in Pitt Football 560 Words

Pitt Football Two-Deep or Depth Chart – You Can’t Call it the Truth

Ed Note: Folks – here is a very nice follow up and bridge article in connecting the BB season to the 2023 FB season. It is written by Rick (Erie) Caldwell and coming off the great and detailed work just posted by Richard in SC makes these pieces a fine one-two punch of things to think about before September rolls around. Enjoy!

What’s in a Two-deep? In college football, it is the projected starter and back-up at every position, obviously. Which doesn’t really make sense, does it? Stay with me…NFL 101: Introducing the Basics of Cover 2 | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report

The Two-deep isn’t something you can wax poetically about, as in “Back when I played…”  It feels as if it is an invention of broadcasting, allowing the radio talking heads and the TV commentators to prepare for describing the game to their listeners or viewers. It helped them save some time by focusing their research on players who would actually see the field.

It’s a good idea that has been corrupted like a lot of good ideas.

The one starter you can count on these days for most teams is the word “or” and for Pitt it is also the transfer QB. As in Kedon Slovis OR Nick Patti. Actually three or four “ors” may be contenders at a position, making the wrongly named “Two-deep” a “Three-deep” or “Four-deep.”

Make a decision please, will you?

Sorry, that’s not how it’s done these days. College football coaches don’t really want to list a starter even if they know one has edged out the other as the starting quarterback. Part of it is competitive. The coach wants their opponent to keep guessing up until the minute before his offense takes the field, making them prepare for Slovis’ pinpoint passing expertise (ikr) and Patti’s option running style.

The Transfer Portal CFB (@TPortalCFB) / Twitter

The other part is a little new school. If a coach names a starter, that means the backups have lost the competition. They may transfer – and in this day and age that might be the same day they find out someone else is the starter.

Well anyway, below is my “way too early” two-deep for Pitt football in 2023:

OFFENSE

Former Pine-Richland Star, Boston College QB Phil Jurkovec Officially Signs With Pitt - Pittsburgh Sports Now

QB: Phil Jurkovec / Christian Veilleux or Nate Yarnell

RB: Rodney Hammond / C’Bo Flemister or Derrick Davis Jr

WR1: Konata Mumpfield / Addison Copeland

WR2: Bub Means / Myles Alston

WR3: Daejon Reynolds / Israel Polk (FR)

TE: Gavin Bartholomew / Karter Johnson

LT: Ryan Baer or Branson Taylor

LG: Ryan Jacoby / Dorien Ford

C: Jake Kradel / Terrence Moore

RG: Blake Zubovic / Terrence Enos

RT: Matt Goncalves / Jason Collier

(Defense and Special Teams after page break)

DEFENSE

Miraculous pick-6 by M.J. Devonshire gives Pitt late lead - ESPN Video

DE1: Dayon Hayes / Sam Okunlola

DE2: Bam Brima or Nahki Johnson / Nate Temple

DT1: David Green or Sean FitzSimmons / Elliot Donald

DT2: Devin Danielson or Tyler Bentley / Deandre Jules

MLB: Shayne Simon / Brandon George

STAR: Bangally Kamara / Kyle Louis

MONEY: Solomon Deshields / Aiden Hemmingham

SS: Javon McIntyre or Donovan McMillian

FS: Phillip O’Brien or Buddy Mack III

CB1: Marquis Williams / Rashad Battle

CB2: MJ Devonshire or AJ Woods

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: Ben Sauls or… ???

P: Jeff Yurk / Caleb Junko or Sam Vander Haar

LS: Byron Floyd / James Fineran

KR: C’Bo Flemister or Che Nwabuko / Derrick Davis Jr

PR: MJ Devonshire / Konata Mumpfield

Where do yinz guys think we need help?  Or did I miss a player or two or three or…?

Hail To PITT!

image001

144 thoughts on “Pitt Football Two-Deep or Depth Chart – You Can’t Call it the Truth”

  1. Thanks Rick and keep them coming.

    To other readers – so many very good articles have been written by readers and commenters on the Pitt POV over the last few years it has become rather apparent that almost everyone can do this if they can just get over the ridiculous idea that “I’m just not a good writer“.

    That’s bollocks as the British say. Every single reader on here can jot their thoughts down in an outline form and then write an article. It sure doesn’t have to be perfect or even pretty – we editors on here can fancy things up with proofreading, graphics, etc. before it posts.

