Sean of Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician — the best Syracuse blog, and the best Big East blogger out there — and I traded questions, answers and self-pity ahead of the Pitt Syracuse game tomorrow. My responses to his canny questions are here.

1. Okay, so exactly who is healthy for the Orange? Seems like on top of everything else, there are injuries and curious attempts to maintain redshirts. What running backs can Pitt expect to see? I understand it’s the Cam Dantley reign at QB.

When you ask who is healthy are you asking from a physical standpoint or a mental one? Big difference. Assuming you mean physical, there’s really only one player you might not see and that’s Delone Carter. Before straining his knee a few weeks ago Carter was entrenched as the #2 back on roster and good for 10-15 carries/game behind Curtis Brinkley. The good news for SU is that we have Doug Hogue ready to step in and cover the role until Carter is up to speed again. My guess is that you’ll see a little bit of Carter, a little more of Hogue and whole lot of Brinkley.

There’s also freshman Averin Collier who was said before the season to have a shot at some serious PT. Combine the success of Brinkley et al and a leg injury in the summer and Collier hasn’t seen play #1 yet this season. A smart coach might redshirt this future star so that you can maximize this potential. But we’re not dealing with a smart coach. So Collier is still active. And unless Curtis Brinkley is run over by a tank and Delone Carter’s leg arbitrarily falls off, Collier won’t see very much action this season, if at all.

Cam Dantley is indeed the quarterback. He doesn’t exactly do a lot to convince us he is the man to lead us back to glory but he’s certainly doing enough to warrant holding on to the starting job for now. It was a surprise to SU fans when Andrew Robinson was benched so quickly but in retrospect it was a long time coming. Robinson was having mechanical problems all pre-season and if Greg Robinson actually based his decisions on who deserves it and not on what the nice thing to do is, Dantley would have been the starter at the beginning of the year.

2. AlmostFest? WTF? For a noon game? Exactly how many people actually show up for any sort of concert at 10am?

I’ll have you know that StormFront is Upstate New York’s PREMIERE Billy Joel cover band. You haven’t heard Downeaster Alexa until you’ve heard it filtered through six guys from Albany who’ve never set foot in Long Island.

I don’t know much about the greater Pittsburgh area but what I know about Syracuse is this…this is PRIME cover band territory. These people LOVE Billy Joel, KISS and Van Halen. But how often do Billy Joel, KISS and Van Halen make it up to that part of the country? Once every five years? If that? Cover bands are like nature’s pacifiers in Central NY.

Of course, there is no KISS cover band this year. Worse than that, there is no midget KISS Cover band this year. If you’re not gonna do it right…don’t do it.

3. Everyone and their dog knows Greg Robinson is dead coach walking. Is this going to go the distance for the season or does the good DOCTOR end it early?

I have been saying for the past couple weeks that, assuming we lose, he’s getting fired immediately following this game. Syracuse has a bye coming up, it’s perfect timing. So naturally, that won’t happen.

I’m beginning to come around to this theory that he’ll get the Zook Treatment and be allowed to finish the season. If he doesn’t get fired after this one, you might as well let him finish out the season at that point. It won’t make a difference either way but I guess you won’t look entirely heartless if you let him stick around and try to get a sympathy win over Rutgers.

What will NOT happen is Greg keeping his job all season long only to be fired when its over. There’s just no possible way, it’s too late.

4. Dave Wannstedt is hanging mousetraps around the practice facility to let the players know this is a trap game. What is Greg Robinson doing to motivate the Orange this week?

You can keep your stinkin’ moustraps. You know what we use? Arbitrary, ultimately-meaningless catchphrases. We’re fightin’ the fight. We’re working on our want-to and we’re improving our have-to. We’re really flashing. We’re turning corners and pushing through ceilings and giving more than 100% which seems impossible but you would be wrong in thinking so.

5. So, after Lane Kiffen, and possibly present OC Mitch Browning, who are the names that the DOCTOR is supposed to be considering with the “first pick of the draft”?

Well, first I’ll give you the list of coaches who are apparently being pushed on us by our own alumni:

Marty Morninwheg, Kevin Gilbride, George O’Leary…

I’d add more but I passed out just writing that list. For the people who think they’re doing us a favor by pushing these people for the job, I hate you all.

Who are the legit candidates at this very moment in time?

Turner Gill, Al Golden, Lane Kiffin, Skip Holtz, Florida OC Dan Mullen, Illinois OC Mike Locksley and UCLA OC Norm Chow.

Now, all of this could change vastly by the time December rolls around so I’m not one for getting too worked up about it just yet. As long as its eventually not a lifer NFL assistant desperate for a head coaching job, I’m probably gonna be fine with it.

