I think this year is in the top 3 Pitt head coaching performances since the 1960s. Looking not at recruiting, just coaching and performance vs. expectations here's my Top 3:
Narduzzi: Coaching up the game, but generally 3-star talent on the 2-deep to 8-3 (so far) with only "good" losses to great teams has been remarkable, especially without JC and while dealing with being a new staff. This could end up #2 behind Majors with 2 more wins.
Majors in 1976: Not nearly as talented as the 1978-1983 teams, Johnny Majors did what was unthinkable before that season... ran the table and won it all behind TD and a bunch of overachievers.
Harris in 2002, exceeding expectations in a loaded Big East (yes, it was), to win 9 games and finish in the top 20, with losses all being close and to ranked teams.
My Honorable Mentions:
Harris' first season coaching up a downtrodden JM2 squad and Pete Gonzalez to Pitt's most unlikely bowl game ever. With rookie OC Steve Mooshagian (there's a trivia question answer), beat 2 ranked teams and beat Rutgers and WVU on the road in OT to get to bowl eligibility. A wild, unexpected ride for Pitt fans.
Harris' final year riding a young Tyler Palko to Pitt's only BCS game. This was to be a transition year with the departure of three 1st and 2nd picks and a bevy of NFL players, but Pitt won the games they needed to and Palko & Co. became conference f@#%ing champs.
Thoughts?
Narduzzi: Coaching up the game, but generally 3-star talent on the 2-deep to 8-3 (so far) with only "good" losses to great teams has been remarkable, especially without JC and while dealing with being a new staff. This could end up #2 behind Majors with 2 more wins.
Majors in 1976: Not nearly as talented as the 1978-1983 teams, Johnny Majors did what was unthinkable before that season... ran the table and won it all behind TD and a bunch of overachievers.
Harris in 2002, exceeding expectations in a loaded Big East (yes, it was), to win 9 games and finish in the top 20, with losses all being close and to ranked teams.
My Honorable Mentions:
Harris' first season coaching up a downtrodden JM2 squad and Pete Gonzalez to Pitt's most unlikely bowl game ever. With rookie OC Steve Mooshagian (there's a trivia question answer), beat 2 ranked teams and beat Rutgers and WVU on the road in OT to get to bowl eligibility. A wild, unexpected ride for Pitt fans.
Harris' final year riding a young Tyler Palko to Pitt's only BCS game. This was to be a transition year with the departure of three 1st and 2nd picks and a bevy of NFL players, but Pitt won the games they needed to and Palko & Co. became conference f@#%ing champs.
Thoughts?