    Take a chance – at first I was the only writer and while I think that went pretty well where would we be without Richard and Mike’s fantastic contributions to the blog – and Rick’s above among other contributors also?

    So – take a chance – do this and then email anything you have to me at: rkohberger@gmail.com and we’ll see where things go…

    Liked by 3 people

  2. Good job Rick, I think it is a pretty solid lineup and we never know what freshmen may step up and push someone out of the way. First team looks pretty good and depth not bad considering how many guys are moving to the NFL. QB and Running back really solid. Still question marks at WR.

    On D hopefully the linebackers and safeties step up.

    Hard schedule but Pitt should be very competitive.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. GC – I noticed that each year Pitt fans say we have a hard schedule coming up. Doing a little research on Strength Of Schedule for the Narduzzi years it shows this (where 0.00 is an ‘average’ SOS):

      https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/pat-narduzzi-1.html

      Note that his last four season’s 34-20 record has been against an average 0.45 SOS. His first two years were much different pulling down a 16-10 record against a tougher SOS schedule of 3.65.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Reed when you have WV and UNC back to back and also ND and FLST back to back plus only Wofford as a tune up and the rest conference games throw the stats out.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Rick, time well spent off the back nine…much appreciated. We always will have surprises no matter how solid our projections are for the order of our 1st and 2nd string players. The dirty word injuries sadly comes into play and there is almost guaranteed to be a sleeper who proves to be a rising star (we call hope). We have scholies available to strengthen key positions and hopefully, we will find a gem or two or three to boost our chances of success.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Thanks, Erie Express. Tough to get those names back in the old noggin as we move toward the spring game.

    On offense, I’m really concerned about TE unless GB really picks up his game. Hoping his drop-off last season was a product of the dreaded Coach Cig transition year, but some of the effort-level was also a concern, at least to my eyes.

    As hard as Coach Salem reportedly works at recruiting, TE play remains an issue…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  5. Great article, thanks. I get the ‘or’ thing. Most teams, especially on D play tons of players. D lineman rotate, LBs switch out in passing downs, extra DBs play. Also, as we have heard the Pitt coaches say, it all depends on the week day game prep. It is possible a player doesn’t understand his assignments well against a certain type of offense and another player does.
    I like Pitt’s OL better this year than last. Kradel is a better center. Zub when healthy is good. Taylor will start as he should, he has a very high ceiling. I believe Jacoby was a high star guy so hopefully he finds his groove. I see Baer playing a lot of snaps giving guys a breather and being first one off the bench everywhere except center. Love moving Ford to OL. Get him some reps this year.

    LT: Branson Taylor or Ryan Baer

    LG: Ryan Jacoby / Dorien Ford

    C: Jake Kradel / Terrence Moore

    RG: Blake Zubovic / Terrence Enos

    RT: Matt Goncalves / Jason Collier

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Help needed at WR, TE and LB IMO. Not sure Bart shouldn’t be sent back to his position under Whipple and bring in a TE from the portal that might be able to get more separation down field.

    Like

  7. Speaking of the two-deep, I find it interesting that coaches always preach about the importance of special teams – “It’s a third of the game…”, yet you never see any info on who will line up on special teams except for the two kickers, the holder and the snapper.

    What about all those guys covering the kicks and/or blocking for kicks? Who will be the gunners, e.g…

    I never understand why teams don’t give these guys some pub and credit by listing them along with the O and the D.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

  8. What was that?? A 27 yard punt off the side of the foot. What was that? A line drive missile with no hang time. PITT’S PUNTING WAS PURELY PATHETIC PANTHER POVERT’s.

    From teeny weeny Elon we might have the rescue for our woes, Jeff Yurk…the top FCS punter with two years remaining to play. The specialty positions can kill or boost a team if they are properly played….Cal Adomitis now has a future career of playing on Sundays as the loooong snapper for Cincy. Let’s hope that Mr. Yurk stops all of us from reaching for Pepto Bismol when it comes time for a strong, well-placed punt. H2P!

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Majors and isnore, agree 100%.

    Every time a punter sets up or a FG kicker is on the field a big swing in field position or actual points are at stake. Now it seems colleges are recruiting kickers and punters but for many decades there would be either walk-ons or even student tryouts for those important positions.

    Like

  11. Good start:

    I don’t think there is an “or” at backup QB … it’s CV.
    I don’t think there is an “or” at PK
    I think it’s Ryan Baer’s spot so no “or” there either
    I think Che will be on the 2 deep at WR

    Like

      1. I think he’ll be there as a slot WR. You get the ball to your play makers. Can’t teach speed.

        Like

    2. The “or” at PK is because we have NO back-up kicker at the moment. If Sauls goes down with an injury, one of our punters will take a swing, which could be adventurous.

