I’ve got to tell you, I thought I had calmed down. Thought I was ready for some measured critiquing, analysis and perhaps even a cogent thought or two. Dare I say, a few pearls of wisdom. Then I was looking over the comments again, thinking about what I saw, and it all went to hell. I’m still pissed and I’m in a foul mood. I’m perfectly willing to keep my ire trained on Rhoads. I take a backseat to no one in my distaste for the job he has done. I nearly lost my mind when he was very close to getting the HC job.
In a piece that lauds the performance of Drew Stanton, it is just as much an indictment of the job done by Defensive Coordinator Paul Rhoads.
The Panthers had permitted a total of only 87 rushing yards in their first two games. Michigan State had almost four times that yesterday — 335.
“I think we responded real well to a some adversity,” Stanton said of Pitt’s 10-0 lead.
“We never intended to run so much option, but a team that plays a lot of man defense like they do has no one to account for the quarterback.
“We just kind of adjusted to things as we went along. Our line was really doing a good job blocking, and our wide receivers did a tremendous job of blocking downfield.”
By the time the Spartans erased that 10-point Pitt lead, the physical momentum had swung so violently that the Spartans felt they could move at will.
“By the third quarter, we just felt like we could go right down the field,” Stanton said.
“There were some plays that we could have made, some throws I’d like to have over. But I kept looking over [to the sideline], and they kept calling that option, so, you know, let’s just go with it.”
[Emphasis added.]
Imagine that. Making an adjustment. Taking advantage of the defense.
The thing we used to mock Walt Harris for most, was his unwillingness and/or inability to adjust his gameplan. That trait is gallingly part of DC Rhoads. Sure, the MSU receivers were coming up small for most of the game with drops and bad routes (aside from Reed), making the option and running more important. Sure that 6’6″ WR (Trannon) was playing more like he was 5’6″. Sure, all that is true, but it just shows that the pass defense is working. Losing the game to a ground attack and and a mobile QB? That’s just crazy talk.
MSU converted 11 of 15 3d downs. That’s pathetic. Time of possession was MSU 35:38, Pitt 24:22. What makes that worse, Pitt held the ball in the 1st quarter for nearly 10 minutes. Meaning MSU held the ball for about 30 of the remaining 45 minutes of the rest of the game.
Once MSU knew it could move the offense at will on Pitt. Knew it could score points, it afforded the defense the chance to gamble. To just blitz the hell out of the Pitt offense because they knew Pitt had to score and throw the ball.
I don’t understand why Michigan State is getting NO CREDIT AT ALL. They adjusted. And they aren’t some scrub team. They are a team that is a contender in the Big 11 almost EVERY YEAR. MSU is hardly an “average” team.
Everything I hear is “oh it’s Paul Rhoades fault” (and he does an awful job), or “oh, don’t let the offense off the hook” (which is true) – but MSU came out in the second quarter and decided to stop screwing around. They have some serious talent.
I wonder if when they play ND real tight next week, people will finally say that they aren’t some lousy sub-500 team.
Maybe I’m saying things that no one wants to hear, but it’s true.
That being said, I am surprised that Wanny didnt make adjustments.
I am still a believer in Wanny but he must realize when one person (DC Rhodes) is not qualified for the job.
TO think, he was two people removed from being the head coach during the interview process. WHoa!
I think Rhodes is from Iowa, and I still think he has pictures on someone, thats why he keeps his job.
I would love like to see Wanny run the D. I know he knows how to do that. We have not had a imposing Defense since Foge Fazio was here.
Anyone have any stats on the decline of Pitt D in the last 8 or so years, would love to see opp rush yards per attempt each year.
5 Dusquene bb players shot last night, WTF?
Five Duquesne Players Injured in Shooting
One Player in Critical Condition as Gunman Sought
AP Sports
PITTSBURGH (Sept. 17) – Five Duquesne basketball players were shot on campus early Sunday, leaving at least one critically injured, after some of them tried to calm a man who apparently had been disruptive at a dance, officials said.
Maybe all the long term PITT fans and posters are correct regarding Rhodes. Here’s hoping Wanny can reach out to an innovative D specialist and convince him to come to PITT next year.
Cavanaugh had some of the worst Offenses the pros have ever seen. Even in the super bowl year, his team (Ravens) was ranked last in offense. In his defense, the Ravens offense still sucks long after his departure. Yes Jamal Lewis had some good years, I know.
I don’t recall where Paul Rhodes came from. He must be from the west coast where they don’t run the ball.
In his defense, he has done some very good things with the Pitt D, all of which I will list below: