I’ll make these quick hits.

For those of you in the Pittsburgh media market unfortunate enough not to have tickets to the game — no offense to shut-ins, I’m sure you are wonderful people, really — WTAE will actually be doing a Pitt pre-game show. In a city where if a Steeler has the sniffles, the media knows whether it was Kleenex or Puffs that he used, this is significant.

Tyler Palko gets a very good puff piece on how quickly he grew last season. This was an AP story, and ended up in lots of media outlets. Cool.

Actually, one of the more interesting pieces I’ve encountered in the challenges ahead of Charlie Weis at ND.

Finally, still more predictions in addition to the ones I added to the list.

At least someone is picking ND (Osceola).

An Orlando Sentinel guy picks Pitt by 7.

The Gainesville Sun guy picks Pitt.

Finally, Dennis Dodd at Sportsline.

Really, who would you pick? Notre Dame traveling to Pittsburgh for its opener is not a good start to the Charlie Weis era. Try to look at this objectively:

In this battle of Pete Carroll wanna-bes, Dave Wannstedt has all the chips Saturday night. The former Panther has the city fired up after Walt Harris left him a load of talent. This year, it’s a perfect mix. Wanny is a defensive guy armed with a bunch of offensive playmakers.

Let’s not forget Wannstedt has been a two-time NFL head coach (just like Carroll). Weis is making his head-coaching debut with a team coming off a 6-6 season. Oh yeah, and it’s on the road. Call it 30-18 Wannies.

You know, if it wasn’t for the fact that it’s Pitt, I’d probably find more humor in the “Pete Carroll wanna-bes” line.

Paul Zeise’s Q&A is up. Either I was channeling him during my exchange with the boys of BGS, or he channeled me. A lot of his answers seemed awfully familiar.

He also addresses Wannstedt’s inadvertent mentioning of a recruit by name in a press conference, Conredge Collins and freshmen contributors.

Q: What will help the Pitt defense more this season – the reshuffled DL and LB corps or the balanced offense?

ZEISE: Great question. I’d say the linebackers are going to be the key. The offense will help only if it is working the way it is supposed to. The defensive line is shuffled but I’m not sure it is better. In fact, I’ll have to be convinced that it is capable of being competitive before I can really pass judgment on it. But the linebacking corps is a huge factor now that all of the players are in the right place. Remember Lewis Moore? He was an excellent strongside linebacker and a very mediocre middle linebacker. I think the same can be said for Clint Session. I expect he and Derron Thomas will both have big years on the outside and H.B. Blades is a perfect fit for middle linebacker. He doesn’t miss tackles, doesn’t over run plays and he always gets to the right place. This will be a big factor against the run.

Need I bother to tell everyone to read it all?

Now, usually I don’t bother with the Penn State beat reporter Q&A, but this was just comical paranoia.

Q: Why does the Post-Gazette jump on every chance they get to put Joe Paterno and Penn State football down? When something wrong happens at Penn State it makes the front page of the sports in big bold print with a cynical headline, but when Pitt does something wrong like having a player (Tyler Palko) drop the F-bomb on national TV it’s like nothing happened. Yes, Penn State has had some recent off the field problems, but so have other colleges. It just seems when PSU has off the field problems the Post-Gazette really plays them up more so than if Pitt had these same problems. As much the Post-Gazette will try to degrade Penn State’s football tradition with biased writing, Penn State will clean up its act and return to national prominence. In conclusion, I just would like the P-G to remain more unbiased when covering Penn State football.

HARLAN: The Post-Gazette has no intention of denigrating Joe Paterno or his football program, and because I am the lone reporter here charged with covering ol’ Joe and his football team, perhaps I should add that I, too, never aim for biased coverage. We cover all football programs the same way: we write about both the good and bad. After that, it’s up to the football program to determine the balance of good and bad. But I think it does bear mentioning that Tyler Palko, the day he dropped his famous F-bomb, was actually just commenting on a Penn State headline in our paper that morning.

[Emphasis added.]

Right, because clearly shooting arrows through dorm room walls, assaults and fights are the equivalent of an F-bomb uttered right after an emotional victory. Have to love that PSU fans seem to have now resorted to the point of going, “well other schools are just as bad as us” defense. (Inner voice comment: Uh, considering Gill’s DUI and trying to cover it up, aren’t you throwing a stone from the glass home? — Shut up!)

Ivan Maisel has a piece on Coach Wannstedt coming home (Hat tip to Jamie). Not too long and pretty good. Something that may just sum things up nicely:

The result has been beyond a marketer’s most feverish hopes. Pittsburgh loves its favorite sons. Behind the size of a major-league city is a provincial town that dotes on homegrown coaches, such as the longtime coach of the Steelers.

“Pittsburgh is a different town,” junior linebacker H.B. Blades said. “When they get one of their former sons back, like Bill Cowher, it’s important to them.”

I have to admit, I totally underestimated the reaction of the people to Coach Wannstedt. Maybe it’s because I’m not native, but the way he embraced and been embraced back by the city and fans has been astounding.

Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

If you can’t stand to read the extended remix, you can get an abbreviated summary from the boys at Blue Gray Sky.

Final thoughts and picks at the end of this part.

Jay: Let’s get down to brass tacks, as Grandpa Simpson would say. Chas, Pitt’s strengths in this game? Weaknesses?

Chas: Passing game, obviously. I think the running game will be a pleasant surprise, but not a strength right away. Definitely passing to set up the run. Secondary is a big strength — provided Pitt is more aggressive and plays tighter coverage.

So, QB, TE, WR, Secondary are the clear strengths.

Weaknesses include the D-line. They’ll be better (can’t be much worse) but how much is a big question. Especially going against a well known strength of the Irish. Pitt was horrible against the run and only got 22 sacks for the season.

The O-line is a big question. Can they open holes for the run. I think they’ll be fine for pass protection.

Question marks — more than weakness given the changes — both lines.

Jay: One the biggest matchups when pitt’s on offense is Ambrose Wooden (or whoever’s going to cover) vs Lee. Wooden’s fast, but completely unproven

Chas: Lee is not particularly blazing. He is tall, athletic and makes great adjustments.

Jay: Do they need to run to beat us? Or can Palko just go off?

