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October 13, 2009

Sigh. The trade-off for getting a much needed night with friends in Pittsburgh following the game, is that the crap to do at home immediately piles back and I owe the wife some extra kid-watching. So, Sunday and Monday were essentially lost without any media recap or any detailed review of the UConn-Pitt game.

Now it is Tuesday and it really is time to get focused on the coming Friday night game at Rutgers (and yes, there will be a liveblog full of impulsive declarations and hyperbolic statements as the game takes place).

Still, I can’t just let it go that simply. The Cat Basket has some more thoughts on the game well worth reading. They also make a very good point about the defenses stubbornness with regards to too heavy a faith in the base 4-3.

Media recapping on the Pitt side is covered in good form over at Eye of a Panther.

I think most Pitt fans are still waiting to see if Pitt can play a good game for both halves. On the bright side, it only cost Pitt one game this season. The downside is that the games are getting harder and that won’t fly much longer.

I want to ignore the whole booing Stull thing after he and offense came back on the field following the pick-6, except that from my vantage point the boos were actually short-lived and not widespread. To the credit of the students and a good amount of other fans started cheering and trying to drown out the negativity as much as encourage Stull. It was moronic and had no excuse. It also did not seem that loud to me at the game, though, I don’t know how it sounded on TV.

Now from the UConn perspective things get interesting. This is the second game the Huskies have lost this season and both came with double-digit leads late. As we all know, it was frustrating to see Pitt blow a double-digit lead in Raleigh a few weeks back. So imagine how it must feel to see it happen twice. Especially when the Huskies have been outscored 40-10 in the 4th in 1-A games. As to the why? The UConnBlog tries to break it all down and comes up without a unified field theory to explain it.

All are plausible, but there isn’t one that seems to be the true issue holding them back. Maybe it’s all of them? Maybe it’s one no one’s mentioning? Maybe Pitt simply had the talent to overwhelm them when it stopped shooting itself in the foot? Who knows. Regardless, nothing explains why all these things happened all at one time three times in a month-plus.

Coaches, players and pundits will probably eventually fall back on old, nonsensical coach speak, saying the Huskies need to have more want-to and have-at-it. But there were no actual answers, nothing the team can try to work on in practice this week. Meaning these fourth-quarter questions might be lingering over them all season.

But the one answer they did find Saturday was one they’d hoped to dispell in September: A team desperately searching for some sense of direction, some of kind of identity, may have found it in the art of the choke.

Not that they are bitter. No one ever thinks of the bunnies.

Of course there follows the rational discussion after a bitter loss when fans start asking whether their coach can take them to “the next level.”

Overall, a “C” effort from UConn, and the team really can’t tell you what happened.

Finally, while there have been complaints (that have diminished) about Stull at QB this year, compared to UConn’s issues at the spot it is all good. So much so, the Husky beat writer came away impressed.





What are panther faithful doing for the game Friday ?

Anybody tailgating.. meeting up afterwards ?

W’ll be in section 132 – row 32

Comment by Snala the Panther 10.13.09 @ 10:34 am

No, not the cute little bunny!!!

The boos seemed quite muffled on TV, not nearly as loud as earlier in the season, though Craig and, uh….what’s his name, were clear to point them out. I can’t believe his name escapes me at the moment, he’s my favorite(national) play by play guy!

After the jump? What is this, tPB? hehe

Comment by dugdog 10.13.09 @ 10:49 am

If you want a laugh, read Smizik’s latest rant on the booing (posted on his P-G blog yesterday). By his account, Stull was booed by the majority of the fans in attendance, and the booing continued for much of the rest of the game. Interesting observations from somebody that does not even attend the games!

FWIW, from my vantage point in Section 133, a small but vocal group booed Stull when he took the field after the pick-6, but they were quickly drowned out by many more people who started cheering and shouting encouragement. It was pretty much over after the next play.

Comment by Pantherman13 10.13.09 @ 11:11 am

weather for Friday is a nor-easter rain in the 40s

Comment by MarkinNJ 10.13.09 @ 11:12 am

100% correct Pantherman. I’m in Section 132 and there were a few very vocal idiots calling for Stull’s head on the onset of that drive. Most of them “could do better themselves”. Ha. I was pretty pissed off, but then the rest of the crowd responded by drowning out the boos with cheers and it was very encouraging to hear. I was very happy with how the crowd responded during the game, especially at the end. You could tell the players appreciated it and were feeding off it.

