We keep canceling visits of guys who have offers from Auburn/Michigan/LSU/etc. and accepting commitments from guys who have offers from Toledo/Boston College/Illinois/etc. Reminds me of Belichick's "head scratcher" selections we've seen so often in the first round over the years. I don't think one ACC Championship with a Heisman-caliber quarterback and a Biletnikoff-winning receiver should have us thinking that we found a cheat code in the system: Recruiting at this level, after all, is usually only good for 6-8 wins (and I don't think we'll have a QB/WR combo to rely on very often like we had last year).

I was hoping the extra accolades would assert us into that next tier of recruiting and we could do things the same, except with more talent. Isn't that how a program takes the next step? But it seems like we'd rather keep the recruiting formula the same, also. Again, that's fine if you can go out and land an experienced quarterback who can put together one of the best seasons in ACC history every year (or, in Belichick's case, if you have Tom Brady). In those circumstances, sure - go out and find a bunch of overachievers who are system guys and high-character teammates. But color me skeptical with what we're doing right now.

And yes - I know the rankings are not gospel. And I know that we've had plenty of 2-stars pan out and 4-stars bust out. But I also know that Narduzzi has averaged 7 wins per season before the last one.

the only undefeated team ranked lower than us is Army

Play as the underdog, Pitt. That's what the polls are saying. Just win and things will eventually balance out

Gueye was cut. Not sure if that means he'll be on their G-league team as G-league rosters seem to be super secret. Champagnie made it.

Wow

My guess. Does Pitt win or lose?
We'll see how great our Offense is or isn't this weekend.

I don't know if that means night game, though. Wouldn't be surprised if it is a prime time kickoff.

What do you think about getting all the fans involved with another game day tradition of doing Jimmy Buffett "Fins" song after the 1st qtr?

They've already indicated to a friend of mine that Sweet Caroline is not going away, so this would be an "Add on" for after the 1st qtr.

Put the chorus lyrics up on the screen like Sweet Caroline, and the whole stadium sings along to it. Could be a marketing bonanza for Pitt. Donate proceeds to Alliance 412. We already have the Panther Pitt dressing up as sharks and carrying sharks and surf boards...

I hit up Panther Pitt leadership and the Pitt Pope in other forums to pitch the idea and see if they can make it happen with Pitt.

A grass roots new tradition that's just waiting to happen!

Can't you feel them circling, honey?
Can't you feel them swimming around?
You got fins to the left, fins to the right
And you're the only bait in town
Oh-whoa, oh-whoa
You got fins to the left, fins to the right
And you're the only girl in town

Can't you feel 'em closing in, honey?
Can't you feel 'em schooling around?
You got fins to the left, fins to the right
And you're the only girl in town

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Alabama
Ole Miss
Loser of LSU and A&M

Indiana is ahead of all 3

Had Texas or OSU lost, they likely would have remained ahead of Pitt also.

Discuss

I made a case on Friday for Pitt being in the top 15 team as an undefeated team from a power conference, but it's probably going to be tough given how the weekend played out.

Ranked teams this weekend were 15-2, with the two losses being No. 8 LSU and No. 24 Navy - and those two teams lost to other ranked teams (LSU lost to No. 14 Texas A&M; Navy lost to No. 12 Notre Dame). So there aren't any obvious options for teams that Pitt could leap-frog (or for SMU to leap-frog into the top 20, either).

Navy's loss did remove one more school from the list of undefeated teams, though. Now there are just 8 teams remaining who haven't lost a game:

Army (7-0)
BYU (8-0)
Indiana (8-0)
Iowa State (7-0)
Miami (8-0)
Oregon (8-0)
Penn State (7-0)
Pitt (7-0)

Who remembers the 1983 Cotton Bowl. SMU beat Pitt 7 to 3, I think. Dickerson was the running back for SMU and Pitt had the ball on about the 2 yard line and was about to score. Then a fumble - turnover.

I was driving home from ND after getting our asses kicked looking at a disaster year wondering if we would be .500 this year. Today driving on the same turnpike in Ohio thinking what a difference a year makes, credit Coach Duzz and changing his philosophy on O and working hard in getting players in the portal we have a shot at 8-0. That’s incredible guys, no 17 in the nation. Duzz should be COY if he wins 10 or more games. if u read this I hope u r donating to Alliance 412 too. We need more $$$ for NIL. H2P!!

My grandson really wanted the Larry bobblehead. When we arrived at game(terrible. traffic) they were all gone. Looking to buy one if anyone is selling. Text me at 412-607-7096 if interested

Jumped 3 spots

Pitt ranked #14

Let’s beat SMU

In all seriousness have there been any updates to FSU's lawsuit since this season started unfolding? Are they still pushing the narrative?

Seems about right. Win at 20 SMU and Pitt likely 12/13 regardless of other outcomes. BYU already holds a win at SMU. They and Indiana both have an extra win at 8-0, but Pitt would leap Bama, KSU, and possibly BYU depending on margin of victory.

Great Blue sharks

The 'Sharks' identity for the Pitt linebackers is starting to take on a life of its own. From the ‘Jaws’ theme music being played when they step on the field, to the student section being filled with shark signs and props, it’s been a cool little side story for this team.

But it’s also feeding off of what is happening on the field.

Pitt’s linebackers are ferocious, nasty, and basically won the game against Syracuse. Pitt had four linebackers record picks with Rasheem Biles, Kyle Louis, and Braylan Lovelace all taking turns running them back into the end zone, while Brandon George’s shoelace interception might have been the most impressive overall.

It wasn’t that they were just a factor in the passing game, but in all facets. Pitt was great against the run, and threw tons of pressure at quarterback Kyle McCord. When you total it up the six-man group of Biles, Louis, George, Lovelace, Jordan Bass, and Keye Thompson, accounted for 37 tackles, four interceptions, three touchdowns, two sacks, 4.5 TFLs.

Pretty dominant stuff.

Best in the country?

I posted a version of this stat a few weeks ago, but it still holds true. Pitt sophomore linebacker Kyle Louis is the only power-four defender with 60+ tackles, 3+ interceptions, 8+ TFLs, 3+ sacks this season. I guess now you can tack on a defensive touchdown to that list as well.

He is the only defensive player from the ACC, Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12 to be doing what he is doing.

Let’s stop beating around the bush here, because through eight weeks of the season he should be one of the 2-3 main candidates to win ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He should be an All-American and all-conference pick too. Louis is unique. He can blow up the run game, pick off passes like a safety, and hunt down the quarterback like a defensive end. His instincts are off the charts and I can’t recall many Pitt linebackers being able to play the way he can.



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i think it was -23. the celtics are obviously a tough matchup. 3 points and 3 RB's. lots of room for improvement.

A fun game!!