Chas: You always need to run. Even last year, when Pitt couldn’t crack 100, Kirkley and Murphy had around 25 carries [against ND]. (Correction, they had 20 carries between the two of them. Furman added 3 more carries.)

Jay: And we know Wanny’s penchant for power running.

Pat: What matchups will you be watching closely chas?

Chas: Line play, line play, line play. I’ll be watching how it plays out in the trenches. mostly. Stuff in the secondary is “sexier” but a lot of that has to do with the type of coverage — what kind of position does it put a defender in?

Pat: As for the strengths and weaknesses of Notre Dame…

The strengths will be our O-Line, Brady Quinn, our RB, WR, and TE. Weaknesses right now have to be our secondary. We just don’t know how they’re going to look. 2 new starters.

Chas: Isn’t that a bit of a leap of faith for the WRs to be a strength?

Pat: I don’t think so. Stoval, Rhema, Shelton, and Samardizija are all experienced.

Jay: Well, the talent is there. Good depth.We’re trusting Charlie to bring it out

Pat: I was going to include our passing game as the question mark.

Jay: Good idea. Not because the talent isn’t there, but more we don’t know what to expect exactly.

Pat: So, question marks…passing game (Can we consistently get the ball to our WRs?), our defensive line (How will lack of depth and lack of size in the middle affect us?), and our linebackers (Two new starters, and Crum is only a sophomore).

Chas: Maybe it’s biases on both sides, but considering the coaching and personnel changes it’s hard to be as sure about the weaknesses — at least for that first game when it is all unknown.

Pat: True, but for all the importance ND fans have given to Pitt’s lack of size on the D-line (I know I’ve mentioned it here numerous times), one of our starting tackles is only around 260, with both his backups the same.

So if Wannstedt does try to establish a power game and run right at him, our lack of size in the middle could be an issue.

As for linebacker, Maurice Crum hasn’t played a single minute of college ball, and now he’s a starter, who will have to cover Erik Gill as well as lend run support.

Jay: So, how is Pitt going to win this game, Chas? What do they need to do to win it, I mean?

Chas: Starting on the defense, the secondary has to be big. I have no doubt that Walker will get his yards. The defense has to be aggressive. Do some blitzing and not wait for things. That will have to come from Coach Wannstedt.

Jay: Wanny’s creative. I’m sure we’ll see some interesting coverages & blitzes

Chas: On offense, Pitt will be running. I expect a few 3-and-outs where they almost inexplicably run. Then the passing game will start. I would prefer to see Pitt come out and try and throw deep on the first possession just to really rev up the crowd if nothing else — even on an incomplete – that would get people juiced. The passing game will likely dominate in the 2nd and 3rd qtrs. Only if Pitt’s behind will they still throw more in the 4th.

Jay: Then back to the run in the 4th. Thus fulfilling the maxim, pass to score, run to win.

Chas: Yeah, or at least mixed with more short passes and screens.

How about ND?

Pat: The big thing is going to be how our OL hangles your DL. If we can open up big holes early and really get the running game going, that will be huge. I’m sure Weis would love nothing more than to eat up as much clock as possible and keep Palko/Lee off the field.

Jay: It’s funny, for all the talk about how experienced our OL is — and they’re the most experienced in ND’s history — they’re STILL unproven.

Pat: On defense… I think that stopping the Pitt run game will be the most important. If Jennings and Co. get on track early, that will make the Pitt passing attack even more dangerous. But if they get a head of steam, and start blowing open holes…

I expect Lee to get his yards so trying to shut him out completely is probably a waste of time. Rather, slam the door on the run game and force Cavanaugh to move to the pass before he’s ready. If our DL can keep the running game in check, our linebackers will be free to either blitz or drop back into coverage, which will make the Pitt passing game a bit harder on Palko. Make Palko drive the entire field as much as possible. If Pitt can run early, then they will be pretty hard to stop in the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

On offense, I’d love to see a brand new fancy aerial attack, but I really think that a steady, consistent rushing game is the best way to win against the Panthers.

Jay: If Pitt can stop our running attack, it’s going to be a long day for the Irish.

Pat: Oh, and improved special teams will be important.

Chas: Yeah, special teams, of course.

Pat: Chas, who’s the one Pitt player that you think will make Irish fans go “Where did this guy come from?” We know about Palko, Lee, and Blades. Who is the guy you expect to really have a great game?

Jay: (let me guess: Jennings)

Pat: (me too, but you never know)

Chas: I’ll give you 3 possibilities in order of likelihood:

Rashad Jennings — though how unknown to Irish in the know is now a question.

LaRod Stephens — a pocket rocket at 5’7″ 165 returning kicks.

Corey Davis — Redshirt Freshman Defensive Tackle.

And yours?

Pat: Corey Mays – 5th year senior, starting middle linebacker for the first time. If Pitt wants to start a ground game, it will be his job to stop it.

Jeff Samardzjia – WR, I expect Lay and Reville (sp?) to do a good job on McKnight and Stovall. Jeff is just as good and will get Pitt’s nickel back (not sure who that is) and could be a frequent target

Chinedum Nduwke – The Duke is a very big free safety (6’2″ 219) that has plenty of atheltic ability. I expect (hope?) to see him flying all around Heinz Field and hopefully helping out our corners with Lee.

Jay: We need a friendly wager. Pat was thinking the loser has to put up a picture of the other’s choosing on the blog?

Chas: Sounds fair.

Jay: Could be funny

Chas: Picture goes up on Monday — maximize the viewing pain.

Jay: Monday’s great.

Chas: Excellent. Now final score?

Jay: all right, since we’re the visitors, we’ll go first.

Today the line is 3, O/U is 52.

Seeing as I think ND’s OL will be able to blow the DL off the ball, and open holes for the running game.

And seeing as Palko/Lee/Gill/DelSardo are an experienced bunch, I think it’s going to be a high-scoring affair.

Still, ND will win the possession time battle, and control the ball.

ND wins, 31-24

With neither defense playing all that well.

Okay, your turn

Chas: First game, new coaches, new systems, everyone a little too hyped. Some sloppy play with a bunch of penalties mar the first half.

