Early 2016 CFB Rankings: 128 to 1, LINK!

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Always enjoy looking at predictions rankings during the quiet period between Signing to Spring Ball to NFL Draft to Preseason, so shared it with the Lair:
43. Pittsburgh. Expect improvement out of the Pitt defense with Pat Narduzzi in his second season. With wideout Tyler Boyd and coordinator Jim Chaney gone, the offense will likely be built around the running game, led by Qadree Ollison, with James Conner hoping to get back on the field after being diagnosed with cancer in November.
PITT CHALLENGE IN 2016:
3. Clemson.
15. North Carolina.
17. Oklahoma State
27. Miami.
42. Virginia Tech.
(43. Pitt)
48. Georgia Tech.
51. Penn State.
56. Duke.
62. Virginia.
63. Marshall.
83. Syracuse.
N/R Villanova

30. West Virginia. Wendell Smallwood declared for the draft, but the Mountaineers' suddenly run-heavy offense still has some hope with Rushel Shell back at tailback. They do need to get more out of Skyler Howard as a passer overall, but he ended the season on a high note with 532 passing yards against Arizona State the Cactus Bowl. Whether or not any of that success carries over to 2016 could decide Dana Holgorsen's job status.
WVU CHALLENGE 2016
5. Oklahoma
9. Baylor.
17. Oklahoma State.
19. TCU.
(30. WVU)
41. Texas.
45. BYU.
49. Kansas State.
50. Texas Tech.
54. Missouri.
68. Iowa State.
120. Kansas.
N/R YOUNGSTOWN STATE

51. Penn State. Lots of questions surround James Franklin right now, especially with the departures of defensive coordinator Bob Shoop (Tennessee) and offensive line coach Herb Hand (Auburn) for lateral moves. Franklin will hand the reins of the offense to Fordham head coach Joe Moorhead, who will be tasked with finding a way to fix the massive O-line problem and developing a replacement for QB Christian Hackenberg. Given those issues, along with the losses of three NFL-caliber defensive linemen, it's hard to expect Penn State to make much noise in the Big Ten again this year. There is individual talent, though, starting with standout RB Saquon Barkley and WR Chris Godwin.
PENN STATE CHALLENGE 2016:
6. Michigan.
7. Ohio State.
18. Iowa.
20. Michigan State.
43. Pittsburgh
(51. PENN STATE)
57. Temple.
60. Minnesota.
72. Indiana
75. Maryland
79. Rutgers
92. Purdue.
127. Kent State

LINK:
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/161903846/college-football-early-2016-rankings-128-teams

 

[NewKen2013]

Wow....I didn't know Kent State was on the Nitters schedule. What a joke.

 

[Swervin27]

not much love for the coastal. I don't see unc as a top 15 team.. I'd expect one of the 3; us, va tech, ga tech being better than a mid 40 program, hopefully it's us of course.. I could see Miami being last year's UNC

 

[H2Pittisit]

Wow....I didn't know Kent State was on the Nitters schedule. What a joke.

Umm we are playing Villanova and played Youngstown St last year.

 

[raleighpanther]

These are mildly fun to look at, but when evaluating 128 programs, their level of understanding of each program is so shallow, that these are basically meaningless.

These read like every other pre-season look ever written: 90% of the analysis is on WHO'S GONE!
Their knowledge of replacements, which is a constant in college football, is virtually non-existent.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

These are mildly fun to look at, but when evaluating 128 programs, their level of understanding of each program is so shallow, that these are basically meaningless.

These read like every other pre-season look ever written: 90% of the analysis is on WHO'S GONE!
Their knowledge of replacements, which is a constant in college football, is virtually non-existent.

I quite agree especially until after Spring Ball is over to get some feel of Rosters, but a Consensus can develop from reading most of them. You are correct though and after Preseason and New Recruits come aboard and Rosters at least decided at first and then the games, one can see if the Consensus was correct or close to being accurate?

 

[Pitt4Life34]

Umm we are playing Villanova and played Youngstown St last year.

If Franklin can't get 9 wins out of that schedule he should be fired. The last 7 teams on that schedule are a joke. That's 7-0 or 6-1 at the worst. Let me guess......sanction Proof. Seriously Mike you have to admit Franklin should get 9 or 10 out of that schedule.

PSU plays 5 teams ranked below 70. Pitt and WVU play 2. Enough said! Franklin has 5 legit games and should be pressed to win at 3 of them.

 

[H2Pittisit]

If Franklin can't get 9 wins out of that schedule he should be fired. The last 7 teams on that schedule are a joke. That's 7-0 or 6-1 at the worst. Let me guess......San too. Proof. Seriously Mike you have to admit Franklin should get 9 or 10 out of that schedule.

PSU plays 5 teams ranked below 70. Pitt and WVU play 2. Enough said! Franklin has 5 legit games and should be pressed to win at 3 of them.

