ADVERTISEMENT

Article Sunday notebook: Sharks feast, transfer TDs, and more

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.



MORE:


One More Week

I know we’ll all be watching the AP Poll this afternoon to see if the team has earned any more respect, but it’s important to make note of the fact that one game stands in the way of a very important date:

First College Football Playoff poll Tuesday November 5th.

They’ll be ranking teams from essentially scratch. No previous ballots, no preconceived agendas (hopefully). Just clean, good ole fashioned ranking. 8-0 Pitt is probably on the precipice of top 10.

The AP means a lot for national morale and the fans, and I think they’ll move up slightly (#15/#16), but the real statement is next week. Just win fellas.

Saturday takeaways

Does Pitt rise in the polls? Thursday is already in the far rear view mirror as everyone else seemingly keeps on winning. People here were saying top 15 on Friday morning. Now? (Not that the polls matter though.)

Win the next two games, which is doable, and we are 9-0 and hopefully close to the top 10.

So what are your takeaways from the stinker of a Saturday? Of all the teams I/we wanted to win, only SMU did (preserving a ranked match up next week)

Of our two OOC opponents we beat, WVU won and Cincy lost. And nice to see Cal and UNC with big convincing wins.

All the ranked teams ahead of us won. And all the ranked teams behind us lost (except SMU).

So who do we leapfrog?

Stress free Saturday - Who are we rooting for?

Not to list the whole slate but from skimming it here are some for me:

Navy over ND
Washington over Indiana
Oklahoma over Ole Miss
Wisconsin over PSU
Cincinnati over Colorado
UCF over BYU
Oregon over Illinois
LSU over Texas A&M
Texas over Vanderbilt
Kansas over Kansas St
Arizona over WVU (just bury them whatever)

I don’t expect most of these to go my way but some of them I’m slightly conflicted on. Like if Vandy actually pulls that upset they’d probably get a lot of votes over Pitt, although I guess it’d be cool to see them do it again.

Nate Oats and Bruce Pearl

Our new AD hired Nate Oats at Buffalo and inherited Bruce Pearl at Auburn. He didn't fire Pearl a few years ago when everyone thought he was toast for whatever NCAA investigation was going on at the time. I dont even remember what happened back then but remember Pearl wouldn't participate in the interview or whatever. I for sure thought Pearl would be canned but nope. He wins too much. Good look for this new AD. Just win.
ADVERTISEMENT

Filter

ADVERTISEMENT