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September 8, 2016

Musings and Notes

Filed under: Football,Non-con,Opponent(s),Schedule — Chas @ 7:35 am

I look at Penn State’s attempts at “unrivaled” to market their lack of a rival team the same way I view friends that try to pretend how happy they are not to be in a relationship. Constantly spinning the positives when you can see the desperation in them to be with someone. Anyone.

In that vein, I can’t bring myself to call this game a rivalry game. A resumption of on the field hostilities, perhaps, but not a real rivalry game. I wish it wasn’t so. But it isn’t. It should be, but I don’t know that even Pitt is feeling like it can or should happen annually. Despite what AD Scott Barnes is saying.

Barnes is also hedging because of the way scheduling is remaining nebulous.

“Rivalries are in some ways a lost art,” he said.

Requirements Pitt and Penn State have in their respective conferences — the ACC and Big Ten — make scheduling the game into the next decade tricky. Big Ten schools play nine of their 12 regular-season games in the conference, leaving little room for other Power 5 teams. Meanwhile, the ACC has discussed the possibility of moving from eight to nine.

Barnes said he seeks balance in Pitt’s schedule, being careful not to “overschedule.” But he also wants a schedule worthy — in other words, tough enough — to someday attract the attention of the College Football Playoff committee. It won’t be easy, he said.

“I’m not confident in the number of available games over the next 10 years,” he said.

There have been vague proposals of resuming Pitt-Penn State midway through the decade of the 2020s. But there are no guarantees.

“Certainly, if was up to me, it would happen, but it’s a target (date),” Barnes said. “One we’ve discussed; one we need to continue to discuss. I would love to play this game in perpetuity.”

This isn’t 2000, when it was clear that PSU/Paterno was not going to play Pitt any longer. Pitt has its own scheduling issues with the ACC. The inability of the ACC to resolve the conference schedule and properly serve the overlords of ESPN for the ACC Network are keeping things fluid to say the least. I’m not convinced even if the ACC reaches a decision in October that they don’t get forced to revisit it later from some schools. It’s happened before in the ACC.

Terrifying note that Kicker Chris Blewitt has missed five of his last six field goal attempts going back to the Miami game last season. Yes, three of the misses were from over 45 yards, but one miss was from 29 and then the blocked kick last week was inside of 40.

Coach Pat Narduzzi still won’t clarify the injury status of DE Dewayne Hendrix and LB Elijah Zeise. Hendrix was still listed as a starter and Zeise remains on the depth chart.

An article on Pat Narduzzi just “fitting” at Pitt.

“No offense to some of the people who’ve been through here, but I don’t see a spread-offense type of team here. [Bill Fralic began laughing.] It just doesn’t seem to fit. Maybe I’m old-school.

“Now, I think there’s plenty of ways to skin a cat. But in an ideal world, you’d have somebody who has core beliefs that the people who are coming to the games kind of share.”

Not some Texan spread proponent like Graham, in other words. His tenure at Pitt lasted exactly one season (2011) that was notable mainly for an FBS quarterback sacks absorbed title (64) before he bolted for Arizona State where his style fits a lot better.

“Hey, if you’re going twelve and oh, I don’t think anybody cares how you do it,” said Fralic. “But that ain’t gonna happen very often. So, every time you lose, you’re just giving them another reason to turn on you, because they don’t believe in your philosophy.”

Fralic makes a great point about why the style matters at some schools. I’ve flipped a bit on this issue. I  am not wedded to a particular style, and find a lot to like in the spread style offense. So it didn’t seem like an issue to me, but that is still not a popular type of offense for a lot of Pitt fans. And I’ve seen the responses from a lot that suggest how much that colors views on coaches.

Penn State is running an up-tempo offense, but it is hardly a true spread. Like most programs — including Pitt — elements are incorporated. But a lot of it has much more of a West Coast offense style as befitting an OC that cites Walt Harris as a big influence. They still run the ball — especially with Barkley — and they use the short passes to look for yards after the catch. They are just trying to do it at a faster pace.

“We’ll be really excited to play a fast-tempo offense,” Narduzzi said. “That gives them advantages of speeding up, but it also gives us advantages … we’re not one of those teams that when someone lines up fast on you, you keep it base. One of the beautiful things that we do is when someone wants to line up fast, we can do just about anything to counter.”

But Penn State presents a difficult offensive scheme, one that Pitt typically has been unable to handle in previous seasons against various opponents.