Who's Mike? I haven't actually looked at Penn State's schedule. I just wasn't sure why one of our fans was calling out Penn State for playing Kent State when we play Villanova. Does not make much sense. Maybe some day when i have as much time I as you, Pnnylion, I will check out Penn State's schedule.

 

[Pitt4Life34]

Who's Mike? I haven't actually looked at Penn State's schedule. I just wasn't sure why one of our fans was calling out Penn State for playing Kent State when we play Villanova. Does not make much sense. Maybe some day when i have as much time I as you, Pnnylion, I will check out Penn State's schedule.

You're Mike. And all ya have to do is take 6 seconds and scroll above. You can lead a horse to water but can't force it to drink. You're the horse Mike. I'm in Myrtle Beech living the dream brother.

 

[revampedpanthers]

So basically they have Pitt and PSU as 7 win teams and wvu as a 8 win team, which is probably pretty close. Pitt also plays number 42 at home which should make us a favorite in that game. 8-4 with a win over PSU and hopefully a bowl win would be a really solid 2nd season for PN and I would take it right now.

 

[H2Pittisit]

You're Mike. And all ya have to do is take 6 seconds and scroll above. You can lead a horse to water but can't force it to drink. You're the horse Mike. I'm in Myrtle Beech living the dream brother.

Where's the beech?

 

[Pitt4Life34]

Where's the beech?

Did you look up that schedule yet Mike?

 

[Pitt4Life34]

Troll away baby troll away

 

[H2Pittisit]

Troll away baby troll away

You have officially gone nuts muchacho

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

If Franklin can't get 9 wins out of that schedule he should be fired. The last 7 teams on that schedule are a joke. That's 7-0 or 6-1 at the worst. Let me guess......San too. Proof. Seriously Mike you have to admit Franklin should get 9 or 10 out of that schedule.

PSU plays 5 teams ranked below 70. Pitt and WVU play 2. Enough said! Franklin has 5 legit games and should be pressed to win at 3 of them.

It depends on if OC Moorhead can get that Offense working quickly. Barkley is one of the Best Backs in the Nation with 3 Great Wideouts, The QB is new and the OL must be improved? A quick prediction but way too early, at least how I see it.

PENN STATE CHALLENGE 2016:
6. Michigan. LOST
7. Ohio State. LOST
18. Iowa. Toss Up Lost
20. Michigan State LOST
43. Pittsburgh Toss Up
(51. PENN STATE)
57. Temple. Toss Up
60. Minnesota.Win
72. Indiana Toss Up Win
75. Maryland Toss Up Win
79. Rutgers Win
92. Purdue.Win
127. Kent State Win

 

[Pitt4Life34]

You have officially gone nuts muchacho

Took awhile but your PSU colors are showing Mike. Move along.

 

[Pitt4Life34]

It depends on if OC Moorhead can get that Offense working quickly. Barkley is one of the Best Backs in the Nation with 3 Great Wideouts, The QB is new and the OL must be improved? A quick prediction but way too early, at least how I see it.

PENN STATE CHALLENGE 2016:
6. Michigan. LOST
7. Ohio State. LOST
18. Iowa. Toss Up Lost
20. Michigan State LOST
43. Pittsburgh Toss Up
(51. PENN STATE)
57. Temple. Toss Up
60. Minnesota.Win
72. Indiana Toss Up Win
75. Maryland Toss Up Win
79. Rutgers Win
92. Purdue.Win
127. Kent State Win

Fair points about coach and QB. Maryland and IU are horrible so those two need to be wins. I haven't looked at Temple but a home game against Temple needs to be a win. But I can understand a toss up there. The rest of your post is legit IMO.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Fair points about coach and QB. Maryland and IU are horrible so those two need to be wins. I haven't looked at Temple but a home game against Temple needs to be a win. But I can understand a toss up there. The rest of your post is legit IMO.

Just a guess nothing more but Thank You.

The above Teams are by the rankings not actual schedule. It should take some 3 to 5 games to break in the New QB, OC System, and develop a New Defense. Those early games are KSU, PITT, Temple & Michigan. So, why I went with Toss Ups except Michigan?

They will be playing against Minnesota then and Limegrover the OL Coach knows that team. Maryland has been tough on Franklin, they beat him by a point and loss by a point. Durkin is a Former Michigan DC he will have them playing better, but they will have 3 New DBs, so you may be spot on the Maryland Win. Iowa will be a tough game at Beaver.

They have a bye before OSU, but OSU should be playing pretty good by then even at Beaver. Purdue will be a scrimmage unless the PSU Coaching is still not getting the job done and Indiana with zero winning seasons in 3 and 5 years?

