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December 19, 2013

No Luck With Nicholson

Filed under: Assistants,Coaches,Football,Recruiting — Chas @ 3:07 pm

Defensive back Montae Nicholson. A 4-star stud that Pitt really needed for the secondary opted for Michigan State today. If it wasn’t for the loss of Dravon Henry, I probably wouldn’t be too upset. Losing two potential big-time players from your own backyard. At a position you know will need help very soon. That isn’t good.

In Nicholson’s case, there was the extra knife twisting that he mentioned that his final two were Michigan State and Florida State.

I can’t fault a defensive player for choosing Michigan State. They play a hellacious defense and it is a huge emphasis. But it is impossible not to be disappointed.

And along with that disappointment, the urge to cast blame.

It is impossible not to look towards Matt House. The young defensive coordinator who did not exactly impress in his first year. His change of the type of coverage in the secondary, resulted in the corners struggling mightily all season. And seemed to go away from those players’ strength struggled mightily.

This is probably not the right time for me to get into Matt House. So I’m going to keep it simple.

I really, really want to be fair to House. It’s not his fault he was promoted to the spot. That’s on Head Coach Paul Chryst.

With that said, you take a position like that, you take the heat that comes with it. So far I have seen little on the field to suggest he should be a defensive coordinator. And his work in recruiting has been similarly lackluster.

Pitt is landing some really good recruits on the offensive side of the ball. To the point where Shai McKenzie would be nice, but not a big loss. But the defense needs some studs. Some players might develop or surprise, but it feels like it is heading for a rough go. He’s only got one game left with Aaron Donald to anchor that defense.





spiritofsection22 that is true but short sighted ND and texas and outhers pull in big bucks becuse of football and we could to.
i think that is what makes us so mad they could have a gold mine if they spent the money the old saying is you have to spend money to make money.
ND knows this
i know thoes in power dont want to see this but it is true there is big bucks in football for the school if they werent snobs they would know this
they do know this but the powers that be want to be above it lets hope the new man when he comes on board thinks more of money and less of being a snob

Comment by Frankcan 12.19.13 @ 8:59 pm

But Spirit, we both know that sports and not academics stirs the passion in people and creates traditions that differentiate schools. It is a shame that Pitt’s leaders don’t fully understand it. It is also a shame you were drafted by the Athletics. The Rangers could have used you I’m sure.

Comment by TX Panther 12.19.13 @ 9:02 pm

vayinzer there are some average D prospects left
dont think there are any good ones they have a shot at and am sure there are no great ones that are left on there list like the prospects they lost.

Comment by Frankcan 12.19.13 @ 9:07 pm

Spirit i was drafted bye uncle sam you know for vet nam does that count. just jokeing around to bad it was not the mets.

Comment by Frankcan 12.19.13 @ 9:10 pm

@john in sc, why the gnashing of teeth, why does this hurt so bad? Good question.

At least in my opinion, we won’t be any better until we have better players. While nothing is 100%, Dravon and Montae have the skills to be impact players. They have the size, speed, athleticism, and instincts to make what Tomlin calls splash plays.

If you want to tackle the 4.3 punt returner you need guys that can shed tackles, have enough speed to get there and agility to make the play. These two, are the kind of guys that can get it done.

If you want to compete with FSU, Miami, Clemson, Va Tech, Boston College and North Carolina we need more impact players.

We are losing four this year, two on either side of the ball, if anyone on this site does not know who they are, I would be surprised.

If we want to get better we need eight of them next year. We need to fill the pipeline every year.

These two players could have made a difference on special teams next year. Grimm and Bookser will not. We need four star players on the defensive side of the ball.

Wanny did not miss on too many of these type of guys. There will always be some that want to leave town, you can’t win them all, but we need to win more.

Like was said before, we had the best player in the country this year. More kids should want to follow in his footsteps, to be the next AD.

Where are they?

