Here is this morning’s media recap for the day:
First off here is a great suggestion from BigB (Bernie) for the 2016 version of the new Pitt Script helmet. It has the Mustard Gold that reminds us so much of Danny Marino – you know, the guy whose claim to fame is having is nine total passing yards more than Tino Sunseri. Bernie has been using his own $$$ and gracious kindness to have Big and small Pitt Script magnets made with these colors… and has been asking that all who get them to drop an email lobbying the administration for a return to these colors to bolster our Pitt football tradition.
It takes a village to raise a football team.
Post-Gazette:
Red Shirt Diaries:
Here is another great video – a recap of the Pitt-Duke game last week.
Back to Turf on the Southside:
“The facility opened in 2000 under athletic director Steve Pederson and head football coach Walt Harris with two grass fields. In May 2007, athletic director Jeff Long and head football coach Dave Wannstedt opted to make the switch to a Sportexe synthetic turf on one of the fields, so that Pitt could practice outdoors in all weather conditions.”
Matt Steinbeck’s Pitt journey:
Friday night isn’t exactly prime time for big-time college football, but Steinbeck and Dudas would watch those games before their Patriot League matchups the next day, and they would wonder.
“We’d be like, ‘Dang, it’d be awesome to play there,’ ” Steinbeck recalled. “Be in front of those crowds, because we had maybe 1,000 people at our games.” (Now he’s playing in front of 1,500 people!)
Trib Review:
Narduzzi think defense can be better:
The defense is ranked 25th in the nation in yards allowed (340 per game) and is aiming toward its first top-30 finish since 2012 when it was 17th under one-year coordinator Dave Huxtable, a coach who pushed his players hard.
It’s only a slight exaggeration to state the Pitt defense hasn’t been able to hold a lead since.
This season, under a more aggressive system installed by Narduzzi and coordinator Josh Conklin, sacks (29) and tackles for a loss (67) are up 53 percent and 24 percent from last year, even with three games left. Pitt is ranked 13th and 46th in the nation, respectively, in those categories. Last season, Pitt was 102nd in sacks and 120th in TFLs.
Q&A with the super-LB Mike Caprara
Pitt’s sack numbers are way up this year. Is the approach to pass rush different, and how big of an impact has that had on the entire defense?
Caprara: One of our main goals is to make them one-dimensional, stop the run. And with the pressure we’ve been putting on quarterbacks, our goal is to first stop the run, and as we keep applying pressure, we’re getting more and more sacks and attacking the quarterback. It’s showed in our results. That’s been in our game plan, but the main perspective is stopping the run, but doing so by adding pressure.
This kid has really produced this season – see his stat line below… 9.5 TFLs in rotational duty (in the beginning of the year at least) is damn good.
| Overall Defensive Statistics |
| Tackles | Sacks | Pass Defense | Fumbles | Blkd | |||||||||||||||
| DEFENSIVE LEADERS | GP | Solo | Ast | Total | TFL-Yds | No-Yds | Int-Yds | BU | PD | Qbh | Rcv-Yds | FF | Kick | Saf | |||||
| 9 | Jordan Whitehead | 10 | 53 | 29 | 82 | 4.5 | – 14 | 0.5 | – 6 | 1 | – 0 | 3 | 4 | . | . | 1 | . | . | |
| 47 | Matt Galambos | 10 | 36 | 22 | 58 | 9.0 | – 51 | 5.0 | – 42 | 2 | – 53 | . | 2 | 1 | . | 1 | . | . | |
| 14 | Avonte Maddox | 10 | 35 | 17 | 52 | 1.0 | – 5 | 0.5 | – 4 | 2 | – 0 | 7 | 9 | 1 | . | . | . | . | |
| 3 | Nicholas Grigsby | 10 | 33 | 14 | 47 | 6.5 | – 28 | 2.5 | – 17 | . | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 | – 0 | 1 | . | . | |
| 30 | Mike Caprara | 10 | 25 | 13 | 38 | 9.5 | – 32 | 4.0 | – 21 | 1 | – 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | – 0 | . | . | 1 |
The Pitt News
Pitt Football Website
Pat Narduzzi Press Conference; Nov 16th
Here are the former comments to this thread:
| Oklahomeboy | Submitted on 2015/11/20 at 1:34 pm@Dan 72 We make that prediction about Pitts every week. In his defense he held his own against Duke. |
