So this week the Post-Gazette decided to have a Pitt writer and a WVU writer take part in The Backyard Blog. It’s not a true “blog” but whatever, at least it gives us something to read. Except when I read it, I get really frustrated by the Hoopies writer, Jon Schmitz. Mr. Schmitz here believes he knows exactly how to fix the Pitt football program.

When you see a drowning man, you throw a rope. With some reluctance, I’d like to offer some CPR suggestions for the Pitt program to bring down those point spreads in the future. Not that I’d mind if Pitt stays right where it is.

His ideas and my thoughts below them:

–Lose the coach.

Next year is Wannstedt’s make-or-break year no matter what.

–Relocate.

It is clear Jon Schmitz has never been to Oakland. Where is there to plop down a football stadium? Heinz Field is empty, but win some games and the fans will come. The product on the field determines fans coming.

–Play Penn State, not Grambling.

Jon Schmitz also does not read the news, read this blog, and most likely lives under a rock. The choice to play the Pitt-Penn State rivalry rests on the shoulders of Joe Paterno. We would ask JoePa again but we’re afraid his road rage might make an appearance.

–Engage the students.

Again, win and they will come. He’s a WVU homer and tells us there are more student ticket requests than availible seats, to which I say “No crap, you’re team is on the verge of playing in the BCS title game. Too bad 75% of them hopped on the bandwagon in the last 2-3 years.”