Here is this last evening and this morning’s media recap for the day:
8-3 sounds damn good doesn’t it, especially after I predicted that we’d be 9-3 at the end of the regular season. I’m lying!! I predicted 6-6 with a chance at 7-5 “if the ball bounced our way a few times“. Glad to be wrong with that one and with this 45-34 win behind us we have an excellent chance to end the regular season at 9-3.
Nov. 21, 2015
Coach Narduzzi Press Conference
Peterman Postgame Interview (below also)
Ollison Postgame Interview (below also)
Aston Postgame Interview (below also)
Photo Gallery
Box Score
Postgame Notes
Postgame Quotes
Season Statistics
Here is Pat Narduzzi’s post-game press conference:
I did think and also said that Peterman was going to be a good QB for us and he’s turned out to be just that. He’s streaky as hell though and that’s nerve wracking, but he’s putting points on the board and making clutch throws for 1st down to keep the clock rolling and the sticks moving when we need it the most.
Most notably he completed a 3rd and eight with a 13 yard pass to our new and exciting FB George Alston in our final drive that allowed us to run out the clock for the win. His monster 1st half spoiled us a bit and I’m sure that other fans also thought we’d pick up where we left off on offense but that didn’t happen. Thus his streaky work last night.
This was his box score for the evening:
22/34 for 232 yards; 6.8 ypa and 10.5 ypc with 4 TDs and 0 INTs.
That production gave him a 161 QB rating for the night. I crunched his CURRENT season numbers using this cool website and his rating is 149.27 which, if that holds through the Miami game, would have put him in the Top 20 (17th actually) of the QB ratings for the 2014 season. By comparison Chad Voytik ended up a respectable 40th with a 140.2 rating last year.
As it is this season it will jump Peterman up from 34th nationally to 24th depending how other QBs above him do.
Here is how our last six QBs did in their best seasons:
’15 Nate Peterman 149.3 Record: 8-3
’14 Chad Voytik 140.2 Record: 6-7
’13 Tom Savage 138.2 Record: 7-6
’12 Tino Sunseri 151.2 Record: 6-7
’09 Bill Stull 150.6 Record: 10-3
’06 Tyler Palko 163.2 Record: 6-6
But Wait!! Our rsFR bruising RB from Niagara Falls, NY (slowly I turned, step by step, inch …) has met every RB’s goal in topping the 1000 yard mark – ending up at 1011, at a 5.2 yards per carry clip, for the season so far. Good for him and he’s a clutch kid also. We have him for another three years folks.
One other major point – Louisville had (-)1 yards rushing. We had 244. ‘Nuff said.
Post-Gazette:
Sam Werner’s Pitt Football Chat (Thursday)
Guest: Challingsworth and Ford have become legit targets in the passing game. Is that due to their improvement or simply targeting them more?
Sam Werner: I think those two ideas kind of go hand-in-hand. Ford has been pretty consistent all year, he just finally got in the end zone against Duke. For Challingsworth, I think he’s a guy who earned opportunities in practice and then made the most of them on game days. He has improved enough to get on the field, and then when he makes catches like he did Saturday against Duke, that gives Peterman a little more faith in him to give him looks in big situations (all three of his catches Saturday were on third down).
Ejuan Price (five sacks) Interview
Trib Review:
Rivals.com
“Obviously, the kids are excited about win number eight, which is just another step forward,” first-year head coach Pat Narduzzi said after the game. Narduzzi may view eight wins as a step forward, but for Pitt, the step is a big one. The program entered 2015 on a four-year streak of 6-6 regular-season records, a stretch that seemed more mediocre than average and was altogether unspectacular.
“a stretch that seemed more mediocre than average…” is a great phrase to describe that time period.
The Pitt News
Pitt News’ Article on the Game
Pitt Football Website
Here is the quick post-game report for the big win last evening.
“The Panthers have been rejuvenated in coach Pat Narduzzi’s first season, fueled by his aggression and an offense that takes care of the ball. Pitt held the ball for more than 37 minutes, riding Peterman’s arm to an early lead and Ollison’s legs to run the clock in the second half to protect it.
Ollison, who went over 1,000 yards on the season, keyed a late 60-yard drive that set up a 18-yard Chris Blewitt field goal with 5:25 to play to give the Panthers some space after the Cardinals had pulled within eight early in the fourth quarter.
PointAfter Website – a recap of Pitt’s season and the ACC standings. I like this site and have put it in my ‘Favorites’.
I have no doubt PC will be successful, but PN was just so much more prepared … what’s the phrase about ‘hitting the ground running.’
