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October 14, 2017

12:00 pm

RSNs or ACC Network Extra/WatchESPN.

Homecoming. James Conner bobblehead day.

The noon and noon-adjacent home games on Saturday will continue until Pitt can be a consistent factor in the ACC. It sucks, but at least Pitt is getting paid. Another morning of trying to get out the door before 7 am and hitting the road. Whee.

Another top-20 team, though I didn’t see this coming with NC State.

Dave Doeren came into the season on the hot seat. Having tossed an OC under the bus as the scapegoat a season before. Then seeing said OC thrive at Pitt and become such a hot commodity that LSU paid big to get him. Meanwhile NCST remained a problem. It looked like the only thing that might save Doeren was going to be that they just fired the basketball coach, and money might have been tight.

Instead, it has finally started coming together for the Wolfpack and he is now a possibility to be hired away or get an extension. Quite a business model.

Ben DiNucci will be the starter. Let’s see if he can keep his helmet strapped on for more then a few plays at a time.

That might be easier said then done with the literal and figurative revolving door of O-linemen. NC State loves to attack the QB. Could be ugly, or DiNucci’s ability to scramble could make for keeping the Wolfpack at bay.





Might be unwatchable after 1st quarter

Comment by Kvah 10.14.17 @ 10:15 am

My conclusion is that the ACC has become a tough, competitive football conference from top to bottom.

We had our chances today, but we just can’t seem put a full game together on offense or defense.

Comment by HbgFrank 10.14.17 @ 3:38 pm

The defense did it’s job, mostly, until they ran out of gas at the end. OL didn’t appear to play terrible … the offensive stagnation was mostly on Shawn Watson’s play calling.

Comment by Tossing Thabeets 10.14.17 @ 3:52 pm

This program hasnt been this low since Walt inherited the team from Majors 2. In 15 years, this program has regressed. I dont think next year will be much better with this talent and coaching staff. And Heather, stop the theatrics. I thought I’d never say this – I’m looking forward to basketball season.

Comment by TX Panther 10.14.17 @ 5:10 pm

Defense held it’s own for the most part. Offensive line played better than I expected.Seems to be no timing between receivers and quarterback. When there is a little separation the ball isn’t there. I don’t know enough to know if that falls on receivers, the quarterbacks or both but the coaches should know. I didn’t like the play calling overall except that it seemed more open to taking what they defense was giving-just unable to make plays. DB’s played pretty well on pass defense. NC State has a solid top 20 team and we played them straight up for much of the game. I wish we were better but we lack a few players on both sides of the ball. NC State coach in 5th year -maybe 6th? NC State with nine seniors starting on defense. Pitt isn’t there yet but I’m still in the half full glass group.I see a core of quality players that is growing.

Comment by AnotherClancyrebound 10.14.17 @ 5:53 pm

Tossing, the defense did not do its job. We lost, they scored 35 points!!! They gave up 240 yards rushing, their quarterback threw so many incompletions if he would have hit some of those the game would have been over at half time.
AnotherClancy, the only improvement I see is in the secondary, they have become a little better. Every other aspect of the game has dropped off.The Quarterback situation is again a mixed up coaching situation. Pickett looks good and so did DiNucci, why make a change? Coach said after the game it was part of the plan again. Towards the end of the game we were looking for a 2 minute drill and there was none. Coach again after the game Duzzi said they did not practice any 2 minute drill with Pickett only DiNucci. They why in the hell was he in there with out any 2 min. drill practice? It was clear that coach Duzzi gave up again on winning to favor his coaching decision to not play DiNucci who just may have executed a 2 min drill and perhaps making the game closer.

Comment by Pitt Dreamer 10.14.17 @ 6:32 pm

One good thing today, not much booing, most of the crowd has given up and know nothing is going to change, pure apathy has set in plus a little bid of pity. The fans went home with their bobble head dolls and were happy.