6. Aside from seeing a slimmed Pat Shadle, what unexpected sights can Pitt fans expect from Syracuse?

You can’t underestimate how good Pat Shadle looks, no homo. It’s something to be seen.

I think you’ll be surprised with how good our running game is.

I think you won’t be surprised with how bad everything else is.

I think you’ll be surprised how good our punter is.

I think you won’t be surprised that he’s the best player on the team.

I think you’ll be surprised at Cam Dantley’s arm strength.

I think you won’t be surprised.to see we only take advantage of it once or twice all game.

I think you’ll be surprised by the assortment of signs that SU fans bring to the game displaying their disdain for the current status.

Then again, I think you won’t.

Sean will almost certainly be doing his own liveblog/chat tomorrow. Read TNIAAM regularly for the latest on the end of the Greg Robinson era.

So, not a lot of change near the top. Starting this week, as conference play gets broader, there should start to be a lot more shake-out and reality checks.

Rank	Team	Delta
1	Southern Cal	—
2	Oklahoma	—
3	Missouri	—
4	Georgia	—
5	LSU	—
6	Florida	—
7	Texas	—
8	Wake Forest	1
9	Alabama	9
10	South Florida	—
11	Penn State	—
12	Wisconsin	2
13	Auburn	1
14	Brigham Young	1
15	Texas Tech	2
16	Ohio State	—
17	Utah	4
18	Kansas	2
19	Vanderbilt	2
20	Connecticut	4
21	TCU	4
22	Virginia Tech	4
23	Boise State	3
24	Colorado	2
25	Ball State	1

East Carolina’s win over WVU looks less impressive. Arguably, VT has turned things around with Tyrod Taylor and may have stabilized. UNC has their starting QB out on top of the painful loss. Wait until next year for the Tar Heels.

The bottom half stays in flux. Ball State earned their way, but I’m not sure how long their stay will be with the loss of their top receiver Dante Love.

The mad bastards at Black Hearts Gold Pants and I did the blogger exchange. Adam Jacobi who also goes under the name “Oops Pow Surprise” is also a cohort at FanHouse and the creator of the awesome JoePa Chronicles. My responses to his questions can be found here.

So, what does Iowa have to offer other than corn, ethanol and every few years an infestation of pandering politicians?

Sir, our state is rich in many things. You neglect hogs, soybeans, and wine. Yes, wine. Sure, it’s totally unpotable, but you should pick up a bottle of the local Grigio anyway–I’ve never seen anything take the stain off a deck and kill the weeds underneath like that.

Is there any difference between Stanzi or Christensen at QB other than name length? Is there an Iowa fan preference?

Sure, there’s a difference. Christensen is more experienced, but a full year of getting beaten into submission–46 sacks in 2007–has turned him into a frightened rabbit under center. But all the same, he doesn’t throw picks. He doesn’t throw much of anything, really, not when there’s a defensive lineman in the same, uh, area code.

Chased by a bear

Or a bear.

Stanzi’s fresh, taller, and can put touch on a ball. He also throws severely ill-advised passes about 10-15% of the time and probably played his way right out of the starting lineup with a 5-14, 2-pick performance against ISU. Oh, and he left 11 points off the board on what should have been easy TD passes. You won’t really know who’s starting until Saturday morning; Stanzi started against FIU after Ferentz named Christensen his man earlier that week.

Any arrests or academic casualties in the last few days? Follow-up, has the strong start by Iowa alleviated some of the negativity towards Ferentz and the football team that seemed to be there prior to the start of the season?

(more…)

Another funfilled week of life in the top-25.

Rank	Team	Delta
1	Southern Cal	—
2	Oklahoma	1
3	Missouri	3
4	Georgia	2
5	LSU	—
6	Florida	1
7	Texas	2
8	East Carolina	2
9	Wake Forest	2
10	South Florida	4
11	Penn State	2
12	Auburn	—
13	Utah	2
14	Wisconsin	2
15	Brigham Young	6
16	Ohio State	12
17	Texas Tech	—
18	Alabama	—
19	Oregon	1
20	Kansas	2
21	Vanderbilt	3
22	West Virginia	3
23	North Carolina	3
24	Connecticut	2
25	TCU	1

I knew I had Arizona State overrated, I just didn’t realize how badly until I actually watched them struggle with UNLV. Having typed that, I’m sure they’ll now go out and beat Georgia when the time comes.

On deck to move into the poll: Iowa, Boise St. and Virginia Tech.

It’s all about the teams outside of the BCS Conferences. 4 teams from the outside. Heck, if Bowling Green had beaten Minnesota, they would have been in the mix.

