Morning. Haven’t had a chance to look at the papers or box score yet. Had a very long solid sleep. A whole day of liveblogging college football, surprisingly, takes something of a mental toll. No zoning out for long periods. Very brief bathroom breaks. Eating bad food, in handfuls. On the plus side I was paid to sit on my ass all Saturday to drink beer (that was optional but I am a perfectionist), watch and write college football, and since I was “working” it fell to the wife to deal with the kid all day while I fulfilled my responsibilities. So no, I am not complaining about a sweet gig. Hell, I’m bragging.
This was a very, very good win for Pitt. There are some concerns. There are some issues. There always are. Don’t worry, I’ll get to them later. This was a big, important win for the team and the program. It was legitimate progress.
Last year, Pitt didn’t win one road game. Not a single one. This year, Pitt already has two and they are both in conference.
There was a real, viable gameplan on offense that was well executed. Pitt took advantage of an agressive defense and set them back on their heels with the short pass and screens. It created hesitation and allowed the running game to go. The tight ends were involved more. Buches finally got some passes going his way.
LaRod Stephens-Howling had a monster game, as the O-line was able to create holes in the right spot for him to get through. That 70 yard run was tremendous. It first looked like he squirted through the line and took off, but the overhead shot showed an actual, hole right where he was headed. At that point he hit the accelerator and blew through and caught the whole Syracuse linemen and secondary by surprise as he ran past them. Not only was the hole opened, he hit it exactly the way you want a tailback to do it. No hesitation, no planning on jukes afterwards. Head up, and looking downfield.
Tyler Palko executed the gameplan very well. The first time in two years I’ve seen him do that on the road. He knew that it was his job to get rid of the ball quickly and was finding his receivers or safety valve without hesitation. Cedric McGee was not only sighted, but played a vital role as the 3d WR/safety valve. He picked up key first downs or created 2nd or 3d and short on drives with excellent yards after the catch runs. Syracuse was so keyed on stopping Kinder and Strong — they were blanketed by coverage most of the game — and Palko made sure to find other receivers.
The defense played a very good game. I think the corners should have been playing tighter against a less then impressive group of Orange receivers, but I’m hardly surprised that DC Rhoads had them backing off. Very good containment of the run, and some great up-front pressure by the D-line to keep Perry Patterson from having too much time to throw.
Don’t forget, Syracuse is an improved team from last year. If anything, their progress probably puts them where Pitt was last year. In fact there were times when I watched that I felt Pitt was playing the team it was last year. Considering how bad they were last year, however, that is significant progress.
Pitt and Dave Wannstedt were probably right and it was sporting not to put that final score on the board at the very end. I can’t help but wish they had, though, just because it would have really pissed off the Orange. Adding some extra spice to the game next year and perhaps a little heat to a traditional game that lacks the feel of hatred and rivalry.