Comment by Pitt Dreamer 10.14.17 @ 6:35 pm

TX – a little dramatic? Lol. You forget the early Wanny year’s. This team is coming off an 8 win season, lost an OC. And 5 players to the NFL plus George Aston. Most likely just the traditional 3rd year transition. Some of you doomsayers are too much. I agree there are some concerns but this is normal stuff for a third year coach.

Comment by Tossing Thabeets 10.14.17 @ 6:38 pm

Tossing – Week after Week you enable this shitshow. Tell
pat hi Mrs. narduzzi. Only you would makes excuses for these D3 coaches and players.

Comment by Upittbaseball 10.14.17 @ 6:44 pm

Dreamer – 123 yards came on two plays. Smh. And 40 yards out of that was when the game was over at the end of the game. It’s college football, big plays happen. The defense played well, for the most part, until they ran out of gas because of the poor 2nd half offensive performance.

NCST’s DL was supposed to own Pitt and they didn’t.

Pitt football is not good this year. People just have to accept that. Seasons like this happen. Especially, in year three. If it happens again next season it will be concerning. It’s not next year yet, tho.

Comment by Tossing Thabeets 10.14.17 @ 6:52 pm

Upitt – ¯\_(?)_/¯ … I like Pitt. What else can I say?

Comment by Tossing Thabeets 10.14.17 @ 6:58 pm

Toss, please tell me where the bright spots are and how this will change next year?

Comment by Pitt Dreamer 10.14.17 @ 8:28 pm

Folks, I watched the after game news conference with the Duzzi. He was asked why he went for the field goal when we were down 14 points and I think 8 or 9 mins to go. The answer was very revealing, he said the charts indicated we take a field goal. I assume these are game day situation “charts”. I guess in the charts they tell him when to change quarterbacks also. Its revealing because he is coaching on planned chart of situations and not really coaching game reality. This type of decision making is continuing to indicate his unfitness to be a head coach, these decisions are just plain dumb and hindered any chance of winning the game.

Comment by Pitt Dreamer 10.14.17 @ 8:36 pm

Dreamer – read this. Much more realistic view of the program. And he’s not a homer. This was posted after my earlier post but is of the same I see the same arc as his time at MSU. If I’m wrong, I’m wrong. I hope I’m not though.

link to pittsburghsportsnow.com

Comment by Tossing Thabeets 10.14.17 @ 8:46 pm

Some are generals, some are majors.
Not quite sure we have a true leader at the top of our food chain.

Comment by Gasman 10.14.17 @ 10:34 pm

The fg was pointless. It was still a 2 score game at that point & if you get a td & fail on the 2-pt conversion, you still need another td. The option toss on 4th & 10 was the worst @&$#ing call ever. I’ve accepted that this team is lacking in talent & they weren’t likely to get the 1st down or win, but that call was complete garbage that had zero chance of success. If you can’t trust Pickett to throw the ball there then he shouldn’t be in the game.

Comment by Nick 10.14.17 @ 11:17 pm

Yes Tossing I read the bull shit about an arcing team like MSU. He was not the head coach at MSU another experienced smarter guy is head coach at MSU.

Comment by Pitt Dreamer 10.15.17 @ 12:18 am

Just read the post gazette coverage and DiNucci stated he “wasn’t necessarily aware going in to the week that they were gonna try to get him (Pickett) a series”. The Duzzi in his after game press conference state he told both QB’s before the game they both would play. SOOOO , who is not telling the truth, my bet is on the Duzzi as the story teller. Folks this stuff is serious on any team let alone one finding a win. Duzz needs to shut his mouth or do a better job of leading his players and stop his nonsense, this is divisive. Is the same crap going to happen next week? This is a mess of the Duzzi’s own making.

Comment by Pitt Dreamer 10.15.17 @ 12:31 am

Folks, I am trying to look at the positives and take the view that the Duzz needs a year or two to make the team competitive. But garbage like today’s decision to change QB’s and go for a useless field goal just continues to indicate he cannot lead this football team.

