I’m almost at a loss for words. Infuriating. So many unnecessary mistakes that I don’t know where to begin. For vast stretches of our just-completed debacle in the Carrier Dome, we were completely unable to stop the run. Syracuse’s last series, in the second overtime, was just humiliating for any of us who remember when Pitt was known for bone-crushing defense. Damien Rhodes just ran to the left for a first down over and over again. There wasn’t even a possibility of stopping him. It really seemed like our guys were, at long last, just whipped. Syracuse seemed to be better conditioned. Of course, it helped that Rhodes didn’t start the game for the Orange.

Well, on the bright side, unless Walt Harris pulls miracles against both West Virginia and Notre Dame, he’s gone. Ergo, he’s gone. Especially now that Dave Wanstadt is apparently going to be replaced with Steve Spurrier.

Let me compose myself and look at the stats before I waste any more of your time.

Hail to @#%*@#! basketball season. Now.

Doubt I’ll be able to listen to the game on the internet. Inlaws coming to visit, so I have to be sociable. Don’t see why, their coming to see their granddaughter and maybe their daughter. I’m not needed. But nooooo. I have to be out there with them. If the game was on TV or even at a single game pay-per-view price point I could sit out there and ignore them while watching the game. That would be acceptable. Hide in the office, though, is just wrong. Sorry, just needed to get that out of my system.

If I didn’t know better, I’d think Joe Bendel is starting to read this blog. His article on the subplots surrounding this game, seem to come straight from the “Lame Duck Bowl” post. Of course he gets to throw in player quotes. Palko is still serious about winning the Big East this year.

Syracuse is expecting a passing attack from Pitt’s offense. Actually from the tone of the article, it’s more like bracing for the passing attack. Much like Pitt’s secondary, Syracuse gives up a ton of passing yards. Of course, Syracuse also gives up a lot of rushing yards as well, so maybe Pitt actually gets something going on the ground. It’s possible.

Syracuse is hoping to capitalize on turnovers (leads the Big East), and to block punts.

The line has dropped to Syracuse -3 1/2.

A couple things Lee passed along. Useless trivia: Pitt has the most alumni currently working as television football analysts. Mark May (ESPN), Mike Ditka (ESPN), Bill Maas (FOX), Dan Marino (CBS and HBO) and John Congemi (ESPN Regional). Congemi will be doing the color on the game today.

Adidas is really embracing the Pitt throwback gear.

If we’re lucky, Adidas will pressure Pitt to do a “throwback” day where the team plays in the old colors and logo. Ooooh.

By the way, is it just me, or does the Dorsett jersey seem much darker in color compared to the Marino? The Dorsett looks closer in color to my #20 (Billy West) jersey I got in ’96.