Comment by PITTinCT 10.13.09 @ 12:42 pm

Some Panthers near the top the NCAA Div 1A (sorry, I’m never calling it “FBS”) stats lists:

Bill Stull is 4th in passer rating with 163.5.

Dion Lewis is 3rd in rushing yards with 738.

Greg Romeus is tied for 3rd in sacks with 7.

And Dorin Dickerson is tied for 1st in TD receptions with 7.

Just a little something to brighten your day.

Comment by Jimbo Covert's my Dad 10.13.09 @ 1:25 pm

As a Pitt fan from NJ, this next game is very important to my mental well being. When I left for Pitt, I didn’t even know Rutgers had a football team. I come back a few years later and everyone has a little red “R” stuck on the back of their Corolla. They won one goddamn game in 2006! Can we please beat them this year? I’m going to go insane if it becomes five in a row.

Comment by Chris 10.13.09 @ 1:28 pm

Ditto, Chris. Well said. My Middlesex County neighbors actually plant ugly scarlet flags on their doorsteps.

And here’s the “trivial” question of the day: What form of transportation does Schiano use on recruiting trips?

Comment by steve 10.13.09 @ 1:54 pm

I don’t want to appear as I am being over critical about a win, but in the 2nd Q with a 1st and goal on the 3 yard line, why don’t we hand the ball to Hyno? I have to beleive that given 3 tries, he is going to slam it in. Look at him at the end of the game, he can get it over the goal line. Had we given it to him on 3rd down instead of a QB sneak, we would have won by 7.
I hope that I don’t wind up getting castigated by Smizik for posting this.

Comment by Fear The Mustache 10.13.09 @ 1:57 pm

Fear, there’s another play that looked unstoppable towards the end of last week’s game, the end around.

Shhhh.

Comment by steve 10.13.09 @ 2:02 pm

“What form of transportation does Schiano use on recruiting trips?”

When Jarred Holley was at Easton High, Schiano came by helicopter to recruit him.

Given the the current state of our State’s economy, I hope that the helicopter has been replaced by a cheaper mode of transportation….say, automobile.

Comment by steve 10.13.09 @ 2:46 pm

Chopper? Christ almighty! That man needs a monthly pass for NJ Transit.

Comment by Chris 10.13.09 @ 3:48 pm

Word is ND’s Floyd could be back in the line up in time for the game against Pitt. Fooey!

Comment by dugdog 10.13.09 @ 5:14 pm

I know this will not happen … but this never stopped me anyway from opining. I believe on goal line situations when we are anywhere from within the 10 until maybe at the two … this is where we should finally utilize Greg Cross ..and a Wildcat or some kind of option.

We saw it used effectively last night against a real good Jets defense. We saw WVU be very effective in scoring TDs, despite the fact that their OL was smaller than ours, and Navy’s triple option is very effective at pushing the the ball in the endzone.

It’s not going to happen but the inability to score on 1st, 2nd & 3rd and goal needs to be resolved.

Comment by wbb 10.13.09 @ 5:29 pm

hey.. I will be at Rutgers game.. Where will people tailgate. i should be in the area around 5pm.
Also.. waht is the pitt section

Comment by cdmoore25 10.13.09 @ 5:30 pm

cd, the only place you’re going to be able to tailgate if you’re not a season ticket holder is at the RAC, the basketball arena.

Pitt sections are 201 – 203.

Comment by steve 10.13.09 @ 5:41 pm

we will also be tailgating at the RAC, only $20.00 to park there, we bought the tix threw pitt and we are in 141 or 144?..
Lets Party to a pitt victory!

Comment by mike 10.13.09 @ 6:34 pm

Steve, the helicopter is provided free as part of a sponsorship deal. Schiano usually drives around in a red Escalade.

Any friendly Pitt fans are welcome to stop by the blue or purple lot tailgates, those are usually the best.

Comment by Jon 10.13.09 @ 6:55 pm

I think its just terrible the way Pitt fans burned Stull in effigy during the game, and all those things they were yelling about Stull’s mother. The whole pouring blood on Stull’s picture and chanting thing was just uncalled for.

Of course, only 300 Pitt fans actually showed up for the game, and 299 left before the second quart..

Oh wait. I’ve been reading Zeise and Smizik again.

Nevermind.

Comment by Spanky 10.13.09 @ 7:06 pm

Pitt last in the Big East in yards per completion 13.5. Better tighten up Mr Bennet.

Comment by alcofan 10.13.09 @ 7:09 pm

Saddler should be back this game, right?