Pitt, even when they were a pass-oriented offense, still kept time of possession very even or better (check last year’s box score). The run gets results, but it is still in the air.

Still, it is a low scoring game, because neither head coach is a run up the score — more just enough to win.

Pitt wins 23-19

Some final thoughts.

Thanks again, to the guys at BGS for a level-headed discourse. As long as the IMing went, the time actually flew.

An important externality, but unknown is who the officials for the game. They didn’t have that information and neither did I. Still don’t know if it will be a Big East crew or a group from another conference. The way the game is called could be a factor in a close one.

Honestly, I don’t think either side really knows what could happen tomorrow. The teams are surprisingly evenly matched. Different strengths, question marks and weaknesses, but it balances out. Bias, faith, fear and hope were on display from each side. They have faith in their receivers being better, we feel the same about our running game — but it’s all unproven until they play.

I don’t leave for Pittsburgh until tomorrow morning, but I found myself packing the overnight bag already. Yeah, I’m ready to go.

Big shock that those were the overwhelming choice of storylines.

USA Today has a couple more articles. The main focus is on Weis with a smaller story on Wannstedt.

The Washington Post does a story on the two.

Another from the Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette and from the Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Of course the Florida papers still seem to have affection for Wannstedt so he gets another puff piece about how good a fit it is for him to go back to Pitt and Pittsburgh.

Sorry to just skim these, but they are all starting to bleed together in my skull. After a certain point, it is the only thing making me tired of thinking about the game — the repetitive storyline. Thank God, I don’t have to watch it on TV and hear the same stuff over the actual game.

Here’s an AP story about ND’s secondary trying to improve.

In the final three games last season, the Fighting Irish gave up five touchdown passes each against Pitt and USC and four against Oregon State.

“We have a lot to prove,” safety Tom Zbikowski said.

The Irish secondary will get a chance to prove themselves immediately, opening the season Saturday against No. 23 Pittsburgh and quarterback Tyler Palko, who became the first person to throw five touchdowns against the Irish.

Zbikowski likes opening against the Panthers.

“Words can’t even explain how much I’ve been waiting for this,” Zbikowski said.

Cornerback Mike Richardson, who dropped what would have been a game-clinching interception against Pittsburgh last season, knows the feeling.

“We’re going in this year knowing there’s that big chip on our shoulder from last year and be positive about it,” he said.

First-year coach Charlie Weis said when he arrived, the secondary’s confidence was shattered. He isn’t worried about it heading into the game, though. He believes he provided them with an answer.

“Bill Lewis is the answer to the question. When you have one of the best defensive back coaches that there is at any level that knows how to teach the game and knows how to install confidence — I trust Bill Lewis and his teaching, his leadership and the way he handles the players,” Weis said.

Chip on the shoulder or just weight?

This one is about Pitt trying to prove itself with the opener.

Even though Pitt has played in postseason games five straight years, including a BCS bowl as the Big East champion last season, it clearly did not rise to the status level accorded a team with its record. Wins against MAC opponents, as well as losses, and about a .500 record against the better teams just wasn’t enough for the Panthers.

“You know, you just can’t ask for respect,”‘ Blades said. “You’ve got to earn it. We feel like we have to win every game, but we need this one because it’s the first one. For both schools, I think it’s a must-win situation. Notre Dame is trying to get back on track for a 10-win season and get into a BCS bowl, but we’re trying to do the same thing.

“We want to have a really big season. We want to see coach win his first game in such a big game.”

We all want it. Pitt has to seize it.

Part 1 which includes the explanation and Part 2.

Pat: Moving to the Pitt o-line, how has Spencer handled the move from guard to the all-important left tackle?

Chas: Seamlessly it would appear. Haven’t heard a word of struggle. Actually, it’s been disturbingly quiet about the entire O-line.

Pat: Do you have a new O-line coach or is he a holdover?

Chas: New. Paul Dunn, Pitt alum and formerly at Kentucky and K-State for the O-line. On offense, they are all new coaches, defense remained completely intact.

Jay: That’s pretty interesting. Wanny kept everyone on defense? Were Pitt fans happy with the Pitt defense last year?

Chas: Yep, even the DC who was shudder up for the top job. No. No, we were not. The defense was a sore subject. I don’t speak for all, but I’m not that high on Paul Rhoads the DC.

Jay: I read where Wannstedt won’t be making the defensive calls. I was surprised.

Chas: I’m not sure I completely buy it.

Jay: Although there’s no doubt the defense will be “his”, so to speak.

Chas: Yes, the defense will be more aggressive and tighter.

Jay: We’ll keep an eye on him this Saturday. If Wanny’s making too many hand gestures to the defensive huddle, we’ll know something’ sup. Charlie, on the other hand, has stated unequivocally that he’ll be calling the offense for the Irish. From the sideline.

Chas: The thing — and consider this free advice from someone who watched another offensive genius do that for 7 years. There have to be strong voices willing to question and call him out on some things. Calling from the sideline is not that big a deal, at least to me. And it better not, because for the first game or two at least that will be where Cavanaugh is.

Jay: That’s an excellent point, and not one I’ve seen discussed among Irish fans enough.In New England, there was always the veto of Belichick as the final word. Weis has mentioned picking vocal guys who will disagree with him, though. His staff has some ex-head coaches. On paper, anyway, it looks like Charlie’s not afraid of strong opinions. We’ll see what happens when the chips are down.

Chas: On offense?

Jay: Peter Vaas is the QB coach and will probably be Charlie’s eyes in the booth.

Pat: Vaas, was a head coach in college and in NFL Europe.

Jay: He’s been a head coach most of his career

Chas: I know Minter on D, who is the best assistant hire?

Pat: He was also QB coach and RB coach at ND under Holtz in 91, 92

Jay: The best assistant hire let’s hope is Minter! But realistically, probably Lewis DB coach from the Dolphins

Pat: Bill Lewis is the best hire. ND’s pass defense has been rather awful, especially after Coach Walters left for the Philly Eagles in 2002.

Jay: Right, and after Duff and Walton graduated. Lewis brings an added angle to the game Saturday, as I’m sure you’re aware.