Rank	Team	Delta
1	Southern Cal	—
2	Georgia	—
3	Oklahoma	2
4	Ohio State	1
5	LSU	1
6	Missouri	1
7	Florida	1
8	Arizona State	1
9	Texas	2
10	East Carolina	13
11	Wake Forest	1
12	Auburn	1
13	Penn State	7
14	South Florida	2
15	Utah	1
16	Wisconsin	2
17	Texas Tech	1
18	Alabama	3
19	Fresno State	2
20	Oregon	1
21	Brigham Young	2
22	Kansas	4
23	UCLA	1
24	Vanderbilt	2
25	West Virginia	21

I am really agonizing about leaving WVU in the poll. I feel they deserve to drop out completely, but I’m not completely sure who should go in there. Boise State?

Constructive comments and suggestions appreciated. The final ballot is due on Wednesday.

Well, whatever. A week in, and I’m confused. Almost worse than preseason polling. Making a judgment after only one week.

Rank	Team	Delta
1	Southern Cal	1
2	Georgia	1
3	Ohio State	—
4	West Virginia	—
5	Oklahoma	—
6	LSU	1
7	Missouri	1
8	Florida	2
9	Arizona State	1
10	Wake Forest	2
11	Texas	5
12	South Florida	1
13	Auburn	2
14	Wisconsin	—
15	Alabama	11
16	Utah	5
17	Fresno State	8
18	Texas Tech	5
19	Brigham Young	2
20	Penn State	—
21	Oregon	5
22	Cincinnati	4
23	East Carolina	3
24	UCLA	2
25	Michigan State	1

Dart throwing would probably have yielded more defensible results. Probably

MariusJanulisForThree is the operative behind the always excellent Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician blog. Detailing the highs and lows that are Syracuse athletics. Well MJFT and I are sporadically going to exchange questions about the Big East this season. Or it might just die quickly depending on whether we lose interest.

This week, he answers some of my questions.

1. Which fanbase is more fun to see baited and lathered-up on the subject of their coaches and why?

A. Rutgers fans with Greg Schiano going to Penn State after this season.
B. UConn fans with Randy Edsall going back to his alma mater after Greg Robinson is fired from Syracuse.
C. West Virginia fans on the subject of life with Bill Stewart within a couple years without Rich Rodriguez around.
D. Louisville fans at the idea of Steve Kragthorpe getting a contract extension.
E. Pitt fans with the suggestion that Dave Wannstedt may never get Pitt to anything more than the PapaJohns.com Bowl.

Well, I’d say West Virginia except the question asks which one is the most “fun” to watch and West Virginia fans fall into the “friggin’ insane to the point where you never want to visit that backwards state…ever.”

Being that I grew up in NJ I have to go with Rutgers. It’s unbelievably hysterical to me the overreaction that Rutgers fans have had to Greg Schiano in the last couple years. No doubt, they’ve improved leaps and bounds, but a Texas Bowl and an International Bowl do not a powerhouse make. Schiano is clearly just biding his time until the Penn State job opens up. He’s got that cushy clause in his contract that basically allows him to walk anytime and without much of a penalty. And when he does leave, so goes Rutgers with him. They probably won’t stoop to the levels that they used to wallow in (and Syracuse currently trolls) but they’ll probably be looking back at the Texas Bowl as their crowing achievement. And that’s awesome.

2. It didn’t get much publicity, but the Big East adopted a new wrinkle to the instant replay rule. Essentially it is supposed to be a way to correct the big screw-ups. Where the officials can use replay to correct “egregious errors” on plays that aren’t actually reviewable. The upshot, though, is making everything reviewable. It’s seems that it is subject to the whims of the officials (and how loudly ESPN playcalling crews make it known how bad the call was or wasn’t). Your thoughts?

With instant replay policies you’re always a bad call away from loving them or hating them passionately. I don’t like the idea of there being some abstract reason to call a replay. I want hard, cold irrefutable reasoning for each and every time they decide to stop play and review. It does sound like this play could end up being something of a “common sense” checker, something that referees sorely need from time to time.

And as for whether or not this allows the ESPN to influence the outcome of the game, well, we all know it’s heading that way eventually…

3. Your choice for the next Big East commissioner and why?

Honestly, I don’t have a clue. The “candidates” as best I can tell seem to be Big East senior associate commissioner John Marinatto, associate commissioner Nick Carparelli, associate commissioner Dan Gavitt, Louisville Athletic Director Tom Jurich and Connecticut Athletic Director Jeff Hathaway. And if I could tell you one thing about any of them its that I don’t know one thing about any of them.

If there’s qualities I am looking for in the next Big East commish, it’s someone who is going to be dedicated to growing Big East football…not just in quantity but in quality, someone who is going to nurture Big East lacrosse which I think is going to become a cornerstone of the sport very quickly, and someone who is going to be there to make the tough decisions regarding Big East basketball. Those decisions may be about looking to the future and the sustainability (word?) of the conference and losing some “old” baggage that’s holding us down (Hi, St. John’s). Or maybe it’s just about someone who will not let the football side completely dictate the basketball side.

