The AIRBHG (Angry Iowa Running Back Hating God) has not yet struck this year, but last year he did so to a RB that some Iowans liken to James Conner.
“I’m not worried about how much he wants it as much as what we need and if he’s doing something with it,” Panthers coach Paul Chryst said last week. “I’ve worked with a lot of backs. We feel like we’ve got a pretty good gauge for workloads.”
Sound familiar, Iowa fans?
When the Hawkeyes visit Pittsburgh for Saturday’s 11 a.m. contest at Heinz Field, you might notice something familiar about the opposing offense.
A year ago, Mark Weisman ran the ball 85 times in Iowa’s first three games for a total of 425 yards (an average of 5.0 yards per carry).
He helped the Hawkeyes rebound from a 4-8 finish in 2012 to an 8-4 regular season in 2013, but the heavy workload took a toll. Injuries mounted and Weisman fell 25 yards short of the 1,000 plateau.
The 6-foot, 240-pound Weisman ran 60 times in Iowa’s final three games for a total of 198 yards (an average of 3.3 per carry).
…
Conner has run 80 times for 543 yards while helping Pittsburgh to its first 3-0 start in five years.
Is AIRBHG communicable? There is no known cure, but it is not been established that contact with Iowa infects others.
Iowa fans are not exactly brimming with overconfidence about this game. But then, how many fanbases would be feeling good after eking out a home win over Ball State and blowing their in-state rivalry game the following week?
Speaking of the Iowa State game.
9. University of Iowa Police were kept busy Saturday, citing or arresting 40 fans attending the Iowa-Iowa State football game.
That’s twice the number charged a week earlier when the Hawkeyes hosted Ball State and well over the six individuals charged at the season opener against UNI.
Of those 40, 12 were ticketed for having an open container and eight were cited for possession of alcohol under the legal age. Another 19 were arrested on public intoxication charges and one man was charged with criminal mischief after he allegedly poured on a beer on the keyboard of a laptop at an adjacent tailgate party when the individuals there refused to turn down music.
Iowa does have a good run defense, so this will be the most significant challenge for James Conner and the O-line to date. It also means that it might be time for Chad Voytik to throw the ball a bit more. Not a lot more, but at least a little more to take advantage of the Hawkeye secondary that has struggled.
In general, Coach Chryst sees plenty of room for improvement in the running game. I know that is a shock that a coach sees room for improvement in any and all facets of the game.
“There are a lot of things we can get better at in the run game,” Chryst said Monday.
“The numbers, they look good, but we’re not where we need to be on it.”
Pitt ran for 321 yards on 54 attempts in its 42-25 win against Florida International Saturday, including 177 yards and three touchdowns from Conner. Those final numbers, though, masked some early struggles.
Pitt’s running backs, for instance only had two rushes for longer than 9 yards in the first half. And, more significant, Conner had two crucial fumbles inside FIU’s 10 that negated scoring opportunities.
“We can be cleaner,” Chryst said. “We can do a better job of the receivers blocking, we can do a better job getting through the second level.”
They have the technology. Better than they were. Better. Faster. Stronger.
One aspect of the running game he didn’t mention that time was blocking assignments. That is part of the reason Chris James wasn’t seen on Saturday. The sack on Voytik that resulted in the safety was aided in no small part because James missed his block. And as we saw last year, freshmen do get a chance to play, but mistakes will cost them playing time.
Not that the O-line was perfect on that play. That is part of the reason Pitt is being coy with the starting center for a second straight week.
Speaking of improving and getting better, that is something needed from the secondary.
[Secondary Coach Troy] Douglas wasn’t pleased Saturday when Pitt allowed 236 passing yards — 71 more than the first two games, combined — and the first two passing touchdowns of the season.
Vinopal refused to reveal what Douglas said — “It stays in-house,” he said — but his words hit their intended targets.
“He’s pretty persistent,” Vinopal said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Talking to reporters Tuesday, Douglas had mellowed. He smiled when Vinopal’s remarks were relayed to him.
“Ray thinks a lot,” Douglas said. “He’s overthinking just a little bit. He has to let it happen. He’s a good player. He’s smart. He worries, worries, worries. Just go play.”
Lots more extra film study has been part of it.
“Most of our mistakes are made with our eyes, not having our eyes where they’re supposed to be and where they’re trained to be,” Douglas said. “We’ve got to get that corrected in a hurry because it’s on tape. Until you put out the fire, everybody’s going to do the same thing to you.”
One of the ways Vinopal and company plan to correct those issues is through extended film study.
Vinopal said he has committed to putting extra time in at Pitt’s practice facility this season, and the rest of the unit has followed suit. First it was just him, then him and cornerback Reggie Mitchell. Finally, by last week, the entire unit had joined in the extra sessions.
“It’s really changing,” Vinopal said. “Linebackers are getting in early. Guys are getting up and coming here early before class, and that’s never happened here before. That’s how you get good.”
Other things.
A Q&A with Paul Chryst (a little more than halfway down the story).