The Bears aren’t the most overrated team in the country. It’s actually defending national champion Ohio State, which lost to Michigan State 17-14 at home on Saturday.
Somehow, it took us 12 weeks to figure out the Buckeyes aren’t really that good.”
And these are the “experts” who vote on the rankings…I knew this about Ohio Fake after their 2nd game.
Comment by 66Goat 11.22.15 @ 1:28 pm
^^^now THAT is funny!!! Really made me laugh!
And yes, give all the Pitt coaches raises effective immediately! 50% more for Narduzzi! Merry Christmas…
We need to concentrate solely on Miami and then concentrate on locking up a stronger recruiting class. The Maryland and alleged Rutgers hire will be most impactful because it is right in the middle of our recruiting territories. Duzzi has a step up on those programs.
The Dairy College out east showed again that they will never win a big10 championship so long as Urban, Harbaugh, Dantonio are there. Franklin is a non factor other than he can lie….i mean recruit well because his budget allows for that. But they will always be 3rd or worse in their conference.
The biggest thing that Duzzi can show recruits is that the path to the playoff comes through the ACC coastal and we were just shy this year and we need their help to put us over the top. Franklin can never say that, because their program has never proven they can get there. Pitt’s program under Duzzi got there in year one!
However (you knew this was coming after my opening statement) what responsiblity did Chryst have in handling Shell so poorly?
Of course the kid was immature. He was a 19 year old told he was the greatest ever.
Was it not the mature coache’s job to help develop and mold a young player’s character? Was it not the head coaches job to give his young players second chances?
If Shell doesn’t suceed in life, Chryst bear some of the blame as small as that may be. In at least Shell’s case, Chryst was a poor teacher.
A good analogy was the immaturity of Big Ben. Did not the Steelers give him two second chances?
I know alot of you guys will jump on me. I don’t care. I’m always right!
Brian Billick ?@CoachBillick 2 hours ago
Aaron Donald doesn’t get the credit of JJ Watt or Gerald McCoy or Ndamukong Suh but may be the most disruptive interior presence in the NFL.
hris Dokish ?@ChrisDokish 3 hours ago
A PSU writer asks his followers if Franklin is doing a good job and 93% say no. Not exactly a vote of confidence.
Cory Giger ?@CoryGiger 4 hours ago
Problem for PSU & James Franklin is things likely to get worse before getting better. Hack & D-line gone next year. Could be big step back.
Chris Dokish ?@ChrisDokish
4 hours ago
This year Pitt is No. 33 nationally in tackles for loss. Last year they were No. 120.
Chris Dokish ?@ChrisDokish 4 hours ago
Pitt is No. 5 nationally in sacks this year. Last year they were No. 102.
Chryst had to let the kids know who is boss.
Football is a team sport, when a player thinks he is bigger or more important than the team, he has to go. Shell made his own bed, literally as well as figuratively. Shell had multiple second chances.
Big Ben, not a good analogy, first he was under contract for big bucks, second he was and is a real superstar unlike Shell who hadn’t proven a thing, but wanted to be treated like he had.
It hurt more that Montreal’s gift didn’t fit, but again sometimes you have to let them go for the better of the team.
– we may be the only program to win the national title and have our HC leave for another school, and
– a few years later, have 3 straight 11 and 1 years, finishing 2nd two years in a row, and again having our HC leave
We can never fully appreciate success …. but then again, we all felt snake bitten AGAIN just last December, so who knows?
Looking at the various websites with exception of ESPN ACC Blog, Pitt gets little or no notice. While this year is fantastic and beyond most forecasts (TT excepted)it is as if we do not exist. If not for recaps, there is little if any mention in the FBS Headlines regarding Pitt wins or losses unless playing ND. One football blog has Pitt ranked behind four (4) 6-5 teams and 2 or 3 MAC teams despite the difference in schedule competitiveness.
I think it will take several more years (of winning) until Pitt receives football writer’s attention let alone focus.
Not attempting to throw a wet blanket but simply stating it as it is. Next step is winning games against ranked opponents, something we have not yet done this week and when (not if) we beat the U perhaps we will get a ranked team in the Bowl Game to prove ourselves.
Hail to Pitt!
But until we beat a couple ranked teams on national tv, we won’t get much respect.
Next year is key with PSU, OKST, and Clemson on the schedule. Opportunity for recognition.
BTW, both Ponie & Cook took L’Ville this week. I admit that Pitt has been mediocre recently, but anyone doing any sports writing has to look at how teams are playing now, not the past 10 years. Look at how Georgia is playing now.
