Well Utah has a new head coach. Kyle Whittingham, the defensive coordinator, opted to take over at Utah rather than jump to his alma mater, BYU. The entire Utah coaching staff, right now, is completely disjointed.
Pitt ranks poorly on the latest “official” graduation numbers, but that isn’t surprising:
Pitt spokesman E.J. Borghetti said the time frame of the study works against Pitt. Pitt’s first three classes used in the study were recruited by former coach Johnny Majors, the fourth by current coach Walt Harris.
The incoming class of 1996-97, which is included in the study, previously came under scrutiny because 14 of the 19 players transferred after the coaching change, contributing to Pitt’s rate of 16 percent for that class.
“The study focuses on a time period when, frankly, our football program was very poor on and off the field,” Borghetti said. “We are now performing very well in both arenas.”
Borghetti said of the players who were seniors on the 2003 team, 15 of 19 graduated and eight of the 11 black players earned a degree. He also pointed out that the Panthers’ starting defensive tackles for the Jan. 1 Fiesta Bowl against Utah are three-time Academic All-American Vince Crochunis and two-time Academic All-American Dan Stephens.
Sadly these reports can’t be taken seriously because the data is stale and until recent changes were made never took into account transfers in or out of the school.
Piece on how DT, Vince Crochunis, is the only player left from Pitt’s 1999 recruiting class and how far the entire program has come from his first recruiting trips to Pitt.
College All-American teams are being produced. Sports Illustrated has its All-American team. Rob Petitti was listed under “honorable mention.” He made the second team on the Sporting News’ All-American squad.
Cornerback, Darrelle Revis was named to the Sporting News’ Freshman All-American First Team.
Joe Bendel at ESPN.com names his All-Big East team. Tyler Palko, Greg Lee and Rob Petitti on the offensive side. Nobody on defense. Josh Cummings and Adam Graessle on special teams.
And just because I have a bit of a venal streak, Ivan Maisel names Boston College Flop of the Year.