Comment by Pitt Dreamer 10.15.17 @ 12:35 am

This was the first game I got to see this year not counting YSU. Did not like the benching of DiNucci, that decision cost any chance to win with the three and out. However, I do like Pickett moving forward, better arm strength and legs. Accuracy and decision making may be a problem though. DiNucci was playing OK except for the one bad throw.

The two big runs were killers and reminded me of past Pitt teams.

After watching the game, I am not as down about the future. Saw some pretty good individual plays, especially by the young D-linemen. They are the key to the future. The O-line looked a little better as well. Better coverage by the D-backs than last year too.

Not enamored with Watson’s play calling, seems pretty generic compared to last year, but some of it is execution. No doubt, the talent of the O is definitely down from last year, starting with QB play, which makes everything harder.

Obviously NCST is a much more talented and experienced team. At least our guys played with them for a while. Maybe something to build on.

Comment by gc 10.15.17 @ 5:12 am

How the hell anyone can say the defense did its job is beyond me. We gave up 450 yards, 248 on the ground with an average of 6.5 per rush. I know you’ll say we’ll take away the two long runs and……yea but they count.
This team is pathetic and the coaching is more pathetic. So now we hang our hat on well we kept up with them in the first half..Their qb missed so many open receivers is the only reason we kept up. Take off the blinders and see how bad it really is……

Comment by Crusader 10.15.17 @ 7:13 am

We all understand year 3 is the most difficult and its where the drop off happens. But, did we really expect it to be this bad. I can understand the drop off in talent due to inexperience. But there has been a drop off in coaching as well. That my friends is inexcusable.

Comment by TX Panther 10.15.17 @ 8:18 am

Next year will be the deciding year.
If our record and recruiting do not improve, time to land another CEO.

Comment by Gasman 10.15.17 @ 8:19 am

I was at the game and what stood out to me was when Whitehead was on offense they keyed on him because its obvious he is going to get the ball. Pitt will have to try some mis-direction.

Comment by JLE 10.15.17 @ 8:23 am

Correct JLE. Except the problem is you are a better offensive coordinator than Watson. Horrible hire. Horrible coach. But, hey he’s Narduzzi’s buddy and a good guy so it’s OK.

Comment by htp123 10.15.17 @ 8:39 am

This is a down but growing year for Pitt while an up year for several other teams like NC state. Pitt’s offense has been disappointing from the OC play calling to the offensive line to RB to quarterback and receivers. Where is the skill at receiver? Where is Flowers? Henderson is an excellent return man but apparently can’t run a passing route. Pickett looks like a potential D1 quarterback. Dinucci looks like he should have gone to the Ivy league. Look at who the defense lost last year -when we weren’t all that good. How many Pitt players either made the pros or at least got a long look? Even much criticized Galambo is on the Steeler’s practice squad. Pitt’s defense is very young but you can see some of the potential even when they make some critical errors. They did play NC State straight up for most of yesterday’s game. They gave up 28 points if you take away the punt return from defense stats and the last touchdown was in garbage time. They only gave up 21 points when it counted and even if you say 28, Pitt should be in the ball game if the offense could score and maybe have a few more consistent drives to keep the other team off the field. I won’t try and justify some of Duzzi’s decisions because it is a learning curve for him also but I don’t see such a horrendous future. I don’t like Watson but it isn’t like Duzzi’s other choices for OC quit football when they left. They parlayed their experience at Pitt into better paying jobs – apparently someone else in the football world thought they were good enough to hire.I don’t think anyone expected Pitt’s offense to struggle as much as it has and it is really tough to watch at times. How different would some of these games be if Pitt scored 30 points and held the ball another 5-6 minutes a game?

Comment by AnotherClancyrebound 10.15.17 @ 9:19 am

htp123 – I would incorporate a hurry up approach to the offense.

I’d hurry up and run Watson out of town. But the problem with that is Pitt would have their 5th different OC in the past 5 years.

Ugh!

Comment by Erie Express 10.15.17 @ 9:20 am

Before we blow everything up, look at the teams that beat pitt. 5 losses to 5 top 25 teams by a very young and very inexperienced team with no experience at qb.

