I said in my preview column that “Pitt’s offense will have to have their best game of the season OR the defense will have to hold UNC to their worst since their first game” and that UNC has only scored under 26 once. Well, lo and behold UNC scored 26. The defense stepped up in the second half but after spotting the Tarheels a 20-3 lead, the offense didn’t have enough firepower to finish the comeback. I’m sad that I was correct that assessment.
There are two key things I want to make clear.
1) Pitt made too many mistakes to win this game
2) UNC is a step above Pitt right now
I don’t say UNC is better to disparage any player or coach on this team. Pitt has a ton of heart and I love rooting for these players and coaches. It’s just reality. Larry Fedora is in his fourth year at UNC and after three years of ups and downs he has his best team yet. Gene Chizik is one of the best defensive minds in the country and he has done a great job fixing a talented defense. Granted, this defense is aided by an offense that is one of the best in the country right now. As Narduzzi mentioned in his press conference, the Tarheels’ offense can force opponents to get away from their game once they build an early lead. This plays right into their hands as UNC’s pass defense is superior to their rush defense.
Pitt could’ve won this game, but the Dontez Ford fumble, settling for a field goal after the blocked punt, and Soto failing to bring Marquise Williams down on the Switzer touchdown were three plays worth 18 points. If two of those three go the other way, this game could’ve been a win. But, that doesn’t change the fact that UNC was better last night. When your opponent has a leg up, you need more of the game-changing plays to go your way. It didn’t happen that way.
There are still a lot of reasons to be excited about this team. Nate Peterman is completing 67.4% of his passes and has gone 151 attempts without an interception. The defense held UNC to only six points in the second half. Qadree Ollison continues to prove he’s a legit RB and he will only get better. Jordan Whitehead is blossoming into a great player and should make numerous all-freshman teams.
The positives are there. Great coaches are here. Rome wasn’t built in a day yet this team can still win eight or nine games without any fanfare. Do not get down on this team. They may not win the ACC Coastal, but a team coached by Pat Narduzzi is going make damn sure any team that beats them earns it. That’s a great change of pace to a team that beats itself.
I’m guessing 15 to 20 spots.
Beat the Golden Domers!
So the ACC suspended the refs for the last play, nothing said about the three interference calls or the suspect goal line call on Dukes last drive. If you are not from Carolina don’t expect to get the call.
Fresh legs will help to beat the Domers whose Oline is big and athletic.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see four LB’s on the field at one time either to help stop the run and contain the ND QB. We could then play our best three DB’s in J.Whitehead, T.Webb and Maddox. That leaves Amara and Pitts to rotate in with fresh legs in the D backfield.
HTP!
Beat the Golden Domers and the pollsters will have to leap frog us over many weak scheduling teams.
In other ACC news, Frank Beamer to retire from VT at year’s end. That should help us in our recruitment of Sean Gilbert’s son Zach, who has Pitt and VT in his final two. For once Pitt has the HCing stability on it’s side.
HTP!
In place of the suspended crew will be the class of 5th graders from Carrick who provide mid-field logo painting to the University of Pittsburgh. Brian Kelly, HC of ND asked ACC officials if the Carrick Elemenary School was a Catholic School. Currently, that question is “under review”.
The Clemson game should provide some insight as to how to stop the ND offense. Temple did a good job, but the QB ran for 2 scores and threw for what turned out to be the game winner.
HCPN will devise a plan on both sides of the ball, plus special teams, that will best utilize the talent on Pitt’s roster.
HTP!
I don’t like Brian Kelly.
Has anyone yet asked Duzzi if his coordinators have authority to call time out from the sidelines? Saban recently allowed Kiffin to do so. Just wondering?
Emel and wbb both made me laugh. We probably shouldn’t compare athletic scholarship….and offers between the three of us. For that matter, academic scholarship as well. I’ll just keep dominating the flag football games in the culdesac on pavement, against nine year olds. As a first year law student back in the day, we were taught pretty quickly never to ask a question when we didn’t already know the answer. The pair of you didn’t take that class.