Comment by gc 12.19.13 @ 9:23 pm

While we cannot win with WPA boys alone, we cannot win without the best of them. We need to do better.

Comment by gc 12.19.13 @ 9:28 pm

Let’s put the shoe on the other foot. Imagine you are a MSU fan. If you lose a player to Pitt, how would you feel? Just won b1g, going to Rose Bowl, great defense, Narduzzi Broyles, Great HC…As a Pitt fan I’m almost sold. We are who we are…It is what it is. H2P!

Comment by Bones 12.19.13 @ 9:30 pm

Leaving same shoe on MSU foot. On campus stadium, good crowd, atmosphere, alumni. ….championships? What’s throwing money do?

Comment by Bones 12.19.13 @ 9:38 pm

Bones, we are a BCS program with the most unqualified coordinator. Many of us travel long distance to attend games, and give the program our constant attention. At least in return, we need an attempt of trying to be successful.

Comment by wbb 12.19.13 @ 9:39 pm

gc you have woke up that was well said and all very true glad to see you get it. with out good players you can be just so good and no better. you are right on the button or you hit the nail on the head.

Comment by Frankcan 12.19.13 @ 9:40 pm

Wbb you also hit the nail on the head you speak the truth.

Comment by Frankcan 12.19.13 @ 9:43 pm

Spirit – I agree with you. By the way Congrats on being drafted by the A’s and Frankscan – God Bless you for your service!

Comment by Upittbaseball 12.19.13 @ 9:55 pm

gc well said. Perfect assessment of the importance of players like Henry and Nicholson. I didn’t expect Nicholson but getting neither him nor Henry really hurts. Heck, better to get both, because one of them may not pan out.

To get higher rated recruits and turn around a program like Pitt, you need to sell it HARD. If not the HC, then somebody on the staff needs to be able to close a sale.

My expectation is that Pitt does everything within the rules possible to get their top targeted recruits. This supposed approach they are taking: “this is what we are, and by gosh we sure hope you like us enough to come play for us”…well I can’t think of anywhere that would work. Even Alabama has to compete for recruits.

In this day and age, in big time college athletics, slow and steady is not going to win the race. And 2 impact players in every recruiting class results in 6-6 And Pizza Bowls from now ever after.

Comment by Iron Duke 12.19.13 @ 10:01 pm

Iron Duke i could not say it as good as you you are so right you speak the truth,
we really do need a top notch recruiter we need a real good sales men .
i dont think the forest gump approach will get us over the top.

Comment by Frankcan 12.19.13 @ 10:10 pm

I know this is just one indicator, but according to ncaa football.com our total defense ranked 42nd and our total offense ranked 102nd in the FBS this season. That is how you get to 6-6. Fixing the OL has to be our priority. It appears that HCPC is on the path to doing that.

Comment by HbgFrank 12.19.13 @ 10:33 pm

info for you i just went over all the sites that list players we have been recruiting and except for the 4 star WR who we still have a shot at the rest are all 2 or 3 star players.
as bugs bunny used to say thats all foks
i mean it we can not get any more great players this year just 2 and 3 stars left so 22 might be all we take this year unless he brings more of what we have all ready have just to get to 25.

Comment by Frankcan 12.19.13 @ 10:49 pm

HbgFrank, you’re right, I’ll give them an “A” for offensive line recruiting. We’ve had what, four 4+ star O-line recruits under HCPC? That has to pay off at some point. But not much so far on D. I fear a big drop off w/out Donald next year.

I wish I could be more patient, but I see other schools with new coaches having success and I want some of that. You know I hope I’m wrong and all these 3-star guys become the next AD, but that’s like hitting the lottery, not good odds.

Comment by Iron Duke 12.19.13 @ 11:06 pm

HbgFrank, agreed, I am happy with the recruiting on offense, no doubt it is needed. But 42nd shouldn’t make you happy and that was with the great Aaron Donald and a lot of tackles by Hendricks and Gordon.