| WarrenPAnther | Submitted on 2015/11/20 at 1:31 pmHopefully all the current season ticket holders got the note that they could put in to pre-buy Pitt/PSU extra tickets up to the amount of season tickets they hold. I requested my additional 8 seats to go with my 8 season tickets. No PSU folks sitting in them. Friend of mine did the same thing so if everybody did the same thing hopefully not to many of the PSU crowd there. I will let the seats go empty rather than scalp them to a PSU fan if I can’t fill them for some reason!!!!! |
| Yeti | Submitted on 2015/11/20 at 1:09 pmWhile I think we would all like to see higher attendance numbers, I don’t see any significant change for a couple years. Pittsburgh is not a large city and the population as a whole has a very average income. It will take more than a couple wins in one season for the casual fan to part with their money. If next season is better, a lot of hype surrounds the Pitt/PSU game and Pitt beats PSU, I believe that will begin to move the needle toward higher attendance. Some lost souls may re-engage next year but I think the true step-change will occur two years from now. To summarize, just win. |
| Nick | Submitted on 2015/11/20 at 11:57 amThere will always be cheap tix. notre dame fans buy season tix to guarantee themselves a good seat & sell the rest for whatever they can get. psu people will do the same next year. |
| BostonsCommon | Submitted on 2015/11/20 at 11:36 am@Comment by gc 11.20.15 @ 9:44 amI bet Pitt sets an attendance record next year. PSU back on the schedule – potentially coming off a top 25 season…Season ticket sales will be through the roof. |
| Dan 72 Yahoo |
Submitted on 2015/11/20 at 11:35 amLouisville will go after Pitts with everything they have. They beat him like a rented mule 2 years ago.It was a close game at the half. First play of second half a Bridgewater bomb over Pitts for a 68 TD. It was all over for Pitt After that. |
| gc | Submitted on 2015/11/20 at 11:11 amLower Bowl tickets available under $10, not a good sign. |
| gc | Submitted on 2015/11/20 at 11:08 amTyrique Jarrett is probable, which is really good news. Must put pressure on their QB, he is a very good pocket passer.Big test for the offense tomorrow, especially the line against the Louisville front seven. Need to establish the run early. |
| gc | Submitted on 2015/11/20 at 10:02 amWe need the next Tony Siragusa, Sean Gilbert or Aaron Donald.Unapprove | Reply | Quick Edit | Edit | History | Spam | Trash | Delete & Ban IP |
| pmdH2P | Submitted on 2015/11/20 at 9:45 amThanks, Reed. I know you say that this is an easy cut and paste. Just want you to know that is valued by us. You going to the game tomorrow?H2P |
At least one that knows how to WIN!
When your Safety is making that many tackles, it tells you the Guys up front aren’t doing the job.
Our colors are Navy Blue and Old Gold and this were the colors when I was in school in the eary 60’s.
I think our helmets were Blue with Gold strip back then.
I like the colors the way they are with the script.
And since I’m old I get my way or no money for PITT!!!!
Louisville is a good team but doesn’t have the name value to attract casual fans. There will be at least 25,000 empty seats tomorrow. Another loss in a key game at Heinz diminishes the chances it will ever feel like a home stadium.
Big losses at Heinz too many to list.
I think the color scheme Pitt has now is both historically correct and appealing.
Thank God the players voted to get rid of Peterson’s pajamas, those washed out yellow rags they have worn the past few years.
Blue or white pants are definitely better.
Don’t see this group wanting mustard.
Betting line is now even and money pouring in on the bad guys
I think Pitt plays the perfect game and 2 good half of football.
Pitt 27-10
This uniform thing is NOT complicated. If you want a CLUE as to what Pitt’s NEW UNIs should look like… just CLICK here.
Been pushing this for some time. Now, not the exact same thing. But something a little more STREAMLINED with STRIPES… and of oourse the Gold Helmet.
Like I said… NOT complicated.
Perennial SEC power Georgia taking a chance by playing Georgia Southern at home today. GS lost to WVU 44-0 earlier this season.
At least Pitt played Akron on the road (and people on this board still bitched).
Now I know why folks think the SEC is so good.
I am with Old Pitt Grad. Emphasizing the navy blue is smart. Pitt is the only team with that color in the ACC. Too many teams with the shiny gold. The gold should just be an accent color, never a shirt or pants color and never mustard.
