a whole different thing but why not give it a shot whenever it makes sense. You only get one shot when you are a borderline player. You can always go back and finish your degree.

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      1. Is it tough on a player when someone is recruited over them as a freshman or from the portal, of course it is, but that is competition. Stephens Howling took a back seat to Shady, Davis took a back seat to Izzy and went from first guy to fourth guy. Did they pout or complain, no they did their best. Same with Patti who stayed ready and performed when called upon. Did it hurt, of course it did. These guys are competitors.

        Sometimes it is just timing, Remember when Pitt had so many great running backs that two tranferred and starred at WV, or how about Joe Flacco who went to Delaware and won a Super Bowl.

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  56. Pitt whiffing on Bradley and Barden is really hurting us. And they were bad misses looking at where they ended up…. Like to see two WRs from the portal- one with some speed, both with good hands…😊

    At this point, and didn’t think I’d be typing this, I’ll be glad to see Bub Means back. Mumpfield will be solid.

    And I hope Coach Cig has each of the true and red-shirt freshmen WRs master one WR position before attempting to learn another WR position…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

    1. Look at the kids visiting Pitt in the portal. The WR corp could be drastically improved next year even minus Wayne. It’s a new era. Missing on recruits doesn’t hurt as much when you can find a better replacement in the portal. Sometimes you get burned like Addison, but more often than not Pitt will make out okay.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That took a bit of a hit this a.m. The WR from UNLV canceled his visit and is likely heading to Washington State. Need to bag the Florida receiver, who plays like Wayne but not as fast as Jared.

        Adding Cephas in the spring is becoming more important.

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  57. Sun Bowl CBS property.  ACCN is ESPN property 

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    2. It may be shown one day on the CBSsports network. I have that channel but always forget to check it.

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      1. That’s fine but not the same as repeated showings in the ACC footprint where we do most of our recruiting.

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  60. BigB … recruiting has changed. Transfers are the QB recruits who will come to Pitt. That’s who. QB recruits are hit or miss and you can’t be promised they’ll stick around long enough to be worth the investment.

    If Pitt is relying on Patti and Yarnell going into next season, we’d be in a lot of trouble. No offense to those guys but they are not proven reliable QB’s. They may be great people, but college football is about winning not being a great guy.

    Again, it’s why I question people who get made at kids leaving over loyalty. It’s not a two way street. They’re expected to be loyal to the school but coaches are not going to play someone because they are loyal. Not how it works.

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  61. GC – speaking of Scooter, I’ve told this before but before there was a POV, Scooter and Fran sat in the front portion of Section 536 (Upper Deck). I also sat, and still sit, in 536 and I’m about 12 seats down the row from where they were. Since there’s only 4 rows in our section, you get familiar with the faces of the regulars. So before the POV, I knew their faces but hadn’t met them.

    Well when Fran responded to Reed and so generously volunteered to be the host for POV tailgates, I decided to go to that first tailgate, which I think was for a spring game.

    So during the tailgate I’m looking at Fran and Scooter and thinking those two guys really look familiar – where in the world have I seen them before?

    After a while it hits me – of course, we sit in the same section. And, of course, Scooter is that super passionate Pitt fan who screams at the coaches and at the players when we foul something up!

    Like if Darelle Revis missed a tackle, he was going to hear about it from Scooter. And Scooter didn’t hold back.

    Fran was more laid back, but just as passionate. Then I meet them and learn that you couldn’t find two more kind and generous and funny souls.

    And I got to meet them all thanks to Commander Reed!

    Liked by 6 people

    1. John, I have a story about a wisdom tooth and a bone eating cyst. Remind me to tell you next time I see you.

      Like

  64. Look for Sean McDermott’s latest interview on Hamlin. He tells how he just got off the phone with Narduzzi, how he has a good relationship with him and trusts what he tells him about possible draftees. He said Narduzzi told him what a great kid Hamlin was and everything he told him was accurate about Hamlin. I’m sure it started with Dane Jackson. The reporter didn’t follow up.

    Liked by 2 people

  65. Pitt women gymnasts win the Keystone Classic tonight at the Fitz. They outscored Penn, Temple, and for only the 3rd time in 24 tries- PSU! Pitt has a very young team, so this bodes well for them. Hey, maybe we’ll have another successful winter sports team!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. H2P!

      I’ll take any win over The State Penn any day, any sport.

      Does this win in the Keystone Classic over psuX, Penn & Temple mean that the Pitt gymnastics team DOMINATES PA?

      Nod to psuX head FB coach…

      Liked by 2 people

  67. HUGE bb game today. The Zoo should be jumping because the students are back on campus.
    I expect the crowd to be large and loud at The Pete. Our Panthers play for national ranking.
    Call me in the minority I am not sure if Hugely should play (if his problems have been treated). The team’s chemistry has been strong and unless he can seriously contribute (limited minutes) I would hope that he can be held back until he is 100% ready….NOT 88%.

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    1. Hugely at 88% of last years performance would definitely help Pitt. Right now Capel is primarily only using 6 players in most games. The team needs all the bench help it can get going forward.