At the end of the day, we need someone who can stand up to the other BCS conferences when it matters. We need someone with big brass ones. Is Roger Goddell really locked into that NFL deal?

4.
A. Team that will overachieve?

I’m gonna go with a Pitt team that will finish 8-4. I know they’re Team Frisky right now for everyone but I think 8 wins with their schedule is going to be quite a nice season for you guys.

B. Team the media say overachieved?

Probably South Florida, when they win the Big East and finish the year in the Top Ten. They’re that good now but no one’s gonna buy it until they see it.

5.
A. Team that will underacheive?

Would a 10-2 West Virginia team in the Gator Bowl be considered a underachiever? Based on the predictions and expectations, I’d say so.

B. Team the media will say underachieved?

How bout Cincinnati, who is coming up a very quietly impressive season, but who will not-so-quietly fall back to the Earth this year.

6. Best coach in the Big East?

Greg Robinson.

(wait for it…)

Okay, seriously…gotta go Jim Leavitt. I mean, the dude built the entire football program. He didn’t just take a 1-AA team and turn them into a 1-A nationally-ranked program. He STARTED THE FRICKIN’ PROGRAM FROM SCRATCH and turned them into a 1-A nationally-ranked program. If South Florida does as well as I think they will, he will have his pick of the litter of coaching jobs across the country…and I have a feeling he’ll turn them all down. I get the sense he’s in this for the long haul and that’s great for a conference that most coaches still see as a stepping stone to better things (ahem, Rodriguez. ahem, Petrino). We desperately need more coaches like him. Stable winners.

Also, I think Edsall’s done pretty well turning UConn into a viable program…that’s impressive. Can’t wait until we introduce him as Syracuse’s new coach next season.

Okay, blogger cultural exchange time. It’s been a while since we had one of these. Bowling Green may be in the MAC. They may have a stadium that seats 24,000 (115th out of 119 1-A). That doesn’t mean they don’t have passion and pride. Bowling Green these days is known as the place where Florida coach Urban Meyer got his first HC gig. Greg Brandon took over after Meyer and is still there entering year 6. BGSU is expected to be one of the top teams in the MAC and, um, they actually went to a bowl last year.

So, Orange, the proprietor of Falcon Blog and I exchanged questions and and answers ahead of this week’s season opener. You can see my answers to his questions, here.

1. The GMAC Bowl — 63-7 (loss to Tulsa)? What the hell happened? It wasn’t just 44 days off, what happened to the offense? I know the defense was iffy last year, but geez. I assume the team and coaches are using that as motivation for this year, but is there a fear of a hangover or carryover for that? In general, how’s the mindset of the team?

Ah, yeah, ahem, cough cough. Loosen collar. About that. Certainly, not our proudest day, that’s for sure. In fact, it was one of the worst defeats we’ve ever had, and it was in a bowl game. To answer your question more specifically….what the hell happened? Well, we just came out as flat as I have ever seen us. I think we turned the ball over four times in the first quarter, and then our starting QB got injured, and Tulsa kept its foot on the gas pedal the whole way and our guys are done, and you mix all that together, and you have a debacle.

I think that everyone associated with the program would like to make it to a bowl game and erase that memory. But, I don’t think it is weighing on their minds. The whole thing had a Playstation feel to it, and we know we weren’t that bad, and it was so one-sided its easy to recognize it as an aberration. I’m not personally worried about a hangover. I think our guys are ready to bounce back.

2. You have 9 starters returning on defense (at least, according to Phil Steele). At the same time, the defense has allowed more scoring each year under Greg Brandon. Is there pressure on 2nd year DC Mike Ward to get this fixed? Will the defense actually be improved this year and how? Which players on defense do you see poised to be playmakers?

Most of the pressure on this year’s team is to win a MAC Championship, which has not happened here in 14 seasons, and not at all in the Meyer/Brandon era, despite having some pretty good teams. I don’t think the pressure is any more than that. In fact, if there was recent pressure on anything, it would be to bring special teams around, but that’s another story. Coach says the defense is looking improved, with improved playmaking. Most Falcon fans would be happy to see some tackling. We have been very poor at stopping the run, which is a problem in college football. Supposedly, we are going to benefit from the seasoning these players got two seasons ago when they were rushed into action to fill a hole in our recruiting. We’ll see. I have my doubts.

On the plus side, almost no one plays D in the MAC, and if we can move the ball, then we can still win a championship.

Furthermore, our defensive line–already thin–has been weakened further by, well, legal problems you have noted below. We also lost a really good young LB to grades.