Pitt has struggled against more athletic teams. I think Louisville fits that mold. Plus, they are well coached unlike Miami.
Pitt loses 31-24…as always, I hope I am wrong.
Hence, for me, going back to the Dorsett and Marino uni is going back to being famous. I realize young people never knew the look, but the vast majority of college football fans immediately connect with that uniform ( like Nard Dog) and like many on here hope to see it again.
Our D gives up a few big plays, but dominates the rest of the time.
Blewitt kicks a FG late in the game as Pitt goes up 24-17. Then as the Cards are driving in the last minute to tie the score, our D forces a turnover and returns it for a TD.
Game over!
HTP!
I am going with us winning 33 – 17
H2P
Parkway east both directions CLOSED
West Carson st inbound CLOSED
Those of us in attendance coming from those directions will have a long ride!
Do not know of anyplace in the country which could close 3 of the 5 major routes to a stadium and expect a decent crowd.
At least the later start gives a somewhat better chance, We will just go early, stay late and enjoy the day.
Last week they played their most complete game and this, week spent reviewing film, will only reinforce that realization. However I don’t see this squad being allowed to become cocky feeding off false bravado because this coaching staff is not at all shy about pointing out the disparity between good execution and superior execution of a game plan. This coaching staff is keeping these guys grounded while motivating them at the same to continue their growth both individually and as a team.
So far I’m 9-1 with my personal predictions. Only UNC surprised me with the quality of their football team. The Tarheels are another team, similar to the Panthers, who are going through the self discovery of finding out game by game how good they can actually become. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Clemson gets into a brutal knock down drag out battle for the ACC Conference Crown against UNC.
This Louisville team will be a stern test but one that I think Pitt will be able to overcome. Unlike some, who feel that we’ll see a chasm between the team’s speed and talent, I’m not buying that. In this game, getting the Panthers to come out fast and furious will be essential to avoid playing from behind. This current Pitt offense is at a disadvantage when they need to play catch-up. If we can replicate how we dealt with Duke in the 1st half in that contest, then Pitt earns their eigth win today.
If we’re ahead at the half, we win this one. I’d like to predict another 31-13 type win for the Panthers but this one will be a nail biter instead.
Pitt wins 27-24 in OT.
We are going early too – take in the city, some tailgating with good friends and experience the band before the game. Priceless…
Shuffle the Cards -> 8-3 baby! On our way to 10 wins.
HTP!
Their running game is not so hot, pressure on their QB is also a must.
Dr Tom, agree. We need to play a solid 2 halves of football, so we don’t need to try to catch up. If the OL AND the DL can control BOTH halves, then we can take this one. Can’t have safeties being the leading tackler – unless it’s the Loovulle safeties!
We do, and their safeties are. Good guys ante up, and trump the Cards 31-17
Look for 3 or 4 sacks and numerous TFL’s today.
HTP!
27-23 Pitt
As to the uniform. The worst decisions made are when the group being affected is allowed to make them. The uniforms are not for the current plays at all – they come and go. The decision should be made with input from the alumni, big donors, ex-football players alumni and the university itself.
Point to remember is that whatever we choose for 2016 it won’t stay that way long – the apparel people universities have contract with insist that they be changed and tweaked on a regular basis… and it isn’t up to the HC, AD or even the athletic department to tell them no.
Pitt can’t afford to lose the big millions of $$$ revenue from the NIKE apparel contract plus the free uniforms for all sports… in all the home/away combinations. That is a big chunk of $$$ right there.
Unless a school is traditional in their uniforms like ND, PSU, Oklahoma or Alabama, etc… the uniforms change on a semi-regular basis, and it really doesn’t matter how many games we win… we’re not going to get that big.
In Narduzzi’s defense, the DL and LBs must read the offense and stop the run as top priority. The DBs must be good enough and fast enough to redirect the receivers out of their routes and make the plays when they’re in a position to make them.
Opposing coaches will target players they view as opportunities. Pitt has a few. If those players have a good game, Pitt will win. There isn’t much the coach can do about it in the near term.
Hopefully Gallagher, Barnes, Narduzzi do the right thing, make them look good.
I definitely do not like the “9 combination” thing.
We don’t need an Oregon or Maryland vomitorium look.
For that matter, WVU, you seen their shit? Horrid. I’m not even picking on them because they’re WVU.
