pgh Fred, Love the idea of Conner at the small forward. That solves the controversy about where to play him in football too. Brilliant.

Wardapalooza, On 93.7 The Fan, Starkey and that idiot he works with have become more obnoxious than Cook and that idiot he works … and that’s saying something.

Starkey keeps saying that Pitt fans think Pitt is an elite program, and if so, Dixon has to recruit the blue-chippers and Pitt has to bet the Top10 teams .. and there are no excuses.

I sent an email via their web site asking that A-hole, where does he think Pitt fans think they have an elite program. I said that I read and participate on the most popular Pitt blog and don’t know of anyone on this site that thinks that Pitt is on the level of program like Kansas, Duke & Kentucky.

Trouble is that like Cook and Smizik, these guys are not creative enough for thought-provoking discussion and have to stoop for antagonizing the listeners.

spiritofsection22 the real reason that it is important to sign Kobie Eubanks is not just that we need a SG. But that his two mates that we want to sign in 2015 are 4 star and 5 star players and they are frends if we get him we have a better chance to get them and both are thinking pitt one is a maybe and the outher has ue on top of his list.
So kobie is a must get more than a center is.

@ Frankcan, I think all here are aware and concerned but we are assuming that maybe they have concerns that preclude them being able to handle these responsibilities. For now I suggest we relax and make the most of it. They will be back writing soon I’m sure.

@Frankcan, You sure know your stuff when it comes to recruiting. Thanks for the heads up on Eubanks.

Frankcan, Chas is a busy guy with work and kid(s), I’m sure he is OK. Justin left a while ago for another blog.

Mike wrote a couple of articles and was supposed to be the new guy, not sure what happened to him.

I wouldn’t worry unless there is no new thread for Sunday’s game.

@wbb, I am surprised they have any listeners. They don’t discuss as much as the preach. The one clown is a Syracuse grad/fan and the others aren’t on top of college hoops.

This morning on the way in they are interviewing Clark Kellogg. Q- Based on Pitts past history of failure can this years team get better? Kellogg- All teams can get better, sometimes they can turn it around right in the middle of a game. Anyone can get hot.

Seriously, is that the best question those bozos can think of?

That is what happens when you put hockey guys on college basketball. It just doesn’t work.

I’m assuming that you are referring to Qadree Ollison along with Chris James as the inbound recruit duo of which you speak, Pittscript.

If you remember, last year I was predicting that this recruit named James Conner was going to make an immediate impact at the RB position after Shell jumped ship. This was mainly due to the depleted ranks of the Pitt RBs at that point in time more so than in Conner’s prevailing body of work in the backfield during his HS career. That proved out of course.

Now on to this year’s recruiting class. Compared to Conner, BOTH James and Ollison blow his HS RB stats out of the water by comparision. I can not believe that we have been fortunate enough to get both of these guys in Panther uniforms come fall camp. THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND that at least one of them sees significant playing time this season. And let us not forget about Dennis Briggs from Shadyside Academy. This kid could end up as a surprise on the order of a Rachid Ibrahim, not a real workhorse during his Freshman year but when Ibrahim took to the field he always seemed to contribute, sometimes in pressure packed critical situations. Briggs may be that same kind of key spot player for Pitt in the near future.

Since Chryst is not shy about utilizing all the ponies in his stable at the RB position, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if two out of three of these Freshman RBs get their redshirts burned before season’s end.

If that happens, it will be because these incoming recruits are “as advertised” and are physically prepared to contribute immediately at the major college level. Then you’re left with the very pleasant delima of figuring out what to do with your “go to” running back that now is standing around waiting for his turn to carry the ball. That’s why Conner shows up on the other side of the line of scrimmage next year.

Couldn’t agree more with Pittscript on this one, it’s all about the incoming RB recruits, if they pan out like I think that they are going to, we will then have the luxury of playing James Conner at defensive end, which BTW, I think he will be great at! What a nice problem to have to deal with IF it occurs.

Hail to Pitt! Bring on the Fighting Blue Hens!

I have a hard time listening to the Fan anymore, they really never have any interesting analysis, and just repeat the same old drivel.