Pat: Lewis spent 8 years with the Dolphins and Weis has commented numerous times that the Dolphins are the one team who’s secondary gave him troubles, so he tried to hire the guy who was partly responsible for that. Also, Lewis will be a valuable insight to Wannstedt’s coaching for the Pitt game.

Jay: One thing to note about the defense this year is a hybrid position that Minter’s installed, the Apache backer (as he calls it). Sort of an extra DB on the field, but bigger. Our Apache right now is Maurice Crum.

Chas: Yeah, read about his success and his father’s affection for Wanny.

Jay: The thinking is to have a guy fast enough to cover, but big enough to stop the run. If you’re wondering what the Apache is all about, well, We’re all waiting to see what this looks like on the field, too. BGS actually did a breakdown of it a few months ago.

Chas: Minter’s big on speed for the defense then?

Pat: very much so

Jay: Yep. Big on speed.

Pat: Speed, blitzing, and trying to confuse and rattle the other QB. The hope, at least for Irish fans, is that our defense won’t be as reactive as it was last year.

Chas: Sounds familiar.

Jay: However, it’s not like Minter had too many choices in who would play D this year. We’re pretty thin, and pretty green.

Pat: We will force things more this year. It will probably result in giving up a few big plays, especially early in the season, but overall should generate better results.

Chas: I take it Hoyte is expected to be the disrupter.

Jay: Yeah. Big run-stopper in the middle, but not so good in coverage.

Chas: Is he going to freelance much? Is he going to want to go forward whenever possible

Pat: Hoyte will be everywhere. He’s similar to Blades in that I expect to find him wherever the ball is.

Chas: Nose for the ball and that kind of cliche?

Jay: Yeah. Loves to hit. Linebacker captain, too.

Pat: He’s built like a middle linebacker, but does a good job rushing the QB off the edge. He’s also the only returning starter at linebacker.

Chas: Special teams — what happens if Fitzpatrick has a leg cramp? I don’t recall the last time I saw a PK, P and KO be the same guy.

Jay: We’re screwed.

Pat: We throw deep on 4th down … playstation style. Seriously though, Geoff Price has a booming leg, but has never been consistent.

Jay: Price is a natural punter

Pat: 50 yard bomb followed by 2 shanks. Walk-on Carl Goia is the #2 kicker. Personally, I hope Price develops some consistency so Fitzpatrick can focus on FG and kickoffs, but I’m not sure that will happen.

Jay: Yeah. Fitz is a better PK than punter.

Chas: Groza watch?

Pat: Yeah.

Chas: I know both teams are talking about improving/emphasizing special teams. How are they doing?

Pat: The big thing that Weis is doing is dedicating entire practices to it.

Jay: Well, they are emphasizing it, not just lip service.

Pat: In the spring he invited the media to watch an entire practice in the stadium, and it was all special teams. He had another all-special teams practice in the fall.

Jay: Brian Polian (youngest guy on staff, son of Bill Polian, ST coach) has said this is the most he’s practiced ST anywhere. Charlie just yesterday (I think) said something about changes from last year, and told the press, if you’re looking for immediate improvement from last year, look at ST. We’ll all be watching, too.

Pat: Weis got his start as as special teams guy, and like Belichick, considers it an equal 1/3 part of the game. It’s a big deal to him.

Chas: More gospel from the Church of Beamer.

Jay: Beamer, definitely.

Pat: Yup, Weis even mentioned Beamer by name, which made ND fans happy.

Jay: Couple of times. What’s the word on Pitt ST?

Chas: We’ve got the best 1-2 PK and P combo in the Big East in Cummings and Graessle. The special teams are definitely emphasized more, and with more speed. Watch for freshman LaRod Stephens on kickoff returns. Lots more speed.

Jay: LaRod Stephens (filing that name away). Great name, btw. He’s going on the all-ND-opponent names team.

Pat: Factoid..Graessle was high school teammates with Brady Quinn I believe, and starting FS Chinedum Nduwke.

Chas: Way too many connections between these two teams.

Pat: Well, the both draw from similar areas of the country.

———————————– END PART 3

If there’s one thing that starts making me nervous, it’s when the punditry is almost overwhelmingly picking Pitt in what is essentially a toss-up of a game.

USA Today:

Dave Wannstedt and Charlie Weis know each other well from their meetings in the AFC East over recent years. Weis is off to a fast start in recruiting and generating fresh enthusiasm around the program. Opponents better get the Irish early before the team gets comfortable with his schemes. Pittsburgh 24, Notre Dame 20.

Louisville Courier-Journal:

Pittsburgh 31, Notre Dame 28: Expect a million sideline shots of Charlie Weis and Dave Wannstedt in this intriguing primetime showdown. Keep your eyes trained instead on Pitt’s duo of Tyler Palko and Greg Lee, who’ll be too much for Irish.

Dallas Morning News:

Notre Dame (+3) at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Saturday: Longtime pro fixtures Charlie Weis (Notre Dame) and Dave Wannstedt (Pittsburgh) make their college head coaching debuts. Weis has received more attention; Wannstedt has more talent on hand. Pittsburgh beat Notre Dame, 41-38, last season behind Tyler Palko’s five touchdown passes. Palko returns, as does his favorite target, Greg Lee. Notre Dame has a solid quarterback in Brady Quinn but needs more consistency from a running game led by sophomore Darius Walker. Pick: Pittsburgh 31, Notre Dame 17

College Football News.com:

Conclusion — Put Justin Tuck on the edge for the Irish, and I’d have a hard time thinking that the Pitt defensive line could keep him off of Palko throughout the game. But, with Tuck having left the South Bend campus early, the Irish defensive line has little game experience, although it might be the most talented group of DL they’ve seen in a while. Regardless, playing at home in Wannstedt’s return, with Palko leading the way, the Panthers will be a bit too much for the Irish to withstand Saturday night. Pitt – 24 vs. Notre Dame – 20.

At least the NY Post feels differently:

Notre Dame (+3) over PITTSBURGH: Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt returns home to guide the Panthers’ fortunes but finds himself leading off against the guy who offensively coordinated the New England Patriots to consecutive Lombardi trophies.