Penn State running back Saquon Barkley recorded what Franklin called “a sneaky 100-yard (actually 105) game” in a 33-13 victory Saturday against Kent State. Narduzzi, in fact, called Barkley “maybe the best tailback in the country.”Barkley admitted he can play better. Neither he nor Franklin was satisfied with the player’s pass protection or his tendency to employ more cutting and less power running.

“Does he have very high expectations? Our whole team does,” Franklin said.

But Barkley, above or below par, is not the only runner Pitt’s banged-up defense must encounter. Trace McSorley is inexperienced, but he presents a running threat from the quarterback position — usually a plague on Pitt.

Neither Pitt or PSU looked that great on offense in their first game. The defenses looked okay, but given the opponent that was hard to judge as well.





Losing is not an option.
27-13 Pitt…
Hail Hail

Comment by Justin 09.08.16 @ 8:38 am

Admittedly, I was distraught 16 years ago. Pining for the days of Carson Long. I am now so disgusted with the soiled mess up there that I agree with the poster yesterday who opined Pitt is actually now doing THEM a favor by scheduling them. I say let them wallow in their own stench enduring their inevitable Jim Jones fate.

Comment by wally 09.08.16 @ 9:23 am

Since I’ll be traveling tomorrow to the Burg for the Game… this might be the time to post my prediction.

Some might remember that in the past I’ve gone out on a limb to guarantee BIG Wins that fortunately held true. Pitt hammering VaTech to give Chryst his “Signature Win” as a new Head Coach… Pitt beating Miami in Miami for the first time in 50 years… and even Temple upsetting Penn State for the first time in 70 years… are the few that come to mind.

Now, as for Saturday… I did post last Spring that come Sept 10 we would see a HEALTHY Conner returning to put up 2 and 2 (200 yards and 2 TDs.) thus paving the way for Narduzzi to achieve his first BIG Win as a Head Coach.

However, after witnessing the disappointing performance of what could be an “OVER-hyped” O-Line… and a James Conner who might not yet be fully back up to speed… these numbers might be a little overly optimistic.

That said, my prediction/guarantee for Saturday can only be this.

The Team with the BETTER Quarterback Wins!

It remains for you to determine who that might be.

Comment by PittofDreams 09.08.16 @ 10:02 am

Only at Pitt could you have the all-time leading kicker currently unable to make field goals.

Blewitt is second in scoring points to Tony Dorsett, unbelievable.

Conner is now second in scoring TD’s to TD. Hopefully he runs wild on Saturday, we will rally need him.

Most importantly we need our linebackers to hit Barkley at the line of scrimmage and not six yards down the field.

Comment by gc 09.08.16 @ 10:06 am

PoD, LOL, don’t go out on a limb. I guarantee that the team that scores the most points will win.

I too have no clue how this game will go.

I do think it is more important to Pitt and Narduzzi, Pitt with a much tougher schedule ahead.

Comment by gc 09.08.16 @ 10:21 am

gc… I have never guaranteed Pitt to lose… only to Win.

Comment by PittofDreams 09.08.16 @ 10:31 am

One Quarterback is going to have a BIG Day Saturday… but only one.

Maybe that helps.

Comment by PittofDreams 09.08.16 @ 10:32 am

Sorry Chas, but you just don’t get it. Maybe you will after this game has concluded on Saturday. More likely you will if you attend the game in person. This is a RIVALRY game, irrespective to what you may think.

History defines the reality of the situation. Rather than this game being considered the first meeting between these two respective teams in 16 years, it actually is the 97th meeting of these two institutions. These two schools will always be the same short geographical distance apart, just like Pitt’s other true rival, WVU. That will never change, just like the fact that all of these schools will always compete for the same athletes that grow up in Pitt’s backyard of the WPIAL.

Because of the above facts this game is a bragging rights game for both the fans and the players. Although it’s been forever since that game has been played, those reasons that this game IS a rivalry in the 1st place come out of the shadows to display their full fury in just two days.

Shit on Pitt,,,,,, penn state SUCKS! It’s only just begun. Three more years after this one to rekindle the burning embers of hate between the two. Then who knows how long we have to until the inevitable playing of the 101st meeting in this historic rivalry?

Hail to Pitt! Beat penn state!

Comment by Dr. Tom 09.08.16 @ 11:14 am

gc, I can make an argument that it’s more important to Mr $4.75M per whose head is much closer to the chopping block than HCPN.