I think the idiots had them in the Top 10 early this year. They know very little and watch even less…
Hail to Pitt!
Miami reminds me of Louisville in that they have very good athletes and are fairly undisciplined. The big difference for me is HC experience – nod goes to Louisville.
As the # 4 team from the ACC, we may get a ranked opponent in our bowl game, thus allowing this team to erase the claim that Pitt hasn’t beaten a ranked team.
Pop the Canes and gather some verbal commitments from key recruits.
HTP!
“The Bears aren’t the most overrated team in the country. It’s actually defending national champion Ohio State, which lost to Michigan State 17-14 at home on Saturday.
Somehow, it took us (the idiot sports writers) 12 weeks to figure out the Buckeyes aren’t really that good.”
It took me about 2 weeks. Why? Because I actually watched them play.
And these are the clowns who rank the teams. God help us.
CANEINSIDER ?@CANEINSIDER 25 minutes ago
Reviewing AP poll, how is Miss St ranked w/ 3 L’s (2 to Unranked) & Pitt isn’t w/ 3 L’s against #3, #4 & #11 team’s in Nation. @SEC_Exposed
Chris Dokish ?@ChrisDokish 2 hours ago
Washington State lost to Portland State and 6-5 California, and beat 4-7 Rutgers by 3, and they’re ranked No. 20? That’s idiotic.
Chris Dokish ?@ChrisDokish 3 hours ago
Pitt did not make the AP Top 25 even though the three teams they lost to are now No. 3, No. 4, and No. 11.
Of course if ND doesn’t get into the Bowl Championship series they’ll take a top tier bowl game from us.
BTW..I hate ND….real bad too.
Miami’s lines on both sides of the ball are young – our experience should control the trenches. If we do that, Pitt should win.
Take a look at the replay from the Wisky vs NW game if you get a chance – Paulie got jobbed by the refs – ha.
Ejuan Price received a “Helmet Sticker” on ESPN for his 5 sacks yesterday. Only five stickers given out in all CFB…
HTP!
Scour the top 25 and you may only find one or two first year coaches in there. Duzzi is the exception, not the rule.
Michigan State so needs not to crash and burn this coming week against the dairy college. When you really look closely at the teams the Dairy college beat for their wins, it becomes embarrassing.
I don’t like our schedule next year. It was typical Steve idiot pederson not understanding how to help build a program through scheduling. OOC is always two games where you are favored, one where you are even and one where you are the dog. That scenario rewards the coaches and players. Pederson put us with Clemson, Dairy College and OkSt. We will not be favored in any of those three.
Build confidence! Recruit the trenches! Keep our local db’s!
Of course he failed to include Pitt and he has Washington State at # 17.
I don’t like to use the word “idiot” to describe other human beings, but since you referred to that description first, I’ll second that…
Our time is coming – PATIENCE.
HTP!
Jackagain – yes, I see your logic for Pitt being the # 3 team in the ACC and I like your thinking. FL St is ranked and will probably get the better bowl game, as will others I’m sure. We need to build our reputation back up – most people, other than Pitt fans, don’t realize how good this program was in the mid-70’s through the early 80’s.
PATIENCE – HTP!
Often times maturity results from major events in one’s life. Lessons learned can help a kid grow up right quick if they are smart enough to pay attention. When Chryst told Shell, “thanks but no thanks” when he decided that maybe he never should have bailed on his Pitt team mates in the 1st place, I’m pretty sure, understanding the way Paul!Chryst was brought up as a son of a football coach, that he completely explained to Rushel the error of his ways and the fact that his team mates had the final say in the decision that denied his return, when he gave Shell the bad news. HCPC just honored the team’s majority opinion on the matter.
That probably was the first time in Shell’s “athletic” life that he was treated as a mere mortal and not very affectionately either. That is a life lesson learned and hopefully that helped Rushel out during his indoctrination at his new home with the hoopies.
I never wished the kid any ill will, even though he definitely screwed the pooch with his poor attitude when the opportunity to become a force for the Panthers was presented to him as a Sophomore. He was a liability to the team as soon as he made the conscious decision to assume that he was a prevledged super star that transcended the required day to day requirements that applied to the rest of his team.
That kind of attitude produces nothing but trouble with overall team dynamics, especially when such a Prima Donna attitude is possessed by a player that should be striving to become a team leader.
Coach Chryst had his hand forced by Mr. Shell’s own decisions. He had given Shell a second and probably third chance to get his $hit together. You will remember that he was one of the half dozen players suspended an hour before Chryst’s first loss as a HC against YSU.