Charlie Weis is light years ahead of Ty Willingham as an offensive mind, and expect a much more sprightly attack from the Irish than you’ve come to expect. Oh, Pitt will score; Tyler Palko tossed 5 TD passes against ND last year (first time anybody did that!), but expect Dame to keep pace — and more! Weis has Michigan on deck; don’t look for the Irish to open 0-2. Our Lady (+3) reigns, for one unit.

Craig James at ESPN, though favors Pitt.

Notre Dame at Pittsburgh (Saturday, ABC, 8 p.m. ET): I could go off on matchups of this and that, but for me, I can’t wait to see how different these two teams look. Charlie Weis for ND and Dave Wannstedt for Pitt again will square off like they did in the NFL. I think Wannstedt has the edge at QB with Tyler Palko. I like Palko a lot — matter of fact, the two of us shot the breeze at a dinner this summer at the former home of President Eisenhower in posh Newport, R.I. Runnin’ with the big dogs that night. Back on track, how long will it take Weis to get QB Brady Quinn to master his offense? I expect to see progress, but it might not be consistent enough. Especially since the Irish defense is not up to the challenge of the ND schedule.
Pick: Patriots, err, I mean Pitt. This is on Saturday, not Sunday.

Yeep.

So does ESPN.com’s CFB game picker, Rich Podolsky:

Pittsburgh -3 over Notre Dame: There’ll be no looking ahead of this one for Pitt. What a way to open your season, with the Irish coming to town with a brand new coach to christen. For that matter, the Panthers have a new coach of their own, Dave Wannstedt, a defensive specialist, who can give the Panthers help where they badly need it. The offense, thank you, is doing just fine. Tyler Palko is back at QB and might be the best pure passer in the country. The ground game is also bound to improve with the addition of potential star RB Rashad Jennings.

Charlie Weis may wish he’s back with the Patriots after looking at the first five games this year. After Pitt, the Irish are at Michigan, host Michigan State, and at Washington, where Tyrone Willingham will be waiting. That is followed up by a home game against the nation’s best team, USC. Unfortunately, Weis has his hands full, talent-wise. The defense again will be dreadful and the offense needs a shot of imagination, which Weis is sure to add.

The pick: Pitt. The Panthers won a 41-38 shootout in South Bend last year. Expect another track meet this time. In the battle of the ex-NFL coaches, superior talent and home field win out.

I guess, what bothers me, is that most of the people picking are expecting offensive fireworks again, and I have some doubts about that.

Additions: Stewart Mandel at SI.com also picks Pitt.

And Matt Hayes at the Sporting News.

Pitt 31, Notre Dame 30. In three years, this will be a BCS game; now, QB Tyler Palko will engineer another late victory against a weak Irish secondary.

Additions II: John Walters at SI.com picks the games for the weekend.

Wake up the echoes? After an 11-13 record the past two seasons, it’s more like “Power up the defibrillator!” in South Bend. The last time Charlie Weis stood on a Pittsburgh sideline, the Pats beat the Steelers in the AFC title game. This time the opposition has the better QB in Tyler Palko. “Paddles! Clear!”

Pittsburgh 38, Notre Dame 35

Lots of chats the last few days.

I’ll start with the increasingly befuddled, but still beloved, Keith Jackson.

You’ll also go east for the Notre Dame-Pittsburgh game Saturday. What gives?

I’m looking forward to going off to Pittsburgh. I know that violates my rules to go east of the Big Mountains, particularly on Labor Day weekend, when it’s so hot. But I’m going to go anyway. Because I think Notre Dame-Pitt offers one of the running stories that is evolving in college football: the men who are coming back from professional football to coach. I think that tells us two different things. One is that the coaches are looking for a little different lifestyle. And two, the colleges are paying a heck of a lot more money than they used to.

Well, Jackson would appear to be lucking out with the whether — clear and mild.

Bruce Feldman has been a big Pitt/Wannstedt proponent.

Matt (Orlando): Whats your prediction for pitt? Will Palko and Lee be all american’s?

Bruce Feldman: 9-2..they aren;t as explosive as louisvile but I think they’re a legit top 20 program and wannstedt will bring them back into the top 10 very soon. Great hire.

He even picks Pitt by 2 scores.

mark (tennessee): pitt or nd, your thoughts and why?

Bruce: Pitt by 10 or so. I think Palko has a big day. I’ll be curious to see how much better the Panther ground game is with Wannstedt in charge. This is a very rough starting sked for ND. I like their offense, but am very skeptical of their D.

Kirk Herbstreit won’t pick until Saturday.

James (Greensboro, NC): I know you are saving your pick for Saturday, but with Notre Dame and Pitt both with new coaches this year, what type of game are you expecting to see?

Kirk Herbstreit: You must be a seasoned veteran realizing we wait until Saturday to make the pick! I expect a battle between two talented QBs. By the end of the year, both Quinn and Palko will prove to be two of the better drop back QBs in the country. I think ND’s offense is going to be better than anticipated. A big reason is the play of Quinn who will be a first round draft choice. It may come down to which defense can contain the other teams QB.

Under 36 hours until we start to find out.

Part 1 and the explanation can be found here.

Chas: How about your guys [at WR]? You have two 6’5″ guys but both have been inconsistent.

Jay: Four guys to keep an eye out for on our end. Stovall has all the tools – 6’5, big, strong, fast. The big complaint was that he has played, on occasion, smaller than he is.

Pat: One of the tall guys, Samaradzija, has actually been fairly consistent and improved throughout 2004. He had the most number of receptions in the Insight.com bowl.

Chas: Yet, he’s behind Stovall as the 3rd WR?

Pat: Stovall has all of the physical tools in the world. He just has been, as you said, inconsistent. Samardzija is a year younger, and really seems like he might take a big leap this season in terms of production. He has excellent hands and runs good routes, which is the quickest way for a WR to get on Weis’ good side.

Chas: How are they at blocking downfield?

Pat: Both are obviously big guys. Practice reports mentioned downfield blocking as a drill stressed during fall camp. Stovall has always been pretty good at it. Samardizjia isn’t quite as strong, since he is also a pitcher on the baseball team, which limits his ability to bulk up.

Chas: McKnight? Is he mainly a posession guy? Over the middle?