Comment by wbb 09.08.16 @ 11:27 am

Start Conner if hesitant running time to win and bring in another horse Tough game physical game. Both teams played poorly last week so the one who rises to the occasion will win That’s called coaching we will gauge our year and future a lot by this outcome. As a coach we won many games with less talent HAIL TO PITT. BEAT PENN STATE

Comment by Friends of Pitt 09.08.16 @ 11:40 am

Chas,

You live to far from PA to understand why PSU is still a rival and why the hate runs so deep that it can span the 16 years and not miss a beat. I live in the epicenter of the Cult and trust me I was able to keep “F those guys” front and center.

Comment by Tony in Harrisburg 09.08.16 @ 11:53 am

Peterman will be pressured all game long. I’m afraid that will result in the other teams QB having a better day. If Pitt doesn’t win the turnover battle plus 2 PSU wins. And if Peterman is pressured all game long he’s likely to give it running or throwing more than once on Saturday.

Comment by jrnpitt 09.08.16 @ 12:06 pm

Believe it or not, I’m feeling our DEFENSE wins this game for us. Offense sells tickets. Defense wins games.

Comment by Dr. Tom 09.08.16 @ 12:11 pm

Game will be lost by the punter. Worst I have seen in years!

Comment by JoeKnew 09.08.16 @ 12:25 pm

you may find this interesting

link to pitt.247sports.com

Comment by wbb 09.08.16 @ 12:31 pm

Iron Duke, call me at 412-614-0955 as we will be driving up and you can park at our hotel, we will be ubering/lyfting over to the area and back driving up from Ft. Worth. Hope to see a large contingent.

Comment by tedsptman 09.08.16 @ 1:23 pm

Talk about, “Can’t see the forest for the trees.” Please stop focusing on the Villanova Game. The Team can and will execute better, beginning this Saturday. The ESPN B1G writers have all gone with Pitt over PSU in a close match. They may not know much about Pitt, but they should know PSU better than us. I really like the fact that Pitt’s coaching staff are able to make positive halftime adjustments, if needed. Plus, we have excellent senior leadership. These are difference makers in close games. Pitt is and should be the favorite in this game!

Comment by stilltheone 09.08.16 @ 2:35 pm

Use Whitehead as a spy — if McSorley runs, nail him; if he passes, rush him.

Comment by Matt N. 09.08.16 @ 3:10 pm

Barkley looked pretty damn good last year, but if Jarrett and co. can stuff up the middle, our backers may make some plays on him. Again, get Wirginis on the field more — much quicker and more athletic than Galambos…who is still solid.

Comment by Matt N. 09.08.16 @ 3:14 pm

While Vegas odds don’t guarantee anything, of course. I would rather be favored than the dog. And the money moved to Pitt. Maybe the stars are aligning!

By the way, bloody Mary/ mimosa bar Green 22 at 8. All welcome. HTP!

Comment by wally 09.08.16 @ 3:20 pm

I thought Peterman looked sharp vs. Villanova — not sure where all this doubt is coming from? Except for Navy (when his OC ditched him), he has either looked pretty good or very good most every game, imo.

Comment by Matt N. 09.08.16 @ 3:21 pm

I know you all feel the presence of SOP in the force. Don’t deny your true feelings.

Comment by Chris 09.08.16 @ 3:46 pm

Rivalry or not, this is a very, very big game. 70,000 tickets have been sold although ticket prices have dropped on Stubhub, they are still pretty high, investors starting to panic a little.

Should be a full house in any case.

Narduzzi is up against Pitt’s long standing history of falling flat in big games or as Chris mentioned SOP.

It is a giant factor in this game and we all thought Narduzzi had it beat until Navy.

There is no reason this game should not be played every year. It is great for Eastern College Football which has been dormant for many years.

Hopefully it signals a resurgence for yes, both teams, and gets more kids willing to play in the East.

wbb is right that Franklin is probably playing for his job this year, but Narduzzi is playing against SOP, 30 years of hard luck football.

Comment by gc 09.08.16 @ 4:02 pm

Cant wait to fly up. And partake in the festivities. Joe most definitely Knew. Nitters are good for 1 thing – turning the other way.

Comment by TX Panther 09.08.16 @ 5:35 pm

If I hear any shouts of Texas Panther, I’ll give you a shot of bourbon. As well as any shots of Joe Knew. I think I might as well bring a case of Kentucky’s finest.