Because Pittsburgh has had the fortune of six Superbowls, three Stanley Cups, 3 World Series, and a Pitt Football Champion, everyone is held up to or measured by that standard.

You would think that the sportswriters were champions, they are not. Only Bob Prince, Bill Hillgrove, Stan Savran, and yes Meyron Cope measure up as Champions.

Most of the new guys are bums that know very little about sports. Mark Madden knows hockey, but his overall act is just plain sad.

Cook is so sad, that he was on the Pitt Band Wagon and now wants to know “what’s wrong”?

That is why I enjoy this blog, you get the whole range of opinion and at times some thoughtful analysis.

I really think that some of these bums come here to get the storyline for their article or talkshow.

They ought to pay Chas royalties.

@ Upitt, will do my friend. 😉

Agreed Dr. Tom. Having watched the highlight film of James, I will be very surprised if he is not a featured back with Conner. If Ollison comes through as well, you could have the luxury of moving Conner, but I don’t see that happening this year.

I think Briggs is likely to redshirt. If Ibrahim puts on twenty lbs. without losing a step he will get carries as well.

All in all, we are in a lot better shape than last year.

Frankcan, don’t sweat it with Justin or Chas, like most all of us on the Pitt Blather, they’re sick, for sure, but then each and every member of this entire Blather family possess both mental and physical deficiencies of some magnitude.

I predict Chas will be back at his keyboard around Friday afternoon, prepping us for FSU.

The new RB coach will make a difference i would think we will have a 3 man RB mix with all 3 gaining at least 800 or more yards.
But un like DR Tom i think conner will be the RB who goes over 1000 and will have the most carries.
I see james as the change up back with the second most carries.
I think if conner plays DE it will be a limited
amount of time just so they can say he is a two way player for the publicity for TV

@ gc, yep, we’re in great shape at RB going forward! Shell who???

@Gc, I don’t think they come her to get storylines. Most of what is presented here concerning hoops is over there heads. Seldom do they generate discussion that even resembles this level of exchange and if they did it would pose a problem because they don’t know enough to keep up.

We are 26 games into the season. I have seen 25 of those games in person or on TV. I have watched at least 20 of them on replay after watching them live. I watch at least 4 other teams play a week. I can assure you I have watched at least 3 times as much college basketball as any local reporters on local radio. I bet there are a half a dozen guys who post here that watch as much or more than me. It is hard to know what you are talking about when all you watch is a few highlights and an occasional game.

This is true i am not wraped to tight loony tunes that is me but in a nice way i wont hurt a cat or dog. Even if i shot some one or cut there head off i wont hurt a dog or cat or small child .
so i guess i am not all bad that all folks whats up doc loony tunes. go pitt

I fell very good about the upcoming FB season. The college FB mags will look past us. They concentrate on the big programs and recruits.

Dr Tom, There is truth in your suggestion as to Blatherites all suffering mental and physical infirmities. I think the statement overlooks the fact that the wrapping Frankcan refers too has perhaps slipped a bit for all the Good Lord’s packages from what I can see.

I also hope Isaac Bennett rededicates himself in the off season and comes back strong. I think he was a little dinged up and certainly deserves some more carries. Had one big game, maybe has a few more left in him.

@Frank, We aren’t headed to the Sugar Bowl next year but we can have areal good year. I think we are better off slipping in under the radar this season. If we were in the hunt for a championship I would want to start with some ranking but as things sit a ranking is something we can work towards this year.

Gc, I agree. I think 3 running backs will get significant carries and Conner and James will get the most carries. The 3rd back will depend on who else performs well.

Jay would be well suited for Lt Governor. Requires no skills and involves no responsibilities. Perfect.

Is 773 Posts some kind of record?

Hope everything is OK with Chas and the Gang.

Didn’t we have nearly 900 just last week?

Believe it or not, we had 774 for Duke-Pitt open thread so we just surpoassed it.

I believe I qualify for a prize

No there was 1000 back during a football loss one time. LOL…

Did Blades son ever go pro? HB Blades?

As a side note, I hope Sean Spence from the U can come back this year and play for the Steelers. He was going to be special. LB’s and Skilled Players come from these fertile grounds in Broward and Miami Dade…

You guys here Emel was hired to replace Theresa? It hit the AP today. He is working with Oregon Ducks and Spearmint Ryno to redesign the new Cheerleader Uniforms…. He also fired all the guys on the team. Now that is a great hire.