Our playmakers are our CBs, Antonio Smith and Kenny Lewis, our LBs John Haneline and Erique Dozier, DE Diryal Briggs (pash rusher) and S PJ Mahone (pass stealer).

3. On paper it looks like BG uses a two back system with Turner (6-2 227 pounds) being the power back and Geter (5-7 167) coming in as the change-of-pace or small speedy back. Is this accurate and how effective will they be with the offensive line being the most inexperienced unit on the team? How much of a concern is the offensive line, generally?

Actually, the last word is that Turner has been moved to WR, where he may or may not even be on the two-deep. His time at RB came last year only because Geter was injured, Bullock was unproductive, and we needed to establish the run. And, he helped to salvage our season. Now that Geter is back, he was moved to WR. (At the time the decision was made, Eric Ransom, a JUCO RB was also around, but he is injured again). I think we were all suprised that Turner was moved and asked to learn a new position at this point in his career. So, as of now, the rotation appears to be Geter as the main back, Bullock between the tackles, and Turner as “slash” type (know you get that one) back who is dangerous in numerous ways, even as a passer (he was recruited at QB).

The offensive line is a huge concern. We graduated some really good players, and we have young players coming in. They seem to have potential, but they are young. And, the line has been an unwavering constant during the entire Meyer/Brandon period. Our hope is that by spreading people out, throwing the ball quickly, and then running to the gaps that are created, we can neutralize this until the line gels.

4. Greg Brandon’s been at BG for the past 5 years and only 1 losing record after following Urban Meyer. To an outsider, the Falcons seemed to have been rebuilding the last few years. Is that an accurate statement? What are the expectations like for BG this year? And is there concern (or hope) that Brandon will move on from BG with a strong season?

The expectations are high. They are not as high as they were at the end of last season, due to things like Tulsa, losing a top LB, and the loss of D-line depth. Still, most observers pick BG to win their division. And Falcon fans are pretty much expecting the same thing. Because, to our perspective, we have been close to winning–not rebuilding–for the past few years. For example, Meyer left a really good team, and BG won the division and lost the MAC Championship on our field to a Big-Ben led Miami team. The next team was also very strong and underachieved a little, but won the GMAC Bowl. The team the following year, well, that team was a tragedy, lots of talent and underperforming a lot. The following year we were poor, and then last year we were better. I think we would only view that season two years ago as a rebuidling year. The rest have been years when our teams have been strong and good enough to win our division, at least.

If Brandon wins enough, it is inevitable he will move on. He just signed a contract extension last year, which he earned. However, those are one-sided deals, and I’m sure he has a buy-out in there that would be loose change to a bigger school. Falcon fans have the same feelings about Brandon that most teams have about their coach–highly ambivalent, and generally unfairly disdainful. My opinion is that he is a good coach and we could easily do worse. If he does end up making a career here at BG, then I think he is capable of winning the MAC.

5. Which players should Pitt fans be paying special attention in the orange and brown? Why?

We’ve covered a number of players above. On offense, WR Corey Partridge is probably our best skill player, when healthy. I have not seen anyone cover him consistently. Also, WR Freddie Barnes had a quiet 82 catches last season. Our KR Roger Williams is the first decent KO returner we have had in years, and our kicker Srinisi Vrvilio has shored up was what a disasterous postion. Finally, just to repeat one, PJ Mahone, who was an all-state RB in Elyria, has a spooky knack for making interceptions.

6. Extra question, Orlando Ray Barrow. Huh?

Three armed males entered an apartment at the Enclave Two on June 2 and demanded the residents give them marijuana.

The three residents, who all were international students, replied they had no drugs.

The armed males continued to search the house, but nothing was reported stolen.

University student and football player Orlando Ray Barrow was arrested for aggravated burglary and abduction in relation to the robbery.

He was found with an airsoft gun in his possession.

Uh, yeah. Not a proud day for our program. No one wants to see that. If the allegations end up being true, we’ll all certainly be very disappointed. All I can say is that our program handled the situation the right way and that’s good. We had a tough off-season for this type of thing, and all Falcon fans certainly hope we are not compromising the pride of our program to get players.

Thanks again to Orange. He will be coming to the ‘Burgh with his son to see the game this weekend. A spirit of support and a painful morning drive that shows the kind of loyalty you have to respect. If you see a father and son walking around in orange and brown, be nice.

The preseason blogpoll is complete. Individual balloting by bloggers here. My ballot was here. Pitt gets little love from the college football blogosphere.

I did the visiting lecturer thing about Pitt for Every Day Should Be Saturday a couple days ago.

If you use Google Calendar I put Pitt’s football schedule out there. It includes any TV coverage. If the time is still TBA, I defaulted to 12pm. In the Google Public Calendar search, paste the following Google ID: 9cldc578j0hk5nt7jajmsskp9s@group.calendar.google.com to find it.

