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October 9, 2015

I know some of us have been putting our predictions down in Justin’s “Hoo’s Your Enemy” article but here is a separate thread for our guesses so that we can look back easily and see who knows what they are talking about when it comes to how Pitt does in actual games.

Speaking of which I have a 1-3 record so far this year, told you I sucked at that, but I’m thinking the passing games gets its feet under itself and the OL starts to come together now that there seems to be less substitutions there.  So the offense should be more productive with a more consistent running game.  Our defense gets better week to week but I think UVa gets two or three big plays.  We’ll give up some points but not more than we score.

While the Hoos may not stack up at that well in comparison to the other college football teams, we’ve seen other lightly regarded opponents come into Heinz and turn the tables. However, I do agree that Narduzzi and staff have done a good job keeping the kids up and focused for action.

As a reminder. these linked Pitt vs. Virginia Game Notes are essential for good Pitt football watching.  The whole publication is 41 pages long but for an individual game I print out pages 1, 3, 4, and 5.  Those are the game overview (pg 1) and then the Pitt Two-Deep and rosters (pgs 3-5).  The Pitt media dept does an excellent job with this coming out every week.

My thoughts?  The good weather, coming off a nice away conference win, and the possibility of showcasing the team at Homecoming points to a 34-21 Pitt win.

Yeah us!

Note: Yesterday I let Chas and Justin know that  I’m going to be backing away from the Blather as I have been working on a fictional novel  for the last few months, set in PGH in the early 1970s BTW, and a publishing company’s editor read what I had done to date and told me I need to finish it and send it out as soon as possible as she thought it had ‘good legs’.  So that’s what I’m going to do.  It will take up the time and energy that I have been giving to The Blather.

I’ll still try to get something up every once in a while but not on the scale I been doing for the last five years.  Of course I’ll read and comment as I always do.  Thanks for everything and it has been great fun to be with everyone… See you at the games!

 





Reed If you need any personal insights for your novel about the concerts back in the day between 1971 to 1975 held at the Syria Mosque, I would be an excellent resource. Also I would be an authority on any details regarding all the Burgh’s local head shops that used to be located between Oakland and Squirrel Hill. Spent many a misguided day in all of them.

Back to predictions. Pitt 38, UVA 14, in a pretty dominant win by the Panthers. Boyd and Peterman hook up for a couple TD’s and we win going away.

Comment by Dr. Tom 10.09.15 @ 2:12 pm

~ FoolofPitt

The ancient railroad system in America is another indicator of the Gov’t/Corporations not investing in rebuilding America’s infrastructure.

But the Gov’t did give hundreds of millions to GM to build new plants oversees. While cities like Detroit have collapsed.

Just incredulous !

Comment by Emel 10.09.15 @ 2:18 pm

Reed… you’re a tremendous writer. Extremely coherent.

Curious if this is your first attempt at writing the “Great American Novel.”

Guessing this one might have something to do with the rise of a certain Pittsburgh football team but NOT directly related?

Comment by PittofDreams 10.09.15 @ 2:20 pm

I believe there is a tremendous opportunity right now for this football team. There’s a lot of frustration around the pro teams right now – Big Ben is hurt and a lot of people hate Vick, the Pirates just ended on a terrible note and the Penguins just started off with a clunker last night with horrendous D and lack of scoring that resembled their early exit last year. A dominating and aggressive win on Homecoming could help capitalize on the “potential following” that I believe is there for the taking. Let’s hope we can make it happen. However, the past 20 years of Pitt football have taught me to expect otherwise. So even though I’m conditioned to think we blow this game, I’m going against that and saying we win.
Pitt 27
VA 16

Comment by JJ 10.09.15 @ 2:28 pm

@fram – truly sad news about the son of a true Pitt Panther – here is the GoFundMe page for anyone interested

link to gofundme.com

Good luck Skyler

H2P!!!

