masthead.jpg

switchconcepts.com, U3dpdGNo-a25, DIRECT rubiconproject.com, 14766, RESELLER pubmatic.com, 30666, RESELLER, 5d62403b186f2ace appnexus.com, 1117, RESELLER thetradedesk.com, switchconcepts, RESELLER taboola.com, switchconceptopenrtb, RESELLER bidswitch.com, switchconcepts, RESELLER contextweb.com, 560031, RESELLER amazon-adsystem.com, 3160, RESELLER crimtan.com, switch, RESELLER quantcast.com, switchconcepts , RESELLER rhythmone.com, 1934627955, RESELLER ssphwy.com, switchconcepts, RESELLER emxdgt.com, 59, RESELLER appnexus.com, 1356, RESELLER sovrn.com, 96786, RESELLER, fafdf38b16bf6b2b indexexchange.com, 180008, RESELLER nativeads.com, 52853, RESELLER theagency.com, 1058, RESELLER google.com, pub-3515913239267445, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
January 25, 2008

Quick Thoughts About the 2008 Non-Con

Filed under: Football,Non-con,Schedule — Chas @ 9:35 am

I just haven’t had time to post about Pitt’s announced non-conference schedule for this season.

Aug. 30: Bowling Green

Sept. 6: Buffalo

Sept. 20: Iowa

Oct. 18: at Navy

Nov. 1: at Notre Dame

As a home schedule, it’s pretty good since there will be conference home games with Louisville, WVU and Rutgers.  No 1-AA teams this year, so that’s nice. I will be curious to see how the Big East schedule is integrated into this, with Pitt having 2 open weeks in September. It will be odd to have at least one off-week in September. Then another one in October or November — I’m assuming the WVU game will be on November 29.

The one thing that bothers me is that Pitt has agreed to a 4-year home-and-home with Buffalo. This was apparently set up by former AD Jeff Long, and that just blows my mind. A 2-for-1, fine. A 3-for-2 I could have stomached. That’s horrible. Unless this includes maybe 2 or 3 more home-only MAC games, I’m just stunned.

Still, it could be worse. It looks like nearly 1/3 of the ACC will have two 1-AA games on their schedule this year — FSU, GT, Clemson and probably VT. Yeah, I don’t think any schedule bashing should ever come from the ACC again.




TrackBack URI |  

Don’t think the Buffalo home and home is that big a deal — at least nothing to be up in arms over. Buffalo has been pretty competetive the past few years (relatively speaking) so it could be worse competition-wise. And Buffalo is also an easy drive from Pittsburgh if you want to catch a road game. If you have to go on the road to play a “patsy” might as well be close by!

Comment by jec 01.25.08 @ 9:43 am

I’m not to excited about that Buffalo series either. The AD dropped the ball on this one. Can we get out of the agreement?

Comment by Ironhead 01.25.08 @ 11:03 am

The ACC is so good though! They’re such an amazing conference, and ohhh those academics! Obviously they’re a lot better than the BE because they got Miami, VT, and BC. Their tough scheduling is probably a direct corrollary to their stellar BCS record: 1-10. And the 1 win came against VT. So they now have the team that lost in all 11 of the BCS games their conference has appeared in. As per the previous discussion a few weeks ago about scheduling, it should be pretty clear that of the ACC, SEC, BIG TEN and BIG EAST, the order is SEC, BE, ACC, BIG ELEVEN. Unfortunately, no one will ever complain about the Big Eleven’s scheduling because they have such big stadiums. Or something like that.

Comment by Maz 01.25.08 @ 11:55 am

It could be much worse. Look at Rutgers’ games last year. Buffalo, Norfolk St, Army & Navy + Ball St. and they still only won 7 games. Pitt will continue the rivalry with Notre Dame far into the future and that should balance out the perception of our future schedules. Ideally, they could start to take on tougher tests with the increase in talent and expectations, but Walt Harris didn’t get to 5 straight bowl games by playing Auburn, Oregon and Texas right out of the gate.

Anyway, as long as they win games they will be highly regarded.

Comment by ChrisA 01.25.08 @ 11:58 am

I am looking forward to traveling a lot over the next couple years, so the Buffalo game kind of Intrigues me, as for 2 home and homes with them, that i dont’t agree with at all. I would like to see PITT go after some sec teams like a Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, or Kentucky, though.