We need to reload on defense and need more quality players. I don’t see the pass rush getting better next year, or enough impact players.

Thomas will make a lot of tackles if he does not leave and Gonzalez got better. Vinopal plays hard but is too small and slow to cover many in the ACC. Williams is gone leaving Pitts who did not have a good year.

Our defensive ends just are not good enough to get it done.

We need at least two 4 star guys a year on both sides of the ball, we are getting them on the O, but not the D.

Comment by gc 12.19.13 @ 11:10 pm

“Turning down the Panthers— who have also been rebuffed by recent Aliquippa commits Dravon Henry and Jaleel Fields — was “ridiculously hard,” he said. But Nicholson said he felt closer to several coaches on Michigan State’s staff.

The choice surprised his parents. Crawford used to work at Pitt, and his father — also named Montae — is a Pitt alum. ”

Read more: link to triblive.com

So let me get this straight….his mother worked at PITT and his father is a PITT alum.
And House is a Michigan State grad.

Something in this equation doesn’t meet the smell test.

We lost the Apke kid from Mt. Lebo and his dad was Steve Apke who played LB for PITT. And his coach was none other than PITT LB coach Chris Haering.

These guys can’t only not coach, they’re incredible bumblers when it comes to recruiting.

Just incredulous !

Comment by Emel 12.20.13 @ 1:24 am

I’ve said this to the point of nauseam…A 1st time head coach with all of his experience on the offensive side of the ball just cannot have a defensive staff this green. This may ultimately be Chryst’s downfall.

Minus Palermo, who does have almost 30 years experience. Although amazingly at schools such as Austin Peay, Memphis State, Tennessee Tech, Middle Tennessee, and Appalachian St, none of them are as a coordinator, this staff is in over their heads.

Inoke Brecterfield, who may be their best defensive coach, 3 years, 3 schools, all D line.

Chris Haering a high school coach his whole career.

And the leader of this group, Matt House, has a few stops at Buffalo, Gardner Webb, and North Carolina as a position coach totaling 4 yrs. Plus a couple years in the NFL as a quality control assistant.

This inexperience, plus a lack of talent on D is a recipe for total disaster…

Comment by Pap76 12.20.13 @ 1:49 am

Spirit…22:

I thought we’d be 4-8 so 6-6 is an improvement. However, expectations and judgments are made each time the team plays. There’s a chance we’re going to lose to BG in a big way with our offense stifled. A loss in Detroit will not help the program.

Comment by TonyinHouston 12.20.13 @ 6:05 am

Unfortunately we’re blowing smoke. The trustees love Nordy,the Pittsburgh sports community awarded him the Dapper Dan Award, and worthless Steve Pederson is going to hang around until his contract is up (no one else wants him).

So when Pitt contacts us with their numerous fund-raising requests, consider just how little impact fans have on the direction of the football program.

Comment by TonyinHouston 12.20.13 @ 6:08 am

MikePitt:

You forgot to add: Nordenberg’s obsessions include aggressive expanding of UPMC throughout the region. He cares a whole lot about that. Surely the trustees are going to pick a Nordy clone to replace him. Heinz and Peterson provide TV venues for free UPMC advertising.

Comment by TonyinHouston 12.20.13 @ 6:19 am

Some great comments on here. The reality is that PITT will move on, but everyone is right who says that you need these types of athletes to compete and win in the ACC. Worse, is that they are both in our backyard. There aren’t as many 4/5 star players in WPA anymore so when there are: Foster, Henry, Nicholson…PITT needs to be successful and land most of them. Its not like Florida where you can get another 4/5 star prospect. Losing a kid to MSU, OSU, or UM isn’t surprising but PITT needs to do a better job with the elite local prospects. They just have to.

Next year is a big year. Still like the class, as its building depth, but it would have looked a lot better with Henry and or Nicholson.

Keep the faith.

H2P!

Comment by VAYinzer 12.20.13 @ 6:41 am

Henry, Nicholson… these are just the names we know.

