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September 22, 2008

In the blog exchange, both sides had similar thoughts about the feelings of the fans of the losing team.

Whoever loses is going to be very pissed off about it, thanks to a low score and frightening aerial displays on both sides. Stull should plan to be either very patient or very unproductive this weekend, and the Iowa passing game appears to be a mess once again.

And:

I predict that this could be a painfully frustrating game for both fanbases. Both coaches will play for field position, so there will be lots of punting and the score will stay very close. The fans of the losing team will fume and complain about missed opportunities and how this game was right there for them.

Okay, so neither of us exactly went out on a limb. But we weren’t wrong. As much as Pitt fans were expecting the worst in this game, given Wannstedt’s history at Pitt to date. Well, that’s nothing compared to the frustratingly low expectations from Iowa fans that even predates Ferentz.

If you underestimate the importance of this game, don’t; that’s a grave error. There are only two possible outcomes:

  1. Iowa records their biggest non-conference road win since Penn State in 1983;
  2. We must sit here and explain away the fact that Iowa just lost to the Wannstache.

And that’s it. Buck a quarter-century-long trend of reprehensible road play, or force us to drink suicidally and post a Wannstachalanche. No pressure, Hawks.

Iowa just doesn’t win non-cons of any significance on the road. That does put Pitt’s win in a slightly different context. And boy, they are pissed at the coach for this. Especially because of the curious decision with musical QBs.

Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz had a hunch Jake Christensen could rally the Hawkeyes to victory — despite misfiring on four of six first-half passes against Pittsburgh on Saturday afternoon.

He guessed wrong.

Iowa’s final drive of the game fell apart after Christensen fumbled at the Hawkeyes’ 28-yard line in the final minute.

A hunch? Really?

“Probably more of a gut thing than anything else,” Coach Ferentz said. “I just felt like at halftime Jake (Christensen) had a little better feel for what was going on, particularly what they were doing defensively. Thought he gave us the best opportunity to win the football game.”

This is where the “gut thing” gets a little confusing.

Sophomore Ricky Stanzi completed 7 of 10 in the first half, including his first six passes. He also led Iowa on its lone touchdown drive of the half, a Greene 6-yarder that pulled Iowa to 14-10 with 3:24 left before halftime. Well, Stanzi didn’t exactly “lead” on that drive. Six of the nine plays went to Greene, who gained 52 yards, including a 32-yarder on sweep.

Meanwhile, junior Christensen was 2-for-6 for 15 yards in the first half. After McCoy fumbled on Pittsburgh’s first play, giving Iowa first down at Pitt’s 19, Iowa could only go 11 yards and ended up with Trent Mossbrucker’s 26-yard field goal.

Despite the numbers, Ferentz’s gut told him to go with Christensen, who played the entire second half, finishing 12 of 24 for 124 yards with four sacks. Stanzi had his helmet on a few times, but he mostly stood outside sideline huddles with offensive coordinator Ken O’Keefe.

Remember, Ferentz has the final word on this. He said exactly that last week when Stanzi was pulled in favor of Christensen in the third quarter of last week’s victory over Iowa State.

It’s a gut thing.

“It was just the feel I had,” Ferentz said. “That’s just how I was feeling during the course of the game.”

They are taking this sort of executive decisionmaking well.

They won’t believe this in Chicago or Miami, where Dave Wannstedt coached NFL teams. They won’t even believe it here, where Wanny has yet to approach the penthouse of the Big East. But he out-coached fellow son of Pittsburgh, Ferentz. Or more accurately, he didn’t out-coach himself. Unlike his Iowa counterpart.

Yay, our coach didn’t outsmart himself in the game.

You do get the feeling that Wannstedt would go with Jake Christensen as well in the same situation. Or is that just me? He’s a year older than Stanzi. Tough mentally and physically. More experience. Just not as good.

Let’s make one thing clear: This is not Jake Christensen’s fault. He is what he is. He’s short. He’s inconsistent. He’s inaccurate. The next pass he throws with any touch will be his first.

