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April 20, 2016

One thing not talked about much from Saturday’s game was that the Gold offense ran a Todd Graham-like hurry-up offense run a bit.  Please tell me that we aren’t going to a speeded up offense this season.  Yes, we saw a great run by Henderson on a quick snap, but let’s get a decent offense in place first before we start the trickeration.  Just wanted to get that out of the way.

To follow on a continual theme on here and elsewhere, Jerry DiPaola’s 24:19 minute podcast (below) starts out with the comment “If Nate Peterman gets hurt the season is over…

That’s an exaggeration hopefully but it is now a very public concern.  We saw how Bertke and DiNucci played Saturday and I didn’t see one bit of progression in Bertke from when I watched him on a more regular basis in past practices and scrimmages.  DiNucci, in my opinion, just doesn’t have D1 talent.  So for all intents and purposes it will be up to Manny Stocker to step up if Peterman goes down with and injury or if his playing goes into the crapper.

There is one very important thing to remember about the difference between spring and fall camps.  Tryouts are basically over when fall camp comes around.  Narduzzi and Canada will go with Peterman and Stocker as QB1 and QB2 respectively from Day One and Stocker will get all the snaps not given to Peterman.  He’ll get more one-on-one coaching and be the secondary guy in film sessions and unit meetings.  That will mean he’ll be sharper and more in command of the offense by the time the opener rolls around.

Now, if we can get him to grow three inches before then….

To follow on a continual theme on here and elsewhere, Jerry DiPaola’s 24:19 minute podcast (below) starts out with the comment “If Nate Peterman gets hurt the season is over…

The broadcasters seem to agree on this point and unless one of our current backups gets hit by lightning and turns into some sort of Idiot Savant out there, it is true that we’ll dive quickly in case of injury.  The only decent thing he said about the other four QBs is that Stocker is ‘mobile’.

His main points are that the WRs were less than mediocre; Jester Weah, who hasn’t done anything all of a sudden has to (probably) be a starter.

They discuss Narduzzi’s paranoia (talk of ‘spies’ all the time and his closed practices) then they segue into a discussion about Narduzzi and MSU saying that there is “not much distance between Pat Narduzzi and Michigan State”  Hmmm…..

Here is Jerry D’s article referenced in the comments section yesterday – it is sort of bland because the reality is that we just didn’t see many players who will be starters in 2016 even take part in the spring drills.  That is why we say that while the spring practices are nice for acclimation (QBs getting used to new receivers, a unit getting used to a new unit coach, etc.) they really don’t mean a thing in the long run.

They are fun for us fans and gives the sportswriters something (very little with Narduzzi) to talk about and fill blank spaces on the sports pages. But there is no real “two-deep” or any sort of solid decisions made in April – that comes with the more intense and serious fall camp.

Here is what he says about some of the units on the team:

QUARTERBACK
Finding a backup is important, but the more pressing need is to ensure senior starter Nathan Peterman takes the next step in his development: Throw deeper, maintain accuracy, spread passes to people not named Tyler Boyd, including those who play

SATURDAY’S RESULT: Peterman completed 11 of 22 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns. He played much better in the second half.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: If Peterman develops some rhythm with Dontez Ford, Jester Weah and Quadree Henderson, the passing game will perform better than most people expect.

Hard to argue that.  New OC Matt Canada has express surprise that Pitt didn’t go deep more often so he’ll have that as part of the core play calling.

WIDE RECEIVER
Pitt’s offense could become imbalanced if the Panthers feel the loss of Boyd too acutely. Injuries this spring to Dontez Ford and Zach Challingsworth didn’t help, but they are expected to recover.
If Ford plays Saturday — he still is an uncertainty — he can make an impact. He’s smart and athletic, a combination coaches love.

SATURDAY’S RESULT: Ford had a good day, especially considering he missed most of the 14 previous practices with a leg injury — four catches, 55 yards.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: I get the feeling Ford will have a big season, enough that opposing defenses will need to know where he is at all times, thus, opening up lanes for the running game.

I have been talking about Dontez Ford being our next star player on offense since the end of last season

and he keeps showing why that could take place. To remind: his 19.4 ypc on 26 receptions for 505 yards was pretty amazing given that he was playing against the pass magnet Tyler Boyd.

Yesterday I mentioned that I wasn’t as ‘down’ on the DL as some fans seem to be.  The reason is that instead of pure bulk up front – tying up the opponent’s offensive linemen from getting past them to our linebackers Narduzzi is going with a lighter but quicker DL this year.  Narduzzi keeps mentioning that Tyrique Jarrett (The ‘Dice!) has to lose weight but if we remember he was very quick off the snap akin to Aaron Donald’s great first step… if not exactly in that exalted company.