Hope Coach Lewis is going through Coach Engram’s database and making follow-up visits. The good news that since Bobby is with the pros, he didn’t take it with him.

Recruiting seems to be off to a fast start at least compared to last year. I am hoping the new guys have some contributions to the class.

HB Blades played about 3 years or so for the Redskins .. he backed up their longtime MLB, forgot his name and probably played some special teams.

His partner-in-crime at Pitt, Clint Session payed about 3-4 years with the Colts and started at OLB during their Super Bowl year a few years back (loss to Saints) … he thne signed a big contract with the Jaguars and only lasted a year or so and was dropped.

Don’t think either are in the NFL anymore

I think HB had a decent pro career, not sure if he is still playing.

I heard Spence’s injury was pretty bad, not sure if he will make it back. I know he is trying.

Wrong again, Blades had a short stint with the Redskins, started 6 games his second year, tried to make a comeback in 2011 and was cut.

I see where two Giants fans are going to prison for a long time for beating some guy half to death in a parking lot in New York. It seems that violence is happening more often at sporting events.

Pro football fans face more risk because of the excessive booze consumed at games. I bet most here have seen confrontations at sporting events.

The maddest I ever got was at a Steeler game, when a drunken asshole dumped a beer on my 6 year old on a 25 degree day. He was wearing his new coat my ex wife had just bought him. It was all I could do to control myself.

While I was at the opener this past year vs FSU, 2 ND fans (all dressed in Irish gear) came in and sat next to us. Some obvious drunken Pitt fan sitting a few rows back tore into them, really cursng them out.

They said if this is what its like at Pitt games, they wouldn’t be back except for the ND game … they only bought tickets so they could attend the ND game but thought they would also attend FSU, NC and Miami.

I told them that they should note that the drunk was the only one here making a scene .. and be lucky it wasn’t a Stiller crowd and he was wearing Ravens or Cowboy’a gear.

November 2013… Prior to Notre Dame H.S. and Runningback Chris James taking on Loyola in the Illinois State Playoffs.

********
The challenge for the Ramblers will be the same as it for every Notre Dame (7-3) opponent — stopping Chris James.

The All-State running back had 198 of his 243 yards and all three of his touchdowns against Fremd in the second half.

“He’s going to get you the tough yards when you need them,” Notre Dame coach Mike Hennessey said. “If you don’t get him in the first 3 yards, it’s good night, Irene. He’s a big-game player, and this is a big-game situation. He’ll be the first one to give credit to his offensive line.

********
Chicago Trib

November 2013… Following Notre Dame’s 24-0 Loss to Loyola.

********
Loyola (10-1) made sure that time of possession was important in keeping ND’s top running back Chris James on the sidelines. James, in Notre Dame’s opening round win against Fremd (28-14), ran for 243 yards and 3 touchdowns. This time around the senior would like to forget about his final high school game. James registered 67 yards and fumbled twice with the Ramblers recovering.

“The defense guessed right all game when James carried the football,” said Loyola’s head coach John Holecek. “We loaded up the box with seven or eight men up front. James no doubt is a Division I player and I’m sure he will make the right college choice.”

********
Journal Online

Doc – you are correct sir, how much better our collective mindset might be if Ennis’ shot clangs?

Re: The Fan – it is indeed an endless stream of drivel. They play games and talk about their personal lives more than they talk sports. I guess that gets ratings?

The afternoon drive time now consists of Joe Starkey (Univ. of Buffalo grad) and Chris Mueller (Ped St. grad). Mueller claims to be a Pitt fan, and he is often critical of Ped St., but they don’t know their sports very well, and certainly neither is versed in Pitt sports. I don’t want or expect them to be Pitt cheerleaders but an intelligent conversation would be nice.

The national guy they had on yesterday was Mike DeCourcy, a columnist for the Sporting News and a Pittsburgh native. Mike DOES know his hoops, so it was refreshing for him to provide some knowledgeable perspective on the Pitt program. In short, he said there are about 300 programs out there who like to have Pitt’s problems.