How many other recruits and their families are being TURNED OFF by HOUSE but who will forever remain nameless?

Comment by PittofDreams 12.20.13 @ 6:52 am

McKenzie later today. Not holding any breath.

All signs pointing to VaTech.

Comment by PittofDreams 12.20.13 @ 7:06 am

TX Panther, Really?

“But Spirit, we both know that sports and not academics stirs the passion in people and creates traditions that differentiate schools. It is a shame that Pitt’s leaders don’t fully understand it. It is also a shame you were drafted by the Athletics. The Rangers could have used you I’m sure.”

There is a school located just a few blocks from the Pitt campus that you may want to think about. No renowned athletic programs, but quite a tradition. It’s called Carnegie Mellon University.

Comment by Barvo 12.20.13 @ 7:20 am

Would be great to get McKenzie, but also not holding any breath.

Good article on PPG PITT Redshirt Diaries about Nicholson. Puts a good perspective on HCPC and local elite recruits:

link to blogs.post-gazette.com

Comment by VAYinzer 12.20.13 @ 7:21 am

I slept off my depression. It didn’t help. Maybe Shai surprises us in a good way today and says that Pitt’s recruiting staff is great and he’s excited about the direction of the program. Haven’t heard that since the Wanny days.

Once Nordy retires I am sure he will be sitting on the UPMC board and doing paid consulting work. Pitt TV games are a great way to advertise the Frankenstein he helped create.

Comment by TX Panther 12.20.13 @ 7:23 am

I think you don’t understand tradition. You mean CMU’s tradition of attending class, winning robotic awards, recruiting 1600 SAT students, having some of the ugliest women students? If so I’ll give you that. But the college memories that most normal people hold dear are those that surround sporting events. Why are you even on this blog? Go to some academic one and see if you can find or create some traditions around sticking your nose in a book.

Comment by TX Panther 12.20.13 @ 7:29 am

Saying Dravon Henry and Montae Nicholson would have contributed immediately or would have been three or four year starters is making a huge assumption.

It is not that big of a deal.

Comment by notrocketscience 12.20.13 @ 7:35 am

Nicholson is an amazingly fluid athlete. A much bigger loss than Henry in my opinion.

Comment by PittofDreams 12.20.13 @ 7:41 am

a much needed heart-warming story

link to cleveland.com

Comment by wbb 12.20.13 @ 7:46 am

Given the turmoil that has existed in Pitt FB for years, it does not surprise me that certain 18 year olds want to leave. This isn’t anything new. How many high school seniors in this area want to stay here, athletes or not? I bet not many because they think the grass is greener on the other side. It has been that way for some time. For some it is. For others it’s a pipe dream.

Chryst deserves about four recruiting classes to turn things around. Yes, the local recruiting needs to improve. Yes, we all hate smiling Steve.
Yes, House did a poor job as DC. Two of those things can be easily fixed. We’re stuck with smiling Steve until a new Chancellor is selected who puts his own people in place.

Comment by Penguins Fan 12.20.13 @ 8:11 am

Nice story wbb, was not aware of the blood clot.

Great to hear Pinkston is back.

The sad thing reading the red shirt diaries is how few 4 star players there are in the region. That’s why it hurts to lose the only two in two years.

Since it is even harder to win the ones from out of town, good to have a coach who is supposed to win with three stars.

Comment by gc 12.20.13 @ 8:28 am

Thanks for the link, VAYinzer, that was an even handed synopsis of where we stand at this juncture. Notrocketscience, although you are attempting to calm the emotional hysteria that is created when Pitt is dissed by a high level recruit, your opinion of “no big deal” in itself is a rationalization. This recruiting class is in dire need of defensive recruits, most importantly the front seven. Even though Henry and Nicholson are both DBs their addition to this class would have done nothing but improve it’s stock overall.