Comment by Pitt Dad 10.09.15 @ 2:40 pm

Spindler…good to know if they actually were to sell that many…However, no way in hell did they sell 5K Pitt tickets to that game. I looked up at the section above where they were allotted and all I saw was a sea of Iowa Black & Gold.

Completely agree that Season Ticket holders should have 1st dibs…makes sense. But they wouldn’t even allow non-season ticket holders to be on a waiting list in case the allotment wasn’t snatched up by them.

I’ll have to get the ESPN3 replay of the game as my 5 yr old son just started playing on the U8 hockey team in CO so now I have hockey games during my football watching day.

Comment by rYm0 10.09.15 @ 2:42 pm

Best of luck Reed. Your passion will lead you to higher ground. Appreciate all your hard work on Blather. You bleed Blue and Gold (Not Vegas).

Prediction:
Pitt (not Pittsburgh) 35
UVA 17

Comment by TX Panther 10.09.15 @ 2:43 pm

Solid defensive effort overall again. UVA keeps it close going into the half, 17-10.

Pitt shuts the door in the second half and wins, 38-13. H2P.

Comment by JSS 10.09.15 @ 2:44 pm

@Reed – your insights will be missed but best of luck. As the father of an author with 7 published novels and a few more coming, I know how hard it is to get published these days. Make sure you have a good agent fighting for your interests. It isn’t over once it’s in print – marketing is everything.

H2P!!!

Comment by Pitt Dad 10.09.15 @ 2:46 pm

I actually had an article published in a Contract Management journal back in ’94. I was shocked that it wasn’t considered for a Pulitzer

Comment by wbb 10.09.15 @ 3:56 pm

many recruits tomorrow according to Pantherlair (don’t have list), nice day and hopefully good crowd.

And remember to take a good look at the logo at mid-field tomorrow

Comment by wbb 10.09.15 @ 4:10 pm

@@@@@@

Pitt givning 7 to UVA tomorrow….take the points and UVA.

Would be sweet if we get the W

Comment by JR 10.09.15 @ 4:15 pm

Reed –

Best of luck to you on your venture, thanks for all of the time you put into the blog.

Comment by 1618matt 10.09.15 @ 4:41 pm

Reed

Good luck. Your coverage will be missed.

Comment by notrocketscience 10.09.15 @ 5:08 pm

Reed, I just tweeted Coach Narduzzi to inform him of your plans to back away from contributing to the Pitt Blather. He’ll most likely dedicate this game to you after informing the team of this news. So I guess since this will be a “win one for the Reedster” kind of have to guarantee a Panther win tomorrow, right?

Comment by Dr. Tom 10.09.15 @ 5:08 pm

Good luck Reed. I think the game will be a little closer than most. 24-19 Pitt. H2P

Comment by shawn 10.09.15 @ 5:09 pm

OMG…..not the dreaded….Many Possible Recruits in the Stands stigma.

Anything but that.

why did you have to bring that up !

Comment by Emel 10.09.15 @ 5:18 pm

The light rail in Pgh is slowly expanding. It has high passenger numbers but you don’t build a rail system quickly.

The mayor is the most progressive mayor the city has seen in decades.

Comment by notrocketscience 10.09.15 @ 5:22 pm

Whoever posted the SB Nation Schadenfreude, thank you !

That was very entertaining. And some people think we’re bad.

Comment by Emel 10.09.15 @ 5:22 pm

It took Charlotte 7 years from money being allocated for…. to completing their Light Rail Line.

Would you consider that long, notrocket ?

Comment by Emel 10.09.15 @ 5:27 pm

I’m with Pap76,going with Pitt Winning 30-20! Best of luck Reed with your novel! If you need any info on the Mon Valley in the 70s, feel free to contact me.

Comment by PittPT 10.09.15 @ 6:05 pm

Pittsburgh has several traffic choke points and light rail can only help alleviate those points. It seems that the first new rail might be the one to connect Oakland to downtown. Might be better for students to use that then the lame busses to Heinz, maybe even a new FB stadium near campus next to the new rail eventually hopefully.

Comment by Frank MD 10.09.15 @ 6:12 pm

Stillers have 5 Ohio Fakesters on their roster.