But Narduzzi is all about penetration (insert joke here) and our DL will give that to the opponents this season (insert another joke there).

DEFENSIVE LINE
Keep an eye on Bisnowaty at left tackle when he lines up opposite end Dewayne Hendrix. It might be the highlight of the day: Pitt’s best offensive lineman against a potentially destructive pass rusher.
In the fall, it will be interesting to see how opponents block Pitt’s line because Ejuan Price has 16 1?2 career sacks at the opposite end. Plus, tackles Tyrique Jarrett at 335 pounds and former end Shakir Soto offer a blend of beef and a burst.

SATURDAY’S RESULT: Bisnowaty and Hendrix had good moments, Hendrix ending up with a sack and two quarterback hurries.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: This could turn out to be a disruptive front four, with more quickness than Pitt opponents have seen in a long time.

All in all he’s pretty optimistic that we’ll play well this upcoming season, but as he says in his podcast the schedule will dictate wins and losses more so than our individual talents.  But IMO if ever a team has to 1) play to full potential as a team and 2) severely limit mistakes –  it is Pitt this year against this schedule.

Chris Peak of Rivals PantherLair.com has his Trib Total Media weekly podcast up now also and he too is talking about the results of the spring scrimmage and the prospects going into fall camp.

He discusses that Peterman has to complete those longer passes to get the opposing defense to ‘fear’ the passing game.  We saw some of that in the scrimmage with a 47 yarder to Weah so let’s hope Weah can deliver in real time.

TE Scott Orndoff showed well on Saturday and he did a great job as a TE/WR last season.  he totaled 13 catches for 244 yards at a 18.8 ypc average and five TDs which gave him an amazing TD:Catch ratio at just a stitch over 1:3.  I labelled Orndoff a TE/WR because he is tall and fast enough to split out wide in a multiple WR formation.

With Boyd gone I really hope that Canada not only uses multiple receivers but also uses them in surprising ways.  Orndoff  and sometimes a RB split wide could be one of those change-ups. Rachid Ibrahim catches the ball well and could be used wide also. We saw whitehead at RB a bit – split him out wide with Weah on the other side once in a while and free wheel the ball as far as Peterman can throw it.

The bottom line is that we need to give Peterman every opportunity to find open receivers this season because I don’t think relying on a strong running game, if indeed it is going to be strong, is going to cut it against the stronger teams on the schedule.  I’m not sold on James Conner giving us ‘star’ production this season – at least not at his 2014 level.

Peak also channels his inner-Donald Rumsfeld when in discussing the worth of a successful deep passing game he says this: “Sometimes the value of a thing is the thing itself”… OK Chris – thanks for that bit of wisdom.  At the 43:30 mark of his podcast Peak talks about how Narduzzi surprised some in the press box showing that Henderson around the end pitch and run play.

He goes on to echo the ‘paranoia’ slant that the guys above mentioned also. He references Narduzzi saying in an earlier imterview “You know we play two in-state teams… they could send people out to watch us” to which Peak says with a chuckle “Coaches… man!… there is some paranoia“.  One point Peak makes is that Wannstedt and his staff got nervous when one of their spring games was broadcast on the NFL network and DW was really worried that Rutger’s might videotape it and use that film to prepare for their game against us.

Well, Duh!

Hell Dave, all anyone has to do is drive to Heinz Field and walk through the turnstiles to see what is you and your staff is doing in the spring game!  I swear – I remember him saying that and it is part and parcel of why I crack up every time someone thinks Wannstedt would make a good Pitt AD.  The guy has an elevator in his head that goes up just so many floors then comes to a dead stop.

Peak also has a new article series titled “Redshirt Review” where he talks about the rsFR who will be ready to play this season.  It is behind a subscription paywall but is a good read.  If Pitt fans can afford the monthly subscription to Rivals then I highly recommend doing so for Peaks articles and other work covering the program.

I’ve read some criticism of his work by commenters on here saying he doesn’t go into much detail but I suspect they are able to access only his public stuff which is about 1/5th the total content he puts out on Pitt football.  I cancelled another sub to get the Rivals one and haven’t looked back.

The Pitt News has a great article on OC Matt Canada and his travels on the way to Heinz Field.  Take the time to read it in full please, it is well written and timely.

It was 5:30 in the morning in 1996. Instead of sleeping, a then 23-year-old Canada was hanging a banner for the Indianapolis 500 on a bridge on 16th Street in the city.

He was serving as Butler University’s quarterbacks and wide receivers coach at the time, sometimes doing odd-jobs to supplement his $5,000 salary — “part-time money for a full-time coach,” as he described it. As he and two other men struggled to hang the banner, he started to question his employment decision.

“You’re over here trying to tie this Budweiser race sign up, and you’re kind of wondering, ‘what I am doing here,’” Canada said.