I’m pretty sure that Shell, among others, were part of Pitt’s problems when HCPC showed up to take over the reins of the program, not part of the solution. It was common knowledge that Shell was not considered a team player, unlike Chad Voytik was, for instance, and was disliked because of that by many of his team mates.
HCPC’s very first responsibility was to the entire team, rather than to any particular individual in that organization. Please don’t attempt to rewrite history, OPG. irrespective to any other points in the debate about Shell, the record is definitive that Shell quit on Pitt, not the other way around.
May Mr. Shell continue to find success in his football career.
After the playoff series it’s the Peach or Fiesta, and Russell Athletic Bowl as the top 2 going to UNC & FSU. We should get the pick of the Belk, Sun, or Pinstripe Bowl. ND is supposed to get the Russel if they’re out.
They then may stick us in the Pinstripe Bowl if the pedos or hoopies are willing to get their butts kicked by us. The hoopies I’m sure would be willing, but not sure about the pedos.
I’m hoping though that for the sake of the players they get to go to a warm weather site.
Temple Toledo Houston Navy, and let’s not overlook Northwestern, here, in this heap of bewilderment found at Disney’s 2015 College Football Rankings – Week 13
FFS. Is ANYONE paying respect to SOS; Pitt’s three losses to AP-CP (OK, “Amway” CP) teams follow accordingly, as you all know, but AGAIN.. for the purpose of the p-r-i-n-t-e-d word:
3 pt L; #3 (AP/CP) Iowa (undefeated), who endeared their self to coaches enough so to garner at least one(1) F(1st)P(lace) vote amongst..
Next up,
7 pt L; #11 (AP/CP) TarHeel (10-1), rapidly CLIMBING ALL ranks..
And last (though slightly overrated after Week 13’s outcomes),
12 pt L; #4 (AP/CP) Irish (10-1); they’re Irish, ‘nuff said..
RIGHT.. WE’RE TALKIN ‘BOUT PERENNIAL AAC POWERHOUSES **** Temple Toledo Houston Navy ****
Life is not fair, I get it. But you can’t justify the rankings released today. You can’t do it tomorrow, either, for that matter.
Just keep taking care of business and the respect will come. There is a whole lot of SOP legacy over the years that has to be considered when Pitt is evaluated by the casual observer. No worries, this organization is going to be getting all the attention that deserves soon enough.
As usual just win baby, WIN! The rest will take care of itself.
But first, we must take care of business with Miami.
The weather seems to favor Miami, as it will be in the mid 60’s and cloudy with a 20% chance of rain.
Crush the Canes on Senior Day!
HTP!
I was just blowing smoke up your skirt. But you know my mindset, it’s common knowledge, Pitt is It for me. I’ve witnessed Pitt as a major player, as a bottom feeder and all of the mediocrity that exists between. I like being “elite” much better!
So I know this for certain, first you have to have a vision and a self perception of what is the goal prior to ever obtaining superior success. What I’m preaching to the Panther Faithful is the same mantra that TT has dedicated himself to since pre season with 10-2, 10-2, 10-2, first you must believe, then establish goals, then expect those goals to be obtained. “Believe” me, I know we are not there in any way, shape, or form yet but, if this administration and coaching staff have the self perception that they have now put on their big boy pants and are really dedicated to a common vision that they are truly committed to obtaining, THEN this program, in fact WILL BE there soon enough.
First you gotta believe. Do you believe?
But, look at who those 5 teams have beaten. The knock on Pitt is that we haven’t beaten a ranked team yet this year.
HTP!
This week is another big game: 9-3 likely means a better bowl match-up and a top 25 ranking. To finish 7-1 in the ACC would be nothing short of amazing. In one of Reed’s links, it was noted that this is the first time Pitt has ever won 6 conference games. Think about that. Talk about killing SOP.
Is Price an NFL prospect? Seems like he would be a tweener.
I know it’s Black Friday, a noon start, road construction, etc., but I sure hope a decent crowd shows up for senior day and likely our last view of Tyler Boyd in a home Pitt uni. These kids went through a lot of ups and downs during their time at Pitt, and have persevered. They deserve a solid send off.
At least that is my understanding
gc – you’re right. When I say he didn’t recruit it’s in comparison to the upper echelon. He was a notch below Walt Harris and two notches below Dave Wannstedt though. He could have done better.
Pitt has not fared well in games after being ranked – Knowing they’ll be ranked after beating Miami is just more motivation to win.
Anything to get an edge.
Can you believe that !!
Of Pitt’s 3 losses, 2 were to teams, that if the Playoff was held today…would be 2 of those teams.
