The full statement from Pitt AD Jeff Long on the game at USF on Monday:
“At this juncture we still anticipate playing on Monday. If weather conditions force a postponement of the game, we will make an announcement as soon as possible. A decision to change the game’s status could occur as late as Sunday at noon.”
Very, very determined to see this game happen. Why? You know the reason. The same reason that drives everything in big college athletics — Money.
The Pitt-USF game would be moved to the first weekend of December, which could potentially cost the Panthers money if ESPN chooses not to televise.
“We would have to determine at that time if it fits into our schedule, and if it is a game viewers want to see,” Mike Humes of ESPN said.
After all, the whole reason Pitt agreed to play on Labor Day was for the ESPN money. If the game was put at the end of the season and Pitt tanked, then there would be very little interest in this game. The whole option of whether the game would be televised would be dependent on how Pitt did with the rest of its season. Can’t take that kind of chance.
Story on another O-line player who missed a lot of time with injuries last year, Matt Maiers. You start to think that even before the first snap of the year, the entire line is held together by surgical tape and happy thoughts.
Still no word on where Getsy intends to transfer. Speaking of the O-line, Rob Petitti missed practice because of “sickness.”
Regarding Jawan Walker getting his academic issues resolved. Turns out, that he will still miss this season. He likely will take a redshirt, and try to return in 2005.
Finally, some gratuitous Penn State shots from the P-G. You have a nice long piece about how the program is falling from grace and national respect — the “once-proud” school. Then an open letter to Joe Paterno thanking him for keeping Pitt and PSU from playing.
The most important point I think you made was about money. I didn’t realize the Nittany Lions football team provides revenue for more than 30 sports. Wow. My nephew’s best friend looks like he might be pretty good in track, so I fully support the minor college sports
I looked on Pitt’s Web site. It doesn’t even have 20 sports, and the men’s basketball team is good and probably brings in some cash. So I think it’s fair to ask Pitt to do a 2-for-1, with two games at Penn State for every one in Pittsburgh.
People get too caught up in the whole “college atmosphere” thing. Like I said, I didn’t go to college, but even I know that big-time college football these days is about money and opportunity, not academics and tradition, and I’m glad you had the guts to admit it.
No body loves Paterno anymore west of the Alleghenies.