Comment by grizzly1 10.15.17 @ 9:23 am

But its how we lose. I blame the coaches for that. I can understand the inexperience. But the lack of execution? Thats on the coaching staff. A very young team can still execute if taught properly and are placed in the right positions and schemes. A senior laden team that doesnt execute is just one that quit on the coach.

Comment by TX Panther 10.15.17 @ 9:38 am

Erie – I agree. I think the pace of the offense has been one of it’s biggest problems. It’s the 21st century. Offense wins, not defense. Just look at the national championship game for proof. It’s all about how many plays you can run to wear down a defense. Even Alabama has gotten away from a traditional pro-offense.

Canada did a nice job varying pace throughout the game. Watson is very deliberate with his pace of the offense.

Detractors – I agree some of the ways we’ve lost have been hard to watch. I keep comparing Pitt to MSU because that’s the blueprint Duzz is using. And it’s not a bad one as MSU is, historically, one of the most similar programs to Pitt.

MSU was losing badly too until they didn’t. I know it’s hard to see but the defense really isn’t playing that poorly in recent weeks. Still some big plays being given up but that’s part of the game now and youth.

When we hired Duzz, I told everyone it was going to be a slow process. I wanted an offensive coach because that’s the way the game is trending. I pointed to MSU’s stats and it showed it was going to take 4 years before it clicked. Nothing that is happening should be a surprise.

When Duzz was hired, he was third on my list behind Doc Holliday and PJ Fleck.

I like Duzz a lot though. I think he has the mentality of a college coach and understands how the college game has changed. Being a defensive coach who only runs a particular system I understood it was going to take a lot of time to install, however. I suspect we won’t be complaining about the defense too much longer.

The offense is a disaster but I think a lot of it has to do with being on a 4th OC in as many years. It’s finally caught up with them. Add in how many players Pitt lost to the NFL on that side of the ball and it’s just a perfect storm. There is no offensive identity and a new OC with historically middling results calling another person’s offense for the first time.

I do have major concerns about the offense and that will, ultimately, be what determines if Duzz is successful or not. Watson is not doing him any favors right now. He was a very uninspiring hire and the results have been just as uninspiring.

There are concerns with this team. No doubt. I haven’t seen anything that is making me jump ship though. I see the defense turning a corner next season and can only hope they figure out the offense this offseason.

If this team doesn’t start to gel next season, then I’ll be more alarmed. This was always going to be a five year build, though.

Building a program takes time. Pitt’s not playing for flash in the pan seasons. If Pitt were, I’d be more concerned about a stepping stone coach. This is about having one coach and one vision for the program and getting it installed.

Pitt’s only had two true recruiting classes under Duzz. His first one was a salvaged class and scraped together in about 30 days. Therefore, most of his real recruits are redshirt freshman or true sophomore’s with an entire class watching from the bench as redshirt freshman. That’s why it takes 5 years.

Pitt was not an easy or quick fix and Pitt hired someone whose system was historically slow to install. That’s what Pitt hired. Give him one more year before bailing. I’ll be right with you if next season is a dumpster fire too because next season is the year that they should start turning a corner with them peaking in year 5.

See NCST as an example. They’ve been average to bad under Doern until this season … his year 5.

It’s in Pitt’s best interest that Duzz succeeds though because with a new coach comes a new 5 year plan. That’s as real as you get.

Name a P5 program that has turned into a powerhouse faster? The only one I think of is Baylor … and, well, we know how they did that now. OSU, Alabama, PSU … maybe. They are all traditional football factories though. My point is that it doesn’t happen often … and it doesn’t happen quickly when it does.

Comment by Tossing Thabeets 10.15.17 @ 10:23 am

Tossing – Good post. I would ask that you consider that Duzz built a defense at MSU that was built to stop plodding running offenses with big offensive lines and average QBS. That is not, and will never be, the ACC. Speed, speed, speed everywhere. His resume was built against offenses we will never see – and he appears to stubborn to see that. That is my fundamental problem with the be patient argument. If I saw him building and recruiting the team we need, I am more than willing to be patient.