Any WVU troll out there reading, here’s a statement to prove I’m not picking on you.
WVU used to have great uniforms. Maybe the colors weren’t the most appealing but
dark blue jersey, yellow pants, great logo on a dark blue helmet.
When you turned on the tv, you knew WVU was playing.
Pitt 24 Louisville 17
I like the variation in uniforms. Everyone still knows it is WVU even if they are in all whites. The script is the identification mark.
It was more of a GOLDEN Mustard than Mustard Gold!
Here check it out… the pants too.
Things started to turn a little more “yellow” into the 80s.
Don’t move away from the current Navy blue and gold color scheme. It embraces the Majors/Sherrill tradition with the Script and the stripes on the pants and helmet and the years prior with the color scheme.
Bring back the royal blue and mustard 1-2 games per year when we play a traditional rival, such as PSU, ND, Cuse, WVY and Navy.
The away uni should be white jersey over blue pants. Its a great look and if I am not mistaken, I think we have enjoyed on field success in that combination.
Let the kids decide on the final regular game if the team has won 8 games.
Things we should never do:
– the chrome helmet crap.
– the awful industrial PITT helmet used in the last or next to last Brawl
– let the folk who advise VT, WVU or Maryland on campus.
Prediction for today:
Decent crowd – 45-50k due to game time, weather, team record and opponent. Anybody who lives in or grew up in Pgh knows there is always a route that doesn’t the require the Parkway.
Pitt wins 31-20.
H2P!
Had lunch with three Louisville fans – they are hoping for a close game – they don’t have a lot of confidence in winning. Ha
The Card fans loved the city of Pittsburgh – they came in early yesterday for the game –
It’s the kiss of death…
This game will really test PN, as HC.
I would feel a lot more optimistic if this was a C. Strong team. But Ville is coached by cyanid Bobby Petrino (again). So I’m not. Period.
FWIW, I’ll likely be snubbed in this one (viewer wise), as ESPNWs is a completely newfangled fkdup pay-per-view SUBs package/channel that I have NEVER BEFORE SEEN as a “option” till this year.
Hey ACC, get it going with NETWORK! Like NOW> ref B1G; SEC; PAC… Get it to-fkng-gether. ESPN3 IS NOT A NET|WORK. And again, ESPNW is like a what ‘other GD FFS WTF aberration… @!$%#^&*()_+
Isn’t the Fkng “News” supposed to be “news?”
Comment by Dan 72 11.21.15 @ 12:20 am
I meant to address your comment before going apeshit over ESPNWs.
In response to your comment above, I do not think Pitt needs play “a perfect game.” I think they need a first half lead transitioning to 3rd quarter.
VT hanging around…
“The colors of my team look worn and old, but I still don’t like the mustard and gold”
I for one do not like to turn on the tv to see if it is Pitt, Akron, Tulsa, Navy or whoever. That said, I didn’t mind the current colors when we had a bad defense and were on espn highlights all too often. It was good that our brand didn’t stand out. Time to BRAND the university Mr. Gallagher. Mustard and Royal Blue all the way. The kids today do want to be different and stand out.
Pitt will be 1-0 on games played on November 21st, 2015. Petrino gets caught riding to the game today with another intern on a motorcycle. Pitt wins 28-24. Control the trenches and control the game! Louisville has defensive speed. North and South running between the tackles wins this game, not east and west.
I hardly ever used that highway when I lived in da Burg. Why would one want to risk sitting for a long time at the Squirrel Hill Tunnel. And if there was an accident, you could sit for 30 minutes or longer.
Surface streets baby, surface streets….that’s the way to get around Pittsburgh.
If you must travel by a freeway and you live out by Monroeville/Murraysville…get on the Freakin Turnpike, head west, go 1 exit to Harmarville, exit get on Rt 28. Bingo, you’re even on the right side of the river. Takes you right into the Stadium.
If you’re west of Pittsburgh(Moon/Robinson), get on I-79 North….cross the Ohio River, hang on Right onto Ohio River Blvd…Bingo …you’re on the right side of the River….takes you right into the Stadium.
Pretty simple.
Only 2 for the Pedos. wow what a disgrace
Can’t wait to read the game thread too…should get over 1,000 comments easy.
And the Penn State fans are heading towards the exits with 5:08 left.
Another sack for Sackenburg. Enjoy getting drafted in the 4th round ya bum…
Game thread’s up…