Through his grogginess, Canada remembered why.

Canada has always wanted to teach, even when he was getting offers to play college ball. Before coming to Pitt as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under head coach Pat Narduzzi, Canada picked up opportunities wherever he could, snowballing his learning experiences into a coaching style peppered with influences from multiple mentors.

It is one of the best examples of sports journalism I have read in years and is why I have The Pitt News in my ‘Pitt Football’ bookmarks.  Hidden article that needs to be read by every Pitt football fan to understand who our new OC is and what drives him.

Our friend Chris Logue over at Pitt Nation Sports has a pre-spring game poll that he put up with a series of queries about specific issues like these:

Ahead of the Pitt Spring Game on Saturday, we look for your opinion and to cast your vote for various aspects of the game, and of course, who you think will be the victor at the end of the day.

Will Pitt receive a verbal commitment on Saturday?

  • Yes
  • No

View Results

Will Darrin Hall will be the leading rusher?

  • True
  • False

View Results

Who do you expect to surprise you?

  • Jester Weah
  • Chawntez Moss
  • Dewayne Hendrix
  • Manny Stocker
  • Malik Henderson
  • Rafael Araujo-Lopes
  • Other

View Results

Here is my favorite poll question  though – with all the back and forth in the comments section of the last Blather article asking my views on the “State of the Program” it appears that I’m not the only one who thinks a Pitt national championship will be a loooong time coming:

In Pitt celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1976 championship, it will be less than 40 years until the next championship.

  • True (53%, 8 Votes)
  • False (47%, 7 Votes)

Total Voters: 15

On a last note:

Given  that Pitt News article above here is a repeat of Canada Mic’d Up.

P/S: now that the spring practices are over I really do have to get back to writing other things.  I’ll still chip in but not every day like the last three weeks.

HTP!





I don’t see either Bertke or Ben as p5 QB’s. If Nate goes down this year we will be in a world of hurt.

Comment by bj 04.20.16 @ 9:25 am

While not good if Peterman is hurt, I am not as concerned. This team is built to run. Our linemen are mostly road graders. Chaney screwed up last year putting too much focus on the passing game.

Throwing on third and short was pretty stupid.

Hopefully Canada is run first. We need a balanced offense, but with our D we need to control the time of possession.

Stocker will be a capable back-up with a strong running game.

If that doesn’t work we can have Whitehead run the wildcat.

Comment by gc 04.20.16 @ 9:42 am

I wouldn’t be too hard on the Pitt QB’s While I have concerns like everyone if Nate goes down…… I’m old enough to remember many times where a lousy “practice” QB is actually a good or great “game” QB. Sometimes a player needs their feet held to the fire to actually show what they are like.

Have faith in our coaches……!!!!

Comment by mtoolmn 04.20.16 @ 9:44 am

Reed – I’m glad you posted this podcast with Jerry Dipaola. What a joke they make everything to be pertaining to Pitt football. I realize it’s simple jokes and what not, but at some point they have to realize that making so many jokes throughout the podcast ruins the integrity of DiPaola’s (not very compelling might I add) report. I think I’m just sick of the dismissive and feeling of obligation (to satisfy the masses) these guys have when talking about Pitt. Just my two cents.

Comment by Timmeh 04.20.16 @ 9:45 am

I totally agree with that Timmeh.

Comment by panther94 04.20.16 @ 9:53 am

I’m probably in the minority, but I have to confess that I’m not too worried about our backup QB situation; our coaching staff should be concerned since one play could create havoc for our season, but as a fan, knowing the odds are LOW of NP getting hurt, I’m not losing any sleep over it.

I’m also not worried about the “not too much distance” comment above for a number of reasons, though I do think it makes for good media drama.

Comparing last year to this, here are a few things I find interesting:

First and foremost, I’m hopeful (wishful?) that Canada will positively affect the offense, as there was a pretty good drop-off in talent usage when Chryst was replaced by Chaney…

I’m a little curious to see if Stocker will be used creatively. Voytik’s usage was completely bungled.

As pointed out in the really nice article above, how will Ibrahim impact the offense? I had forgotten about him, he’s a talented athlete and does a great job catching balls out of the backfield.

I’m also curious to find out if any freshman WRs will make an impact this year, because this IS a position where a talented true freshmen can come in and play right away.

CBs are critical to Narduzzi’s scheme, and I’m really hoping we can upgrade this position in the Fall, possibly with a true freshman or two? This area has been a glaring weakness over the past 2+ years in particular.

Good stuff Reed!