Comment by TX Panther 09.08.16 @ 5:37 pm

Narduzzi has seen Same Old Pitt in person at the bowl game against Houston. Who knew that Houston was on the cusp of being a good program in the immediate future. Still, Nard Dog saw it and said this culture needs to change. He’s in the midst of changing that loser mindset. He ain’t wasting time coaching the fanbase though. The SOP mentality ingrained there is deep. No worries, we might lose this game but SOP HAS DIED already. Just a requires one signature win to begin the burial. This one on Saturday will contribute quite a few shovels of dirt on the casket with a win.
Until the cult members from creepy valley proves otherwise. Narduzzi wills his Panthers to a victory.

Never forget Houston! H2P!

Comment by Dr. Tom 09.08.16 @ 5:39 pm

Dr. Tom – first there’s talk of Joe Knew. Now you’re talking about shoveling dirt on the casket. VERY INSENSITIVE!

While we are giving SOP a subterranean sendoff, how ’bout we put psux right next to it. I can just see the tombstone now: “Here lies the Litany of the Nittany, and I Ain’t Shittin-ye”!!

Erie – it’s your turn!!

Comment by Savannah Panther 09.08.16 @ 7:13 pm

Savannah Panther – thanks for the intro – I’ve got two to start with:

Here lies SOP

He was a good husband, a wonderful father, but a bad Athletic Director

———

Here lies SOP

Go away, there is nothing to see!

———-

HTP!

Comment by Erie Express 09.08.16 @ 8:41 pm

One more before I retire:

Here lies SOP

They made a bronze statue of my likeness, tried to take away my wins, but my cult prevailed.

The ultimate Soiler Of Pants rests uneasy in this Creepy Valley.

Comment by Erie Express 09.08.16 @ 8:55 pm

To me Penn State is Pitts only rival. Growing up in Pittsburgh, it’s the only other D1 football school that a handful of your friends will go to.

Comment by Dcpinpgh 09.08.16 @ 8:57 pm

U HAVE 1 TICKET FOR SALE 4 THE PITT PENN ST GAME I CANT GO AND ITS FREE

Comment by Boo Boo #1 09.08.16 @ 9:18 pm

I MEANT I HAVE 1 TICKET

Comment by Boo Boo #1 09.08.16 @ 9:20 pm

I WILL BE IN NIAGRA FALLS WITH MY WIFE AN THE GAME IS ON ESPN I WILL BE AT THE MARRIOT INN OVERLOOKING THE FALLS SO I NEED TO GIVE MY TICKET TO SOMEONE

Comment by Boo Boo #1 09.08.16 @ 9:22 pm

I have a co-worker who would likely want it Boo Boo…

Comment by PittPT 09.08.16 @ 9:50 pm

Ted that’d be awesome man, thanks. We’re planning to drive up early. I may give you a call Fri night just to touch base. Needless to say, Stillwater will be much more fun if we are 2-0.

I’m so ready for Saturday. I honestly couldn’t be any more fired up if I were running out of the tunnel to play. Everything that can be said has been said. No more bravado. Strap on the hats and let’s go.

Comment by Iron Duke 09.08.16 @ 10:06 pm

Not giving them away, but I have 2 in 517 for face ($100 per ticket). Would love for them to go to a Pitt fan.
email me: pasweeney1@msn.com

Comment by Patrick 09.08.16 @ 10:07 pm

Patrick Sweeney, the the kicker at BVA ? ?

Comment by PittPT 09.09.16 @ 4:55 am

It has been so long since I’ve been to this rivalry game I forget the Pitt fan response when the 15 to 20,000 pedo fans start the “We are” chant.

Can anyone remind me so I am well equipped tomorrow?

Comment by Erie Express 09.09.16 @ 5:29 am

Erie: nice gravestone replies! We’re/are you a grave digger? You are always an early AM poster!

Can’t wait for a Pulverization of the pedo-nation!!

Comment by Savannah Panther 09.09.16 @ 6:53 am

Savannah – I’m a business owner, so I’m up and ready to go early. Sometimes I’m still going late into the evening.

Can’t wait for tomorrow’s “nooner” – and that has NOTHING to due with Sandusky (yuck!).

HTP!

Comment by Erie Express 09.09.16 @ 7:57 am

Erie, how about when they say”we are” we yell “GUILTY”!

Comment by Annie 09.09.16 @ 1:14 pm

Thanks Annie – enjoy the game – cheer loud & proud!

Comment by Erie Express 09.09.16 @ 7:37 pm

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