Iowa & ND.
The 3rd was the #11 team in the country.
We lost to the #3 team in the country, on a last second 57 yard FG on the road.
Temple was crushed last week by unranked USF.
WASU lost to Portland State for chryst sake.
Toledo has beaten no one of consequence.
Same thing for Navy, and ND rolled them.
Houston’s first game of the season against a ranked team (Navy) is this week.
Pitt should be ranked ahead of Temple, Toledo, WASU, Navy and Houston.
Don’t understand all this media polling love for the AAC.
If we were in it, they wouldn’t even consider us if we were 10-1 now.
ESPN is televising a lot of AAC games, this year.
And THOSE SLOBS are trying to legitimize the AAC, thru poll rankings….to garner more interest of their televised AAC games.
That can be the ONLY reason, for the media polling love.
Win the trench and recruit like crazy, come Saturday morning when we sit at 9-3. Proof is in the pudding and Duzzi has mixed the ingredients superlatively this year.
That’s the ACC hoops team to watch this year and next and the year after that.
I think Herman at UH is a more likely candidate to bolt but the chancellor and board of directors just gave him a raise.
UH has the right idea.
I think you’re being too hard on the AAC. ESPN is televising their games (mostly on ESPN 3) because the network is paying the conference shit for the rights to broadcast their games.
It’s a win-win for ESPN. Advertising bucks but tiny payout.
Remember we were ranked and the way it works we have to jump back in. Which we will do with a win over the Canes.
If we had been ranked this week and lose to the Canes, we’d fall right back out.
Our resume is impressive and we deserve to be ranked over any teams who’ve had a bad loss (i.e. Temple to USF, UH to UConn). We have NO bad losses.
If you read the Miami Herald the Canes are being described as coming back to life, primed for the best finish in years…and, remember, they have more **** recruits than we do.
They only lost to FSU by a few points. Then the Golden era imploded.
A focused, well-coached Hurricane team is a very dangerous opponent.
If the kid was let go my Penn State you would be all over the coach.
You better hope the kid doesn’t make it big. Can you imagine him being picked by the Steelers or Green Bay?
Let’s drop the subject. I think time is on my side to show Chryst is a nothing.
Could he be the next great Pitt RB or will he play LB or both?
We lose two SR’s from our (2) deep at the LB positions – Freeze is a starter and Steinbeck is a back-up. We may lose Conner to the NFL, but we’re not sure yet. We learned this year how quickly depth at the RB position can get depleted.
I’m just glad Kaezon chose Pitt. He will be a welcome addition no matter where he plays on the field.
I also heard that Central Catholic currently has (9) D1 players on their D. Pitt has (2) verbals in DT Wheeler and DB Bricen…
I know HCPN is personally recruiting 4* DB Hamlin and Pitt is after LB Adams for 2017 – are there others Pitt should pursue? Sounds like there are (5) others I didn’t name.
Crush the Canes in front of the 412Crew recruits with our very own 412Crew players – then start the commitment parade.
HTP!
That great effort was part talent and part coaching.
NOTE TO ZACK: bring your talent to Pitt and mix with our coaching to perform like the NFL is calling your name.
HTP!
Werner of the PG voting for Temple rather than Pitt. Read
his rationale’ This guy is terrible. Wish he would get sacked or
promoted to PSU. He is the master of writing the obvious and rarely provides any insight.
He never spoke of the Pitt game while I listened – he was gushing about the WVU win over lowly Kansas and he spoke of the “great” (his word not mine) players Pedo State has in Sackenberg @ QB and the D-line guys.
Ha…
Crush the Canes and give them something to talk about.
HTP!
Like his idols, Rossi is not one to be taken seriously
We would enjoy being OSU fans where the media panders to them. There is an article today in the Plain Dealer where a columnist watched replay of OSU’s loss, and made a series snapshots of plays where OSU just narrowly missed executing them which would have turned the game around … as if these plays don’t exist for any team that loses a close one.
At the game on Saturday I have a question maybe someone can answer. Why is the Pitt script blue inside a white circle – it looks atrocious no matter how many grade schoolers clean their chalkboard erasers at midfield. Blue circle with yellow script? Further the yard markers were unevenly chalked. Finally, why on TV is he field so green when the Steelers play, do they dye the grass? All is done to bring this team into an elite program but the pro Pedophile Service Univ loving Rooneys must be collared and serve their tenant.
That said great win, Chaney’s first half play calling was brilliant (and I have been tough on him), second half a little pass happy. HAIL TO PITT.