It’s not for lack of effort. Or toughness. Or heart. Christensen is a stand-up kid. He’s faced tough questions from the media. He’s been booed at home by his own fans. He’s taken it like a man.

But, by God, if he’s the quarterback that gives Iowa the best chance to win, I’m Brad Pitt.

And if Christensen starts a game at home, he’ll likely be booed again. Not because the fans hate him. But, because the fans don’t have any other way to let the coaches know how stupid they think the decision is.

Pitt’s special teams were exceptional in the Iowa game. That’s a credit to Coach Wannstedt since he coaches special teams. Iowa. Not so much.

This week, special teams play in every facet lagged for Iowa. Iowa missed a field goal, suffered a blocked punt and gave Pittsburgh’s sports information department a reason to push punter Dave Brytus for the annual Ray Guy Award.

At least 11 different special teams plays were negatives for Iowa.

They have a list of screw-ups that includes the missed field goal. Is it worth noting that Iowa was also playing musical kickers as well?





Boy Chas, we understand you’re frustrated at PITT’s play so far this year and at the coaching. After all, they have just produced a 2-1 record and a win against a Big Ten team. We also understand that things could have gone better this season so far – at least we should have matched all the pre-season hype (wonder why they call it “hype”?)- right?

But to trot out excerpts from a losing team’s fanbase’s reactions and the local media, doesn’t really mean much – except show that you unwilling to give the Panthers any credit for this win at all.

Yes, it could have been better, and yes, the staff could have played other players and yes, this and that and this again…

I’ll take the win against a decent opponent, and hope that it carries over until next game. Because after all, the season is about winning the games isn’t it?

Comment by Reed 09.22.08 @ 5:25 am

Iowa is not a decent opponent

Comment by Starbuck 09.22.08 @ 7:51 am

Starbuck – of course not, how could they be if PITT beat them, right? Somehow they just stumbled to a 3-0 record, outscoring opponents 107-8. Sheer luck that!

“Decent” does not mean great, it means just what I said – a decent team in an established conference.

Comment by reed 09.22.08 @ 8:26 am

I agree completely with Reed here (and with all his other posts about the game Saturday.) Why are people having so much trouble enjoying this win?? In the week leading up to the game I seem to remember many people fearing we were going to be TROUNCED by Iowa. Instead, Pitt guts out a win! But rather than being happy about it, it seems the majority of the posters here can see nothing but negatives. Sure, there were underwhelming parts of the game, and areas for improvement — but in the end we still won!! Let’s enjoy that! Like anyone else I’d rather watch Pitt cruise to a double digit victory than battle out a one point win, but given the choice between that and LOSING I will take the one point win every time!!

Comment by gopittgo 09.22.08 @ 8:34 am

Reed,

If this was the first time I did a media recap where I focused on the other side’s POV, I could see your point. I have done this on plenty of other games where there is significant coverage to merit it. So please, don’t suggest I did this to rip on Pitt.

I was trying to show that there is another view on this game. Iowa and their fans have seen a history of not winning road games in the non-con.

One that in terms of duration, actually trumps Pitt’s run under Wannstedt of not winning these types of games. Something had to give.

The biggest issue for Iowa fans was Kirk Ferentz’s very questionable decision to stick with Christensen in the second half.

I found it bemusing in a way, that they essentially mirrored Pitt in this. They quite easily can point to the missed opportunities. The missed FG. Having to settle for a FG rather than getting a TD on the McCoy turnover.

Frankly Reed, while I am happy and relieved about the win, by several of Coach Wannstedt’s favorite measurables this wasn’t a good game for Pitt.

— Pitt lost the turnover battle.
— Was out-gained in rushing.
— Time of possession heavily tilted in favor of Iowa.

I never predicted a blowout. Frankly, I made no predictions win or lose because this game was going to be close given the way both coaches run their teams.

Comment by Chas 09.22.08 @ 9:17 am

And we can finally put to rest the McKillop to the NFL talk as well. That play where he fades in coverage and Greene runs right by him was pretty awful. He doesn’t have the closing speed to play on Sundays. He’s a good tackler though.