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      1. No way. He was a huge liability in the games that he’s played in this season. He has to be in game shape. He’s always been a bit of a liability on defense, so that has to be taken into account as well. Can his offense offset his defense? He can’t stretch at all on the defensive end. Strictly a post defender. The twins can at least defend out to the 3 point line. Out of shape Hugley was a sieve.

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  68. Mike has the Pitt – Clemson game day thread scheduled to post at 3:30 this afternoon.

    Attached are some links to the Pitt Athletic Department posts on the game.

    General game day notes. It doesn’t include the fact that Clemson hasn’t won 5 ACC games to start the season since the 2018-19 season. (I may be wrong on the year, but a local TV channel disclosed that fact last night.)

    https://pittsburghpanthers.com/news/2023/1/6/mens-basketball-panthers-host-clemson-saturday-in-battle-of-acc-unbeatens.aspx

    A PDF file with rosters and statistics for both teams. Altogether 4 pages.

    Click to access Clemson_Pages.pdf

    Another PDF file with broadcast info (TV, Radio and Sirius including announcers) and some series info. Just one page.

    Click to access Clemson_Pages.pdf

    Like

  69. Well when/if Hugley comes back he will be replacing Diaz Graham minutes so he at least has to be more effective than him/them. That shouldn’t be to hard for a guy that was one of the better 5’s in the ACC last year. He needs to embrace his new role whatever that may be.

    Love to see him start that today.

    Like

    1. The issue I see with Hugley coming back and Diaz is Diaz is probably less of a liability on defense which says something. Diaz can at least defend out to the 3, where Hugley is strictly a post defender. Hugley is a better post defender than Diaz but having a stretch defender in this era, I would argue, is more important. Hugley has never been a great defender. Out of shape Hugley is downright bad. It’s an interesting dynamic that Capel has to manage. Hugley was our best player last season but it was a terrible team. Best player on a bad team doesn’t always translate to still being a good player on a good team. Is he good enough to get regular PT on this squad? I seriously don’t know. I don’t think it’s a given he returns to his previous form in a winning team dynamic.

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      1. Hugley has had a month to get in shape, that should be plenty if there is no recurring knee issues. He looks pretty positive on the bench, hope there is a role for him.

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        1. I just want to see the best players, play. Even in shape Hugley was a bad defender. I think he will have to improve on defense regardless of conditioning to get playing time.

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          1. I assume he has been defending Fede in practice, so hopefully they are both the better for it. It sure seems that Fede is getting better.

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      2. I agree with Tossing….Clemson is one of the best 3 ball shooting teams in the ACC. This is no game to experiment with the chemistry that Pitt has going right now….same with the Duke game. Wait until we play G. Tech next Saturday for some Hugley minutes.

        Like

  70. Looked at the Clemson stats, they shoot lights out from the 3 point line, need to play some serious D today.

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    1. I believe I read that Clemson does not defend the 3 well.

      That’s a good start to a game I will have to miss today. Bummer for me!

      Go Pitt!

      Like

    2. Clemson is a bunch of tall, older guys who can shoot. Tough to defend.

      One starter who averages 9 ppg missed the last game and is questionable for today.

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  71. This Clemson game has all the classic earmarks of a loss. We have seen this movie before, the team is playing well, upsets a couple of good teams, and then starts reading the press clippings. The discussion becomes about what the Monday ranking will be, and where the NCAA seeding will end up.

    The players say they are focused on the game, but are they really? Then we will see that they are cold coming out, and the missed shots and turnovers start to pile up. They go into the break down about 10 points, but we all know they score big in the second half, so no problem. Only today they don’t. They start pressing and the turnovers continue. Fouls are mounting, Fede and Hinson foul out, and Clemson is hitting their foul shots. Clemson is also hitting 3s while Pitt is stone cold. The balloon bursts…

    This could all be avoided if Capel senses this feeling, and makes sure their heads are on straight. This is a game where discipline and focus are critical, and a good coach will sense the disaster lurking ahead. Time for Capel to put the hammer down..

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    1. This has been a bad recurring movie dating back to the Paul Evans days. 😵‍💫

      I remember under Dixon that we got a #1 ranking in the polls and that lasted until our next game….which of course we lost.

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        1. Good question on why he never coached again. I remember an article on him about 20 years ago and he was surprised he was never offered another job. He thought he’d at least land an assistant job at a bigger school or on an NBA staff, but nothing ever came.

          I’m pretty sure his contract was up at Pitt and his M.O. was his teams fading down the stretch. The 1993-94 squad lost its last seven or eight after looking at another trip to the NCAAs. It was time to move off him.

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  73. Hoping for a real home court advantage today. No excuse for Pitt fans not to come back to the Pete.

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    1. How about the last six or seven years of Pitt mbb?

      Prior to that timeline, I would schedule my day around a game like this – not today.

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  74. Hugely when playing his best is much much better than Diaz Graham. The twins are hardly good defenders and barely score. They will be good but they are not now. Hugely banging the boards with Pitt’s outside shooting will be a great combo.

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  76. There has been some complaints from fans about how expensive tickets are for this game. I don’t foresee a great crowd. Hopefully the Zoo is back in full force.

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