He [James Conner] looked difficult to drag down against Boston College. He’s 250 pounds. What makes him so dynamic?
He’s got size and certainly enough athletic ability and truly loves playing and competes. He wants to be really good and will work at it. I think he’s understanding of what we’re trying to do and what defenses are doing. He still has some areas where he can get better and grow. That’s our team in general. We’re doing some stuff and appreciate it. It’s a group that can and needs to keep getting a lot better.
[Italics added.]
Chryst is disappointed that he cannot find fried cheese curds in Pittsburgh. I can’t say I really want a go at the Wisconsin culinary item.
I guess it’s never too soon to start the coaching carousel talk, but I’m in no mood to see Paul Chryst’s name on the list.
James Conner is leading the ACC in rushing. Pitt has also attempted the second fewest passes in the ACC. Georgia Tech will always win that battle as long as Paul Johnson is the coach
I’m in no hurry to see Pitt ranked. Honestly, there is no reason to rank them yet. Not that I don’t appreciate some respect for the school.
Pittsburgh (19). Record: 3-0. Best win: 30-20 at Boston College, a victory that looks better after the Eagles shocked USC last weekend on the same field. Most fallible moment: Falling behind Florida International 16-0 in the first quarter Saturday before rallying. Status: Contender in the wide-open ACC Coastal. Panthers are in the top five nationally in total defense, although those stats were fattened against an outmanned Delaware in the opener. Pitt is riding 250-pound wrecking ball running back James Conner, but still must prove it can pass when opponents are expecting it. Iowa game Saturday is a credibility test for both teams.
No pressure or anything.
Agree with alcofan…..second big test after BC. Winning
a conference game on the road was a huge boost for
this young team.
Will need Chad Saturday. Go Pitt!
Linked an SI article on Conner on the other article. Very hysterical visual about Conner in the piece with what his brothers did to him growing up! Priceless……..and dangerous!
My impression (from afar) is that Jimbo Fisher is not willing to win at any cost. It will be interesting to see how much more he and FSU are willing to endure from Winston.
H2P
I think people are underestimating Iowa’s qb Jake Rudock. I was watching espn’s crunch time and it was replaying the final minutes of the ball state game. The commentators were talking about Rudock as Iowa came back to win and said that He has lead Iowa to several comeback wins in his career. He will mostly throw short quick passes as it seems but if its close in crunch time, I would be worried.
Never underestimate a wounded foe!
It says here that HCPC will be clearing the bench as early as late 3rd Quarter.
38- 13 Pitt
Really like to see some of depth at wide receiver get involved.
Would make for a great stadium sign.
in other news, our old friend fraud is “committing”
link to collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com
lolzz
How “nice” of Coach Graham.
For those of you who do not live south of the Mason Dixon line, the “nice” comment may pass you by. But, believe me, the women of the South are wonders at saying so much in ways that seem so sweet.
For those of us who grew up in the ‘burgh, the comment on Fraud is much less subtle.
H2P
one of the lines that resonated with me most from this article was this one:
As a freshman, Conner was mercurial, with 623 of his 799 rushing yards coming in four games. Moreover, he felt he physically softened as the fall wore on, posting just one 100-yard outing between September and the bowl. But Chryst’s offseason hire of a new strength coach, Ross Kolodziej, proved key. Conner credits Kolodziej and a program focused more heavily on weight training for reinforcing his frame.
i think we all doubted this hire when it was made, but can’t question the response from the players and the evidence on the field this past saturday in the humid miami heat
He’s Sunseri his last year.
LMAO BA BA
Iowa is going to be a great game and I am starting to think OT. Hopefully that thought changes real fast. So their OL goes through a meniscus surgery on Tuesday and plays on saturday? That is scary. The meniscus must not have been compromised and it was just exploratory. Good for that kid. I dod suspect he is still quite sore.
I would be really surprised if this is not a close game, and expect it to come down to a game deciding drive one way or the other at the end. The last time Iowa was in town the final score was 21-20 in favor of Pitt. I’ll go 23-20 this time.
A Clemson win over FSU could also do some damage to the likelihood of an ACC team making the “playoffs”. The ACC will be leaning heavily on Pitt this week to support its current position as the 4th best of the power 5 conferences.
Maybe this week we’ll see an improvement.
The OBJECTIVE… hold Conner down LONG ENOUGH to force Pitt to do other things… like THROW the football.
And when PITT is in PASSING SITUATIONS… the focus would be to CONTAIN Voytik… forcing him to throw from the Pocket instead of Outside where he is much better throwing on the run.
Q: Do you suspect Chris James be back this week, or will his punishment for missing the read on the safety continue?
A: Sam Werner: Sounds like he’ll be back this week.
So – that is what kept James from the field last Saturday – who knew? But that sends a strong message to the rest of your teammates that your primary task (in James’ case running the ball) isn’t your only task out there.
Bennett is an excellent blocker and I kind of figured that he was seeing more time because of that skill but I didn’t think it was because James was sat down.
