Last minute links and some other stories I never posted.
Nate Byham actually played a role in the offense last week. After a season of the TEs being little more than extra blockers in the offense, he gives a lot of “it’s all about the team” answers.
Most of the “Buddy Morris really worked these players into shape and changed their mentality over the summer” stories were written last year. So this year, where the impact is so much more visible, there haven’t been as many. Here’s one from the past week. It ties in to the UConn game, since Coach Wannstedt made the decision to change the strength and conditioning program after the 4th collapse against UConn at the Rent. (Not that I disagree that the players ran out of gas and a change was needed, but it is still worth remembering and not giving in to total revisionism that the horrid playcalling by the offense in the 4th Q had more than a little to do with things as well.)
It’s hard to believe Pitt has only played (and lost) two games at the Rent. It already seems like a house of horrors.
Connecticut was 7-0 at home last season – a feat matched in the Big East only by West Virginia in 1993 – and had an 11-game home winning streak snapped Nov. 1 in a 35-13 loss to the Mountaineers. This marks the final home game for the Connecticut’s 20 seniors, who have played in three bowl games and helped the Huskies win a share of a Big East title.
Not that Pitt needs any extra incentive.
“They’re all tough places to play, but we have had some success on the road this year,” Pitt middle linebacker Scott McKillop said. “They present some problems when you play them, but it’s a good atmosphere. It’ll be cold, but we’re used to that from the past couple of games, so we have to go up there and take care of business.”
UConn is 11-1 in the Rent over the last couple years. Of course, Pitt only has one road loss this year.
Getting to 9 regular season wins would be something Pitt hasn’t achieved since 1982. Counting a bowl game Pitt has not won 9 games since 2002.
Paul Zeise is sick of QB questions. Here’s why the topic is such a rager — beyond simply Stull’s performance at the Brawl — it’s the talent around the spot. Dickerson and Byham at TE. WRs like Kinder, Baldwin and even Wright, McGee and Turner. Add in a talented backfield and an O-line that has improved during the season. That puts the attention on the QB spot to make it all work along with the offensive coordinator figuring out all of this out.
Back, briefly to UConn, they do have injuries and issues. Their best corner, Darius Butler, has been out with an injury. Back-up tailback Andre Dixon was suspended after his arrest for a DUI. Starting MLB Greg Lloyd, Jr. (yes, he is that Greg Lloyd’s son)Â is out with “personal reasons” so walk-on Aaron Bryant will be the starter.
