And this is yet another reason why I don’t gamble.
I think the last time I was as dead certain of a Pitt loss that wasn’t was the 13-9 game. If we want to go cliche, then “That’s why they play the game.”
It was a day when Pitt went on the national stage — this was a national ABC telecast, not regional — and made a statement.
When James Conner reminded everyone that he is a hell of a running back, and a lot more than just an inspiring story.
When Nate Peterman stepped up all game long — and man were Tennesse fans confused.
When a much maligned (and deservedly in many cases) defense completely shut down the Clemson running game, and came up with just enough big moments to change this game.
When everyone across the country learned that Blewitt is his last name, not what he does.
Let’s go back to the defense. They gave up over 600 yards (580 in the air), but for the first time this season generated turnovers. Three interceptions plus a very, very debatable reversal of a fumble.
The defense has also been a unit that has been thin from the start and only getting thinner. Hendrix and Zeise lost in the first game. Maddox and Galambos out for several games. Motley gone for the season. Tyrique Jarrett went down last week. Shakir Soto made a go for a while in the game, but was still hurt. Amir Watts left the game. And now Jordan Whitehead is reportedly done for the season.
I’ve been as down on the defense, some of the players, and the schemes (with this personnel) as anyone. But no one should question their hearts or desire. They fight like hell every game for Pitt, the coaches and each other.
Offensively… wow. We’ve been singing the praises of Matt Canada most of the year, but this game plan was special. Clemson’s DC Brett Venables is considered one of the best (and is the most highly-paid) defensive coordinator in the country. He has turned down head coaching opportunities. The Tigers took away the jet sweep and their corners weren’t going to give the receivers any cushion.
Instead of forcing things, Canada had Pitt go to power running, shorter passes over the middle and of course, the shovel pass. Taking advantage of Clemson’s defense trying to contain on the sidelines. Giving Pitt room to work over the middle in terms of yards after the catch and yards after contact.
It wasn’t anything tricky or gimmicky. If anything, it was very simple power football. But Clemson wasn’t prepared to take it in the mouth like that. The O-line constantly shoved them back and put the Tigers on their heels. Some simple changes that gave Pitt a chance.
This is a loss that will leave a bad taste in the Clemson Tigers’ mouth for a while. Especially since the two teams don’t meet again until 2022.
People ask d me when they heard that I was going to the Clemson game, “why you wasting your money going to that Pitt beat down”? My answer was that I wanted a game day experience at Death Valley in the memory banks b fire I kicked the bucket. An “experience” it was! H2P!
“They fight like hell every game for Pitt, the coaches and each other.” – thanks go to PN and JC who every player can love, appreciate and trust.
Can’t wait for Duke…these guys have learned how to win and can now fully trust themselves.
so many great things to take away from this W. Beyond all the great points mentioned above, lets not forget Dabo losing his “nut” on the sidelines (hes a passionate guy who was trying to hold together a #2 ranking and an absurd home winning streak) – I’m sure all the Clemson fans have no problem (nor should they) with the way he acted. And very knowledgeable, well heeled, strong lineage and successful QB/Color Commentator trying to stick it to our HCPN – which undoubtedly goes back to his Michigan Alum status and their innate hate for MSU. I will take the kid from Youngstown all day. He has over delivered on his promises and should be rewarded with a 5 year deal and the requisite budget to pay his staff well. other than finishing the year with a 4 game winning streak the extension would be the best thing the university can do to support the staffs recruiting efforts IMO. one game at a time, no let down & no reason why this squad can’t run the table! H2P
Hardly remember an upset where the underdog didn’t win the turnover battle.
It is also key for Narduzzi’s defensive scheme to work, you must have take-a-ways.
Stay the course Narduzzi. Don’t listen to the outside noise.
It was a bit frustrating to watch Quadree Henderson taking the Touch Back so many times.
But as I said early in the Season… he is one of the Smartest (and Classiest) Players in College Football.
He has GREAT awareness as to where he always is on the Field… something you love to see in a Punt or Kick Returner.
Quadree was obviously following orders… to a “T.”
Still not where I’d like to see it. But who can complain with SUCCESS.
Highlights the fact of Jets Sweeps… at the level Pitt was previously relying on them… do NOT make a Running Game.
The offense has clicked incredibly under OCMC and IF this defense comes together with very good or great CB’s, then the defensive system becomes hard to beat.
Hear me Lamont Wade!!! and other Revis types out there.
Pitt received a windfall of turnovers against Clemson in the form of two poor choices and a poor throw from a senior QB and Heisman candidate. Pitt doubled their interception total for the year in this one game. Newsflash, it’s not part of some grand plan.
The 21st century game? That’s really generalizing. Every league isn’t the Big 12. Alabama, the reigning champs, beat LSU last week 10-0. Georgia just beat Auburn 13-7. Iowa beat Michigan 14-13. USC beat Washington 26-13. Ohio State lost to PSU 24-21 on a blocked FG. I could go on and on. Good teams actually play defense and don’t have to win by weekly shootouts.
To play a game against the #2 team in the country on their field and keep it close enough so that their mistakes would help us win the game is a pretty good day. I’ll take that every time.
Defense STILL a major issue.
The funny thing about Karma, it usually balances itself out over the longer run.
Pitt SPLITTING the next TWO Home Games remains a real possibility.
Hail to Pitt!
1. I am really, really happy for Blewitt…the kid has had some rough times…but he pulled through and made himself a memory for a lifetime.
2. Lets make sure OCMC gets a raise! We NEED to keep that guy.
Take out the LSU/BAMA game and the SEC is trending just like everyone else … including the lethargic Big 10 thanks to OSU and Michigan. That Michigan/Iowa score was a fluke not the norm this year.
There are few defensive stalwarts left like Wisconsin, LSU and BAMA … but not many.
CFB is trending, and has been for several years, to this wide open game we’re seeing. These spread offenses that used to be unique to the MAC and other non-P5 conferences have infiltrated the P5 schools.
Narduzzi and staff approach the game understanding these trends. In order for Pitt’s defense to work, the pass rush has to improve. The pass rush is what leads to the turnovers that really make Narduzzi’s defense hum.
Trust me, I’d prefer not to see 43-42 score games like we’ve been seeing but 43-28 is perfectly fine IMO based on how the game is evolving.
As was pointed out numerous times by Griese, and as I’ve said to myself every game, our DB’s hardly ever look for the ball?! Many times they are in decent position but don’t turn their heads around to seek the ball?! That’s grade-school level technique…what is our DB’s coach doing all week?! Other than that, impressive effort across the board!
I’m gonna do my best to stay positive. Weather looking nice for Saturday. Hopefully a good crowd, I wouldn’t bet on it though. The D is what it is. Hope it improves next year, but for the rest of the season just score more than the other team, even if it’s by one point, like this past Saturday.
Hail to Pitt!!
I broke my distal radius playing football as well.
Quite painful and the bone broke the skin, but I did recover to play again.
Still does effect my tennis and golf swings as it’s harder to turn the wrist over to avoid the dreaded slice in golf or the floating long ball in tennis.
The others, hey here’s something new to learn ! 🙂
link to shakinthesouthland.com
I enjoyed it immensely, hope you do too ! Thx to BigB for linking the website, where I found it.
It’s Gardner-JackWebb vs Kevin “The Animal” Stallings Crew
Now Canada supposedly is also good buddies with HCPN, but…
Although the threat of the jet sweep spreads out the defense.
Great individual plays from so many guys is a beautiful thing.
Great to get Watson on a day when he had no wheels.