Not a lot of time right now, so this will be brief.
Pitt mostly did what it had to do yesterday. They took it right at Syracuse. Beat them soundly early, and never let them get close after the 1st quarter. I wasn’t thrilled with some things that Wannstedt didn’t at least take a shot to put the game out of reach before the half and that Pitt only scored 10 points on offense in the second half. Just seemed that Pitt eased off a little too soon. Of course, Syracuse was not that good and made lots of mistakes that the defense capitalized to make that seem like nitpicking.
At 45-14, with 4 turnovers forced, control of the clock and nearly 400 yards of total offense. In the box score the only negative continues to be penalties. Pitt committed 10 for 99 yards. That still is a big problem for a team that does not rely on being overly aggressive and attacking.
This was actually more dominating a win for Pitt than over Maine or FIU. Both of which seemed more like superior size and strength wearing the other side down over 4 quarters. This one was about superior talent just taking the other team out right in the first half.
Does this game tell us much more than before? Not really. I am hoping it means that the team is inching closer to what it can do, rather than what it has done up to that point. The next two games are at home. Pitt will be and should be favored. They, like the Syracuse games are can’t lose games.
Let’s face it, Syracuse is not a good team. I give them credit for going 4-1 to start the season, but I would not be surprised if they don’t win a game the rest of the way out. I am pleased that we won this game the with that score, but I am not getting overly optimistic because of it.
Personally, I think we are closer to the team that played Miami than the team that played Syracuse… especially since we are expecting Wanny to lead us to national relevance (top-10 rankings with conference championships).
Yes we can beat the lower level teams, but can we beat the good ones? We will see the rest of the year…
Tino is making progress as is the O-line and the linebackers. There is now hope.
1. It was a win. A lot of teams lost on Saturday.
2. It was a conference win, so it’s one step toward the goal of winning the conference.
3. After opening with a tough OT loss, two unimpressive FCS wins, a beatdown loss and a loss to a hated rival team and coach, the players and coaches could have packed it in against the Orange – and many thought they would. They didn’t. They looked pretty good on both sides of the ball. So be happy about THIS ONE GAME.
That’s not asking you to be happy about the season, Wanny’s tenure, or the history of Pitt football since the ’80s. Just be happy about one good win and look forward to the next game against Rutgers on Saturday. It will make your day much more enjoyable.
I’ll withhold judgement on their progress.
The offensive line and Tino both appear to be progressing as the weeks go on, which is a good sign.
It’s tough for these teams to play a tough early schedule when you’re replacing a QB and most of the offensive line. For a team in that situation, Pitt was definitely ranked too high going into the year.
Florida and Penn State are both playing new QBs, and they haven’t lit the world on fire either.
These things take time.
There is, however, no excuse for the defense being unable to effectively defend against the spread.
Can someone explain to me who is the backup Punt Returner? Is it Ray Graham? He is part of the Kickoff return team, but not sure if he has the backup role for PRs too?
Cam Saddler (sans his “big” run vs. the Cuse) has been awful this year…and worse yet, appears to be playing scared. I feel like he is closer to botching than breaking one…
Why is the coaching staff so high on him? Please explain.
I believe as an anti-Wanny guy, I have been nothing but civil and reserved.
I do not agree with the both of you but I have not vehemently or viciously attacked you for your pro-stance.
I merely have pointed out that I have a different criteria for what I consider acceptable or successful for a college coach.
In fact, I am letting the season unfold to determine my arguement. As you know by now I think they are at parity with the Uconn/USF/Rutgers/Louisvill of the conference and lesser than WVU/Cincy. I think they will at best be 7-5, I consider that a failed season.
I have seen Cincy who has played 8 sophmores on the defensive side of the ball this season and look much better to be honest.
for every point you or I make There can be a counterpoint made. In the end it’s just an opinion.
I think it would be wrong to dismiss your Pro opinion, but please try to understand…I was once a Pro Wanny guy…I was excited about the hire… I was amazed at his recruiting ability, I reveled in his ability to build relationships that Walt had destroyed at the High School level. I rallied around his Pro Pitt attitude.
Many a time I wish that we could figure a way to keep Wanny the recruiter and get rid of Wanny the coach.
I just cannot accept what I have seen for 6 years for another decade…this guy will always lose a close game that matters which will prevent a BCS birth. Even Ziese in his blog said last year was the year Pitt needed to break that glass ceiling(in defense of your opinion :)).
He will never provide underclassmen the valuable in-game experience to develop, because he won’t pull away from lesser talented schools until the 4th Q.
He just plays it too close to the vest and when you rely on the bounce of the ball and not your execution it will come back to haunt you in a 12 game season.
Anyway, I don’t disparage your opinion, please try to understand that I do not share it and I have fairly sound reasons why I don’t share it.
One Thing we can agree on however…
HAIL TO PITT!
DaveD
The reason Saddler’s there is surely his potential to break the “big run” and until the Miami game, he had the guts to take chances on making that happen. IMHO the Miami fumble got into his head because it killed any momentum Pitt had going and contributed to the blowout score. Had to weigh heavy on him at the end of the ND game, especially with Wanny saying ‘Play safe’ on those last two ND punts.
I’m sure he can do the job, but, I for one would hate to risk him getting injured on a return. Much too valuable in the defensive backfield and Pitt’s thinner on talent there than at WR or RB.
DeVanzo, maybe you have a point. Perhaps DW should go out and try to recruit a QB who can complete 70% of his pass attempts against a BCS school, and who could throw, say, 4 TD passes without an interception and maybe gain at least 260 yards passing. But it would have to be against one of these schools that the odds-makers say that Pitt is no more than a 1 or 2 point favorite going into the game. If we had such a QB, maybe we could blow one of those “pick-’em” BCS schools out of the water by 30 points or better.
Where do you suggest that we begin our search for such a QB? (BTW, please help me out. What were Tino’s statistics for the Syracuse game?)
I don’t think I discussed the hit(s). Regardless I already sent my prayers to a link provided by CFT for a Rutgers site to send prayers.
Btw on a more personal note…my father attended but did not graduate Pitt back in the early 50’s. I believe I saw somewhere you were born in 1932.
If that is the case is there some way I could send you an e-mail to see if you knew my Dad?
We used to go to Pitt games every weekend (at least when I was in town).
I remember our last game together in Dec of 2001 and eating a Primanti’s together at Heinz Field for USF game (postponed due to 9/11).
Miss him everyday….sorry for the life story.
DaveD
I hate to call it out, but Wanny’s style of play (you would think) would put a premium on special teams. How many games have we blown (or led to a loss) due to poor special teams play?
Last year…cost us the BCS, almost the ND game. Miami game this year. Nebraska on the road a few years back. ND game this year.
Seems like we would have this area buttoned down, huh?
Special teams are Wanny’s. Again, I’d like to see him focus on being a CEO-type head coach. I’ll say no more on that subject.
Onto Butgers!!!