Pat: McKnight is probably the best at downfield blocking on the team now. He’s not a possession guy, not a deep threat, more of a jack of all trades type. He can take a 10 yard pass 65 yards through traffic like he did against BYU last season or he can be the guy on the receiving end of a Brady Quinn bomb, although he wasn’t used in that regard much last season.

Jay: Who’s #2 WR after Lee?

Chas: That would be flanker Joe DelSardo — pure possession WR. 5′ 7″ great hands, willing to go over the middle, not speedy, but smart and precise route runner. Despite Wanny loving speed and size none of the bigger kids could beat his consistency or hands.

Pat: Lee and DelSardo were two names you always heard. It seems that the real fall camp battle was over the #3 spot. Did anyone step up and really grab the job? Was it who you expected?

Chas: The guy everyone thought might even beat DelSardo was Terrell Allen. He came in with Lee and was actually more highly recruited. As a freshman (‘03) he provided late season spark in the return game. He got a season ending injury in ’04 spring drills and was easily injured again in fall practices. Very frustrating for all that he can’t stay healthy. It was a free-for-all with no one getting too consistent until the end. Derek Kinder is the #3 WR. He caught one pass last year as a freshment — a 3 yd TD against ND

Jay: I remember that play. Sadly. All right, all of this is just dancing around the big question on offense. Quinn vs Palko.

Chas: In a way, this will take us to coaching. Everyone expects Quinn to take this magical leap.

Jay: That’s a good way of putting it. Like Charlie’s got a magic wand.

Chas: I know he has the talent and the arm and such, but has he had the time?

Jay: Well, he has been playing for a long time now.

Chas: Tom Brady had a year to learn and watch while Bledsoe had the s–t pounded out of him.

Jay: Remember he started as a freshman. He’s on pace to break ND’s yardage records.

Chas: I remember him handing off to J.Jones the entire game in 03. I know that’s unfair, though, he was forced into action that season.

Jay: Heh. The one good game plan from Ty. Stick with what works.

Pat: It seems to me that most of the things that will help Brady have a great 2005 are the details that never seemed to be stressed under the previous coaches.

For example, his short passes always seemed to come out at a million miles an hour, if Weis can get him to dial down on those, that will help a lot in terms of his completion percentage

Chas: I think he’s very level headed and has the brain matter for it, but it still takes time with a system. Especially a system that relies heavily on trying to confuse the other side.

Jay: Weis has talked about BQ reading progressions better. Some of his first comments when joining the team were, “Brady’s got a lot of work to do.” So the curve wasn’t just about learning a system, it was also correcting bad habits and instilling new ones.

Pat: there are plenty of practice photos of Weis just watching Brady’s footwork.

Chas: I’m just saying, at least the first couple of games he could easily struggle. Palko looked horrible his first couple of games, but by the time you saw him, well…

Jay: He definitely could.

Chas: That’s why I think ND will be running — a lot. It’s a strength and it is much safer.

Jay: In a best case scenario — and I mean BEST case — Brady is Carson Palmer all over again. i.e., all-world talent gets stunted, noted QB guru takes over and he wins the Heisman. We can all dream.

Chas: Realistically?

Jay: Realistically, I’m pulling the Heisman out of my ass. But I think there’s an analog to Palmer’s situation with Weis in the Norm Chow role. Yoda, etc.

Pat: I agree Chas. We will run a lot. Because of Pitt’s d-line size, because it’s a good way to take a hostile crowd on our the game, and because I’m sure Weis would like to save something for Michigan’s secondary, which I don’t think is as good as Pitt’s.

Jay: It can only help Brady (crowd out of the game). But you’re right, it takes time, and this is game #1, so I’m not expecting to see Joe Montana incarnate out there all of a sudden. So, to Palko

Chas: Yes…

Jay: He’s taken a lot of flak recently among Irish fans and not just for the F-bomb.

While it’s true he went pass-crazy on us last year (400+ yards, 5 Tds), I think he’s being lightly regarded. Some comments have been made about padding stats against crummy teams.

Personally, my only frame of reference is the Pitt game last year, and he looked damn good. So a lot of this might be rationalization on the part of Irish fans.

Chas: Okay, so they want to find ways to bring him down perception-wise. I get it.

Jay: Right. Minimize him. What’s your take on Palko? Good as advertised? Worse? Better?

Chas: Good as advertised. His father is one of the top high school coaches from Western PA. Not just strong and athletic, but he has the head for it. Last year, he started very poorly — the Walt Harris offense was very complicated and no matter how much you practice until you play it for a bit, you will struggle.

Jay: I agree. He and Brady are the same year, but Palko looks so much more advanced.

Pat: Do you think Wannstedt and Cavanaugh will let him scramble as much as he did under Harris — at least it seemed he was always scrambling. That was one of his best weapons. I remember that really helped against BC last year.

Chas: Given the O-line last year, he had no choice.

Pat: So it was more survival than his personal preference?

Chas: Well, a little of both, he did his reads when he had time but he wouldn’t waste inordinate amounts of time if they weren’t there. At times he was prone to just taking off if he didn’t see something right away. He has said that he likes to smack helmets. ND recruited him to be a safety.

Jay: Nice.

Pat: I was thinking, assuming that our linebackers will have their hands full with the Pitt TE’s, a few QB draws and scrambles might be pretty effective if our D-line can’t keep him contained.

Chas: Well, to some degree it will depend on how the O-line for Pitt handles things. Another great unknown.

…

Be prepared.

The city’s two largest parking operators say their lots and garages will remain open this weekend even if there is a strike by the union representing hundreds of attendants.

Alco Parking Corp., the city’s largest private parking operator, and the city’s Parking Authority plan to staff their facilities with administrators and managers and possibly temporary workers should members of Teamsters Local 926 walk off the job.

“I can’t emphasize this enough — no matter what happens, we will continue to operate. No facilities will be shut down,” Alco Parking Corp. President Merrill Stabile said.

Union members overwhelmingly authorized a strike almost two weeks ago in a dispute over wages, health benefits and work rule changes, and could walk out at any time.

There has been much speculation that a strike could happen tomorrow with a Pirates game scheduled for early afternoon and a sell-out crowd expected at Heinz Field for the Pitt-Notre Dame football game in the evening.