The guy I miss the most from local sports talk is Joe Bendel. He was on the local AM ESPN station for a number of years until about this time last year. Bendel also knew hoops and talked more hoops than just about anyone in town.

James has promise. He’s exceptionally strong for a Small Back and obviously QUICK. But not so sure how FAST he’s going to seem at the next level.

He also does not have a lot in the way of the kind of SHIFTINESS you like to see with smaller backs.

Believe he’ll be a SOLID BACK. He gives every indication of being able to carry the load and the willingness to fight for the tough yards.

But a TRUE HOME-RUN HITTER? I don’t think so.

Hope I’m wrong.

Getting ready for my winter trip from eastern part of state(allentown) to see Pitt basketball game Sunday night with my 2 sons ( both Pitt grads, gainfully employed, working in Pittsburgh, and off my payroll-HA). Try to get to at least one football and one basketball game per year. Was talking to a friend of a friend at a party Sat night. Guy has Pitt football season tickets and only see him once a year but we are both huge Pitt fans. We started talking about PSU and we both couldn’t agree more about what an a$$ that Frankin already is. He was saying how hard it was to dislike O’Brien but Franklin is already public enemy # 1 over his statement that he will own the state in recruiting. Kinda of funny how the disdain for this guy has already started. Also, the lead story in the Allentown newspaper today(Morning Call) sports page was about the recruit who is heading to PSU. The recuit is from Whitehall( a suburb of Allentown) and I don’t know much about him. I am originally from Pgh. and have lived out east form 30 years and still can not believe the bias of the news media toward PSU on everything. So, Pitt always has an uphill battle in the eastern part of the state but is quitely making in-roads.
HTP and can’t wait for a great basketball game Sunday night!!!

Iron Duke, now that you mention it I miss Bendel as well. I wonder what happened to him. Going to look on Google.

@Pittof dreams, Small powerful backs can be very effective behind big lines. They can be harder to stop because they get the advantage of being hidden from view. I also see the draw play as a way of limiting the pass rush. Nothing is more effective than a bowling ball up the middle to slow down a rush. That was a tool we didn’t seem to have last year.

Joe Bendel was fired a year ago, since I retired just before that, I din’t listen to drive time radio and missed it.

Didn’t dig too deep but didn’t see anything on him after that.

Too bad, a McKeesport guy with a level head and knowledge of local sports.

The Fan would be wise to find Bendel and give him a contract and get rid of more dead weight.

As for Qadree Ollison…

Bigger Back… Bigger Upside than James. But unlike James, the question here is toughness?

Will Ollison be able to stand up to the BEATING he’s going to take being the Big Target he presents to Defenders.

A BIG BACK, but one who seems to run with more FINESSE than POWER.

If he’s able to adjust and avoid injury, this kid is the one I believe could be SOMETHING SPECIAL.

Bruce, I’m with on your sentiments. You couldn’t help but respect Bill O’Brien for his candor and his professionalism. He got hammered after he took the job, but he tackled the problems head on. I had a strong dislike of Joe PA, but none of that towards O’Brien. Franklin on the other hand rubs me the wrong way. He comes in and proclaims that he’s going to dominate the state. I don’t have the respect for him that I had for Bill O’Brien.

@ Bruce F , Congrats on having your sons off the payroll. I am almost there myself and I know you have to be proud. You are absolutely right. I had a lot of respect for O’Brien and for the 1st time in my life I found myself actually hoping Penn St. won. I won’t have that problem to deal with under this clown.

That reminds me of a story that ties in with my post on drunken fans.

Years ago I had my family out for dinner at a bar/restaurant on a Saturday evening. Notre Dame had just beaten Penn St at Happy Valley on a last minute play. An drunken Irish fan comes in and hollers across the room , “we kicked your ass.” I had to holler back, “we are Pitt fans and we hate Penn St even more than we hate you.”

Spirit, No truer words were ever spoken! Notre Dame actually gets a break now that they play different ACC teams instead of Pitt every year. They always had their hands full with the Panthers, whether the game was here or in South Bend.

@Justinian, Tony Dorsett set the trend.