      Like

  12. I really like the OL starters, but I’m a bit concerned about the depth. After Baer, no one has any experience, and we saw what happened last year.. A leaky line will destroy the passing game, even with a seasoned QB. Maybe they are victims of players who stayed too long and didn’t give the backups enough real game reps. But I must say I see a real drop off after the starters.

    Like

    1. One of the departing senior lineman said watch out for Enos. There might not be a lot of experience, but I like Moore and hopefully Trey Anderson takes a bit of a leap.

      Everyone has been calling for Ford to the O-line and it happened.

      Like

  13. Apart from Hammond, it’s not really clear where the firepower on offense will come from. Hopefully the receivers progress and Jurkovec compensates for losses in other areas. I think the defensive line will be good (it almost always is) but I don’t see the dominant player who commands double teams and wrecks plays almost singlehandedly like we’ve been blessed with in recent years. Linebackers are a question mark (as usual) and we’re rebuilding in the secondary. With the exception of QB, there is no single position group that is obviously better than last year’s version.

    Concerning, especially since the season gets off to a fast start apart from Wofford. Quarterback can remedy a lot of ills and a few of the young guys will surprise so I’ll remain cautiously optimistic for now even though my intuition doesn’t feel great about this.

    Liked by 2 people

    2. I don’t think of Hammond as firepower. He’s a grinder. He’s not a big play guy.

      Like

      1. Met Hammond briefly at the LOI event. Looking at him, had to wonder where all that power comes from – he’s not exactly big or imposing. Unlike Bartholomew, who actually did look quite big – and I hope he’s working on the “imposing.” 🙂

        Go Pitt.

        Liked by 2 people

  14. Miami men’s BB putting on a show against the cheater lead Houston Cougars.

    The Canes need to build a huge lead to pad the late game collapse.

    Like

  15. Wow – I just saw a stat that is hard to believe –

    The SEC and BIG Joke conferences had a total of 16 teams in the tournament and only one remains – Alabama who is losing to San Diego State 28-23 at the half.

    Like

  16. What stands is an average receiving corps and terrible depth at linebacker.

    I think there are two scholarships open, so definitely need to hit the portal after spring ball when more kids will leave.

    The WR coach needs to up his recruiting game. It was rumored Copeland was dismissed, but that appears to be untrue. The walk-on special teams gunner and penalty machine, #41 Lewis, was dismissed it appears.

    Like

    1. We have thrown a ton of scholarships at the WR position which is the best way to find a playmaker or two…

      We do need one of those freshmen WRs to come in making plays like Antonio Bryant back in the day…. I remember Antonio reaching around with both hands and catching a TD pass behind the defender’s helmet in his first game at Pitt Stadium. I thought – yikes, we have a big-time WR! And we did.

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. BTW, those stats Richard provided on Ben Sauls placekicking were awesome.

    —Perfect on 47 extra points;
    —20 for 24 on FGs;
    —9 for 11 on FGs over 40 yards.

    I remember when some were not happy about Coach Duzz moving Sauls up to the No. 1 placekicker. This was one case where there really was competition for the job in camp – in spite of the success that Scarton had the season before…. Credit to the coaches for getting it right.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Is it possible the coaches spent too much time watching the PK competition and did not give enough attention to the QB dual?

      Like

    1. Love it! Miami is looking good if they can hang on. I hope Xavier beats Texas too. That would mean 2 Power 5 conferences advance. The ACC and the Big12 with one each.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. The Alabama Criminal Tide goes down to San Diego State

    YES!

    Miami is schooling Houston.

    High probability that all #1 seeds will be eliminated along with the SEC and BIG Joke teams.

    Liked by 2 people

  21. The rating system used by the ncaa to seed tournament teams was flawed this year
    No number 1s left already in the third round
    Media partly to blame

    Liked by 2 people

  22. Xavier shot themselves out vs Pitt. Can’t buy a basket vs Texas. Watch how Texas cuts off their driving lanes unlike you know who!

    Liked by 3 people

  24. I just can’t like Xavier with Miller as HC. Just can’t get past his sordid past with buying players, even if he is a Pitt man. Can’t help wondering how many of those Xavier players were bought..

