Cue outrage from Clemson and FSU fans over this decision, because, well at this point it seems that whatever the ACC does they feel they are being screwed by it. They complained about the ACC schedule and the non-con scheduling headaches. Then when they went to 9, it was about how they were losing money from not having the extra home game. So, I’m sure they will still find reason to complain.
The good thoughts for Syracuse, they have played well in their small sample size of Friday night home games. That sample size is primarily last year’s beatdown on West Virginia. Getting them out to a 5-2 start before losing five straight, including the season finale versus Pitt. The bad news, they haven’t beaten Pitt since Paul Pasqualoni was still in charge.
The Orange will receive a boost with the return of 2011 All-Big East left tackle Justin Pugh, who’s been out with a Calf injury. Pugh says he has his own motivation heading into Friday’s game.
“It’s my first game back,” says an excited Pugh, “I‘ve never beaten Pitt so I’m a little amped for that, I’m just ready to get out there and play and beat these guys.”
Seven straight years of losses to Pitt. The only team in the Big East, against whom Wannstedt was perfect. Let that sink in for a bit.
Pugh was also coming back from off-season shoulder surgery. Something that had more to do with his absence in the first four games than the calf injury.
Pitt got a verbal yesterday, Reginald (or Reggie) Green out of New Jersey. He plays quarterback and safety, but is considered to be an “athlete.”
“The area is beautiful,” Green said. “The school, the campus, the city. The coaching staff was really great. The players I talked to were really nice, good people. It just felt like I place I felt at home at.”
Green picked Pitt over Temple. He had also received offers from Boston College, UMass, Michigan State, N.C. State, Rutgers and Central Florida.
“They project me as an athlete on the offensive side of the ball,” Green said.
Scout.com and 24/7 both consider him a 3-star recruit. Rivals.com puts him down for 2-stars.