Heh.

Cue “Cease and Desist” letter from ESPN in 3… 2…

Finally, the Octonion returns. Just in time.

On the sidebar, there is a new grouping called “Pitt Consortium.” I am thrilled that the number of Pitt blogs has reached the point where it needs it’s own separate group. Make sure you check these guys out as well.

If you are primarily a Pitt blogger, and have been able to stay active for more than one month, just let me know so I can add you to the list.

First things quickly:

— If you haven’t heard or read about Kevin Hart, Google his name and read all about his story. Holy crap it’s amazing — he had a big event where he committed to Cal over Oregon. He wore the hat, people clapped for him, all was good. Until it was discovered he’s had no contact with either school, neither head coach knows who he is, and he basically made the whole thing up. Only in Nevada… (Part I, Part II)

— I think it’s great to see other Pitt blogs that offer more and more outlets for fans to look in to. Check out Pitt Panther Prowl, which is filled with intelligent posts and makes a good point about Wannstedt’s recruiting compared to Howland/Dixon.

Since Ben Howland took over at Pitt (Jamie Dixon being his primary recruiter), and on into Dixon’s tenure, name one McDonald’s All American who has signed with the basketball team. There is no doubt that there have been a few studs, such as Chris Taft and DeJuan Blair. But who are the top 10 recruits the basketball team has had? … But Dixon certainly took players that, as high schoolers, were believed to be inferior athletes, and he got them to play at an elite level. This is the trademark of Dixon’s teams. He takes players that have the skills to fit his system, and he squeezes every last ounce of talent out of most of them. His coaching has made up for the fact that he can’t get the same recruits that Duke, or even UConn can. And if he continues with the success he has had, the future will hold better and better recruits wanting to come play at Pitt.

When Wannstedt becomes a better game day coach (and I think he started to turn that corner near the end of this season), the recruits will be put into better situations to succeed. If not, we’re going to have very good players under a bad coach, and we’ll continue to see these 5-7 type seasons.

Now, to tonight’s game against West Virginia. You’re wondering about the “42 Weeks” thing, right? That’s how many consecutive weeks the Pitt basketball team has been ranked, reaching as high as #2. A loss tonight will certainly end that. WVU plays well against ranked teams:

Now, they get a visit from the Mountaineers (16-6, 5-4), who have performed well against the three ranked opponents they’ve faced. They’re just 1-2, but their losses came by a combined three points — 74-72 to No. 7 Tennessee on Nov. 24, and 58-57 to No. 9 Georgetown on Jan. 26 after a controversial non-call on a potential goaltending call at the buzzer.

Both teams are 5-4 in conference and the repercussions of this game could easily be felt when it comes to the seeding of the Big East Tournament. Also, beating a good team like this looks good on our NCAA Tournament resume (and so does Duke defeating UNC last night).

The hoops rivalry with West Virginia has never really seemed as intense as the football side, but WBGV still lays down the hate.

Things they hate about Pitt (full list on their site):

• That it’s located in Pittsburgh. Seriously, I’m for pollution as much as the next guy, but these guys are out of control. [Dennis says: Umm…you’re from the same University located in Morgantown, right?]
• Andrew Carnegie. He didn’t leave ANY money to his children. Or me. What a horrible parent. [Dennis says: Funny?]
• Oakland. The whole thing is confusing. Are you poor, roughneck, trashy Pittsburghians, or fruity west coasters? [Dennis says: We’re Pittsburghers, thanks.]
• Jamie Dixon. On the advise of my politically correct lawyer, I’m not making a hilarious joke here.
• The stache. [Dennis says: 13-9.]
• Pittsburgh Tuxedos = carpenter jeans, Timberland boots, and Ben Roethlisburger jersey. [Dennis says: Better than the required attire in Morgantown — camouflage.]

Today is their day for payback, revenge, retribution (and even murder).

…the 2007 College Football Blogger Awards are here. Lead by the big boys in the CFB blogosphere, the nominees are out. They are spread out on EDSBS, MGoBlog, Dawg Sports, Burnt Orange Nation and Rocky Top Talk. Just a few thoughts:

— For a second straight year, Pitt Blather is nominated for the Best Big East/Notre Dame blog. This is a testament to Chas who I personally think is one of the best bloggers in the business. (Albeit a low income business for most, it’s a business nonetheless.)

— The actual awards are a great way to let let some people who might not be “in” with the vast number of great college football blogs on the web. It also allows newer and lesser known blogs to get some deserved attention.

— Since you can’t win a category if you won last year, Every Day Should Be Saturday and MGoBlog won’t sweep every award.

— My vote for Best Big East Blog will go to Card Chronicle. I try to visit a few times a week; always a good read.

