masthead.jpg

switchconcepts.com, U3dpdGNo-a25, DIRECT rubiconproject.com, 14766, RESELLER pubmatic.com, 30666, RESELLER, 5d62403b186f2ace appnexus.com, 1117, RESELLER thetradedesk.com, switchconcepts, RESELLER taboola.com, switchconceptopenrtb, RESELLER bidswitch.com, switchconcepts, RESELLER contextweb.com, 560031, RESELLER amazon-adsystem.com, 3160, RESELLER crimtan.com, switch, RESELLER quantcast.com, switchconcepts , RESELLER rhythmone.com, 1934627955, RESELLER ssphwy.com, switchconcepts, RESELLER emxdgt.com, 59, RESELLER appnexus.com, 1356, RESELLER sovrn.com, 96786, RESELLER, fafdf38b16bf6b2b indexexchange.com, 180008, RESELLER nativeads.com, 52853, RESELLER theagency.com, 1058, RESELLER google.com, pub-3515913239267445, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
September 8, 2006

And the excitement leading up to it is palpable. Especially here in Northeast Ohio. Why, that other Ohio team that’s playing somewhere in Texas tomorrow is barely registering a blip.

For Pitt, starting tailback LaRod Stephens-Howling is listed as questionable for the game. If he doesn’t go, Shane Brooks might get the start after his 9 carries for 43 yard effort in relief last week. Of course, Conredge Collins at fullback is at full strength so he might see some more touches. Plus, Coach Dave Wannstedt said Dorin Dickerson is nearly 100% finally, so he could be used.

The defense for Cinci is their strength with 10 starters from last year — though still quite young.

On defense, two starting linemen, a linebacker and cornerback are sophomores. On offense, the left tackle and the fullback are freshmen, while the quarterback is a sophomore. Other sophomores are the right guard and a wideout. So, the Bearcats are extremely young, but not without talent.

“I think their secondary’s very athletic, and their corners are very big,” Palko said. “They’re taller kids, and No. 13 (junior FS Haruki Nakamura) is a heckuva ball player. He’s a tough kid, and their linebackers are stout and athletic. Their D-line was young last year, but they’re much-improved.

“They love to get to the quarterback. They play hard, and they’re great football players. They have a very talented defense, and Coach D has them hyped up and ready to go. So, we have to be prepared for that.”

The beat writer for Cinci has also noted that getting pressure on the QB, even just knocking him about not necessarily sacks, is part fo what the Cinci D likes to do. Cinci feels good about their 1-AA shutout but knows there’s something of a difference.

“Pitt’s a little better than Eastern Kentucky,” [Cinci DC Pat] Narduzzi said.

EKU had an accomplished quarterback in Josh Greco, but Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko, a three-year starter and fifth-year senior, plays at a higher level. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Palko is a two-time second-team all-Big East selection who has passed for 5,755 yards in his career, which ranks fifth on Pitt’s career list.

UC head coach Mark Dantonio said Palko reminds him of former Ohio State quarterback Steve Bellisari.

Now, anyone who remembers Bellisari knows what a cheap shot that is.

Finally Pitt has a few strands of frustration and futility it needs to snap in this game.

Pitt was 0-5 on the road last year. The Panthers failed to score an offensive touchdown in their first 10 quarters on the road, then lost by a combined score of 87-33 in their last two road tests.

The Panthers also ended the 2004 season with a 35-7 shellacking by Utah in the Fiesta Bowl. To make matters worse, they have not fared well in Friday night games, either.

Last year, the Panthers played two Friday night games and lost them both, including a 16-10 overtime loss at the hands of MAC lightweight Ohio University.

And to complete the sad tale, the Panthers are 0-2 in their past two trips into Ohio.

Oh yeah, the Toledo game in 2003.





Haruki Nakamura is a St. Edward High School graduate, same school as Joe Thomas. They are playing an amazing schedule this season and will appear on ESPN next weekend. Pitt should try to get some more recruits from there, specifically running back Frank Edmonds.

Comment by Jeff P. 09.08.06 @ 10:45 am

Hoping LaRod can play, but I’m also wanting to see Shane Brooks get a chance to show his stuff. My gut tells me its not a big drop-off between the two. All depends on the O-Line at this point anyway.

Also, looking forward to see how they use Dickerson, whether strictly at RB, rushing or swing passes to him, or splitting him out to WR sometimes. I don’t think we’ll see him touch the ball alot though.

Getting more nervous about tonight, even if it appears we should be in good shape with Cincy.

Comment by Reed Kohberger 09.08.06 @ 11:00 am

Cheap shot indeed., Bellisari, if I remember correctly, had happy feet in the pocket and would run at the drop of a hat. If he threw and was under pressure, he usually messed up.

Comment by Kenny 09.08.06 @ 11:05 am

Cheap shot indeed. Bellisari, if I remember correctly, had happy feet in the pocket and would run at the drop of a hat. If he threw and was under pressure, he usually messed up.

Comment by Kenny 09.08.06 @ 11:06 am

Sorry for the double post. My bad!

Comment by Kenny 09.08.06 @ 11:06 am

I am confident tonight but the Friday night espn jinx has me just a little worried. But I think we will overcome.

Pitt 42 Cinci 17

Comment by Rex 09.08.06 @ 12:26 pm

I still wish they’d go back to the old Pitt Unis – the new ones look like so many other schools.

Comment by Mark 09.08.06 @ 1:41 pm

UC football is not the priority, UC basketball is, UC football fans are few and very far between, only 18,000 for last weeks opener. I am going to game tonight and i expect to see a good turn out of Pitt fans and a win.

Comment by jimbo b 09.08.06 @ 3:30 pm

63 – 7 PITT…..do they play football in Cincinnati?

Comment by Marco 09.08.06 @ 4:32 pm

Powered by WordPress © PittBlather.com

Site Meter