We did it. We seriously just did it. The Pitt Panthers just knocked those stupid toothless West Virginians out of the BCS Championship game. This is un-freakin-real. The biggest win for this program in over 20 years? Quite possibly. It means absolutely nothing to the 2007 season but in the long run it looks great for recruiting, it was against our biggest rival, and it was against the #2 team in the nation. Also gives a ton of positive feelings going into next year.
ESPN has helped Pitt tell the world who LeSean McCoy is. He looked good and carried the load a ton of times. Also very nice to see the announcers give a ton of love to Scott McKillop, who leads the NCAA is tackles. Pitt better advertise the hell out of those two next season.
On the defensive side, we fundamentally tackled so well. There were different blitzing schemes, we kept containment on their runners, and we just played like we wanted it so bad. I’ve been on Paul Rhoads’ ass all year but today I give him a ton of respect.
If you haven’t seen Rich Rodriguez’s post-game press conference, go watch it now. It’s great watching him try to find something to say but pretty much stumble with his words. Almost on the verge of tears. The best part is that you can hear the Pitt players cheering and yelling in the background.
Holy crap, we really won!!!
WVU folks will say White’s injury is the reason they lost, and when they do we can all laugh in their face. Jarrett Brown is a great QB, and it’s not like the drop-off that occurred when we lost Stull. not to mention we also didn’t have Kinder, Mustakas, Byham, and others. The main reason White’s injury wasn’t the reason is because the refs tried their best to screw us. The Big East wanted WVU in the BCS title game, no doubt. Two bad holding calls on Oderick Turner and then not calling it when Turner was trying to catch the pass was complete crap. Conspiracy theory? Confirmed.
No one thought we could do it. Nobody. I never thought we’d win, but there was that sliver in my heart that recognized the chance was there. Go streaking! Go drink excessive amounts of alcohol! Go crazy! I love it. I love it. I LOVE IT.
P.S. — It’s clear why Pitt won. It had to be that pep talk from Lou Holtz on ESPN. That “respecth” he spoke of — I think Pitt earned it tonight.
P.S.S. — A replay of the game can be seen on ESPN at 3:30 am. Set your DVRs accordingly.