    Like

        1. Claims are Jeff cheated while at Oklahoma in a similar fashion to claims against Sean at Arizona.

          Like

    1. Texas played “in your face” lockdown defense on the shooters and cut off driving lanes on the back door cuts. X men were helpless!! I think had Fede been not hurt, it would have helped Pitt immensely. But X men were white hot shooting vs Pitt. Couldn’t buy a basket vs. Texas who may win it all!

      Like

  27. Man were the pundits wrong, all blue bloods except for UConn and possibly Gonzaga are done. No number ones make it to the elite 8.

    Miami really good, I still believe they beat Duke if Omier doesn’t twist an ankle. He is a force.
    Hopefully his ankle holds up. Don’t usually root for Miami but they have grown on me.

    Our victory vs. them rates as one of the best Pitt games I personally witnessed, What a night at the Pete.

    Liked by 4 people

  28. Well, the big 10 is overrated in all sports, but not hockey. They might have 3 teams in the frozen 4. They have been dominating in all the tournament games. Yes and that includes the Nitters.

    Like

  29. $$ will prevent Pitt from playing high level hockey….a terrible shame because hockey would do extremely well in the 412.

    Like

    1. They’d never make it to the finals. Sully’s team would have to win a playoff series to achieve that…

      Like

  31. Carlton Carrington future Pitt guard named to the Capitol Classic All Star team. He led his HS team to 29 wins, was nenes MVP at 5 tournaments and scored over 1000
    points in his career.

    I’ve talked many times about taking a good AAU team to DC tournaments and getting crushed. They play a much higher talent level basketball than maybe anywhere than NYC! Carlton is a stud !! Hope we get 2 full years from him.

    Liked by 4 people

      1. His D and quickness are outstanding but like all things, no one knows how that will translate to D1 or ACC basketball.

        On another note,
        I’m a little concerned at how Capel is strongly pursuing point guards in the portal??? I get it…. Know one knows the future for Dior… even Dior.

        Like

        1. Good thoughts. Who knows, look at it this way, Coach must feel he has a strong front line. Perhaps speaks well to retaining both twins and Fede. And that Jeffress is improving too.

          In modern NCAA B-Ball point guards are the Kings, I think all coaches over recruit there. And perhaps he will find a shooting guard in the rough too.

          H2P

          Like

  32. Great job Rick and thank you! I’m still looking for Okunlola to see lots of PT and get to know the opponent’s backfield intimately.

    Liked by 1 person

  33. The Pitt DL will be the key for Pitt this season. If they can’t generate the pressure on the opposition QB’s it will end up being a very long season for Pitt FB. Losing Kancey and our DE’s(including Morgan) along with Dennis has me putting up some red flags unless Partridge can work some magic with the current roster.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. You can never have enough guards at tournament time. That kid the other night with 19 assists says it all..

    Like

  39. Great football score today Hokies 20 Pitt12 Pitt pitchers thought they were pitching batting practice.

    Like

  40. NFL note: “The competition committee did not list the Eagles’ controversial quarterback sneak play on its list of rule proposals and bylaws to be considered ahead of the 2023 season, according to Kalyn Kahler of The Athletic. That means the play, which allows multiple players to line up behind quarterback Jalen Hurts and essentially push him forward on a quarterback sneak, will still be permitted for at least another year.”
    But it sure didn’t take long for everyone to react to a spontaneous “fake slide,” did it?

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Two completely different scenarios. The Eagle’s trickery is a called play with a formation that the defense can adapt to.

      The Fake Slide took advantage of a rule designed to protect the QB from serious injury. Which is ironic on Pickett’s part because he sat out a whole bowl game that would have given us our first 12 win season and the highest posr-season record in over 30 years just to avoid injury.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. why was he never going to take the Pitt job is critically important

        I don’t know why you’d say that so am asking

        Like

        1. tvax: It’s an assumption on my part but Hurley is an east coast guy by history and by personality (son of a legendary Jersey basketball coach and not really one to hold his tongue). UConn just makes so much more sense for someone with his background. One level below NCAA blue blood in basketball, up the road from NYC and Jersey recruiting grounds, and no other local competition in New England for the few top players produced in that region every year.

          I also think Hurley’s personality would be tough to swallow for Pitt’s administration. Again, that’s supposition on my part. The bigger picture is that he was in a position to pick between multiple options and he had to know a more favorable job then Pitt (the biggest rebuilding job in major college bball at the time)was coming open.

