The downside to the opening game on Saturday night, is trying to make sure I have everything done around the house that I promised the wife. She’s going to be stuck with the 5-year old and 4-month old while I’m seeing friends, drinking, watching football, drinking. Generally having a good time and spending the night in the ‘Burgh. That she lets me do that — as others I know can’t escape their domestic situations for the game — still comes at a price. Not getting much time online today was one of them.
Let’s see, matching puff pieces on MLB Scott McKillop and his older brother DE Chris. Great, and Scott was going to tattle to DC Rhoads that Chris wouldn’t be quiet in the huddle. Moving on.
The P-G rolled out its college football preview stuff. Oderick Turner is listed as a key player for Pitt.
If he has a good season, it will force defenses to keep their safeties deeper in coverage and open things up for the Panthers’ other talented receivers. If he doesn’t pose a threat, defenses will give the Panthers’ receivers much less room to operate.
I guess Bill Stull would have been too easy a pick for that. Doesn’t mean it wouldn’t have been the correct one. Turner and the rest of the receivers can’t do much if the ball doesn’t come to them. Besides, the deep receiving corps is one of the few areas where there isn’t vast concern even without Kinder.
At least this year, there is some more depth at more positions. Talent level and drop-offs are different issues.
Scouting report on Eastern Michigan from the Detroit Free Press. Expect more of the same from last year.
EMU’s head coach is 9-25 in his 3 seasons. More good news for him, his AD gave him a vote of confidence. Start honing that resume.
As for 5 keys to the season, is there any shock that the O-line and D-line were 1 and 2? I didn’t think so.
Derron Thomas is playing a final season at Duquesne. The former Pitt linebacker is publicly saying all the right things about his former team and coaches.
AP Story on LaRod Stephens-Howling having to keep an eye on LeSean McCoy trying to get the starting tailback gig.
When McCoy signed in February, Wannstedt was asked what he expected. Wannstedt’s answer may prove to be telling.
“Get him here as fast as we can and get him the ball,” Wannstedt said.
With Pitt opening its season against Eastern Michigan and Grambling, McCoy could get enough carries to flash what might be ahead in his career.
“We’re going to play him. How much? I don’t know,” Wannstedt said. “We’ll see how LaRod is doing and take it one series at a time.”
Give Lesean the freaking ball.
They have pitt in the 4th spot finishing the year 9-3. Yes, 9-3! In my best case scenario I only had Pitt at 8-4 but more likely 7-5.
What do you think?
Hail to PITT!
I’m a little skeptical of that article only because he still mentions the team getting contributions from Elijah Fields this year, and that probably won’t be happening.
That said, I do think we’ll fight USF for 4th/5th place in the conference this year (USF is battling some injury issues to their lines, I believe). I have a hard time believing that Cincinnati will be a better overall team than Pitt. Are the Bearcats better than UConn and Syracuse? Yeah, I think so. Better than Pitt? I’m not so sure.
I would love for that to happen but where are the three losses MSU, WVU and Ville. After those games I beleive Pitt has more than a 50-50 shot beating the reminding teams.
I still believe 7-5 or 8-4 but 9-3 is a stretch that I hope we can reach
No matter what- I will be there cheering for the panthers.
It’s true, Chris, there is a very real mancrush btw the HC and his undersized/ unappreciated weapon in the backfield (LSH).
Believe that and I’ll tell you another one.
My point here is that regardless of McCoy’s not having touched a ‘live’ ball yet, there stands now about infinity options calling for him to run, catch, and just literally be around the ball…just to be around the ball.
Given the man’s past-present hx here, DW would give his L nut for a “feature” back and according to all reports, the kid-is-it (McCoy, of course).
So I wouldn’t mistake myself thinking that LSH will be running up the middle anytime soon insofar as three-and-outs are concerned to secure 1st & ten, 1st & goal, etc.
I’d hazard to say that at this very instant, the plan foremost includes McCoy carrying the bulk of the work load game-1 forward.
It’s not like LSH won’t play a pivitol role in the coming season, though. (IMO)
I can empathize. We had four kids in six years, and the only way I could go to Pitt games was doing stuff for the wife and around the house all week. I also had to give her a night out while I watched the kids. That was only fair. But the Saturdays were worth it. Hanging out with my college buddies and drinking and watching football and going to the bars and staying over was (and still is) a lot of fun.
The years will fly by. My older kids are over 21 and they come out to games occasionally. Even though it was awkward at first, I enjoy tailgating with them. And my youngest started Pitt last week. The tradition continues.