Comment by htp123 10.15.17 @ 10:45 am

HTP – Who in the ACC? MSU’s defense has worked fine against Michigan and Ohio State … especially, Ohio State. In the coastal, VT and Miami are the two stalwarts and you can’t tell me they have more speed than Michigan or Ohio St. In the other division you have FSU who runs a pro-style offense and Clemson. Clemson will always be a tough match up for any defense … see Alabama. CUSE, UVA and Duke run uptempo offenses but are hardly fearful. Louisville is another team that’s overrated b/c of the QB play but is traditionally a running team.

The ACC has turned into a very good football conference but it’s not the Big 12. If this were an air raid conference, Pitt’s defense probably isn’t the first choice.

There is Clemson, FSU and everyone else. The 2nd tier is VT and Miami with UNC, Louisville and NCST peaking some seasons.

I’d argue this defense is tougher to implement in the Big 10 because of the OL’s they face. This defense is predicated on the DL getting penetration. If not, the CB’s are exposed. The ACC may have more speed top to bottom but the OL’s are not in the same league.

The defense is seriously not much of a concern for me. Partridge was brought in, specifically, to fix the DL recruiting problems.

I think Pitt needs an attacking offense to compliment it though. I hate the west coast or pro-style. I’d prefer a modern RPO offense with tempo.

After the Graham fiasco, I doubt we see that anytime soon.

Comment by Tossing Thabeets 10.15.17 @ 11:51 am

Without running backs, no QB will be able to attack any Defense. Out top rushers yesterday was a safety and backup QB.

Comment by TX Panther 10.15.17 @ 11:56 am

Pitt needs to be a run first team. Not sure what the problem is with this line and backs. But without a running game, your Quarterback better have wheels and an arm.

Comment by TX Panther 10.15.17 @ 11:58 am

TX – I do agree with that, but do it out of an RPO offense with a mobile QB. .

Comment by Tossing Thabeets 10.15.17 @ 12:16 pm

And tempo …

Comment by Tossing Thabeets 10.15.17 @ 12:17 pm

Would it kill Pitt to have a starting RB who gets 15+ carries a game? The staff seems to have zero trust in EVERY back on the roster. Pitt is ranked 109 in rushing so apparently the scheme to base a running game on WR sweeps and handoffs to a safety is not much much better than a conventional approach.

Comment by 2$Chuck 10.15.17 @ 1:30 pm

In what alternate universe is a defense doing its job when it allow 446 total and 248 rushing yards? Pitt’s offense held an almost 10 minute advantage in time of possession. If big plays could be casually dismissed as outliers Pitt would have probably finished 5-8 last season. Also, Pitt Dreamer is right, NC State missed a bunch of throws and catches, particularly in the first half. As I watched I wondered what the fuss has been about around Finley.

Pittsburgh Sports Now is hardly a realistic source. They are probably the most positively biased publication covering Pitt sports. They live for the access that EJ provides. The Pitt News is far more critical of Pitt athletics.

I’m not sure about the generalization around something so subjectively vague as “powerhouse faster”. What qualifies as a powerhouse and how long do they have to remain one? I would argue that the marker should be turned a fair (sub .500) to mediocre (~ .500) program into a consistent or strong winner.

In that regard Justin Fuente took over a fairly stagnant VT program coming off four consecutive seasons of 7-6, 7-6, 8-5, and 7-6. VT finished 10-4 last season including a close loss in the ACC championship to national champion Clemson. They are presently 5-1. I don’t foresee them losing any more than 3 out of their final 6 games given the opponent and location. I suspect more like 4-2 with consecutive road games at Miami and GT providing the big challenges. That’s year 2.

Comment by Barvo 10.15.17 @ 2:29 pm

Also, Pitt is currently ranked #106 in total defense and #97 in scoring defense. Pitt finished #100 and #106 respectively in those categories in 2016.

