The game to start the season, now ends it. Pitt may not “need” the win to go the BCS bowl, but is an essential game to win. Regardless of what may or may not happen with Coach Walt Harris after this season, this is still a nationally broadcast game. The program needs to keep showing that it is a rising program, and will not stumble in the face of fortune.
There, of course, is also the revenge factor.
South Florida center Alex Herron was a first-hand witness to one of the biggest upsets in Pitt history.
“The newspapers there were calling it the worst loss the school ever absorbed,” said Herron, referring to the Bulls’ 35-26 victory over Pitt at Heinz Field in 2001. “I couldn’t believe it. I knew it was a big one for us, but, man, they took a beating. They were talking about firing Coach (Walt) Harris for it. It was crazy.”
South Florida went on to an 8–3 record that season and the criticism of Pitt waned. But Herron understands that it had to have left a mark.
“I know for a fact that they’re going to want to make us pay for that one,” Herron said. “They’re a BCS team and they’re 7-3. We’re 4-6 and just trying to end on a good note. I think it’s going to be an interesting game.”
He’s right on all counts. USF is going to be up for the game, and Pitt should have something to prove. And as for back in 2001, Pitt, with the help of trying to implement a spread offense too quickly, absolutely spun out for 4 more games.
The game also had a lasting impact on Pittsburgh, which did not play again for 19 days. The humbling loss started a five-game losing streak.
ESPN’s Lee Corso covered Pittsburgh’s next game against Miami and later told the Times that USF “had taken the life out of them.” Coach Walt Harris said the USF loss was one that lingered.
So, USF is fully aware that Pitt feels it owes them. Add in the fact that USF is coming into the Big East next season, and Pitt sure doesn’t want to look like USF’s *ahem* (there’s really no other way to put this) bitch.
The amazing thing, is how quickly Pitt has improved (at least on the offense) from the beginning of the season. At the beginning of the season, the line couldn’t stop any pressure, Palko was aiming his passes, and the receivers weren’t coming back or fighting for the balls. All of that has changed. And if Murphy can keep running like he did against WVU, then this is a totally different team.
I’m not as sold on the defense. Progress there has been limited. They seem to be scheming better against the run, okay, they are stacking against the run and leaving the corners to go one-on-one, which has burned them.
A heck of a piece regarding Tim Murphy.
Earlier in the week was mention of USF WR Johnny Peyton — who originally committed to the Panthers — now it seems freshman CB Darrelle Revis has been sending mocking e-mails to his former high school teammate and another guy who changed his mind about Pitt. Andrew Johnson has only seemed limited action at Miami.
