I think everyone is.
It would have been one thing to lose in a bitter defensive struggle. The game stays tight and just a play here or there. I’m not saying it would have been better, but there would have been something expected about it. But to have the defense just get completely lit up, caught so unprepared and be unable to adjust to it. Well, that was just — and this is where I wish I had some photoshopping/fark skills to jam the Wannstedt’s face on Wallace Shaw from the Princess Bride — inconceivable.
Instead we get general befuddlement from Coach Wannstedt.
“I really thought that coming into this game, that this would be a 17-10 type of game one way or the other,” Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. “This is the most disappointing defensive performance since I have been here. And the only thing they did different than we thought — we expected them to come out running the ball and they came out throwing it. We didn’t get much pressure on them, and they ran right by us, just right by us.
“So, it was very disappointing from a defensive standpoint, particularly with the guys we have and how we have played to this point as a defense.”
As much as the secondary has been flamed for getting torched, I can’t help but ask what happened with the D-line? The Scarlet Knights had a patchwork O-line and a QB that had been easily rattled all season. Pitt seemed unable to get the pressure on Teel. I mean, Eric Thatcher was taking the blame for the D-line not getting pressure.
Pitt safety Eric Thatcher added: “Their play-action was good, I guess you could say, but we didn’t flat out cover — we didn’t cover on the back end, we didn’t give the front seven enough time to make plays and that is what we have been doing all year. We’ve been covering good all year, and today we just didn’t cover. “
Obviously, Pat Bostick actually had to come in and throw the ball in this game. Interesting about that interception. Both Kevin Gorman and Gene Collier found the play call very questionable.
With another third-and-1, this time at the Rutgers 17, Pitt called for Bostick to roll left and throw a pass across his body. He was hit by defensive tackle Pete Tverdov and the pass sailed into the hands of linebacker Kevin Malast, who returned it 74 yards before being knocked out of bounds by McCoy at the Pitt 8.
Collier was really bothered.
With Pat Bostick, his redshirt still smoking, took over for Stull late in the third quarter, Cavanaugh had him throw to the boundary to tight end Nate Byham on third-and-1 from the Pitt 40. That play called for McCoy as well, but it clicked for 34 yards to the Rutgers 26. Three plays later, on third-and-1 from the 17 (McCoy!), Bostick rolled ponderously to his left, against his throwing motion, got hit as he threw, and the resultant interception was taken 74 yards the other way.
Ballgame.
So let me get this straight.
Third-and-1 from your own 40 trailing by 10 — long pass to the far boundary.
Third-and-1 from the opponent’s 17 with an opportunity to cut the lead to 3 — have the right-handed slow guy roll left.
Erp.
Not sure what to say about the day Aaron Berry had. His struggles at returning punts are now in his head. He can’t be back there any longer. As for being the starting CB, well, I guess the coaches believe he is the best Pitt has. That or they feel, he’ll make fewer mistakes.
The good news — as such — is that Bill Stull had “only” a mild concussion.
Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said tests on Stull were negative, but he spent the night under observation at UPMC Presbyterian as a precaution. Stull Sr. said Pitt chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg visited Stull this morning before he was released.
Stull, who sustained a concussion and stinger, will undergo more evaluations this week to determine whether he can play when Pitt (5-2) visits Notre Dame (5-2) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in South Bend, Ind.
I’m sure Stull wants to play. And, yes, he gives Pitt a better chance of winning. That said, keep Stull out for at least a week. It’s a concussion. You just don’t take stupid chances with it. Especially, since the O-line is now going to be rejiggered.
The news was not as good for starting center Robb Houser, who likely has a broken ankle, which happened also in the the third quarter. Houser will have an MRI today.
With Houser out Wannstedt will have to shuffle the offensive line as starting left tackle C.J. Davis will move to center and reserve Dom Williams will move to left guard.
The center spot was the spot on the line with no depth. Now, it’s scary the rest of the season.
Those still with anger at Wannstedt, are at least still feeling emotion. The numb, frustration is setting in for others.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around the idea of losing 4 straight to Rutgers.
