I did not see the game.

Those wonderful ABC regional telecasts decided that the Cleveland area should be subjected to the Notre Dame-Purdue spectacle. I probably could have found a bar with a dish and enough TVs that they could have spared a monitor for me, but then I would hardly have been in any condition to evaluate the game by the end — after the first half, I probably would have been seeing red, and drinking like it. Instead I watched Notre Dame lose and contented myself with the knowledge that I was serving as advanced scout on Pitt’s next opponent; while waiting for updates and occasional calls to Pat and Shawn regarding the game.

I did end up catching ESPN College Game Day Scoreboard at 7pm and the late edition.

The early edition was illuminating for the, shall we call it, effusive praise of Walt Harris — especially by Mark May (Pitt alum) and Kirk Herbstreit. The phrase “offensive genius” was bandied about by the two of them.

The late edition with just Mark May and Trev Alberts to comment was more rational. Mark May, while still praising Pitt, really had some questions about the Pitt defense. He pointed out that the Pitt D has allowed almost 1100 yards over the last two games. Let me also point out that except for the opener against the Golden Flashes, Pitt has allowed at least 20 points. Statistically, it seems clear that Pitt could have easily lost this game but for the turnovers. Texas A&M lost the ball 4 times on fumbles and interceptions to Pitt’s 1 interception. Otherwise, Texas A&M ran and passed for more yardage (kind of reminds me of when Pitt lost to ND last year).

Tight End Kris Wilson, was again underutilized –only 2 receptions for 33 yards.

At first, I was a little annoyed for Pitt to have a bye week this soon — after starting the season a week late — but given injuries to several starters — Brockenbrough, Miree, Claude Harriot, Lewis Moore and Justin Belarski — this looks like a good time for a break.

I’ve got to say, that this was a very important win for Pitt, not just because of their rebound from last week’s loss and the fact that they actually made some second half adjustments. No, because this game meant more than last week’s game. Last week’s loss actually doesn’t look so bad insomuch as it was perceived nationally as just part of a fantastic weekend for the MAC. Pitt was just one of several top teams that lost to MAC teams that day. Toledo actually looked respectable (up until they laid an egg against the ‘Cuse).

No, this game was important, because it was a game Pitt could have lost and wouldn’t have been a big shock to lose in College Station to a decent A&M team. This was the kind of game Pitt needed, a win on the road against a quality team.

UPDATE: Looks like the issue of the defense is being picked up as a concern.