Rutgers will be breraking in 3 New LBs with 3 Sophomore DBs but the PSU talent, system and coaching should be in place by games 6 thru 11?

Leaving MSU at Beaver a revenge game from the beating they gave Franklin last year, if the Penn State gets another beating again by the 12th game then Franklin has to depend on 2017, but if he has improved the Coaching it should be a closer game.

Looking at 8-4 if the OC & QB workout with a rebuilt Defense or a 7-5 if improving all season long but possible 5-7, 6-6, if they struggle to coach up the talent? The big problem is going against Great Coaches in Harbaugh, Meyer, Dantonio,and Ferentz that has coaching and talent. Narduzzi, Rhule that are very good coaches and have good early edge. At the same time, Ash and Durkin should have Rutgers and UMD improved by the 6th to 11th games if they are good coaches. Indiana and Minnesota may give a game a Quarter or two but doubtful, but Kent State and Purdue should not be close?

We shall see?

 

[Saboteur]

Wow....I didn't know Kent State was on the Nitters schedule. What a joke.

We have Nova so I wouldn't get on a high horse.

 

[Jim Z]

Always enjoy looking at predictions rankings during the quiet period between Signing to Spring Ball to NFL Draft to Preseason, so shared it with the Lair:
43. Pittsburgh. Expect improvement out of the Pitt defense with Pat Narduzzi in his second season. With wideout Tyler Boyd and coordinator Jim Chaney gone, the offense will likely be built around the running game, led by Qadree Ollison, with James Conner hoping to get back on the field after being diagnosed with cancer in November.
PITT CHALLENGE IN 2016:
3. Clemson.
15. North Carolina.
17. Oklahoma State
27. Miami.
42. Virginia Tech.
(43. Pitt)
48. Georgia Tech.
51. Penn State.
56. Duke.
62. Virginia.
63. Marshall.
83. Syracuse.
N/R Villanova

30. West Virginia. Wendell Smallwood declared for the draft, but the Mountaineers' suddenly run-heavy offense still has some hope with Rushel Shell back at tailback. They do need to get more out of Skyler Howard as a passer overall, but he ended the season on a high note with 532 passing yards against Arizona State the Cactus Bowl. Whether or not any of that success carries over to 2016 could decide Dana Holgorsen's job status.
WVU CHALLENGE 2016
5. Oklahoma
9. Baylor.
17. Oklahoma State.
19. TCU.
(30. WVU)
41. Texas.
45. BYU.
49. Kansas State.
50. Texas Tech.
54. Missouri.
68. Iowa State.
120. Kansas.
N/R YOUNGSTOWN STATE

51. Penn State. Lots of questions surround James Franklin right now, especially with the departures of defensive coordinator Bob Shoop (Tennessee) and offensive line coach Herb Hand (Auburn) for lateral moves. Franklin will hand the reins of the offense to Fordham head coach Joe Moorhead, who will be tasked with finding a way to fix the massive O-line problem and developing a replacement for QB Christian Hackenberg. Given those issues, along with the losses of three NFL-caliber defensive linemen, it's hard to expect Penn State to make much noise in the Big Ten again this year. There is individual talent, though, starting with standout RB Saquon Barkley and WR Chris Godwin.
PENN STATE CHALLENGE 2016:
6. Michigan.
7. Ohio State.
18. Iowa.
20. Michigan State.
43. Pittsburgh
(51. PENN STATE)
57. Temple.
60. Minnesota.
72. Indiana
75. Maryland
79. Rutgers
92. Purdue.
127. Kent State

LINK:
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/161903846/college-football-early-2016-rankings-128-teams

Thanks interesting article

 

[Pitt4Life34]

Just a guess nothing more but Thank You.

The above Teams are by the rankings not actual schedule. It should take some 3 to 5 games to break in the New QB, OC System, and develop a New Defense. Those early games are KSU, PITT, Temple & Michigan. So, why I went with Toss Ups except Michigan?

They will be playing against Minnesota then and Limegrover the OL Coach knows that team. Maryland has been tough on Franklin, they beat him by a point and loss by a point. Durkin is a Former Michigan DC he will have them playing better, but they will have 3 New DBs, so you may be spot on the Maryland Win. Iowa will be a tough game at Beaver.

They have a bye before OSU, but OSU should be playing pretty good by then even at Beaver. Purdue will be a scrimmage unless the PSU Coaching is still not getting the job done and Indiana with zero winning seasons in 3 and 5 years?

Rutgers will be breraking in 3 New LBs with 3 Sophomore DBs but the PSU talent, system and coaching should be in place by games 6 thru 11?

Leaving MSU at Beaver a revenge game from the beating they gave Franklin last year, if the Penn State gets another beating again by the 12th game then Franklin has to depend on 2017, but if he has improved the Coaching it should be a closer game.