Get with the program already.

Aaron Donald would have looked good in Black & Gold !

Comment by Emel 10.09.15 @ 6:23 pm

Aaron Donald would look good on any team.

Comment by shawn 10.09.15 @ 6:31 pm

Need advise. The last home Pitt game for me was at Pitt Stadium. What is the best place / way to get to the game if coming in from the north?

Comment by 9-2,8-4,11-1,11-1,11-1 10.09.15 @ 6:35 pm

Aaron Donald was gone when the Steelers drafted, but that doesn’t fit with your agenda.

Comment by Nick 10.09.15 @ 6:38 pm

Come down whatever highway is closest to you(parkway north, 28), go across Ft. Duquesne Bridge, get off on Ft Duquesne Blvd(left middle lane), park at one of the garages in town for $5-7, & take the T over to Heinz. The T gets very packed after the game so you are better off walking back over to town.

Comment by Nick 10.09.15 @ 6:45 pm

Good luck with the book Reed! I’m always looking for a good read. Keep us posted on your progress. Thanks for all your hard work on the Blather.

Comment by Annie 10.09.15 @ 7:02 pm

Pouring rain again at Va Tech

agree with parking downtown as opposed to North Shore

Comment by wbb 10.09.15 @ 7:04 pm

So you’re saying Heinz Field has a parking and traffic issue? And we moved off campus because parking and traffic would be a non-issue. Who the fuck made that decision again?

Comment by TX Panther 10.09.15 @ 7:10 pm

Nick Thanks

Comment by 9-2,8-4,11-1,11-1,11-1 10.09.15 @ 7:17 pm

If you think traffic is bad going to a Pitt game, you need a f-ing clue. Get out of Pittsburgh once in a while.

Comment by notrocketscience 10.09.15 @ 7:35 pm

~ Nick

And what is that ?

Comment by Emel 10.09.15 @ 7:44 pm

Ever hear of trading up to get a great player ?

duh

Comment by Emel 10.09.15 @ 7:47 pm

Meanwhile NC State’s QB has rushed for more yardage in one quarter than he did the first 5 games against VT.

Comment by Emel 10.09.15 @ 7:51 pm

Well maybe he is just having a great game?

Comment by shawn 10.09.15 @ 7:57 pm

Hey and so did the ECU QB against VT.

What a coincidence, huh ?

Comment by Emel 10.09.15 @ 8:16 pm

Well maybe its not so bad since only 30k actually attend games. Parking is becoming more limited on the North shore. The advantage that Heinz had 15 years ago over old Pitt stadium in terms of parking and access is gone. Light rail to Oakland and extension of the subway are no brainers to me. But Pittsburgh doesnt lead the nation on being progressive. Leadership is the key. Look what Leadership has done with the athletic program was Corncob and Nerdburger were pushed aside.

Comment by TX Panther 10.09.15 @ 9:06 pm

‘was’ = once

Comment by TX Panther 10.09.15 @ 9:07 pm

They’ve talked about extending the T and other options such as BRT between Downtown and Oakland for years, it never sees the light of day. It’s way too obviously a good idea. Maybe if there was a casino there…

I’ve never had any significant issues with traffic getting to and from Heinz for Pitt games other than this year with Parkway West construction. If attendance were better, it might be more of an issue.

Reed best of luck man. Really appreciate your contributions on here, you will be missed. Don’t be a stranger.

Va Tech looking good vs. the Wolfpack. Pitt covers tomorrow.

Comment by Iron Duke 10.09.15 @ 9:18 pm

VT looking good tonight. Makes the Panthers win all the more impressive.

Comment by TX Panther 10.09.15 @ 9:18 pm

That’s one long post pittman4ever. Maybe Reed can turn this into a novel 🙂

Anyway, good luck with your novel Reed. Stop by and say hellow from time to time.

Pitt 31 – Virginia 10

Comment by Jackagain 10.09.15 @ 9:25 pm

Reed, going to miss your writings. Kept me going to the blather. Good luck with the novel.