Knowing what Iowa is likely to do as in “Load the Box” in an effort to STOP CONNER… I would… what else… come out THROWING.
Expecting Chryst to try and soften up Iowa’s Run Defense early with some SAFE Passing Plays that allow Voytik to BUILD SOME CONFIDENCE.
Down and Outs to Boyd… Short Turn-arounds to the Tight Ends… maybe a Spring Out or Two.
Then… and only then… I give the Ball to “PANTHER BEAST MODE.”
You get my drift.
If PITT gives him an opportunity… look for him to take FULL ADVANTAGE of it.
Personally, my first reaction to NOT SEEING James on the field was the possibility of an OFF-FIELD issue of some kind… knowing Chryst.
To this point, he has not shown the ability to SEE DOWNFIELD or be comfortable enough in the Pocket to get the Ball there.
Chryst has shown no previous tendencies to change things up from our heavy dose of rushing when that has been the formula for success. Iowa is going to be forced to load the box early in the game to address this, that’s when the “Voytik can’t pass” exposé will begin and against this secondary without help from the linebackers underneath, spells trouble, just more trouble for the Hawkeye’s D.
I’m seeing a 2TD margin of victory for the Panthers therefore.
Good teaching point I know and Bennett was very solid gaining over 5 ypc and pickups up blitzes well (although Bennett did have a costly drop on 3rd down which would have went for a 1st down).
Hopefully all of the backs can contribute this week as they all bring a different skill set to the table. HCPC will never say it but there is no way he is happy Connor had to carry the rock over 30 times against FIU…no way.
Looks like the Ped St. fans are a little sensitive and outraged.
Perhaps if they would have been this outraged during the 15 years a pedophile was in their midst……….
How much of an embarrassment is the current Heisman Trophy winner? Would Pitt trade-off a National Championship for that kind of behavior? I hope not. His last stunt gives him the opportunity to come in after halftime and be the “Waterboy” winning the Bourbon Bowl. Some punishment.
If this is what it takes to be #1 college football is in trouble.
Wannstedt obviously wants everyone to forget that he was fired for the SI article as much as, or more than the results on the field.
He should just shut up. I am proud of the Pitt Administration for having the right priorities. Obviously the execution of the change was badly botched, but we now have a class guy doing his best to bring in kids with class. Let’s hope we maintain a standard we can be proud of, and keep our priorities in the proper order.
*Our guys get to stick to their regular school routine, sleeping in their own bed, eating breakfast at home as usual, etc.
*They takeb a 20 minute bus ride to Heinz Field as opposed to packing, taking a 45 minute bus ride to the airport, taking a jet to where ever that week, taking another bus ride to some hotel that may or may not have adequate beds and food for the team. Then another bus ride on game day to a visitors locker room that is always less than the ideal locker room facilities available at Heinz.
*Then instead of running out from the tunnel to the cheers of Pitt fans and a “Panther Pit” section filled by enthusiastic Pitt students, instead they emerge to a bevy of boos from the opponent’s fan base.
*Then during an away game, every time Pitt scores or hits a big play the response is quietly accepted by the majority of the audience rather than the stadium erupting in cheers while the Gateway Clipper Fleet sounds in a chorus of ship horn blasts after scoring.
*And I’m not even going to mention that little tradition that results in the “Let’s Go Pitt” mantra being yelled after the 3rd Q ends.
Yeah, there’s no advantage to these things are there? R I G H T!
Since I moved further south, I had to give up my season tickets. Just too far a trip from Savannah to the Burgh now. I’m still seeing a game live though at Chapel Hill in November against NC, but it sure won’t be anything close to the home field advantage that the Panthers experience at Heinz Field. I sure hope that the fans come out for the game on Saturday to support them. Heinz Field SHIULD be rock in for this ACC vs B1G matchup.
Hail to Pitt! Wish I was going to be there in person.
Definitely a home field advantage.
Would be a real nice home field advantage if we had 50k or so. Heinz is a different place with
25K-30K compared to 50K-55K.
Still a home field advantage when only 25-30K, for all of your reasons mentioned above.
The only time I don’t think a home field advantage comes into play, is something like when Temple used to play at the Vet, and were getting crowds of 3K to 7K.
I sweat I was at a Pitt v Temple game there, and they actually announced the crowd at 4,500.
They were using the Steve Pederson method though, because there weren’t 2000 warm bodies in the place!!
For that matter, the game against Florida International couldn’t have been fun for anyone, including players on both sides.
We really need to get the passing machine going. I am concerned about Conner’s longevity this season with the number of rushes, hits, etc. he is taking every game.
Vinopal is a good d’back that is also good for at least 2-3 terrible mistakes a game. Thankfully the other teams this year have not capitalized on most of them. I still have bad dreams about the Duke game last year.
I found it humorous that you mentioned “Chryst is disappointed that he cannot find fried cheese curds in Pittsburgh.” I can recall folks on this board saying how we should not hire Mario Christobal due to the lack of cuban food in Pittsburgh.