On the progress of defensive line:
I think if you look at our offensive and defensive line, on the offensive line, some guys have separated themselves from one group to the other. With the defensive line — and I think it’s going to turn out to be a real positive for us – (it’s) the competition. I kidded them because I told them that the first four guys off the bus were starting on the defensive line. We’re going to play a lot of guys. We’re going to play eight guys, maybe more – not just to play them, even though I like rotating guys to keep them fresh, but the competition is that close…
That was Coach Wannstedt last year prior to the start of the season.
Obviously, that was more than a little off. Coach Wannstedt has attributed last season’s missed expectations to the coaches not fully knowing what the players could do and players not being familiar with the system (please try to ignore the fact that all of the coaches on the defense were holdovers from the Harris regime, so you would think that they might have something of an idea about what that side of the ball could do).
“Are we further ahead from where we were a year ago?” Wannstedt asked rhetorically. “Yes. No question we are. How is that going to influence wins and losses? We’ll have to wait to the end of the year to see that. I believe our football team is where we need to be mentally and physically. We’ve had a good camp and our guys are ready to go.”
Wannstedt has been asked many other questions about his team this offseason, which isn’t surprising given its losing record a year ago. Up to this point, many of his answers have either been philosophical or speculative in nature. But the real answers about his team will start to be uncovered Saturday night when the season starts.
…
The Panthers are a fairly young team and have plenty of inexperienced players either starting or playing key reserve roles. Wannstedt has said throughout training camp that if ever he could use an exhibition game it is this season because it would give his younger players a chance to have a dress rehearsal before they are thrown into the fire.
But he does not expect a repeat of last year’s opener because this is his second season as coach and the players are more familiar with his system. He said the veterans will help the young players out and he has a better understanding of his players.
[Emphasis added.]
I’m not trying to hang Coach Wannstedt with his own words. It’s just that it all sounds good and I want to believe, but it only is so if the team wins. Simply put, Pitt and Wannstedt really need this season opener.
Honestly, I’m having something of a fear reaction as this first game gets closer. It’s making me a little more cynical and sarcastic. Something of a defensive reaction I would say to the fear of disappointment. Trying to temper the optimism that despite my best efforts has been trying to push forward. I hate that.
I had a dream that I’d missed the UVA game—it’s likely that quite a few of us will, given that it’s an ESPNU broadcast—
…but later found that we’d won 36-24.
Under the system in place, I don’t see our offense covering that kind of point spread (esp. after last year’s epic disappointment v. ND).But I’m nevertheless hoping to distinguish myself a psychic rather than a cynic.
Anybody else have the balls to make an early prediction?
I went to the ND game last year with my nephew who was distraught and unhappy by halftime. I told him that Pitt was getting beat at the line on both sides of the ball. It is a truism that applies to all levels of the sport.
Personally I believe they cannot be as bad as last year. Yes there was all of the preseason hype, but when the lights were turned on hype was sidelined and talent took over. The lines’ talent lost.
The lines’ improvment or unprovement will be the key. Better line play means cover for the younger players playing, team attitude, and W/L record.
No matter how things turn out Pitt is/will be it for me. At least they are not playing an ND to start the season! Go Pitt!!!
Let’s go with Pitt 27 UVA 23
I think this year the players have bought into Wanny’s mantra of “if you want to play, you have to perform.”
I feel somewhat confident that this team will do its best and that is all anyone can ask for. Hey after last seasons ills, what more could we ask for!
Pitt 19-13. 19 because of two botched XP’s…
“We will not be streaming any games that are being played on the ESPNU channel. The Pittsburgh vs Virginia will be shown on the ESPNU channel only.”
I have said before that what I really need to see is some sort of progress made to show that DW has the program moving in the right direction. A well played and competitive game, even if it ends in a close loss, would not disappoint me too much. But a fiasco like the WVU or Notre Dame game would. We just were not even in competition in those games.
This is probably the only good thing about being firmly entrenched in Middle Age – it gives you a whole lifetime of experience to be able to put things in perspective. In the ‘Big Picture’? Pitt’s team shouldn’t really matter that much, and to be honest it doesn’t. However, in my day to day life I am emotionally invested and want them to do well. Such is the life of a fan I guess….