Kind of wish Pitt had a bye week here, so I could spend that time basking in the reflected glory and writing all week and beyond about the gloriousness of that game. Alas, there is a high-profile road game against a ranked team that is going to be very pissed after the way they got screwed this past weekend.
For all the fears of some fans getting out of control before or after the game, things seemed relatively peaceful. Between the noon start time and soul-draining humidity, I’m not sure a critical mass of people in any area had the energy to really go at it, or the time to end up over-served. Though, some tried.
One thing became certain during the game. Both teams did indeed go bland and basic in their first game of the season. Saving the full offense for this game. Not a surprise, but especially so for Pitt.
The formations, shifting and movement around the line was not at all present in the Villanova game. I was shocked Pitt was only called for one illegal shift in the game.
In the press box for the day, the room was packed. There is seating in there with desks for 155 people. I was part of a contingent of roughly 30 that was on barstools behind them. Not great, but it was interesting side benefit. It put me behind the NFL scouts watching — and there were a lot. Almost half the NFL had reps — Vikings, Rams, Chiefs, 49ers, Ravens, Bucs, Chargers, Bills, Steelers, Eagles, Giants, Cards, Colts and Packers. These guys all were friendly, knew each other and would quietly talk amongst themselves during the game about what was happening. The play calling, etc. Even occasionally directly explained some things to me. At one point during the second quarter, I heard one of them mutter, “Jet sweep, jet sweep, jet sweep. Keep running it until they show they can stop it.”
Another pointed out to me almost immediately, how Shakir Soto got the sack on McSorely when he pulled back the handoff to Barkely. Not because of a botched exchange, but because of a correct read that the edge pressure was coming right where Barkley was to run. The problem for PSU on that play, was that Soto got through on the inside.
Neat reminder of how little I really know at times.
I thought OC Matt Canada called a great first half, and I think he was restrained a bit in the second half. To that degree, I think a good deal of that has to do with HC Pat Narduzzi.
Narduzzi has made no bones that he wants to be able to put the game — in the fourth quarter — in the hands of the defense. He’s a DC by nature. It is what Michigan State did/does. He’s stated it before, most notably I recall after the Louisville game last season.
And the Louisville game had a similar feel. Pitt raced out to a big 1st half lead. With the game almost felt like it could be put away in that half, but a late score by ‘Ville before the half kept it from being a sure thing. And in the second half Pitt’s offense got very conservative and leaned on the defense to do the job. The difference being that Pitt built a much bigger lead — up 42-17 at the half.
That game and this are what Narduzzi envisions as the ideal for this team. Be able to beat a team early. Get that good lead and let the defense win the game in the second half.
The flaw in that is the defense is not yet at that point. Especially the secondary.
More later.
Looking forward to see a freshman WR step up. Seems like out offense is solid at every other position and I expect that many opportunities will be provided since Weah just doesn’t have it.
Line this weekend seems too big for a team that should be able to compete. Look forward to another challenge.
They whined to their usher that we were inappropriate. She was explaining to me that I had to watch my language (I don’t remember saying anything off color) just as the students (right beside us) broke out into the “F— Penn State” chant to which I just shrugged my shoulders.
During the PSU comeback one simpleton is banging on the flashing in front of the box. directly behind peoples ears. He also called two middle ladies (Pitt Fans) in front of him “Whores”.
Anyway since 84 Lumber feels it’s ok to have this type of people represent them at such an event I feel it’s ok for me to never buy anything from them again. As it represents poor judgement on their part. Just an FYI for anyone looking to purchase construction related items.
1st ballot unanimous HOF
I’m not blaming him at all … but IMO he was not a candidate for player of the game. Price, Henderson, Jarrett, Conner and D Johnson were all worthier candidates.
This has the potential to be so big for Pitt. Narduzzi now has real tangible evidence to show PA recruits who he is battling Franklin for. I also know that come June when I’m re-upping my Panther Club membership, I’ll be adding an additional $50 or more for the win on Saturday.
Hope the team makes a quick transition to the preparation for Ok State and keeps the momentum building with another win.
Great post Chas.
As for the few fans in the 84 LUMBER box that were complete drunken morons, if I acted that way while at an event in a place tied to my employers name, I am not sure that I would have a job today. I had the misfortune of sitting in front of them as well. The two women that they referred to as “whores” attend most games and don’t bother anyone. Yeah, so I think 84 Lumber is off my shopping list.
Time after time, it was No. 9 making an OPEN field tackle that likely was a TD Saver.
My personal vote for Game MVP… his BIG dash to the Goal Line aside.
A Man among Boys this Saturday and nearly every Saturday.
I think the biggest issue with D right now is depth. Good first half but they wore down in the 2nd and Pitt doesn’t have body after body to rotate in and out and throw at an opponent.
The passing game is scary but it may be a case of not needing it so the playbook wasn’t really opened up yet.
I expect Pitt to lose Saturday, which I don’t want to see but understand give the circumstances. The bigger game is the following week vs. UNC. If Pitt retuns to Heinz 3-1 I’ll be thrilled. I expect the next 3 games will all be more difficult games than Penn St.
Jim Lakely · Director of Communications at Heartland Institute
Mike: Do you feel embarassed on Sunday morning? You should. It’s a morning in which just about everything you wrote above was made irrelevant. I believe the only accurate item was your identification of the name of the PSU coach, “whatever his name is” … which is what many key recruits will think who were in attendance at Heinz Field.
The fact is that PSU is not “elite,” and you were in decline long before your child-rape scandal. Pitt got some “remainder” votes for the Top 25 in both polls for the pre-season and after Week One. PSU got ZERO, and might jump into the Top 25 after Saturday’s victory. PSU has won a total of ONE MORE GAME than Pitt since 2010. PSU’s last three bowl games (since 2011) have been a loss at the Ticket City Bowl, a win in the Pinstripe Bowl, and a loss at the TaxSlayer Bowl. That is not the resume of an “elite” program.
You are living in a delusional state, Mike. I suggest you get help … at a UPMC clinic, the best in the state.
Like · Reply · Sep 11, 2016 2:41am
Matthew Flynn · State College, Pennsylvania
PSU faced debilitating sanctions over the last four years and were one play from beating a team that has had full scholarships over that time. What’s pitt’s excuse?
Like · Reply · 18 hrs
Thomas Richards
Matthew Flynn We have no excuses, cause we don’t need them. Regrets, those we have. Like I “regret” that there are only 362 more days left for us Pitt fans to twist that Pitt knife in that open wound of your Nittany Lion until we’re forced to do it all over again, this time at your own house. That’s really going to leave a mark on ya, September 9th.
link to onwardstate.com
Comment by JoeP 09.12.16 @ 1:38 pm
Good way to put it Chas !
More proof this isn’t a rivalry(yea right). People are at it already for next years game.