Comment by 1618mt 04.20.16 @ 10:01 am

Timmeh – I do notice that also with his podcasts – not so much with his writing and in-season podcasts. Then it is more business-like.

gc – Chaney was more run heavy than any HC or any recent season that I can remember at a 60/40 split. DW was a bit heavier in some years but surprisingly enough in 2007 with McCoy and a average at best true FR Bostick at QB DW passed more than Chaney did last season at 42%

I think we need to pass a lot MORE this season – open up the run game which BTW wasn’t all that great last season averaging only 186 ypg and a very poor 19 TDs.

I’m not sure why people are thinking it is going to be all that much better either.

We have good WRs and I think top to bottom we have better WRs this year than we did last – given that only Boyd and Ford’s numbers were called by Chaney and looked at by Peterman.

Canada is going to go heavier on the pass with a different approach to it all together.

Comment by Reed 04.20.16 @ 10:05 am

Voytik is going to D2 Eastern Kentucky. I wrote about this two weeks ago.

new article about it this afternoon…

Comment by Reed 04.20.16 @ 11:00 am

reed, how can you say we have good wr’s? Dontez ford is solid & tipton/Henderson have potential but there is virtually no production there are outside of 2 or 3 guys there is very little talent.

as for your opinion of the dl in your op, I think the defensive ends should be pretty darn good this year. I have concern about the tackles, obviously. no production there, keyshon camp of amir watts might step in and be our best playmakers there as true freshman.. as for jarrett, I agree that he has the talent but hes had 4 years to lose weight and he hasn’t done it yet. something may click for him and hell get it together, but id say the odds are pretty slim (no pun)

Comment by pk 04.20.16 @ 11:27 am

– in 1976, Steelers started 1 and 4 and worse yet, Bradshaw was injured for 2 months. Rookie Mike Kruczek started and won 8 games …. primarily won because of ground control game and especially defense.

– ditto Yewcic at Pitt in ’76

– in 92, all-Pro Phil Simms was injured and Jeff Hoffstettler had to QB. Giants won with ground game and defense.

– and we all know that Pat Bostick’s 2 big wins vs ND and WVU were despite of him (2 TDs and 5 Ints total). Again ground game and defense … in fact, the 13-9 was probably the best defensive effort I’ve ever seen.

Our 2 best assets coming into this year are OL and RBs .. both talented, experienced and deep. Also, HCPN being a defensive guy, we can expect our defense to improve

Comment by wbb 04.20.16 @ 11:30 am

clarification … Hoffstettler and Giants won the Super Bowl with ground game and defense.

Comment by wbb 04.20.16 @ 11:31 am

another clarification: Bostick was a combine 1 TD and 5 Ints in those 2 games. 0 and 2 vs WVU; 1 and 3 vs ND.

Comment by wbb 04.20.16 @ 11:35 am

There is not a snow balls chance in hell the Pitt running game can off set a zero to no passing game. And if Peterman goes down that possibility certainly exists. We don’t play the “little sisters of the poor” this year do we? With our schedule we will need to have a good(not great) passing attack to have a successful season.

Comment by jrnpitt 04.20.16 @ 12:26 pm

If the planets align and we can win 8+ games with this schedule…to include beating Pedo State. Recruiting will be off the charts.

Comment by Pittastic 04.20.16 @ 12:32 pm

2nd ranked WVU and 08 Notre Dame were not exactly ‘Little Sisters of the Poor’ .. but we did have a really good defense back then plus Shady at RB

Comment by wbb 04.20.16 @ 12:34 pm

Sometimes I think we get too caught up in running vs passing philosophy. Good coaches take what the other teams give them and take advantage of their own personnel strengths.

Chryst did a good job of creating an offensive identity (physical, effective running team), and he did that pretty well. I had high hopes for Chaney, but in hindsight he strkies me as a very mediocre (not bad, certainly not good) offensive coach. My hope in Canada is: see my second sentence. And ultimately to be a good football, we’ll need to be good on both lines of scrimmage regardless of our philosophy at that time.

Comment by 1618mt 04.20.16 @ 12:47 pm

“Chaney screwed up last year putting too much focus on the passing game.”

Wow. We must have been watching two different teams last year, because I had exactly the opposite impression.

Comment by Jeff 04.20.16 @ 1:10 pm

What frustrated Pitt fans about Chaney was his ill timed decisions whether to pass or run. Those wide sweep runs on short yardage needs confounded everyone.