— Funniest post? Enter the Octonion, the secret meeting between the Big East mascots with Roc the Panther being hilariously humanized.

— Eleven Warriors, an Ohio State blog, is beautiful. My vote for best looking site.

— The Birddog, focused on Navy football which I started to read the week of our devastating loss to them, is my choice for Best New Blog.

Soon enough, EDSBS will have directions so that you, me, and my dog (Finnigan!) can vote and award some winners.

Ray from the excellent Flyers Fieldhouse Blog contacted me about doing a little Q&A after the Pitt-Duke game — he apparently couldn’t sleep. I fired off the first questions.

1. Brian Roberts seems to have picked up where he left up last year, but with a couple more assists per game. Freshman Chris Wright appears to be as good as his recruiting ranking. So, who else should Pitt fans be wary/get to know on this Dayton squad?

I’ve been overwhelmed by the transformation of Charles Little over the past year. Charles was the A-10 Sixth Man of the Year last year, and still comes off the bench. He’s currently averaging about 7 points and 5 boards per night, but that doesn’t even begin to do justice to the player he’s become. At 6-6 and 230, the guy is built like a prototypical tight end, and moves like one, too. The problem used to be he’d get in foul trouble for being too physical, rather than relying on everything he’d been taught. This year he’s moving without the ball better, posting up better, and taking his man off the dribble better as well. He’s a matchup problem for nearly anyone he sees.

He still can’t shoot free throws to save his life. I think he’s gotten bored and is actually trying to fire them through the backboard.

2. Dayton’s tempo is not that of a run-and-gun team. Is it based primarily on a hard, tough defense or from a deliberate, half-court, set offense? How has Dayton been able to control the pace of games against opponents?

While they don’t prefer to run and gun, they can get it up there if need be. But you’re right; we’d rather slow it down and make teams beat us from the perimeter if at all possible. Someone the number of passes on the offensive end have made me feel like we’re watching Hoosiers. And it’s very effective; they won’t settle for bad shots. They’re perfectly content to keep on lobbing it around until they get the shot that they (and Brian Gregory) want.

On defense, we haven’t played much zone. The athletes on the floor almost demand you play an up front, physical man-to-man. This makes it hard to get off shots that are both quick and high-percentage. I’ve always been a proponent of the effectiveness of a good 2-3 zone in the college game, but I can’t argue with results. The Flyers have held teams to a very low percentage from the floor.

3. I’ve heard and read rumblings of dissatisfaction with the overall performance by Coach Brian Gregory. Can you explain the reason(s)? Is it his personality, style of play and/or not meeting expectations? Is this a make or break year for him with the talent on the team? What kind of impact do you think adding Anthony Solomon to the coaching staff is/will have on the team from a coaching/preparation/recruiting standpoint?

I’ll admit that I’ve always been the first to question Brian Gregory. The problem in my eyes had been the development of athletes into players. We’re finally beginning to see the type of real players that Brian Gregory saw when he recruited these kids. They’re smart and disciplined, and that’s the first sign to me that Brian Gregory is finally getting through. I think the recruits that Brian has brought in, coupled with his enthusiasm and dedication to the program, have bought him several more years. But, in the end, we need to keep seeing the results in the W column.

I think Anthony has been great for this staff. He was in a virtual no-win situation at St. Bonaventure. The fact that he managed to help keep that program alive after Weldergate is a credit to his worth as a coach. He has east coast ties, which is great for recruiting. Also, it never hurts to have a former A-10 head coach in your ear when you’re preparing for the conference slate. Excellent hire, in my opinion.

4. The A-10 has had well-deserved attention so far this season with Dayton, Rhode Island, Xavier and UMass all scoring some quality wins. That said, with 14 teams it seems that the A-10 is nearly as unwieldly as the Big East. Peering into your Crystal Ball, how do you see the A-10 looking in 5 years?

To be honest, I hope to cut back down to 12 teams. I liked the addition of Charlotte and Saint Louis, but as you said, the conference is just too saturated right now. It’s really hard for teams to rise above the middle of the pack in such a large conference, as the conference slate is almost big to avoid notching four or five losses. This is fine in a conference with the repute of the Big East, but the A-10 is not of that caliber from top to bottom. If you don’t separate from the pack, getting the attention of the selection committee is a tall task.

That said, booting any teams from the conference is something that is bound to end up in court. Say we take two perennially in the cellar, like St. Bonaventure and La Salle. It’s not like they have a conference they could jump to that will match the revenues they’re sharing now in the A-10. Unfortunately, I think the room is bound to remain crowded for the foreseeable future

Look for his questions and my answers later today.