Comment by J-MIZ 01.25.08 @ 12:23 pm

I have no problem with the Home-And-Home vs. Buffalo. If that is what we have to do to keep 1AA teams off of our schedule, then Home-And-Home vs. MAC teams is fine by me.

Comment by HbgFrank 01.25.08 @ 12:28 pm

I put this post on one of the topics late yesterday, but this post is more on topic, so here it is again:

link to collegefootball.rivals.com

This article was the feature article on Yahoo’s home page tonight. Basically, the article is a speculation about the 2017 NFL All Pro Team. Shady and Baldwin are on the list. In fact, Shady had his picuture on the Yahoo home page, prominently displaying his PITT jersey. Of course, this means nothing, but it is a nice recognition of the talent on our team.

Comment by HbgFrank 01.25.08 @ 12:41 pm

The Buffalo series is not a big deal. I love going to Niagra. While I was at Pitt this was always a crazy fun road trip to gamble, drink in the bars legally, and put some girls through med school.
We have had several bachelor parties there and now we can return to Canada to watch our team win.

Comment by Freebird 01.25.08 @ 12:46 pm

Pitt grad living in Buffalo welcomes all Pitt fans who wish to travel to this great city to see the Panthers beat Jew-B. (This PUBLIC school gets off all Jewish holidays due to all the NYC Jewish students that attend and have influential parents.)

Comment by Chris 01.25.08 @ 12:48 pm

UB is now known as Chinc B for all the Asian students. I went there…I should know. Stadium not too impressive but plenty of parking lots around campus to tailgate. The Amherst campus is beautiful. Pitt could learn a thing or two about planting trees and having open grass areas, but I realize there is only so much you can do with an urban school. Suburban setting…if you’re a frosh and don’t have a car, you’d better find someone quickly who does. Plenty of restaurants off campus. No bars or much excitement on campus. Plenty to do in Buffalo besides drinking. Gambling on both sides of the Niagara and of course the ‘ballet’ across the river. Don’t forget the Anchor Bar for the wings.

Comment by mike 01.25.08 @ 1:02 pm

Chris,

Is this same public school off on Good Friday and Christmas due to influential Christian parents from NYC or elsewhere?

Comment by Noel 01.25.08 @ 1:29 pm

Some Interesting reading about Pryor being recruited. Apparently this guy he worked for over the summer gave him a brand new corvette:

link to mgoblog.blogspot.com

Comment by Steve 01.25.08 @ 1:47 pm

It does seem strange to have 4 games with Buffalo, but the upside: lots of distractions across the border in Canada! Remember to bring your passport!

Comment by Patrick 01.25.08 @ 3:01 pm

2008 is the make or break year for Wanny and the boyz, no more excuses!

Do we all agree?

Pryor is a big time head case, he is the next TO, would you want him on your team?

Comment by Shady fo World Piece 01.25.08 @ 3:11 pm

Head case…debateable, but yes, I’d take a TO. Romo would have been an ordinary QB without him. And, what do you think Brady would have been without Moss this year. You think they would have gone 18 and O. Give me TP!

Comment by TexasPanther 01.25.08 @ 3:40 pm

UB does get plenty of Jewish holidays off. I think the two big ones fall in September so its like one big continuation of summer. Too bad the Gentiles didn’t think of that. Why just stop at Judaism and Christianity. I’ll celebrate any religious holiday as long as I get if off.

Comment by mike 01.25.08 @ 3:45 pm

Again the posters of this board change my opinion. A little road trip to the Falls to watch a game would be an easy fun weekend.

Comment by Ironhead 01.25.08 @ 4:00 pm

Don’t need a passport yet, when does that rule finally go into effect?

Comment by Stuart 01.25.08 @ 4:04 pm

Oh – i think we should have gotten an uneven series, like 2-1, or even better a 3-2 to take care of 5 years, but maybe we can just UCF’em on the back end…i like scheduling them, i don’t like giving them equal home dates. Dumb.

Comment by Stuart 01.25.08 @ 4:08 pm

We should have demanded 3 for 1. At max capacity, their stadium seats 35,000. But, then again, we’ll be lucky if 30,000 show up at our games with a 65k capacity.