Not getting either of them hurts, they could have been contributors right away on special teams IMO. However it is not a sign that Pitt’s recruiting efforts are abysmal, but lets not kid ourselves, we sure could have used both of these guys, dearly.

Now concerning McKenzie, IMO, he is not an essential get for this team considering that we have three RB’s committed already in this class, and two of them are higher level recruits who could make an immediate impact if they live up to their potential. The real important ones left out there now are both Jennings and Kamara. Even though we have some upcoming talent waiting in the wings to replace Street next season, like Zach Challingsworth, we NEED fresh troops in the pipeline at the WR position. These guys are them. If we miss on both of them then I would call the late recruiting push for Chryst and Co. a failure. If we get one of them, then we are OK. If somehow we snag both of these guys, then that would be great for the program going forward and it should sure help to quiet down the current whining that dominates this blog as of today.

We’ll know soon enough about Shai but if he goes elsewhere, that in fact will be “nobig deal” but please give us at least one wide receiver to compliment Boyd, that is essential!

Comment by Dr. Tom 12.20.13 @ 8:47 am

@wbb Thanks for the headsup on the story.

Comment by spiritofsection22 12.20.13 @ 9:25 am

Pat Narduzzi receives $558,000 per year at Mich St as dc. House is a bush league dc in a program that is going to magnificent Detroit while the Spartans will be smelling the roses.
Given the choices between programs in their current states it is easy to understand Nicholson’s decision.
Programs in Pitt’s position have one priority//////Sell the vision of a promising future////ummmm let me think Narduzzi or House///// say goodbye to Mr. Nicholson.

Comment by Isnore 12.20.13 @ 9:36 am

I call the people that control things at Pitt the “plaid crowd”. To understand them helps to understand their choices like Smilin’ Steve. The plaid crowd is offended that a coach makes more than a head of a department at the hospital. The plaid crowd was offended by Tiger Paul and saw him as an embarrassment. The plaid crowd fired Jock Sutherland and lost us Jackie Sherrill. The plaid crowd sees athletics as Neanderthal activity in their advanced world. I could go on and on but in short they don’t see sports as we do and never will. The plaid crowd runs Pitt and every once in awhile things get away from them and we succeed athletically. When that happens they pull in the sails and throw out the anchor.

Comment by spiritofsection22 12.20.13 @ 9:37 am

SofS22, you date yourself, the plaid crowd has evolved to the pinstripe crowd, long ago. The essence of your post is appreciated however, irrespective as to the current fashion statement that is in vogue.

Comment by Dr. Tom 12.20.13 @ 9:44 am

@spirit, couldn’t agree more.

Leads to wonder though, WHY??

Tons of other universities embrace academics and athletics. Studies have found (google them), top athletics help bring in more money for the university as a whole. Applications go up. Prestige for the university goes up.

I hate cliches’, but it’s a win win for everyone to have excellent academics and athletics.

Who are these people at Pitt??

Are they trying to be Princeton or Yale??

Do they think they are better than most academically???

There are about 125 Div 1 football schools. We can make fun of some of them, but when you get serious and have an adult conversation, guess what……..

Every one of those schools, has students and alumni that think their school is a top academic institution. No reason they shouldn’t either. Most of them are.

Make fun of Alabama?? Tell that to the Alabama engineer alum who’s making 6 figures. Bet he thinks Alabama is a pretty good school.

The girl at Miss. St, who just got her teaching degree and already has a job. Bet she thinks Miss.St can’t be beat.

My point being. Why sacrifice athletics or look down on it, at the price of what???

We’re a great academic institution, world renowned, and I’m prouder than a peacock to be an alum.

Guess what though, there are hundreds and hundreds of great colleges and universities across this country.

Look at the football top 40. Great athletics and academics certainly can co-exist, not only that, they can prosper and flourish.

Comment by Dan 12.20.13 @ 9:53 am

Dr. Tom, The plaid I am referring to doesn’t go in and out of style it is the kind of plaid a Presbyterian minister might wear. Kind of like the plaid in the kilts of the old Scottish regimen. Bagpipes at a funeral plaid.