Comment by Spindler's Spirit 04.20.16 @ 1:45 pm

SS – You nailed it. Chaney actually ran a pretty balanced offense (Pass/Run) to my recollection, it was HOW he called his plays & personnel usage that left people scratching their heads- pretty much all year long…

Comment by 1618mt 04.20.16 @ 1:52 pm

Amen. Once again, like 2011 but to a lesser extent, we had an OC that wanted his personnel adapt to him more than he adapted to him

Comment by wbb 04.20.16 @ 1:55 pm

Narduzzi’s paranoia is not paranoia, it is reality. If you think Pitt didn’t scout the PSU spring game and vice versa you are clueless. Both teams have new offenses.
Sure, I am sure you can find tapes for each OC, but that doesn’t mean they are running the same offense they ran before.
Let’s face it, the Pittsburgh newspaper writers suck. No imagination in what they write, both papers often write on the same subject. All you have to do it watch the interviews post practice with Narduzzi and you can predict what will be in the paper the following day. They dis Narduzzi because he doesn’t give them enough time to watch practice. I hope they don’t get paid shit because their effort sucks.
Reed’s observations and insight are better as is the Pitt newspaper.

Comment by notrocketscience 04.20.16 @ 2:03 pm

Agree with Spindler’s Spirit. Also passes on third and short. It seemed at times Chaney would do the opposite of what he should have. We only saw his offense working on all cylinders in two games and only for halves.

Plus even though the end arounds with Boyd and Whitehead were effective and count as running plays, they are not indicative of a good running game. Too many times we would pick up 6 or 7 yds on first down, then throw two incompletions then punt.

Jeff, the reason Voytik was benched for Peterman was for the passing game, which fell apart down the stretch.

Ollison ran for 1100 yds even though he rode the bench quite a bit. His yards per carry were very good.

He hardly played vs Miami and should have been used to pound the ball vs Navy.

Comment by gc 04.20.16 @ 2:11 pm

Our runners last year never really broke the initial tackle. They got decent runs in, BUT there was never was any real shake and bake(shady type) running backs getting us those extra yards. It might have been a far different story had Conner been around all of last year. If Conner doesn’t return and runs like he did in 2014, I’m not sure we will have a “great” running game. I’d like to see a balanced attack with Whitehead playing much more on the O side than last year. But I think our defensive minded HC doesn’t want to lose him on the D side of the ball.

Comment by jrnpitt 04.20.16 @ 2:24 pm

RE Chaney & Voytik – The usage of Voytik was another great mystery to me. Peterman proved to be the better passer primarily because he made better decisions, so I would never suggest NP shouldn’t have won the job, but Chaney’s usage of Voytik was clumsy to say the least. I’m really not sure there was a whole lot I liked about Chaney’s play calling all year other than his usage of the TE’s at times (which was sill too infrequent).

Comment by 1618mt 04.20.16 @ 2:25 pm

Pitt Announces restructuring of the Athletic Department:

link to pittsburghpanthers.com

Can increased seat contributions be far behind?

Comment by dinosaur 71 04.20.16 @ 2:47 pm

How does a department restructure relate to increased seat contributions? That is Pitt fan paranoia, LOL.

Comment by notrocketscience 04.20.16 @ 3:05 pm

I heard that Peterman didn’t get hurt last year and that Pitt is supposed to have a pretty good offensive line this year.

So maybe Peterman won’t get Theismann’d in the Oklahoma State game.

And I heard some James Conner guy was going to be back and I don’t want to hear about how he’s not going to be 100% until November or maybe never. The workouts he’s doing right now, the level of strength and stamina he’s showing while still undergoing chemotherapy, he’s not going to be puking on the sideline or unable to break tackles until Halloween. I don’t think he’ll be 100% on September 3rd but he isn’t going to disappoint us.

There are a few – just a few now mind you – more reasons than usual to think Pitt will have a good season this year. Most of those reasons aren’t even on campus yet. I’m not thinking the season will be tough until I read about how guys like Hamlin and Hill are doing in August.

Comment by deepelemblues 04.20.16 @ 3:22 pm

NotRocket – all that ‘paranoia’ talk is really tongue-in-cheek and jibes at Narduzzi. DiPaola has a very good relationship with Narduzzi, better than any other media type, and they joke around a lot. Overly cautious may be a better description for Narduzzi’s way of thinking.

Guys, let’s not forget that Peterman’s passing got us to a 8-3 record when he had 18 TDs to three INTs. Yes, he turned downward over the last two games but for his first 10 games he was doing some of the best passing we have seen in some time – and getting us wins doing it.

Deep – you may not want to here it but I’m concerned about how much Conner is going to be able to contribute. Don’t forget he also had that MCL tear that had already taken him out for the season. That somehow has been overlooked in the discussion about his returning to the field. He still hadn’t gotten the green light to play again before his cancer diagnosis.

I’d love for him to hit the ground running as it were, I just aren’t sure that will happen the way we all want it to.

Cheney called an exact 60/40 run to pass split in 2015. That is very one sided and as I said in the article even more so than in ’07 when we had rookie Bostick and superstar McCoy. I was told also that Chaney was s tickler for the QBs to follow the playcall and not to deviate unless absolutely necessary.

