Once more, it’s time for a LiveBlogging the game. Still haven’t figured out why the darn thing won’t directly embed, but I’ll worry about that on another day.
Simply Click Here after 7:30 and join the fun. I figure on starting this a little before the game.
Remember, the comments will be moderated and subject to approval. Over doing ALL CAPS, excessive swearing, any mention of politics (especially the VP Debate) and personal attacks are generally ways to not see your comments become part of the narrative.
Awesome win. Cav called a great game and our lines continue to improve each game. HAIL
Offensive Line-
Scary start but great blocking and pass defending througout most of the game. Especially in the fourth quarter. Shady had 140+ so credit to the line
Offensive backfield-
great job by all three backs. Shady did find job avoiding the first tackler. The key to a good back is his ability to make the first guy miss. He did this all night long.
Stephen-Howling did a great job of filling in and changing the tempo. 33 yrds on three reception is the hidden stat.
Collins- key catches throughout the game coming out of the backfield.
QB- Really liked what they tried to do with Cross early. Would have stayed with it a little longer. Stull had his moments (fumble, dropped ball) but two throws will define his game. The bomb to Baldwin and the throw to O Turner on the last drive. Hidden stat was that he threw zero picks!
D- line – good pressure all game. Great pass rush on their QB. Did it for the most part with a four man rush.
LB – Good coverage to take away the short crossing routes
DB – Great coverage. With the exception of the blown coverage by Thatcher the game went well.
Coaching – finally they let the atheletes go out and make plays. Couple of misdirection plays. Stretched the field with Baldwin which kept the LB honest and corners honest.
Overall a very good performance. Makes that loss in the early 2000’s to South Fla a distant memory. You know what they say “payback is a …”
Joe
Good to see Baldwin get the ball, and good throw by the QB on the TD play also. But – to inject a little realism here – watch Baldwin when the plays call for McCoy to carry the ball, specifically the one 19 yard run McCoy had in the 2nd quarter. You’ll see Baldwin looking around wondering what he’s supposed to be doing as a defender runs right past him to tackle McCoy. This is why the coaching staff has held Baldwin out of being a regular every down WR. Soon that won’t happen with Baldwin and he’ll be an effective WR in all phases of the game – but we need every player on offense to know his blocking assignments so that we maximize McCoy & LSH yardage once through the LOS.
That is the kind of guy I want coaching my school. A guy who understands its about the team, controls his players, and runs a clean operation. Congrats to the kids and coaches. But I will also take my own advice; dont get too high after a win or too low after a loss. 7 games left to prove ourselves. The good news is that we are now in the drivers eat. At 4-1, if we finish 4-3 that puts us at 8 wins – A Goal we all said he would be happy with.
By the way, if there is any question that this program is turning around:
Since the Navy debacle, Pitt is 7-4, 3-1 vs ranked teams. Take a look at the four losses, Pitt could have easily won all of them.
No. 23 Cincinnati W 24-17
at Louisville L 24-17
Syracuse W 20-17
at Rutgers L 20-16
No. 23 South Florida L 48-37
at No. 2 West Virginia W 13-9
Bowling Green L 27-17
Buffalo W 27-16
Iowa W 21-20
at Syracuse W 34-24
at No. 10 South Florida W 26-21
I’m back on the bandwagon.
Maybe the Bowling Green loss was the proverbial “wake up call” that everyone talks about and will let this “young” team see what they need to do to win.
By the way, that game last night was our toughest game of the year. Assuming we don’t roll over against Navy, I want a full, loud stadium for the Rutgers game!
WVU has not been all that impressive but can you imagine the intensity they will be playing with if they have a chance to come into the burgh and knock Pitt out of a big bowl game or dare we hope a Big East title. The good thing is that Pitt has shown that when they are aggressive they can play with anyone.
Hail to Pitt!!! Great win and Redemption like Shawshank for the staff!!! WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!