Comment by spiritofsection22 12.20.13 @ 9:58 am

Missing on BOTH Henry & Nicholson just plain HURTS 🙁

DISAPPOINTING & DISCOURAGING

Comment by The Truth 12.20.13 @ 10:12 am

SofS22, so are you implying that the strings at the University are still being pulled by those who are of old money that have traditionally rubbed elbows with the family types with last names like Carnegie?

I’m more inclined to think that “new money” business types are the influencial movers and shakers in the University policy and politics these days, although that is just speculation on my part. Hence my fashion statement reference.

And I concur with The Truth, he speaks, the truth.

Comment by Dr. Tom 12.20.13 @ 10:29 am

Dr.Tom, I have never met any of these people and I have no real knowledge they exist. This is just how I see them in my minds eye so to speak. You might be way more accurate as to their actual appearance. Sport to the people I imagine involves horses, rifles, and hounds.

Comment by spiritofsection22 12.20.13 @ 10:42 am

We need Jeff Hafley back.

Comment by Hoss 12.20.13 @ 10:46 am

Love what Howland and Dixon have done for our basketball program, couldn’t ask for much more.

However, we caught lightning in a bottle.

Think of this for a moment.

Just suppose, SUPPOSE, no rumors here, just a thought, that if Coach Dixon did take a job somewhere else. West Coast, whatever.

Picture the coaching search in your mind.

Sean Miller?? Ha Ha, he commands the big bucks now.

Some other big name out there. That’s a laugh.

The search committee would take a couple weeks, rumors would fly, wild speculation would occur, names tossed around left and right.

Then Smug Smilin’ Steve would hold a news conference, to introduce the new coach.

An assistant from St. Louis Univ., the head coach from Montana St. or the head recruiter from Maryland-Eastern Shore.

That’s it folks, that’s what we’re dealing with.

Comment by Dan 12.20.13 @ 10:47 am

That’s why I laugh sometimes at people getting mad at Dixon and calling for someone else. (only a few, but they pop on here).

Guys, if that would happen, we ain’t gettin’ John Wooden or Adolph Rupp!!

Would I like some Final Fours, sure, who wouldn’t, but you have to look at the whole picture. You can dream, but it ain’t happening from these people.

So, no matter what happens in hoops, we should be really thankful that we have Dixon.

Comment by Dan 12.20.13 @ 10:50 am

Fact – Sean would have taken the job when he was at Xavier. So Arizona and its history had the foresight to hire him but our morons didn’t. Sorry but Miller and Dixon are on way different levels in respect to style, swag, coaching and recruiting. I’d take Archie over Dixon. Look at the guard he recruited to Dayton!

Comment by Upittbaseball 12.20.13 @ 11:04 am

@Dan, Dixon is making more than what they would like to pay now. They know they have a good thing in basketball but if he were to have success and command a large bump I can see them the plaid crowd saying no. The scenario as to them replacing him would probably be more ridiculous than when they hired him. My guess is they would probably bring Howland back on the cheap, kind of Johny Majors.

Comment by spiritofsection22 12.20.13 @ 11:11 am

Upittbaseball, I can’t fault the plaid set for not hiring Sean Miller out of Xavier. Arizona had a need and an opening ,Pitt didn’t. You might prefer Miller and I like him and think he is a fine coach but it isn’t like Dixon had done something wrong and deserved to go. He has done more for Pitt hoops than anyone in the programs history, but you would have fired him? Your suggestion strikes me as absurd. Furthermore so far Sean hasn’t done anything better than Dixon. You say he recruits better, then how come he doesn’t have better results? You like his style better, so we should fire Dixon for style? Swag, come on.

