From Nike Pro Combat Day
No you won’t see these helmets on Thursday, but I had to put this combo together for the game.
When you don’t play a team for a while, everyone resets to their halcyon days of great success. Even if it has eluded them for a number of years. Don’t get me wrong. Miami is very talented. They have great speed and talent.
At the same time, they haven’t done much with it to this point. They got pantsed by Ohio State. Take away their special teams and their offense was wrecked and the defense was beaten into submission. Ohio State is one of the best teams in the country, so losing wasn’t a shock. I really don’t think that Pitt and Miami are too far apart in this game.
They even have similar problems as this beat writer laid out for Miami after the loss to Ohio State.
Concern No. 1: The running game
Take away Damien Berry’s 42-yard run, and the Hurricanes had 28 carries for 78 yards against the Buckeyes. The rushing attack at halftime: 14 rushes for 28 yards.
Tailback is the team’s deepest position, with Berry, Lamar Miller and Mike James each capable of gaining 100 yards. Miller has shown his big-play ability on special teams but got just three carries Saturday after a team-high 11 for 65 yards and a touchdown in the opener. More touches would help.
The Hurricanes had at least one rushing touchdown in 10 consecutive games before Saturday. The offensive line needs to do a better job creating holes for the bevy of backs.
…
Concern No. 3: Tackling and lack of turnovers forcedLinebacker Sean Spence had a career-high 11 tackles Saturday. The rest of the defense didn’t fare so well. Shannon said tackling was emphasized all week leading up to Ohio State after several missed tackles in the season opener.
“I told those guys to make sure they tackle the football and get better,” Shannon said. “[Saturday], we didn’t. After the first contact, [the Buckeyes] may have had over 70 yards.”
The defense didn’t wrap up Terrelle Pryor, and it can’t afford that against Pittsburgh running back Dion Lewis.
The ‘Canes also didn’t force any turnovers to help offset Harris’ four picks. They’ve yet to force a fumble this season and have just one interception.
The Canes know that Lewis hasn’t been as electric as last season to date, but they know Pitt will still run him.
One thing to worry about, especially with the running game, is that Miami has been very good up front, and while early, lead the country in tackles for loss.
Canes Pundit has a list of things he will be watching to see from Miami. No surprise special teams and Miami QB Jacory Harris is on that list — and not because Harris got racist tweets sent his way.
Now if Pitt can put the off-the-field crap behind them and get ready for the game, I think we’d all appreciate it.
The standard time schedule is 5hrs. prior to kickoff. However, I believe the Pirates have a day game starting a 12:35pm. So, I don’t know what that means for accessibility to the parking lots, etc….
link to pittsburghpanthers.com
With ND losing and now at 1-2, PITT better win this one if they want to crack the Top 25 again before Thanksgiving(assuming WVU only loses to LSU before then)(and of course we win all games till then as well)
From what I’ve read so far I’ve heard parking is a b**** this year. I will probably be getting to the stadium area around 3:30-4:00.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Headed up from the ATL for this one. I expect a big win for the effort!!!!
Go PITT!
I expect us to play better. What player can’t get up for this one at home on nat tv?! Limit mistakes.
As for Comcast, I’m pissed it is not a national package! Unless I am missing something, it reads as a local thing. Arrgghh!
Hey Pitt in ATL – I used to live in Marietta, now in Nashville. Kudos for making the game.
HAIL TO PITT. Beat the Canes!!!!!!!
You get burned so many times, it is tough to be all in every big game when Wanny lays an egg more often than not.
Miami in 2003, Notre Dame in 2005, Rutgers in 2006, Bowling Green in 2008, Cinci in 2009…..
If a win Thursday night wouldnt surprise you then you havent been following this team very long.
get blown out…….I am not going to be happy and say, “oh well, we got Fla Atlantic next week, we’ll get em’!!” If I just wanted to enjoy football for football sakes, I’d just go to high school games, stay home and watch all the big games on Saturdays. I would like some big wins every once in awhile!!!
Canes 17
Now is the scene where we look upon our pathetic deadbeat dad who is now in an abusive relationship with his new wife, the ACC, and beat the shit out of him.
I want to see Pitt run it up on these Jags
That said I’d like to see it happen also, but we are in the position when any win we get is more of an indication of how bad the opponent is rather than how good we are – as far as the national media goes.
I agree with what is being written about the teams being a fairly well matched event. The big question for tonight is who wants it more? This game is pivotal for both seasons. Who wants it more? Bring it Pitt!
Bigger question for me is Gin & Tonic, single malt or suds from the tap at my wet bar?
The fact that everyone is even talking about Pitt and Miami being evenly matched and that losing at home would be another disappointment points to a few things: 1) Pitt’s coaches are pretty darn good at spotting underappreciated talent. 2) Pitt’s coaches are pretty darn good at developing players, and 3) Wanny’s coaching style keeps us competitive with anybody. Hmm, sounds a lot like Jamie Dixon’s bball program.
Hail to PITT! Beat the ‘Canes!