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 10.09.15 @ 9:56 pm

Tonight’s VT offense is operating at a much more productive rate than last week. Same guys, maybe Pitt actually has a pretty good defense.

Comment by Dr. Tom 10.09.15 @ 9:59 pm

Oh yeah my prediction for tomorrow is:

Pitt 28
UVA 13

With the game closer than the score until the offense finally gets in gear in the 4th quarter.

Comment by deepelemblues 10.09.15 @ 10:06 pm

Whoever posted the SB Nation Schadenfreude, thank you !
That was very entertaining. And some people think we’re bad.

Comment by Emel 10.09.15 @ 5:22 pm

That was me and I hoped more would read it. Puts the great folks on this thread in perspective. Emel – you and I don’t agree 1/2 the time but we keep it civil and respectful most of the time and try to use facts and our love for Pitt as our base.

Comment by htp123 10.09.15 @ 10:07 pm

Thanks for all your time, effort and talent on The Blather, Reed. You’ve entertained us all with your wit, intellect and controversial posts. Hope to see you tomorrow at the game.
D picks up where it left off in Blacksburg
Special teams produce a TD
O break through game drops 30 plus
Pitt wins big.

Comment by Panther Fan in Hoopieland 10.09.15 @ 10:16 pm

Pitt 28-7.

As for history in the 70’s, about all I know is when the Steelers were going to go to the super bowl for the first time, some of their parents made tassel caps and other handmade clothing, came to Johnstown, PA, and sold them, to raise money for either the players transportation costs or the families. I’m not sure which it was for.

Comment by PittFan28 10.09.15 @ 10:29 pm

Reed writes a book and the thread turns in to a bunch of comment boxes under Pittman4ever? Not good!

Reed – Let us now the title so we can get you started on Amazon!

Comment by htp123 10.09.15 @ 11:07 pm

VA Tech win looks better now.

Comment by gc 10.09.15 @ 11:12 pm

Virginia Tech’s win tonight doesn’t really change my opinion of Pitt one way or the other. North Carolina State may have been 4-1 coming in, but their 4 wins were against four patsies.

Comment by Mailman 10.09.15 @ 11:27 pm

Reed,
You the man. Muchos gracias. Sure you will join us again….hopefully. Good luck.

You deserve a win this weekend which I suspect will occur.

Comment by ck 10.09.15 @ 11:59 pm

Guys,
Thanks to all of you for writing with me on my post!!! :>)
Pittman4ever

Comment by pittman4ever 10.10.15 @ 12:00 am

Agree VT win looks a little better now. Brissette the NC State QB threw for tons of yardage last year, not so much tonite. VT defense put the clamps on him after 1st Q. So that would indicate NC State didn’t do a good job of adjusting after VT did. Perhaps, maybe.

Thank You again htp123…50% of the time is ok 🙂

We are Pitt men not Zombies !

Comment by Emel 10.10.15 @ 12:28 am

htp – My working title is “Who is EMel and why does he keep showing up in my dreams”.

Comment by Reed 10.10.15 @ 3:52 am

@@@@@@

PG writer talking Pitt needs to be aware of a let down vs. UVA.
Really? Pitt has one win over a Big 5 opponent. How could
a let down even be discussed? Has anyone looked at UVA’s
schedule? Yeah i understand Pitt’s history. Pitt better come
out with a purpose to win early. Take UVA and 7 points. Go
Pitt!

Comment by JR 10.10.15 @ 5:58 am

Reed… What will your ” pen name “be? If you don’t have one maybe we could have a naming contest here on the Blarher !

Comment by BigB 10.10.15 @ 6:09 am

JR, most books are giving UVA 9, 9 1/2, and even 10, so I’ll give you 7. I haven’t seen the line move from the first look this week. Did it?
I don’t see it as a 9 or 10 point game so would take the 10 on the other side.

Comment by TVax 10.10.15 @ 6:44 am

Pitt’s lack of offense scares me. Will Chaney focus on some power running and get Peterman throwing to TB successfully?