Granted when you are going the majority of the time to Boyd anyway that might not have been a big deal but Canada is going to allow Peterman much more decision making authority as the play unfolds than Chaney did.

Big Voytik article in drafting for tomorrow am… someone call Emel and tell him to be ready to read & respond at a moments notice.

Comment by Reed 04.20.16 @ 3:47 pm

I fully understand that Chad wants to play but from my previous impression of him as being a team player & a Pitt guy, he greatly disappointed me with this transfer of his. He was one play away from once again being Pitt’s starting QB. Now he is just an also ran D2 QB. Really?

Comment by Dr. Tom 04.20.16 @ 4:09 pm

Kinda strange that Voytik is excited about going to Eastern Kentucky….to be a backup there too for one year.

link to triblive.com

Comment by Jackagain 04.20.16 @ 4:11 pm

The restructuring is designed to increase donations needed to support the building of an OCS.

Comment by TX Panther 04.20.16 @ 4:58 pm

I was a little concerned not to see any mention of EJ Borghetti in that article, but it looks like they just listed the major “moves” as he is still listed in his previous position.

ADB is either a master delegator or likes to have a solid layer of folks to throw under the bus.

Comment by cnorwoodaz 04.20.16 @ 5:45 pm

Did I miss something today, I thought that james was supposed to be on the Ellen DeGeneres show, what happened with that?

Comment by Dr. Tom 04.20.16 @ 5:53 pm

in 2014, Pitt ran the ball 610 times compared to 308 passes … 67%

link to cfbstats.com

But that’s just the beginning … it was the run plays that were called (almost set up to fail.) I implore you to watch a replay of the Va Tech game. Pitt received the 2nd half kickoff, returned to the 37. Two off-tackle handoffs to Ollison from the pro set and we score. 2 plays, 67 yards, TD!

The only other time we used the pro set was on a 4th and short in the 4 quarter where we got the 1st down with yards to spare. But I guess success doesn’t spoil Chaney .. he has to spread us out and run wide!

UNC had a top 10 defense vs the pass and was very low rated vs the run …. so guess wat our OC calls. You may recall, Baylor ran UNC out of the bowl game with > 60 carries and 700 yards or so …. but not us. NOOOO!

Comment by wbb 04.20.16 @ 5:59 pm

Thursday Dr. T—

Comment by Reed 04.20.16 @ 6:22 pm

Cnord – Borghetti is right where he needs and wants to be.

Comment by Reed 04.20.16 @ 6:23 pm

–On the hurry-up offense, I think Pitt needs to practice that because they are going to go up against it in some games this season. Certainly against PSU – so it’s wise for Pitt to use it to help prepare it’s defense.

–Yes Pitt’s running game should be decent, but we don’t have a home-run hitter in the backfield, unless it’s George Hill. YOu can’t win with the running game unless you have a home run hitter.

–This is a concern against PSU. Their approach sounds like it’s going to be to wear down the defense which will allow Barkley and the QB to make some plays…

–Would like to see the Pitt QB more involved in changing the play at the line – hope it’s true because that has to give the offense an advantage.

Go Pitt.

Comment by MajorMajors 04.20.16 @ 7:00 pm

You explained it much better than I could wbb, that is why I said we passed to much.

Especially when Peterman seemed to lose his edge after the Louisville game.

The pitches rarely worked and Chaney never exploited his advantage of the Pro set off tackle plays which Ollison and our O-line are best at.

OK, Ollison isn not Conner, or Shady, but he was a solid redshirt freshman who gained 1100 yards almost as an afterthought. He wasn’t even supposed to play much last year. He is not flashy, he just gets the job done.

It seemed like every time Ollison had some success he was benched.

Comment by gc 04.20.16 @ 7:45 pm

Doc – the real disappointment Pitt fans should have regarding Voytik is the way HCPN allowed his “benching” to evolve. Chad should have come off the bench in “at the very least” the last two games, Miami and Navy, where NP really stunk. OC Chaney AND interim OC Salem both reported and answered to HCPN. Any of the three could have lobbied for Chad to play in those two games.

The script was to have Chad leave the Pitt program – coaching staff’s choice.

Chad was not even asked to warm up in either game.

The “real class” was shown by this young man (Chad) who represented Pitt well for the four years he was with us. He never spoke “ill” of the program, coaches nor university.

I personally wish him the best and may pass on reading anything Reed writes on this subject.

Choices – we all have them – the beauty of freedom in America. May we never lose it.

HTP!

Comment by Erie Express 04.20.16 @ 8:05 pm

You get no argument from me on EJ, Reed!

Comment by cnorwoodaz 04.20.16 @ 8:23 pm

Dino…read about the AD reorg. Here’s a suggestion. Have Pitt actually take over and run the Pitt Ticket Office, the front porch of the Athletic Department, instead of farming out those duties out to a private company who has little or no skin in the game!