Comment by dugdog 10.13.09 @ 7:09 pm

Jon, thanks for the info re: Schiano’s helicopter.

Which sponsor provides it?

Comment by steve 10.13.09 @ 7:25 pm

Wbb – do you actually remember what Cross did with the ball in his hands on the plays other than that one run? Pretty much froze. There is a reason his total yards carrying the ball last season was 15 – including his 17 yard carry. He lost two yards on the other three tries, specifically because he couldn’t figure out what he was supposed to do.

I’d like to see more rushing plays going wide in those situations – utilizing our talented and proven RBs in Lewis & Graham.

Comment by Reed 10.13.09 @ 7:28 pm

as I recall, all of the plays that he froze (only about 3 other than his TD vs Iowa) were in a pro set. His big loss was against USF when he ran a naked bootleg, and they were waiting for him. The only time I remember he being in the Wildcat was his 17 yd TD

Comment by wbb 10.13.09 @ 8:28 pm

Regarding Pitt Section seating, I just received new information and I apologize for giving you incorrect information.

I’ve just been informed that the Pitt Section is 143.

Lousy seats, lousy host. And our Band was banned.

BEAT RUTGERS; BEAT THEM BAD, MEN!

Comment by steve 10.13.09 @ 11:01 pm

I am stoked for the Rutgers game. I love when they play in prime time, it just seems like the team is more up to the task for whatever reason.

For one more Panthers link, check out our latest blog post at link to theunsportsmanlikes.com. Click the Pitt Football tag and find our hidden piece on Dion Lewis and Ray Graham, too!

Comment by Dan 10.13.09 @ 11:24 pm

Anyone going to the Pitt/NJ alumni affair? Two years ago I parked at the RAC. I was suprised at how convenient it was. I don’t recall having a long wait in the queue waiting for the bus to and from the stadium.

Comment by BigGuy 10.14.09 @ 12:14 am

Simply put Byham in the backfield as a lead blocker for Hynoski, and bring Cruz or another big body to block and your short yardage woes are over.

Comment by ltl49 10.14.09 @ 12:59 am

wbb – I don’t think Cross was in the actual Wildcat formation at all last season. His 17 yard run was a scramble on a broken play.

Comment by Reed 10.14.09 @ 4:04 am

How big are you, exactly, BigGuy? I’ll look for you. I myself am small…

By the way BYO, no cocktails will be served in the tent per new RU policy.

That’s what your $50 ticket gets you (oh, and $20 parking). Sobering, eh?

BEAT RUTGERS!!

Comment by steve 10.14.09 @ 7:32 am

Reed, I believe you are right … however, the 17 yd scramble was from a shotgun, and not from the standard pro set where the QB is getting a direct snap from the center

Comment by wbb 10.14.09 @ 8:40 am

Anyone else sick of Rutgers? They have had one good year in 06 and you hear about is how great Greg Schiano is. To me Schiano has done a great job but it does get old hearing people like Mussberger say “Oh my Schiano is bigger than Tony Saprano folks…Oh My.” ITs time to kick Rutger’s ass and get some payback.

Let’s Go PITT! We can do this!

Comment by Lou 10.14.09 @ 8:48 am

for tailgaiting ar RU, are you allowed can beer?..there websight says no alcohol???

Comment by mike 10.14.09 @ 9:06 am

Mike:yes

Comment by steve 10.14.09 @ 9:26 am

Thanks Steve, i was getting worried for a second

Comment by mike 10.14.09 @ 10:57 am

Section 110, Row 31

No alcohol, I was reading the back of the parking pass I got when I bought my tickets. So unless your drinking the alcohol free O’douls, looks like you’re out of luck.

Comment by Luke 10.14.09 @ 7:25 pm

Tailgate Policies
• Parking lots are open three (3) hours prior to kickoff and close at dusk. Parking spaces are limited
and tailgating must be confined to a small area around your vehicle. Traffic aisles and parking
spaces can not be blocked at any time. Spectators wishing to park together, must enter lots at the
same time, displaying matching passes. All stadium parking lots will be reserved for those attending
the game. If you do not attend the game, you will be asked to leave the stadium parking lots at
kick-off time.
• University regulations and state statutes on drug and alcohol consumption will be strictly enforced.
Kegs,beer balls, tents and canopies are prohibited. These items are not permitted in the parking
lots/adjacent areas at any time.
• For safety purposes, charcoal should be discarded in specially marked yellow barrels located
throughout the parking lots.
Please put all trash in proper receptacles

Comment by steve 10.15.09 @ 2:59 pm

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