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September 15, 2006

Plenty of Zeise

Filed under: Fishwrap,Football,Media — Chas @ 3:00 pm

Lots of straight stuff from Paul Zeise well worth reading in full. He has his Q&A up.

Q: I think Matt Cavanaugh’s NFL mentality is going to cost this team some wins. Just because you have a lead doesn’t mean you take your foot off the gas. He needs a killer instinct, what’s your take?

Zeise: The goal is to win the game, period. Whether you win by one or 30 it only counts as one win. I agree the Panthers got way too conservative on both offense and defense way too early in the Cincinnati game but by the same token, we’re not even talking about any of it if Revis and Brooks don’t fumble the football. I think it is important to note that Pitt was on a game-over type of drive when Brooks fumbled it late in the game. I mean, if they get a first down there, who knows where the drive leads, but at the very worst the Panthers are punting to pin Cincinnati way deep in their own zone. The feeling in that one was simple — let’s just get the heck out of here with a win and the play calling and prevent defense reflected as much. But the bottom line is, they won the game. The problem I have with Pitt getting so conservative on offense is the Panthers aren’t good at running the football. As such, the short passing game has to be used more than it is in order to compensate for it.

Seems like he was trying to hedge a bit here by talking about how the game could have been put away but for a couple player errors. He only hints that Pitt went into conservative mode on both sides of the ball rather early in the 4th, rather than putting the game away. I put some of the blame on Coach Wannstedt as well. Both have that NFL mentality.

It would have served Pitt and the team better to finish the job early in the 4th, then allowed the second units on both sides to get some time in there. As it stands, back-ups like QB Bill Stull, still haven’t had much of a chance. Something I was hoping would change.

Then there was the chat from yesterday of some interest.

that_guy: Stanton loves to throw quick hitters right off the snap. Pitt has a penchant for playing its corners 10-15 yards off the ball. Can Pitt afford to play its corners within 5 yards of the line to prevent that quick-passing attack?

Paul Zeise: No, I think Pitt needs to play a lot more press man coverage than they do but their philosophy is to keep every play in front and make teams go 70 and 80 yards the hard way. The problem with that is if a guy misses a tackle, well, those five yard gains turn into 20 yard gains. I understand why Pitt plays certain teams like that but in cases where a team has an accurate passer who throw quick strikes, I’d like to see them get more aggressive.

Dear God, that’s a scary prospect to have DC Paul Rhoads adjust to actually have the corners play up a little more. Again, this has been an ongoing source of agony for myself and the majority of the Pitt fans who have watched Paul Rhoads’ defense give up chunks of yards on long drives out of some compulsion to not give up the big play and maybe make a stop.





Win or lose tomorrow, the fact that we already have two convincing wins is great. Last year was such a horrible experience, we didn’t even get our first win until the end of September. I hope we play well for the seniors who have had a lot to deal with since 2004. Palko deserves to win a big game at home in front of a huge crowd. That Boston College win feels like it was 10 years ago and the stadium was half-empty. Just the fact that PITT is in the mix this year is an awesome feeling. Hopefully we can keep it going tomorrow.

Comment by Omar 09.15.06 @ 4:54 pm

Agree with the NFL mentality comment, NFL is a low scoring league – unlike college ball. Also agree with the ‘keep your eye on 7-8 wins’ thought, but I believe that we haven’t seen PITT’s best football yet this season. As a fan I want them to win each game, and think that we can take the match tomorrow.

As for the lack of depth – that’s true, but the freshman have produced so far, without any glaring “rookie mistakes” that I have noticed, so maybe it won’t be so bad to have to play those talented recruits.

Have to do something about the running game – so I hope Ziese’s comment about stacking the line is true.

Eternally Optomistic….

Comment by Reed Kohberger 09.15.06 @ 5:03 pm

I agree, Pitt cannot lay back because MSU will take the 8 yard pass play and sooner or later someone is going to miss a tackle. Revis can play straight up man press coverage all game. Let’s see, see you ar the game.

Chas I still think Rhodes has pictures on someone in the administration.

Comment by jimbo b 09.15.06 @ 7:54 pm

I agree with Z’s last comment about throwing short. The West Coast O calls for short passing routes. Get the TEs involved. Combine the intermediate with short.

Comment by Kenny 09.15.06 @ 8:35 pm

Its gameday, just woke all my roommates up. Been drinking since last night. I hope to get the student section into the game again. I think we did pretty good at the Virginia game. We just gotta fill the other seats. You should be dissapointed in yourself if you’re a fan and your not there supporting this team. LETS GO PITT!!!

Comment by Chris K 09.16.06 @ 8:52 am

I came across about 5 or 6 Michigan State fans last night…nice guys, not arrogant or cocky like, ND, Michigan, or PSUcks fans….shame we’re going to have to kick their heads in….GO PITT! 31 – 12 we win!

Comment by Marco 09.16.06 @ 8:52 am

Gameday!!!! Let’s Go PITT!!!!!!!

Comment by Omar 09.16.06 @ 8:56 am

Here’s the crux of the situation…

“This will have to be a game where we can’t turn the ball over two or three times and give these guys an opportunity to score easily. Against a football team like this, the penalties and the turnovers will be huge as far as determining the outcome of this game,” Wannstedt said.

Speed can beat bulk (as PITT has been shown only too well over the last few years). Hoping to see more TE action – get the ball to Strong and let’s see what he can do with it. Matthews can make a difference with his speed from the DE position also.

Nervous but looking forward to a win.

Comment by Reed 09.16.06 @ 9:31 am

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