Marc Dreves, union business representative, said he could not confirm or deny that a strike would take place tomorrow, but added that no progress had been made in reaching agreements.

“At this point, it doesn’t look very hopeful,” he said.

A walkout would involve many of the garages Downtown, the lots between the stadiums on the North Shore, and parking at Pittsburgh International Airport.

This means major potential headaches in the lots. Cars trying to sneak into lots, long lines to get in with fumbling replacements, general mayhem.

The Trib. columnists have mostly ignored Pitt to focus completely on the Steelers, with occasional bitching about the Pirates. Joe Starkey mails one in with a quick snippet piece about the Big East. Predicts Pitt will go 8-3; Louisville runs the table; Rutgers with a winning record; and WVU tanks this year.

Another piece just goes 5-up and 5-down as to Pitt getting a bowl bid. Odd thing.

This piece discusses whether Pitt will be an offensive juggernaut in the Big East this year.

“There’s enough weapons there,” offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh said.

Enough to score at a dizzying pace? Enough to have something special this season? Enough to repeat as conference champs and go back to a BCS bowl?

Cavanaugh paused.

“It’s too early to answer that,” he said, finally.

“I’m not saying we don’t have it. I’m saying there are still some young guys that have to develop to fulfill some of those expectations. They’ve got a long way to go. They’re working real hard at it.”

Tyler Palko gets a puff piece focusing on his drive and focus on football.

“I pride myself on being someone who’s going to do whatever it takes to win,” Palko said. “I don’t want people to look at it like, ‘Oh, Tyler is here ’till all hours of the night.’ No. I’m here because I have a responsibility to this football team to get my job done. If that means staying here all night, well, then, I’m not getting any sleep.

“That’s what I owe to my team. I do push people. I do look at it like a job. I do enjoy that stuff. Because that’s what I need to do.”

Meanwhile Matt Cavanaugh has been watching tons of game film to suss out the ND Defense.

That is not a misprint, in order to prepare for Notre Dame, Cavanaugh spent countless hours watching film of South Carolina.

He also watched tape of the Miami Dolphins’ and New England Patriots’ defense from the past two years, some of the Cincinnati Bearcats’ defense from 2003 and, once he finally got around to it, Notre Dame’s defense from last season.

That was necessary because the coaching staff at Notre Dame, like Pitt, is in its first year with the Irish, so there is a lot of mystery involved in preparing a game plan.

Cavanaugh said the first move in preparing to face a new coaching staff is to take a look at who the key members of that staff are. Then, he pieces together what defenses they have run in the past. After that, he takes his best guess of what those defensive ideas might look like once they are combined.
…
“Now, if they do some things that are drastically different than what we’ve prepared for, we will have to adjust on the fly.

“The good thing is they are going through the same thing, so I think adjustments will be crucial throughout the game.”

Looks like ESPN2’s “Cold Pizza” will be broadcasting live from Heinz Field this morning.

Someone should have pounded that lesson into TE Eric Gill, and apparently his father, at some point.

Erik Gill, the Belle Vernon Area product who starts at tight end for Pitt, has been charged with drunken driving in the wake of a traffic accident that took place about six weeks ago in Fayette County.

There was no indication what impact, if any, the incident will have on his status for the Panthers’ opening game Saturday against Notre Dame at Heinz Field.

E.J. Borghetti, an associate athletic director who handles sports media relations at Pitt, said Thursday he had not been informed about the arrest.

Gill, 23, of Kelly Avenue, Belle Vernon, is charged with driving under the influence, recklessly endangering another person and driving a vehicle at an unsafe speed. The accident occurred July 24 on Fayette Avenue in Washington Township.

Gill’s father, Thomas Gill, who is an assistant football coach at Frazier High School, was charged with two counts of hindering apprehension or prosecution in connection with the accident, police said.

Over 5 weeks ago. Before training camp. Something, where if there was to be any disciplining it could have been handled right away.

Now, it’s a distraction and issue just before the one of the biggest season openers for Pitt in the last 20-some years.

Now what do you do if you are Coach Wannstedt? Do you bench him? How do you handle this?

It isn’t just the DUI — allegedly. It’s that he (and his father) tried to hide it. Irresponsible and foolish.

Oh, and just before this broke, Pitt named their team captains for the game. Anyone want to hazard a guess on who one of them is?

Thursday, coach Dave Wannstedt chose four captains — tight end Erik Gill , running back Tim Murphy , linebacker H.B. Blades and cornerback Josh Lay — for the Notre Dame game. “I could’ve named several others who were deserving,” Wannstedt said. The coach will name captains on a weekly basis until midseason, when the players will elect permanent captains.

And on a night when there will be a veritable “who’s who” of Pitt greats in attendance.

Pitt will honor its 21 first-round NFL draft picks by designating them as honorary captains and introducing them on the field before the game. Tony Dorsett , Dan Marino , Mike Ditka , Bill Fralic , Bill Maas , Jimbo Covert , Chris Doleman , Sean Gilbert and Randy Holloway are expected to attend. “That’s what makes Pitt a special place in my mind, the tradition,” Wannstedt said. “Those names, that’s what the tradition’s all about.”

The ABC sideline crew is going to be busy with interviews that night.

On Thursday, September 1 for a way too long a chunk of the morning I IM’d with 2 members of Blue Gray Sky regarding the ND-Pitt game. That’s right they needed to go to double coverage to discuss the game.

As you can imagine, it became a beast of a discussion. Here Part 1 of the mostly raw text discussion. There was some minor editing and condensing, but this is about as raw (and as long) as it gets. I’ll be posting the rest throughout the day.

A couple important links to reference — the box scores from the games in 2003 and 2004 (Not to mention my recaps of 2003 and 2004).

Jay: Good morning

Chas: Hello again. Is Pat on yet?

Yahoo! Messenger: Pat has joined the conference.

Jay: There he is. Okay, hopefully this won’t be tooo long. First off, just a general question to you Chas

Chas: Fire away

Jay: Are the Pitt fans as excited for this game as ND fans are? We haven’t seen this level of anticipation for a season opener in a long, long time.

Chas: This game has been on everyone’s mind for weeks. The excitement is palpable.

Jay: It’s crazy on this end. A LOT of people are roadtripping to the game. I think the Irish contingent there is going to be pretty big.