Comment by Barvo 10.15.17 @ 2:38 pm

Did not see Pickett play so I’ll reserve comment.

5 of 13 for 60 yards.

Heard he LOOKED good. But seeing is believing.

Based upon how much Narduzzi apparently fears seeing DiNucci actually succeed, it seems we’ll be seeing plenty of Pickett.

Comment by PittofDreams 10.15.17 @ 2:38 pm

“It wasn’t taking Ben out because he wasn’t getting the job done,” – Pat Narduzzi

A COMPLETELY idiotic comment from a Coach now 2 and 5.

Comment by PittofDreams 10.15.17 @ 2:47 pm

At the game. Problem is still execution of details, Tackles that were not complete failure to open holes by o line and running backs that do not seem to know how to run to daylight. I thought Hall seemed to be looking for the biggest jam so he could run into it, not around it. Where is Moss? Davis is not bad for a frosh but has a lot to learn.Hall just does not get it done. In fairness I did not see gaping holes opening up. A LOT of little things which a green team will show.The tosses and sweeps will not work till you can threaten up the middle,speed up your execution smoothly and waste so many possesions. Coaches and players need to get better. Still think 2/10 but if run game is cleaned up could end 4/8.

Comment by Pitt60 10.15.17 @ 6:52 pm

Justin Fuentes took over a team that may have been stagnant but not lacking talent and they kept their best recruiter and DC of 30 years for continuity. Completely different circumstances but I’ll grant you, he’s done well … but VT was very stable program.

Comment by Tossing Thabeets 10.15.17 @ 7:00 pm

PoD, Pickett has a stronger arm, quicker release and better legs. Hard to say if he is better than DiNucci, but he looks more physically gifted.

As you know there is a lot more to being a winning QB. Morelli was an incredibly gifted athlete, but had no accuracy and from what I heard was dumb as a rock.

I still think it was a dumb move to play Pickett when they did. DiNucci was moving the ball and was only down a TD. It was his game to win or lose.

Also agree with Pitt60, execution is poor. But I did see some good individual plays made from time to time, just not enough of them.

Comment by gc 10.15.17 @ 7:07 pm

Agree TT, recruiting to VT has never been a problem. It is Pitt’s biggest challenge.

Comment by gc 10.15.17 @ 7:09 pm

Chryst built his program around a strong running game. He recruited O-line, running backs and Tight Ends. Narduzzi wants to build his program around a strong defense. His big recruits have all been on D. This is the transition year. Next year will tell if his plan is working.

Comment by gc 10.15.17 @ 7:17 pm

OMFG…. You’d better WIN AGAINST DUKE, Panthers

Offensive tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith, a starter, was standing behind the kicker with his hand on Troost’s shoulder during the national anthem.

Other Pitt players such as offensive tackle Brian O’Neill are providing support to Troost as well.

“With a lot of stuff going on in the NFL, there are a lot of sensitive subjects,” he said. “It’s a big deal in society today. All I know is what I can control. He has my full support. He has the locker room’s full support and the coach’s full support.

“Just because we don’t do the same thing doesn’t mean we’re against it. My take is everyone should be able to do what they think is needed to express themselves.”

Comment by Neil 10.15.17 @ 8:04 pm

I mean, as we know it, I Troost is whiter than Wonder Bread. And whereas i’ve not yet seen it mentioned, the resemblances to Vanilla Ice is uncanny. (If that daughter was dating him, he’ did have been castrated
This was a sick opportune sophomoric act.

Comment by Neil 10.15.17 @ 8:09 pm

Misstated, obviously. “If MY DAUGHTER was dating him…”

Comment by Neil 10.15.17 @ 8:12 pm

Chas, sell it or just leave it to another. Your site, once reputable, has gone to shit. Impossible to reasonably depend on a auto-spell-check here-now; my comments above look high schooled; my time to post is limited then erased.