          Liked by 2 people

      2. I am not really sure that is how things went down. I am sure, that is how it ended. The passage of time tends to change stories a bit, which is okay. The two coaches will be linked in my mind and candidly, Hurley has the upper hand right now, by a lot. Again, that is okay.

        After the swing and miss with Hurley, I supported the Capel hiring fully as there was a change coming in d1 sport, where he could compete in the recruiting game. It has taken longer than expected.

        I have seen many mentions of dirty coaches, Miller, Sampson, Boeheim, Capel, and the list goes on and on. Can we all agree that every D1 coach has paid or arranged payments to players and be done with the whining about how clean we are/were? This is exactly why the ncaa has gone to the NIL model, in essence, to bring transparency to payments. Good gracious folks. Pitt was never ripped off.

        Another NIL shift is coming and the university better be getting its act together.

        Like

    2. on THAT I totally agree

      far better recruiter of talent and size and a million times better game-play coach

      really not close on the coaching part it seems but the recruiting talent helps how that looks and I wonder the difference in “support” Hurley gets compared to Capel

      Like

    1. Seems to me that Pitt has been attracting better OLine recruits in the last few years – especially at OT, which had sometimes been a problem…

      And we don’t see as many critics of Coach Borbs as we used to…

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Weeks before Hurley ever signed with UConn I had read several stories out of the Northeast that claimed Hurley and UConn had talked and that Hurley would be Kevin Ollie’s replacement. I suspect the theory about Pitt being “used” is most likely accurate.

        Like

        1. @TVAX It was well documented at the time. It was all a negotiation ploy with UCONN. Never.

          He didn’t make an NCAA until year 5 and this is his first deep run.

          He has been better than Capel but he also didn’t take over a program as in bad of shape either.

          He’s a good coach but he used Pitt as leverage. Nothing less. Nothing more. Zero interest in ever coming to Pitt. And, that’s fine. But, upitt phrased it like Pitt had a choice. They did not.

          Liked by 1 person

  49. Watching UCONN totally demolish the Zags warmed the cockles of my heart. I have never been and I am still not a Huskies fan, however, seeing the game played in Madison Square Garden and remembering the fantastic and I mean FANTASTIC basketball that was played in the old Big East brought back memories of outstanding fun filled sports entertainment.

    It is hard for me to root for the Canes, however, we are in the ACC and the old Big East will not return, nor will my Brooklyn Dodgers) so, GO CANES!!

    Liked by 3 people

  50. As mentioned earlier, the ncaa rankings of these teams in the tourney was/is seriously flawed.
    Either have more early rounds or let each D1 conference decide to send 3 teams plus have some independents.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. seriously flawed? because we have a great 9, among other big upsets and runs by teams

      B1G overrated like usual and there are other issues but I’d just say get rid of the BS B1G bias and we’d be mostly fine

      Like

      1. Also, there is a ton of good hoops being played out west, but the ‘East Coast’ Press Bias wrongs them too.

        The Big Joke has been over rated most of my life. I recall having this discussion in the 1980’s too when the field was first expanded. They were way over rated then and they still are.

        H2P

        Liked by 3 people

  53. I think there is another Pat signal today a few hours ago.
    The Erie OL was yesterday.

    Like

  54. There is another Pat Signal that went off around 1pm.

    Anyone with knowledge of who it could be?

    Supposedly there is another OLineman from PA being pursued.

    Like

  55. Nice job on the article, Rick. Wish I could still be in the clup on Saturday’s cheering the Panthers on with you…but work comes first. Maybe in a few years I’ll finally be able to retire…

    H2P

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Take a vacation day for one of the bigger home games next season.

      We need to get a LB & WR or two in the portal to shore up the depth.

      Also, we supposedly have two or three stud FR LB that could contribute this season if they grasp the playbook. I’m betting that at least one of the FR will shine.

      H2P!

      Like

  57. I put a post into neverland a little while ago, Richard. Maybe it was deemed not worthy.

    Like

    1. I looked and there is no hung-up comment from you. You may want to try again if you remember what you wrote.

      Sorry, it took so long to reply. I am at my favorite casino for a three-night stay.

      Liked by 1 person

  58. I am really tired of watching guys step in front of ball handlers and getting a charging call without their feet being planted.

    Liked by 1 person

  60. As tweeted by Nick Farabaugh:

    Fantastic update to this story. Per the official GoFundMe, an update was released and Jaymar Parrish has a new heart.