Comment by Dan 72 04.20.16 @ 9:32 pm

Hats off to both wbb and Erie! Nicely said.

Comment by Savannah Panther 04.20.16 @ 9:46 pm

I’m with the Major, if we want the running game to be the dominate force behind Pitt football in 2016 we will need a Conner 2014 or a “Shady” Hill to show up and play this season. Absent that scenario, we will need a very balanced and efficient passing performance from Peterman and receivers.

Comment by jrnpitt 04.21.16 @ 2:13 am

This Moss kid could turn out to be our next Shady from what he is showing in Spring ball. Time will tell.
On Voytik, I’ve always been a fan of his. I wish him the best as well although, for selfish reasons, it would have been nice to have him remain at Pitt as a veteran backup as a security blanket for me at QB.

Comment by Dr. Tom 04.21.16 @ 5:27 am

Could not agree more Doc – Chad as the #2 QB would be the best case. We all know Voytik did not practice well (for some reason), but he had one big heart when the game lights came on.

QO appears to have a similar “practice” bug – he seems in the doghouse every week with HCPN no matter the game day results. Hall on the other hand has shown little during game time, but he seems to be the “chosen one” with Duzz in practice.

Now Rachid plays well during practice and games, from what I gather, as does James “the beast” Conner. We’ll see come September if Moss is the shaker he showed in Spring ball or maybe if the horses are ready, he is afforded a redshirt.

I’m not claiming to be an expert, just throwing out my opinion. HCPN keeps things sealed and as a fan, we have to read between the lines. But on game day, HCPN must show his talent to be the best HC he can be.

In the end, he’ll be judged on W’s and L’s. Sometimes, your #2 guy needs to help win some games.

TT was two losses from ten wins as a “fan predictor” last season – just maybe, our #2 QB could have turned the tide on a few of those losses last season when our #1 QB was struggling (mightily) – we will NEVER know.

Fun stuff…

Comment by Erie Express 04.21.16 @ 5:45 am

By the way, Jerry DiP was very critical of ALL things related to Pitt FB. Where any of the three on that podcast even remotely Pitt fans?

Jerry did throw out that this will be a “down” year for pedo FB. Give me a break – is it because he is clearing the way for a Pitt victory he will deem meaningless OR is Jerry himself meaningless…

Comment by Erie Express 04.21.16 @ 5:55 am

link to pittnationsports.com

Off topic but what many of us said.

Comment by gc 04.21.16 @ 6:53 am

Look for Ellen D to make a HUGE contribution to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma research today. She may even surprise James with a visit from Marshawn Lynch – who Conner has modeled his game after.

He chose to NOT fear cancer…he will play football again!

Comment by Erie Express 04.21.16 @ 7:59 am

I’d love for Voytik to be here still, we need him – and Peterman’s no lock not to have his play go down enough to be benched either. A experienced QB who won some games would be the perfect thing.

And who knows – with a new OC a reverse of the 2015 fall camp could have happened.

Comment by Reed 04.21.16 @ 8:33 am

Agree Reed, a big mistake in how they treated Voytik. I think if they would have played him and used his running abilities vs UNC, Miami, and Navy, we might have done better and he would still be here.

I think they were so afraid of a QB controversy that they shot themselves in the foot. Time will tell.

Comment by gc 04.21.16 @ 8:48 am

One of Chaney’s worse attributes was that he didn’t seem to adjust his game plans to the opposition. Not running vs UNC is the worst example.

Comment by gc 04.21.16 @ 8:49 am

I’m still drafting that Voytik history article – don’t assume anything about my views until you read it guys – it will be a long one and hopefully up by tonight or tomorrow morning.

Comment by Reed 04.21.16 @ 9:03 am

How can we miss a QB who transfers down to D2 and is still a backup. I must be missing something – not the first time.

Comment by Rayhpgh 04.21.16 @ 9:26 am

Most mock drafts project Boyd as a late 2nd or 3rd round pick.

In case anyone is watching…

Comment by Erie Express 04.21.16 @ 9:40 am

@gc, thanks for the link. Saved that one, didn’t know about it. Lot’s of info.

Comment by Dan 04.21.16 @ 9:44 am

Rayhpgh – E.Kentucky was 6-5 last year and their HC was fired at the end of the season. I don’t think the returning QB has a lock on the job.

There is a mixed bag on CV – the point I was making, why bash a player who represented our school well. Wish him the best and move on.

HTP!

Comment by Erie Express 04.21.16 @ 9:48 am

thanks for the link gc, and agree the article is in line with most of us thought.