Comment by Neil 10.15.17 @ 8:30 pm

Time you just hang it up, son. A open-blog or open thread means nothing on a site that will not post on a regular basis, doesn’t answer questions and certainly doesn’t MIA for nearly a year

Comment by Neil 10.15.17 @ 8:32 pm

Folks, there is trouble in the locker room, coach is losing his players. As soon as he starts the quarterback rotation this week and if it does not make any sense, the rest of the team will just scratch their heads and give up.
Its just not working under the present coaching staff, they don’t have what it takes to bring Pitt out of the ashes.

Comment by Pitt Dreamer 10.15.17 @ 8:34 pm

You once had it cornered. You were by far my favorite spot for FB & BB news. Let it go. Man, you need kickbacks from advertisers? DO IT SOMEWHERE ELSE.

Comment by Neil 10.15.17 @ 8:35 pm

there is no doubt about that Pitt Dreamer. But I’ll be looking for that info @POV

Comment by Neil 10.15.17 @ 8:37 pm

Chas,
Thanks for the site to post my views.
If Neil wants to leave, no reason to be a turd about it.
Thanks again, Chas, for your hard work.
H2P

Comment by Gasman 10.15.17 @ 9:04 pm

gc – yeah, Chryst was offense. Duzz is defense. It’s why I like the Special Teams coaches for HC jobs. Haha. They just coach and generally are more adaptable to players vs. systems. The college football trend the last decade has definitely been to system coaches who run specific schemes. Most are on offense but we hired one on defense.

Don’t worry everyone, excuses and reasons are expiring soon. Next season is “go” time. I promise I’ll shut up and eat crow if we don’t start turning a corner. I also won’t gloat. I’m not making predictions. I’m just advocating for patience and will rail against the overly-dramatic.

Btw, Barvo – You don’t fall into that category. I don’t always agree with you but you don’t go “whoa, is me” and will present valid arguments.

I have no issue with dissent or complaints. They’re certainly warranted and fair game. The doom and gloomers are too much though.

Hi, Neil. You seem pleasant.

Comment by Tossing Thabeets 10.16.17 @ 8:56 am

All I know is I can’t wait forever for this team to turn it around. I am 79 and can manage one game a year attendance( it takes me two days to recover). We were close last year if we had a defense but this year it’s like the wheels fell off and we are starting from scratch. It is like Canada knew something we did not and flew the coop just like Chryst did.

Comment by Pitt60 10.16.17 @ 9:16 am

Thank you for all of your efforts related to this blog for the many years that you have been writing here. It is still my first stop for Pitt news.

Comment by HbgFrank 10.16.17 @ 11:43 am

Still my favorite Blog. Thanks Chas…

As for the Panthers…they have been very disappointing. That doesn’t mean I won’t go to the games and support the team. A lot of negativity here and I understand why but I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it. “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Give the coach a chance. If he

Comment by The Hagen 10.16.17 @ 12:08 pm

I still like the site and appreciate the effort….thanks…….Neil,the simple solution would be not to visit this site….pretty ignorant to come here and mouth off.

Comment by Kvah 10.16.17 @ 6:27 pm

I agree some tempo would be good. Some octane just not too much.

And Neil best to keep those comments to yourself. Why broadcast it?

Pitt sports is at least 14 and 37 in soccer and volleyball RPI. Thats better than footballs 90 ranking.

But football is what supports these other programs. Hate to see football setting these other high trajectory programs back.

Comment by TX Panther 10.16.17 @ 7:16 pm

2 catches for 9 yds for former Pitt wide receiver Chris Wuestner in No 3 Iup’s win over no 8 Slippery Rock on sat.

Comment by alcofan 10.16.17 @ 7:53 pm

I don’t like the attacks on Chas. If you don’t want to visit this blog and think the POV is so much better then go there but no need to be a spiteful prick. I read the POV and it’s good but I much prefer this blog.

Keep up the good work Chas.. Also, thank God for Tossing. Keeps me from going to the games with a chain saw…

Comment by The Hagen 10.16.17 @ 9:41 pm

Good points by Chas on Doeren being on the hot seat especially after canning Canada. How things can change when you have a mature football team with a few elite players.