Speaking of LBs, Ranson stunk the joint up as well. He had Greene for a loss on that 4th down play and slipped on his rear to tackle air. He’s constantly out of position and gets blown off the ball by bigger lineman.

Greg Williams played a good game, by the way. We need Murray back and fast.

McCoy is an NFL prospect but not yet. He needs another year to mature and improve his stock. Too loose with the football and needs work on his blocking.

Fields is great supporting the run but he fails to wrap up. He tries to hit high and goes for the big blow instead of the sure tackle. Reminds me of Clint Session.

DeCeccio doesn’t wrap up at all – so its a relief Fields is starting now. But I did see Pitt play the nickel with Fields, DeCeccio and Thatcher on 3rd down. Problem was they still used McKillop to shadow the TE and he was basically beaten on every route.

Comment by PPF 09.22.08 @ 9:52 am

Reed,

Wait to the end of the season, Iowa is going to be a bottom-feeder in the Big 10, I am not saying Pitt is terrible.

Pitt has talent, but their coaching staff turns potential easy wins into close games.

When Pitt was up 14-3 the play calling went way too conservative, this game should have been more like 34-20, not a nail biter.

Iowa’s coach is on the hot seat, with a possible firing this year, this game might have been his last nail in his coffin because of the QB derby, a win is a win but face it our coaching staff sucks, but Iowa’s might be worse.

Up next is Syracuse, we should destroy them but look for a close game. I’m sure we will have tons of 3 and outs……

I am not sold on this coaching staff, are you?

Comment by Starbuck 09.22.08 @ 11:00 am

I very happy about the win, but unlike Reed I’m not going to break ou the pom-poms just yet. The facts are that Wanny still has a losing record and is still too conservative. We need to improve against the Orange and get ready for the bulls.

Comment by Pittastic 09.22.08 @ 11:22 am

This is my thought on why people are complaining about some aspects of the game.

While we were able to overcome mistakes and a lack of change from a play calling standpoint, these are going to be things that hurt us in the future.

Syracuse will be in the same category, but when we go to USF, we could be in a world of trouble. Not changing any aspect of the offense, refusing to bring pressure on the defensive side, and sticking with things that haven’t worked in the last 3 years gives good teams with smart coaches the ability to figure out how to beat us.

I do believe that all of us are very happy with a much needed win, I also believe that we are also concerned with not seeing our problems fixed game after game which means trouble in the future.

Comment by DPJ 09.22.08 @ 12:07 pm

It’s hard to enjoy this win because we won with the same formula we always lose with and we were a Dave Brytus touchback away from losing 23-20. Everyone is section 513 knew the plays we were running the whole second half so of course the Hawkeyes knew. If we played anyone else, this would have been a loss because good coaches like BGSU’s Greg Brandon would have adjusted and spread Pitt out. I thought the BGSU game would have showed MC and Wanny the error of sitting on early leads but we proved on Saturday that we got lucky and we are not good. I would rather be GOOD than LUCKY. None the less, I jumped up and down like a child when we won.

Comment by AJ 09.22.08 @ 12:49 pm

If the State Penners can be excited over wins against Coastal Carolina and Temple, we should have the right to be a little excited for a win over Iowa.

It never amazes me how people who’ve never coached a game in their lives at any level have all the answers. Yes DW and Cav have made some mistakes but you also have to trust their judgement to some degree (Im ready to get pummeled for sayng that so go ahead). They’ve had some pretty successful careers, wether you want to admit it or not. They see these guys in practice and scrimmages every day, maybe they see things we dont see? Its easy to say hey Stull should be throwing the ball all over the field…maybe he isnt ready for that? Its easy to be an armchair coach. And the cries of missing Walt Harris are ridiculous. Walt did a good job while he was here but lets not forget that his best season was an 8-4 team in a bad conference that got their ass whooped on national tv by Utah. DW is working to build a solid defense, walt didnt care if Pitt had a defense. Lets not write DW and the season off until its over.

Comment by Steve 09.22.08 @ 2:03 pm

Who noticed Auburn playing the vintage Paul Rhoads “give up the winning TD while we hold a lead with a minute left” defense on Saturday?