Comment by spiritofsection22 12.20.13 @ 11:22 am

Spirit – Dixon got Pitt to a certain level but his results imply that’s as far as he can go. Yes, I would fire a successful coach for a better coach. If you had a stock that returned 10% a year that would be considered very good. But wouldn’t you sell that stock and buy another one if it returned 20%??? That’s my point. Maybe you aren’t paying attention but while we are losing to a bad Cincy team with 3 losses and we don’t score a bucket in 10 minutes Miller has AZ ranked #1 and he beats great teams like Duke and Michigan. He has balls and goes and plays good team while Dixon schedules Slippery F-ing Rock. Yes, I would have fired Dixon only after I called Sean and he confirmed he would take the job which he wanted before AZ came calling.

Comment by Upittbaseball 12.20.13 @ 11:54 am

Upittbaseball, Your analogy doesn’t fly. The stock change doubles the investment. Dixon’s record is as good as Miller’s and at the time you suggest you would have made this change it was better. Dixon has beaten Duke and played Michigan tough last year when they were way better than this years team. Cincinnati has lost twice not 3 times by the way. I am a Sean Miller fan but he isn’t so much better than Dixon that we should have fired the best coach we have ever had to get him. Calling our people “Morons” for not making the impractically bizarre move you suggest is for lack of a better word moronic.

Comment by spiritofsection22 12.20.13 @ 12:46 pm

Spirit – I guess we just have to agree to disagree. I do like the moronic call to my morons comment. Let’s see what the season brings. I like AZ to maybe win it all.

Comment by Upittbaseball 12.20.13 @ 12:53 pm

You could argue that you would rather have Miller as a coach , but the way you suggested we get him strikes me as wrong. I wouldn’t be banking the farm on AZ this year either. We have one common opponent Texas Tech and we beat them by almost identical margins with our game at a neutral site. Michigan doesn’t impress me this year and I think we will handle Duke at the Pete. The ranking is nice but I would be very surprised if AZ is around beyond the sweet 16. The West Coast just doesn’t face the competition that we see in the East and Midwest. Sean is a great coach and I hope he does well.

Comment by spiritofsection22 12.20.13 @ 1:03 pm

I don’t mind losing any of the recruits over the past few days. I like our current RB recruits. I watched Nicholson and can see him playing as a middle linebacker, short choppy strides. CB is the one that we could use but only if we would put him on an island like Revis. I will now go a different angle as I typically do in these matters.

I put much of this on our Athletic Director and marketing department and here is why. Pitt is bashed bi-weekly in the media with no retort. Smizik, Collier, go down the list. In Columbus, OSU owns the media. In State Pennery, they do too. Try getting any negativity in Alabama or West Virgina, or Clemson, or Tallahassee. We know what they do for police investigations. The point is that the universities have outreach programs and communications and government programs that get to the decision-makers in the media and make deals. Pitt doesn’t and the AD is viewed as incompetent at best.

Who would have let the women’s bball team go winless in the big east? Our guy did after many terrible seasons. Who was in charge when heroin was being used by our athletes? Steve P. Who was allowed to schedule the weakest baseball schedule in the nation, just to get a high winning percentage? Steve P. Trustees don’t look at SOS. They actually thought Pitt was great. Go to swimming, go to track, go to soccer, go to softball, go to lacrosse(?), go to hockey. Let’s face it, Pitt is the victim of accepted mediocrity.

This next part pains me to say. Who thinks that academically we are superior? Pitt is not. Let’s admit that. We are above average, but the rankings are manipulated. My word folks. The universities hire people that study rankings and how to manipulate them. It is business.

How many of the top programs in Division 1 share a stadium with a pro team? That should answer your question. The AD convinced the chancellor to go cheap. To get back on point, the recruiting is fine gentlemen. We can’t complain about the oline recruiting or running backs or quarterbacks or tight ends. We need a quality WR. We have a real nice kicker. We need some defensive help. I would stay after Henry but I like our DL recruits. Need a back 7.

Comment by dhuffdaddy 12.20.13 @ 11:34 pm

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