Not that Dokish is always right .. and he certainly isn’t .. but I remember him questioning the hiring of Smoke Williamson a couple of years ago; not because of his background but because Williamson’s connects were in Detroit … way outside of the ACC footprint. Smoke did recruit Corey Manigault (who appears to be good but certainly not elite) but obviously he had some trouble connecting within the ACC area.

Comment by wbb 04.21.16 @ 9:59 am

Good luck to Voytik. Peterman is a much better QB. Sure, it would be nice to have Chad as a back up but it isn’t a big deal.

Comment by notrocketscience 04.21.16 @ 10:17 am

Peterman is a better passer but not necessarily the much better QB, especially in college. And Peterman was surely a better fit for OC Chaney.

Comment by wbb 04.21.16 @ 10:38 am

Dr. Tom, here’s a link
link to youtube.com

It says published today, 4/21

Comment by KeyboardKev 04.21.16 @ 10:41 am

(The above link is to James Conner on Ellen)

Comment by KeyboardKev 04.21.16 @ 10:42 am

Hard watching that video without get ting choked up. I certainly did. My prediction, James will be back on the first team offense for Pitt come September.

Comment by jrnpitt 04.21.16 @ 12:04 pm

Kev…thanks so much for the link. I will miss Ellen today for golf. I am as hardened a Pitt fan as anyone and watched the JC interview with tears in my eyes. A great treatise on life’s perspectives!

On a day when Prince died, no less. 57 years old.

Comment by Dan 72 04.21.16 @ 12:30 pm

Carmody quoted as saying he is a better fit at Pitt in KS offense than Dixon’s. I think most elite recruits agree with him.

Comment by Rayhpgh 04.21.16 @ 12:59 pm

Elite recruits will agree that KS will let them play and have fun without being micro managed.

Comment by TX Panther 04.21.16 @ 3:09 pm

Kev… just in got in and realized I missed Conner on the Ellen Show.

Thanks for the link.

Really feel for that Kid.

Appreciated his VALUE on and off the Field before the Cancer.

Now, without question… Conner has supplanted all others as my personal favorite Pitt Player of all time.

Not even close.

Comment by PittofDreams 04.21.16 @ 3:35 pm

POD – high praise. deserved. And to quote Coach:

“Cancer started the fight,” Narduzzi said. “James is going to finish it.”

Comment by 1618mt 04.21.16 @ 3:56 pm

Erie Express, I liked Voytik also but Peterman is the better pro set QB. Who cares if he played in the last two losing causes. We wouldn’t have made the team look any better and his stats would be worse.

He got a four year degree from a top class University for free! He even got to play some D-1 football in major stadiums.

Heck, I’m watching good senior high school lacrosse players sitting on the bench even in games that are blow outs! (Not my grandson, he starts.) For these kids my heart bleeds.

Conner looked good on Ellen’s. Maybe a little heavy.

Cardiac Hill has a letter from Dixon we should all read. He loved Pitt. I miss him.

link to theplayerstribune.com

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 04.21.16 @ 9:42 pm

Forgot to complement Reed for his love of writing.

Thanks Reed. I read most (?) of it. Please keep it coming.

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 04.21.16 @ 9:47 pm

Peterman was 8-4 without James Conner and had a defense learning an entirely new system with all new coaches on both sides of the ball. It’s pretty hard to argue that he was not the better quarterback.

Good luck to Chad. He was instrumental in keeping Pitt football from falling down into an abyss back in 2012. He deserves a lot of thanks, not the keys to the city.

Comment by cnorwoodaz 04.21.16 @ 10:27 pm

Life isn’t fair. James Conner was anticipating embarking on a lucrative NFL career after rehabbing from his knee injury. Minor bump in the road, then the hammer falls on him heavy with this cancer diagnosis. Seriously?
The kid has really taken a solid combination one, two punch from life and he’s stronger than ever mentally as demonstrated by his interview today with Ellen. Football is such a game of emotion and momentum. The Conner factor is Pitt’s wild card for this season. Having a June prognosis report come back that confirms James has defeated cancer can only have positive implications for his personal future as well as energizing Pitt football in general.
Even if Conner never steps on the football field again, if he beats this cancer diagnosis he will have won the ultimate battle and winning his like back. That alone is inspirational.
Now come September, if he is back in uniform for the Panthers, who really knows what kind of impact a leader like him, in light of these current struggles, could have on this team’s chemistry going forward? All that I know is that the first time that Conner carries that rock for Pitt in 2016, my eyes won’t be dry. Hail to Pitt! Stay Conner Strong!

Comment by Dr. Tom 04.22.16 @ 5:00 am

Dr Tom, lemons and lemonade

It is quite possible that because of Conner’s injury and he being monitored more than the average person, they found his cancer at an early stage.

Comment by wbb 04.22.16 @ 5:56 am

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