Welcome to the 100th edition of the Backyard Brawl. Not too far from kickoff, which can be seen on ESPN. The current line is somewhere around 28 — here’s to hoping things don’t get too ugly. Lou Holtz gave his fictional pep talk to Pitt this week on ESPN’s College Football Live — said something about the Panthers winning to gain some “respecth” — so hopefully Wannstedt proclaims a similar message.

7:32: Post by Chas over at the FanHouse about WVU’s couch burning problems, plus a newspaper ad asking for fans to be responsible. Waiting for this Oklahoma State vs. Washington hoops game to finish up…

7:40: Lou Holtz reminds us teams play tougher in a rivalry. Rece Davis points out that teams ranked #2 ranked have lost plenty of games this season. Many reasons to get hopes up, only to have them quickly crushed. Ugh…

7:50: Kickoff. Go Pitt.

7:53: Bostick already throws a poor pass, which is picked and returned to the Pitt 30. Crap.

8:00: Holy crap, The Paul Rhoads Bend-But-Don’t-Break Defenseâ„¢ didn’t look too bad. Add a Pat McAfee field goal miss and we get the ball at the 20.

8:11: Bostick gets eaten alive by 7 defenders for a 3rd down sack. Punting…

8:19: Greg Romeus fails to keep containment on White and he gets the huge run. On 3rd and 1 they give it to Owen Schmitt for the short run — measurement confirms the first down. Defense looks good except for White’s huge run.

8:22: McAfee misses another chip shot! Hah, gotta love it!

8:27: We can’t get a first down. LaRod was just body slammed, and the WVU defensive line is getting all sorts of penetration. Time for the Wildcat?

End of 1st quarter, tied at 0-0.

8:31: Fumble!!! Pitt ball!!!

8:34: Blah. Two more bad throws by Bostick and a bad punt through the end zone.

8:47: Bostick is 4 of 4 passing. Four throws and four horrible passes, that is. Screen play to Shady equals 1st down and first decent Bostick throw.

Nevermind, he throws another pick on his 5th bad throw of the night.

8:49: Does Wannstedt use the old-school wood crutches so they easily snap when he hits people with them? I suppose the newer metal ones would hurt a bit more.

8:55: Pat White looks like he’s in a ton of pain from a thumb injury — dislocation? Ew.

8:59: The goddamn backup is as good as White! Pitt takes a timeout.

Text message from a WVU fan/friend: “Dude Bostick is pretty fast and while I’m still lying I’ll say he’s good too.”

9:05: Wrapping White’s finger with a huge bag of ice. Things don’t look great for him. We make a 3rd down stop and Duhart makes a stupid move and gives them a first. WTF?!?

Even though the o-lineman flopped you still don’t push him.

Touchdown West Virginia, with the backup QB running in for the TD.

WVU 7, Pitt 0 — 1:43 left, 2nd quarter

9:19: Conor Lee! From 48, his new career long. He drilled the kick, showing Pat McAfee how to do it.

Only down 4 at halftime, not bad at all. Maybe Lou Holtz’s “respecth” speech worked? Anyways, I got the sense from watching McCoy those last few plays that he’s starting to physically feel those hits he’s taken from all these carries. Defense has tackled well, hopefully carrying through to the 2nd half. Offense is one-dimensional, with absolutely no passing threat.

Pat White will return if/when he “regains feeling in his thumb” according to Rich Rodriguez.

We’ve been close to WVU the last two years going into halftime, only to get destroyed in the second half. Time to break that streak.

WVU 7, Pitt 3 — Halftime

(more…)

So this week the Post-Gazette decided to have a Pitt writer and a WVU writer take part in The Backyard Blog. It’s not a true “blog” but whatever, at least it gives us something to read. Except when I read it, I get really frustrated by the Hoopies writer, Jon Schmitz. Mr. Schmitz here believes he knows exactly how to fix the Pitt football program.

When you see a drowning man, you throw a rope. With some reluctance, I’d like to offer some CPR suggestions for the Pitt program to bring down those point spreads in the future. Not that I’d mind if Pitt stays right where it is.

His ideas and my thoughts below them:

–Lose the coach.

Next year is Wannstedt’s make-or-break year no matter what.

–Relocate.

It is clear Jon Schmitz has never been to Oakland. Where is there to plop down a football stadium? Heinz Field is empty, but win some games and the fans will come. The product on the field determines fans coming.

–Play Penn State, not Grambling.

Jon Schmitz also does not read the news, read this blog, and most likely lives under a rock. The choice to play the Pitt-Penn State rivalry rests on the shoulders of Joe Paterno. We would ask JoePa again but we’re afraid his road rage might make an appearance.

–Engage the students.

Again, win and they will come. He’s a WVU homer and tells us there are more student ticket requests than availible seats, to which I say “No crap, you’re team is on the verge of playing in the BCS title game. Too bad 75% of them hopped on the bandwagon in the last 2-3 years.”