Comment by mike 01.25.08 @ 4:30 pm

Having ND on the schedule is awesome over the next couple of years. Take a look at their recruiting class. It is stacked.

Comment by Ironhead 01.25.08 @ 5:25 pm

ND is stacked to disappoint.

Comment by mike 01.25.08 @ 5:39 pm

Stuart,

I think you currently need a passport if you fly, but if you drive across the border i think that might go into effect in 2009?

Comment by Matt D 01.25.08 @ 6:34 pm

We are already getting up the posse for our pilgramige to Chicago. Take the $12.00 train with a case to South Bend, break something at the Linebacker, grab some blue MD, and crash a Pitt Tailgate. Win the game, drop some “f” bombs, grab another case and party in Chi-town by 10pm. It’s called a Pittsburgh Tornado by locals.

Comment by Freebird 01.25.08 @ 6:44 pm

Correct.

Do not need a passport yet to drive. I can’t get a definate date when that will change.

Comment by Ironhead 01.25.08 @ 8:05 pm

I see Buffalo as being the same type of game as Navy was last season – us fans are going to be assuming an automatic win and in reality Turner Gill has that team progressing, and playing, very well.

These traditionally lesser schools are getting better recruits every year and that’s what helps lead to the type of season CFB had last year – much more competitive.

Comment by Reed 01.26.08 @ 5:59 am

Reed,

I really wasn’t down on Buffalo because I thought it was an easy win. The game just doesn’t spark much interest. I agree that history has dictated that CFB has become more competitive at all levels. Why don’t we schedule both major service academies every year? It works for ND.

Comment by Ironhead 01.26.08 @ 8:17 am

The Pitt football program is in no position to assume any easy wins! I am sure we are all looking forward to having a great year in football this fall.

I went to the Pitt/Buffalo BB game last season, Pitt barely escaped with a win. There are very few gimme games, just ask Michigan.

Comment by Mel Brooks 01.26.08 @ 10:59 am

Quick question…
Does PITT have a chance w Pryor since Batch, a local star QB and current back up QB for the Steelers has joined Pryor in helping him with the decision?

I say yes.. as long as Batch stays with the Steelers. So, Steelers sign Batch to a FIVE year deal

Comment by cdmoore25 01.26.08 @ 11:27 am

Pitt by 20 today

Comment by scoocher 01.26.08 @ 12:09 pm

Ya has anyone heard how Wannstedts visit with Pryor went?

Comment by Nick 01.26.08 @ 12:17 pm

I heard Pryor didn’t show up!

Comment by Mike Brey 01.26.08 @ 1:24 pm

I don’t think ’08 is a “make or break year” considering we’ll most likely start a new qb and be thin (although good) at the line.

Comment by scoocher 01.26.08 @ 1:46 pm

Is it true Long is responsible for the Buffalo series? If so, on one hand it’s better than his usual crappy efforts (I-AA swill) but FOUR YEARS and 2 for 2? This guy must have been a true wizard with milking the old rich geezers for donations to get another job, let alone in a better conference. Thank God Peterson is back, but thank God MORE that Long is gone.

Comment by geeman2001 01.26.08 @ 1:48 pm

I should say for any Buffalo fans or alums here, nothing against you at all, or the city, I’ve been there several times and had some very good times there. It’s actually a good road trip for us. Just that if we’re going to have to go on the road for OOC, I think more than a 1 for 1 was not the right move for Pitt. We need a little more variety to fill Heinz Field too. Buffalo is a good game for us to start a home schedule once, but not twice.

Comment by geeman2001 01.26.08 @ 1:50 pm

You give Buffalo too much credit. Pitt 52 Buffalo 10. UB is a mid level team in their conference at best with far lessor talent than even a Cincy or UConn. Our pathetic traveling fans should be able to fill at least a quarter of the stadium. It is only a 4 hour drive from the Burg. NY welcomes you to their state by asking for a donation so bring some change and watch out for the crazy Cannuck drivers from Ontario.

Comment by mike 01.26.08 @ 2:40 pm

Pitt just lost to Rutgers at home. They were up by 9 early in the 2nd half and just stopped playing. Terrible performance. Just awful.

Comment by omar 01.26.08 @ 8:20 pm

 
←   →

Powered by WordPress © PittBlather.com

Site Meter