Comment by Kevin 09.22.08 @ 2:22 pm

keep drinkin wanny’s koolaid steve. DW and MC have had “pretty successful careers”?? in what universe is 17–20 (NCAA)(14-20 vs. D1 opponents)and 82–86–0 (NFL) considered ‘successful’??

Comment by Scott 09.22.08 @ 3:48 pm

scott, I guess 30+ years in coaching at the D1 and NFl levels is not successful in your universe…where did you coach?

Comment by Steve 09.22.08 @ 4:03 pm

I’d hate for it to happen, but part of me thinks the best thing for this team is to beat Syracuse pretty easily and then get scalded by USF on national tv after playing a ‘too close to the vest’ game…maybe then, the coaching staff would realize its time to open up the tubes and let loose on offense. If and when that happens, Pitt could actually be the best offensive team in the Big East (including WVU), rack up points and get the fans excited, and finish strong with maybe an 8-4 season…who knows? No matter what, I think at least 80% of our fan base would rather lose while firing all our bullets instead of looking like a bunch of millies. Double Yoy!

Comment by Matt 09.22.08 @ 4:24 pm

I don’t think it will take a “too close to the vest” game to get the game planning to change. The only thing that will change it would be for either Steve or Mark to talk to Dave.

Comment by DPJ 09.22.08 @ 5:05 pm

Your right Steve. Yeah there very questionble but im getting sick and tiredf of other PITT fans so down and negative all the time. Fuck if we ever some day go undeafeated some of you would still find a way to complain. Cant we just enjoy this fucking win for once? Big deal if Iowa is not that good. Their not Bowling Green, and there in the Big Ten, so I would say this isnt a bad win, although we sat on the ball in the second half (thanks to Cav) not calling a pass which kept the game close. I said early in the week on paper we should beat this team by three touchdowns. Well we didnt do that thanks to coaching however we did win so enjoy it people, and Let’s Go PITT

Comment by Lou 09.22.08 @ 8:21 pm

I’m sorry, but this is all too typical city of Pittsburgh attitude. This city just likes to gripe. Why?

Comment by Dugdog 09.22.08 @ 9:27 pm

I’m happy for the win…out here in Duck Land, they are ripping Mike Belotti for his failure to put in their 5th string (yes, that’s right 5th string) QB until late in the game..as their 4th string QB can’t throw a lick, and their first three are all injured. And, much like PITT fans or fans anywhere, they were upset when they beat Purdue in OT at Purdue…so all fans want the best for their teams, at times we want too much.

That being said, it’s time to take the gloves off and play aggressive for 60 minutes. Steve, I may not coach these guys, but I have to believe they’d rather play to win as opposed to play not to lose. When we came out in the early and ran end arounds, used three WRs spread out, even the Wildcat—I was thrilled…then, well we all know what happened. I would hope some PITT reporter (or any blogger allowed to attend or call-in during the weekly press conference…don’t know if they accredit you, Chas) would ask him about the playing to win issue, and then show him the stats, etc.

Hail to PITT!
-al-

Comment by Oregon_Panther 09.22.08 @ 10:32 pm

I haven’t broken out any pom-poms yet, and yes, I do have real concerns about the coaching staff. What I will do is give the team the credit it deserves for getting a win on Saturday.

But here’s what gets me…re-read some of the posts above. Some fans are so damned worried about what might happen in future games that they cripple themselves to be able to enjoy good things when actually they do happen.

I sat in the stands Saturday and had the same up and down feelings that every fan did as the game progressed, but when PITT pulled out the win I had a big smile of my face, and appreciation for those kid’s efforts to win a very hard fought game. However, walking out of the stadium all I heard from other fans was how shitty Iowa was and how PITT sucked because they didn’t win by more points, or in a different fashion.

Now, anyone who pays the money – or who takes the time to post their thoughts – has a right to an opinion. But I have to wonder if some don’t take a perverse delight in constantly pointing out every possible negative aspect of this program, without taking the time or effort to compliment when its due.

Comment by Reed 09.23.08 @ 5:24 am

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