I think the D gives up some long passes this week.

Pitt wins 23 – 20

Comment by notrocketscience 10.10.15 @ 6:55 am

On my way to Heinz Field for 12:30 kickoff and then will attend the WVU-OK State game at 7. My son is in Homecoming court there. First Hoopie game for me in like 10 years.

Comment by Panther Fan in Hoopieland 10.10.15 @ 7:20 am

@Panther Fan in Hoopieland, that’s an interesting day!

Should have your fill of college football!!

Comment by Dan 10.10.15 @ 7:24 am

PFIH – plus one to you for commitment. You are my kinda Pitt fan.

Comment by Iron Duke 10.10.15 @ 7:44 am

I think people are down on Virginia because of their record and the lopsided loss to Boise. I hope our team doesn’t underestimate them as well. If you listen to Peake’s trib radio show this week, you will know Virginia did some sole searching over the bye week, and I think they will come in extra focused to Heinz.

They have some playmakers on offense so I think they can hit us for a few big plays. I expect Pitts defense to continue to shut down the opponents run game. The key will be out secondary. Pitts and our safeties must continue to play at a high level. I thought Pitts had his best game in a while last week. He actually turned his head in coverage a few times.

On offense, pound Ollison and sprinkle James in. I’m thinking James has to be getting healthier. I looked for him to be more productive as the season goes along. I hope Chaney doesn’t go conservative or soft in this one. Virginia had an aggressive defense so the off line pass protection and blitz pickup will be the key to putting up points and moving the chains.

My prediction is a close game.. Thinking Pitt 27-20. Hail to Pitt!!

Let’s get a big Homecoming win, keep the momentum going and lock up some recruits. If Narduzzi can get it done, then he will have us in good position for long term success and we might just have a chance at the ACC crown this year.

Comment by Jpeezy 10.10.15 @ 8:44 am

As always, I think this game will come down to turnovers. Who gets them vs who makes them. Peterman needs to play mistake free and the RB’s need to hold on to the ball. Don’t think the VA QB will throw right to us like the last guy. Although if we can pressure him like last week who knows?

Hope last week started the new trend for our D.

Comment by gc 10.10.15 @ 9:08 am

If we would happen to lose, it will not be from the lack of focus, or any of the coaches or players “looking past” Virginia.

They are focused, taking one game at a time, and the only thing they have concentrated on this week is Virginia at 12:30 at Heinz Field.

Easier said than done, because it can still be in the back of their mind that they “should” win, but from a couple of “bugs” I have, they are in no way looking past this game.

Pitt 23 Virginia 10

Comment by Dan 10.10.15 @ 9:20 am

Dan, bugs are good.

So are my Rangers.

Hoe all’s well.

Comment by steve1 10.10.15 @ 9:34 am

Damn “p” is stuck!

Comment by steve1 10.10.15 @ 9:35 am

VA, Beware of the next Revis

Comment by steve1 10.10.15 @ 9:37 am

Have fun at the game. I’ll be cracking open a cold one at 11 am. Pitt will dominate. Mark my words. I expect the O to finally click. The D will be aggressive as usual and will force turnovers giving the O good field position.

Comment by TX Panther 10.10.15 @ 9:43 am

Reed – Good luck! Consider adding a teenage wizard to your story. That always works.

Comment by Pittastic 10.10.15 @ 9:46 am

@Steve1, all these years, never had one nor ever claimed to know anyone on the Blather.

Recently, have come across a couple bugs I deal with every couple weeks.

Nothing in depth, no secrets, but some good Pitt football talk from some guys that are on the field on gamedays.

Comment by Dan 10.10.15 @ 10:02 am

My claim to fame, Dan, the dad of a past defensive back owns a beer warehouse. The more beer I bought, the better the scoop.

Comment by steve1 10.10.15 @ 10:47 am

Reed Good luck & thanks for all the info!

Comment by punxy panther 10.13.15 @ 2:52 pm

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