Chas: Never a shock.

Jay: onto to the game. I have a question about Jennings, but if you want to ask anything go right ahead.

Chas: Let’s start with Rashad Jennings who was supposed to be part of the class of 2004 but had to do a year of prep school for academics. Pitt got him over Virginia Tech.

Jay: why is he starting if he’s only a freshman? Is he simply better than everyone else? Maybe that’s an obvious question, but maybe it goes to depth at RB? Are there any upperclassmen who got passed over? Any guys you feel should have gotten a shot over Jennings?

Chas: He fits the mold of the style of running back Wanny and Cavanaugh like. Big strong, in between the tackles, etc. RB depth was a question last year. Tim Murphy, the starting fullback spent time at tailback, and is one of my favorites. He does, however, have issues with staying healthy. Having both in the backfield actually gives Pitt some options and chances to confuse.

Pat: One reason that many freshman running backs don’t see the field is due to poor pass blocking. Have there been mention of Rasard’s ability as it relates to that particular skill?

Chas: I’ve heard nothing about his blocking skills one way or another. He’s older than the typical freshman and has the added feature of having NFL bloodlines — both his brothers were minor players.

Jay: Does Jennings remind you of any other backs, college, NFL or otherwise?

Chas: I think Jennings will eventually see the bulk of the work if he performs as expected. In the first game or two, though, unless he busts it huge, expect to see him get half with Brandon Mason and Murphy getting the rest.

Jay: that’s an interesting point — and not reported. ND fans seem to think that Jennings will be the feature back, i.e., 30+ carries in this game.

Chas: No, in fact an article in the P-G today quotes Cavanaugh about the RBs

Now, about Darius Walker… Saw first hand last year how good he could be, and not to drag up a painful issue, [but] if not for giving Grant half the carries on Senior day last year, I thought he was going to break J.Jones’ record for a single game against Pitt.

Jay: Good point. He should have. One of the prime pieces of ammunition in the firing of Tyrone Willingham — at least from a fans’ standpoint — was how he handled the running backs last year. It was clear very early on that Darius Walker was head and shoulders above Grant. Yet, as the season went on, Grant & Walker continued to split carries.

Chas: Are there any backs behind Walker? Both teams seem to have the talent, but depth would be the biggest concern at so many of the skill positions.

Jay: Sometimes painfully so. Yep. One guy to keep an eye on for Pitt fans is #16, Rashon Powers-Neal. He was a FB last year, and played the typical WCO fullback – blocked, rarely carried, caught a couple of passes. This year he got a lot of reps at tailback alongside Walker. He’s sort of switched positions under Weis, but he’s a lot bigger than Darius. He might get some carries or operate out of a 2-back set, split backfield and such.

Chas: A lot like Pitt with Murphy, then as a guy who can do it at tailback? Reads very familiar.

Jay: It’s one of the most interesting things we’re looking forward to. To see how RPN is used. He’s got good hands. After Walker & RPN it drops off to some heralded, but unproven guys. Travis Thomas fumbled a lot last year and was benched, but seems to be out of the doghouse and Weis has said he’s impressed. After that the only other guy to keep an eye on is a freshman, Asaph Schwapp, built like a bowling ball. FB. He made the 2-deep which is impressive.

Chas: How deep — barring injury — do you really think ND’ll go on the depth chart?

Jay: At RB, we’re fairly deep.

Pat: I’d expect 4-5 guys to carry the ball at least once

Jay: In fact, I’d say RB & WR are probably the deepest spots on the team. And TE.

Chas: How do you not make sure Walker sees the bulk of the carries?

Jay: Good question.

Pat: Not really, as some might only get a carry or two.

Jay: We Shall See.

Chas: Well, TE we both are stacked there and have Mackey watch list candidates.

Jay: Is the TE a weapon in the Wanny attack? Should we be looking for a play-action pass to the TE on the goal line?

Chas: Well, it sure as hell was with Cavanaugh in Baltimore.

Jay: Heap, yeah. Run down your TE depth chart real quick if you could.

Chas: Gill, Buches, Strong and Pelusi. Gill, well, you guys saw him rumble last year…

Jay: Painful memories

Pat: Both Gill and Buches scored against the Irish last year. I’m sure they are on the mind of ND coaches.

Chas: Buches is a solid blocker and decent hands. Not very fast though.

Pat: Strong is a converted WR correct? Do you expect him to be involved in the passing game?

Chas: Strong is the best athlete and with great speed. His issue, and he’s even admitted it, is blocking. Vital for a TE, but he is the most intriguing of the bunch.

Pat: So when he gets in the game, the chances of a pass are pretty high?

Jay: Heh.

Chas: Yeah, he’s a guy that would be expected to catch the ball either over the middle or on a screen. Strong came here over Auburn because he was promised a shot at QB — quickly realizing that the Harris offense was too much.

Jay: Quarterback — really! Wow.

Chas: Kind of a mobile Byron Leftwich type. He dropped his weight and is now around 240, he’s 6’5″.

Pat: So do you expect him to play often or is he a solid 3rd on the depth chart?

Chas: I do not know right now. I think he will get in there but I am not sure.

Jay: Yet, obviously, the strength of the receiving corps for pitt is not the TE. Let’s talk Greg Lee.

Chas: Lee is going to be facing double coverage (at least).

Jay: Is he good enough to beat it? He might be, against our green secondary. Just looking at his stats. 5th in the country last year in receiving. Pretty amazing

Chas: The way he improved from the start of last year to the end of the season was astounding. Not only did he start to use that talent, but he got a mean, tough streak going. Fighting for the ball and at times ripping it from a defender. I expect Lee to face a lot of bumping off the line, but he is good enough to beat it.

Pat: How is his shoulder? He did miss a fair amount of practice this fall.

Chas: The shoulder — again an article today — is apparently fine. Last fall he missed some camp time with a leg injury. He, like so many WRs, seemed willing to nurse the injury to take some extra time.

Jay: Let’s hope Minter has a plan. Any chance that the injury report is a little gamesmanship, or do you think he’s truly 100%?

Chas: Yeah, I think he’s fine. He participated in the final scrimmage without issue.

Jay: Gotcha.