@ Dr. Tom, thanks. The 4 star RB James is a YouTube hit given his workout and everyone raves about how physical he is… if he lives up to billing you would think he is the ‘feature back’.

Qadree Ollison was billed as the big hammer type back who is tough.

Given others as well who can back up, or Connor getting some carriers…. I can see why they may shift him.

As Dr. Tom said it is a good “problem” to have and it is the inbound recruits creating it (so good sign because means recruiting is going well!).

@bruce F… right about the Ped state situation. Obrien is a WPA kinda guy and it was just hard to not respect him and wish he was our coach…

Franklinstein is a jag off as @justinian put it… right on the mark.

He is the kind of mouth that just annoys WPA people within 5 minutes…. hate him in a half hour.

This guy is going to blow a gasket quicker than Holgerson and I am going to freak’n love watching every minute of it…

I love how Chryst handled the questions about this idiot too… basically said its easy to shoot your mouth off because what is real is what actually happens…

After Franklinstein’s speech…

we get 3 PA commitments and hire 3 “above the line” position coaches!

Been thinking about Conner…with the NFL combine going on it made me think about coaches and how they value players.

The top running backs go in the 2nd round now and the top rush-defensive ends go in the top 5 in the Draft.

Not pickin’ sides here though or anything 😉

We needed 3 more posts to get to 800 anyway….

I’m with ya Jackagain.

2 more to go !

Jackagain, defensive ends have better longevity of career as well. Fewer concussions.

Ok look this is not real this post will run from one end of the 6th street bridge to the outher.

You win the #800 award gc !!!

The prize being….800 leftover season tickets to Pitt’s 1995 football season.

All autographed by Oval Jaynes.

Better luck next time Frankie.

Who knows what the next fabulous prize from Pitt’s past will be !

EMel i saw a story in a eastern news paper on line saying how franklin was dominateing the state i had to laugh he has one player fom pa we have 3 i was going to text them and say he had 2 players from maryland and one from NJ and one from pa but i was to lazy to do it.

hey you said 2 to go i was the second one i want thoes old tickets.just jokeing gc can have them.

Yep Frankie, these news agencies, sports websites, etc. all operate the same, they have their ‘talking points’ (in this case Franlinstein dominating Pa) and they’re sticking to them.

Regardless of the facts. (but you should call them on the facts, just to let them know ppl aren’t that stupid)

Yea when I posted at 6:37 I thought I was #798 when in actuality I was #799.

No worries though, we can find a prize for you too.

What 800 things would like you autographed by Cornhole ?

How about 8 X 11 glossy’s of Mike Heywood ?

I just heard a rumor that Lamar Patterson became a father for the first time 4 weeks ago. The source I heard it from is an extremely reliable type but I don’t know anything about his source.

what and the kid has been teething on Lamar’s thumb

Emel….I would love to have his autographed resignation…

I was just eaves dropping on the UNC site as they prepare to play Duke. I have to hand it to the UNC faithful and the Dukies too , the fans posting on their site know their hoops. They were talking about the officials assigned to the game and seemed to have a handle on what to expect. It would be nice to have that kind of insight here. If we are going to lead this conference we need to polish up our game.

Bennie Blades was with the Skins for a short time but I got the feeling he was more of a coach to the LBs he played with. He new how to play the position.

Today’s games the can help Pitt’s RPI/seeding:

Clemson over Georgia Tech (In Atlanta, should be close)

Cincinnati over Louisville (In Cincy, should be close)

Texas Tech over Oklahoma State (Not likely)

Duquesne over Dayton (Not likely)

North Carolina St. over Virginia Tech (NC St. should get a road win)

Youngstown State over Valparaiso (Not likely)

Savannah State over South Carolina State (Savannah St. could win a close game on the road)

Stanford over UCLA (Stanford at home, should be close)

Syracuse over Duke (Hard to see Syracuse winning)

Howard over Hampton (Not likely)

Fresno State over Utah State (Not likely)

Cal Poly over California Riverside (Cal Poly should win at home)

Today’s games that can help Pitt’s RPI/seeding:

Lehigh over Lafayette (Lehigh on the road in a rivalry game, could be close)

And Pitt over FL St. (Pitt cannot lose 3 straight)