    PTL

    Liked by 7 people

  61. TX getting all the calls in the 2nd half.

    Miami needs to bust through the bad calls and preserver.

    Like

  63. Because the refs let them play in the first half Texas pounding Miami physically in the second half. Can’t say it upsets me all that much but another example of how refs affect a game.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Miami coming / within 4 wit 6 minutes to play.

      Let’s Go Canes!

      I dislike the old Georgetown teams in the 80’s and I dislike this TX team.

      Liked by 1 person

  65. The announcers sound disappointed that Miami took the lead.

    Now they are disputing calls against the Crooked Horns.

    Go Canes!

    (never thought I’d say that)

    Liked by 1 person

  69. Well, well, well…the crappy old ACC is the only P5 conference represented in the Final Four…Guess I’ll be rooting for the Canes!

    Liked by 4 people

  73. I must say, I have thoroughly enjoyed March Madness this year.
    Miami has played a lot of tough teams, next up UConn winner probably wins it all.

    Liked by 1 person

  74. Pitt was 1-1 vs the canes, both 2 point games.

    Danny Squirrely wanted the softer Crooked Horns.

    The canes will inflict pain on the puppy dog huskies.

    Great come back by Miami and an even better choke job by TX.

    Liked by 1 person

  75. Always love seeing Coach L do well. I used to rent cars to him back in the Mason Final 4 days. My favorite story was their first recruiting trip after that run … Assistant Coach Caputo (now GW Head Coach) was annoyed because of the car we gave him (still an upgrade on the reservation) and Coach L dropped the following line …

    “Shut the F up Caputo. They were giving us free upgrades before we were famous”

    I was stealing their business from the real branch that was supposed to be renting to them but they liked me because I was a college basketball fan.

    Liked by 3 people

  76. Ha, ha , ha….don’t mess with the ACC! Last Power 5 conference standing. Took down the Big 12 champs. I wonder what the yahoo’s from hoopieland think of that!?

    Wish I could have watched it though….My power just came on after being off for 26 hours.

    Like

  80. I think they said the canes engineered the second half comeback win with NO 3 pointers. That is amazing. In the last 10 minutes their defense was amazing too.

    Like

  82. Thank you to Richard and Rick for these last two articles. I’m having a hard time getting back into football mode while the NCAA tournament is still going on. So many great games coming down to the last second/last shot. So unpredictable. Best tourney in years.

    Related to the basketball tournament, I really like the inbounds play that Florida Atlantic uses. If you haven’t seen it, they start with all five players standing out of bounds behind the end line. When the official hands the ball to the inbounding player, the other four take off onto the court in what appears to be chaos. But I’m sure it is a choreographed set play of starts, stops and screens designed to get the preferred ball handler or foul shooter freed to receive the inbounds pass. I would imagine they might have 5 or 10 plays out of that formation in their playbook. It’s been very effective every time I’ve seen it. I wish Pitt would incorporate something similar into our playbook.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I misses the FAU game and their inbound method. Sounds interesting.

      I can’t believe the number of times I’ve seen a team (Pitt included) come out of a time out, and then call another TO because the can’t get the ball inbound.

      Speaking of inbounding, how about the Miami player who bounced the inbound pass off the butt of a Texas player, caught the ball on the bounce and laid it in.

      Liked by 1 person

  83. The amazing thing last night was that Miami on 2 of 8 3 point shots missing 5 of them in the second half during the great comeback. Their foul shots made the difference with them making 3 of 5 in the first half and 25 of 27 in the second. The refs played a huge role in the game with the biggest call being the reversal when Cunningham backed into Omier. Of all the great players on Miami, Omier’s rebounding is essential.

    When the refs let them play Texas physical game got them a big lead, but when the refs started calling fouls Miami got back in. What a weapon foul shots can be. I hope our new guards next year can make them.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Rule #8 put in because of the NBA says “ any shot that may go in from behind the backboard is considered out of bounds”

      The inbound off the butt is legal but almost is never used because most players guarding the inbounder are taught (and are not stupid enough) never to turn your back defending the ball because …..

      Last but not least, my hat is off to FAU (I think) for the out of bounds muddle huddle as they prepare to inbound the ball! It is pure genius in that the opposition can’t match up with an OOB player! Wish I’d thought of it! H2P

      Liked by 1 person

    2. It doesn’t matter where the inbounder is standing. They can’t take a shot. The ball has to be first touched by one of the other 9 players on the court before a shot can be taken.

      H2P!!!

      Like

Comments are closed.