I used to talk about a pipeline when Chryst was getting started. You need stability and solid recruiting to fill the pipeline that produces good teams year after year. This year is another example of how coaching changes have hurt Pitt. Last year Canada took advantage of Chryst’s pipeline of mature offensive guys with the addition of Peterman and Henderson.

This year Canada and many of those Chryst guys are gone along with the offense first philosophy. Narduzzi does not have “his” guys in place yet, at least they are not mature and he was crushed by off the field stuff and injuries this year.

I still think it is a legitimate question whether he can recruit enough elite and ACC level players to be competitive. He has to continue to fill the pipeline.

So far recruiting has been settling with a lot of second choice guys because he can’t close on the top guys. It has never been easy to recruit to Pitt for a whole host of reasons, which we discuss all the time.

Hopefully NCST is a good example of a program maturing, but to stay on top you need that pipeline and a stable coaching staff.

Comment by gc 10.17.17 @ 6:13 am

“Ben’s our starting quarterback without question. He’s the guy.” – Pat Narduzzi, Post Gazette

********

But it doesn’t end there.

********

“I guess we’re odd,” he (Pat Narduzzi) said when a reporter suggested it was an odd time to change quarterbacks. “If I wait two more series, you might be going, ‘Why did you wait so long to put Kenny in?’

********

WHAT?

My friends, you are witnessing why Pat Narduzzi is NOT cut out to be a Head Football Coach.

TOO much EMOTION… too little head.

Comment by PittofDreams 10.17.17 @ 8:39 am

Pitt of dreams, you are so correct. The guy should just admit he made a mistake and get on with it. The more he tries to skirt the issue the worse it gets. The more he speaks about it he just continues to dig himself into a bigger hole. Head coaches do not continue to babble about mistakes, he makes himself look foolish. Look at the comment about martavis Bryant, maybe he is available etc. He had no business making any kind of reference about Bryant. He just creates more stir the reporters love to get into.
EJ Borgetti needs to give the coach some speaking lessons.

Comment by Pitt Dreamer 10.17.17 @ 2:13 pm

Nick Patti a quality QB commit for next year must be sitting back wondering if he should get himself involved in this mess. But maybe that is the plan on the Duzzi’s “chart”, next year use 3 quarterbacks during a game. Hot Damn man that will set the college football world on fire.lol, we wont win but it will give the reporters something to talk about.

Comment by Pitt Dreamer 10.17.17 @ 2:18 pm

I am now like the the Duzzi, I created my own game situation charts for game use. My chart tells me that Pickett will be in the game on the 3rd series of the game and during the last 6 mins of the first half. He will start 3rd quarter until he leads a score, then in 4 quarter he will be pulled for Ben. If all of this fails, what the hell, put in the 3rd string guy, he may add a spark.

Comment by Pitt Dreamer 10.17.17 @ 2:22 pm

The pity about this is coach Duzzi will get paid almost $2 million for his mess he created.

Comment by Pitt Dreamer 10.17.17 @ 2:27 pm

Tossing is right — its the play-calling by Watson that’s killing Pitt…as it did at Texas when he was relieved of his duties by Charlie Strong mid-season, and Charlie wasn’t real good either. When you repeatedly go 3 and out you put tremendous pressure on your D, which eventually tires out…they looked good most of the game but the O couldn’t pick it up for them.

95% of the time we run on 1st down, right up the middle, then: if we gained 5 somehow, 95% chance we run again…if we gained only 1-2 on first down, 95% chance we throw. And we repeatedly end up in 3rd and long, which is bad for anyone, let alone young QBs. And when Whitehead is in, 100% chance he gets the ball…easily the most predictable offense in the nation. Dumb, dumb, dumb!!!

Send Watson home or bump him upstairs and let Peterson or someone else take the reins…please!

Comment by Matt N. 10.17.17 @ 4:30 pm

Narduzzi is only as good as his coordinators. And both pretty much suck. He’s being Nardoozled by them.

Comment by TX Panther 10.17.17 @ 6:18 pm

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