Looking at 8-4 if the OC & QB workout with a rebuilt Defense or a 7-5 if improving all season long but possible 5-7, 6-6, if they struggle to coach up the talent? The big problem is going against Great Coaches in Harbaugh, Meyer, Dantonio,and Ferentz that has coaching and talent. Narduzzi, Rhule that are very good coaches and have good early edge. At the same time, Ash and Durkin should have Rutgers and UMD improved by the 6th to 11th games if they are good coaches. Indiana and Minnesota may give a game a Quarter or two but doubtful, but Kent State and Purdue should not be close?

We shall see?

8-4 wouldn't be end of the world but I think most coaches in the country could deliver 7 or 8 wins with that schedule. If Franklin wants to beat his chest as a great coach, which most coaches do, I think he needs a 9-3 regular schedule. That would deflect the fact that PSU is forth in probably the toughest division in college football. I have a weird perspective on Franklin. There's a part of me that thinks he's a blowhard but then a part of me that knows he gets it and is a great recruiter. How would recruit if he was delivering 9 or 10 wins?

 

[President Stache]

Umm we are playing Villanova and played Youngstown St last year.

When did you guys play Villanova? I thought your YSU game was 2 years back?

 

[President Stache]

Always enjoy looking at predictions rankings during the quiet period between Signing to Spring Ball to NFL Draft to Preseason, so shared it with the Lair:
43. Pittsburgh. Expect improvement out of the Pitt defense with Pat Narduzzi in his second season. With wideout Tyler Boyd and coordinator Jim Chaney gone, the offense will likely be built around the running game, led by Qadree Ollison, with James Conner hoping to get back on the field after being diagnosed with cancer in November.
PITT CHALLENGE IN 2016:
3. Clemson.
15. North Carolina.
17. Oklahoma State
27. Miami.
42. Virginia Tech.
(43. Pitt)
48. Georgia Tech.
51. Penn State.
56. Duke.
62. Virginia.
63. Marshall.
83. Syracuse.
N/R Villanova

30. West Virginia. Wendell Smallwood declared for the draft, but the Mountaineers' suddenly run-heavy offense still has some hope with Rushel Shell back at tailback. They do need to get more out of Skyler Howard as a passer overall, but he ended the season on a high note with 532 passing yards against Arizona State the Cactus Bowl. Whether or not any of that success carries over to 2016 could decide Dana Holgorsen's job status.
WVU CHALLENGE 2016
5. Oklahoma
9. Baylor.
17. Oklahoma State.
19. TCU.
(30. WVU)
41. Texas.
45. BYU.
49. Kansas State.
50. Texas Tech.
54. Missouri.
68. Iowa State.
120. Kansas.
N/R YOUNGSTOWN STATE

51. Penn State. Lots of questions surround James Franklin right now, especially with the departures of defensive coordinator Bob Shoop (Tennessee) and offensive line coach Herb Hand (Auburn) for lateral moves. Franklin will hand the reins of the offense to Fordham head coach Joe Moorhead, who will be tasked with finding a way to fix the massive O-line problem and developing a replacement for QB Christian Hackenberg. Given those issues, along with the losses of three NFL-caliber defensive linemen, it's hard to expect Penn State to make much noise in the Big Ten again this year. There is individual talent, though, starting with standout RB Saquon Barkley and WR Chris Godwin.
PENN STATE CHALLENGE 2016:
6. Michigan.
7. Ohio State.
18. Iowa.
20. Michigan State.
43. Pittsburgh
(51. PENN STATE)
57. Temple.
60. Minnesota.
72. Indiana
75. Maryland
79. Rutgers
92. Purdue.
127. Kent State

LINK:
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/161903846/college-football-early-2016-rankings-128-teams

Thanks for the post, interesting, although... of course... completely meaningless for now.

I like we have Pederman coming back, but super worried about having ANYONE that can catch the ball and strike fear into the opposing defense. On the flip side, if you are a WR on the Pitt team, you have a chance to go from unknown to potential draft pick in a hurry. I hope all those 13 guys are buckling down, watching tape, working out, talking to Pederman, and of course studying

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

8-4 wouldn't be end of the world but I think most coaches in the country could deliver 7 or 8 wins with that schedule. If Franklin wants to beat his chest as a great coach, which most coaches do, I think he needs a 9-3 regular schedule. That would deflect the fact that PSU is forth in probably the toughest division in college football. I have a weird perspective on Franklin. There's a part of me that thinks he's a blowhard but then a part of me that knows he gets it and is a great recruiter. How would recruit if he was delivering 9 or 10 wins?

Pretty good analysis on all fronts from Conference Coaches & Programs to Franklin's Recruiting and he did have setbacks on his Staff, but he can recruit and has talent.

Yet, Franklin like O'Brien is having some problems based on the divisions at Penn State leadership, alumni, former players, contributors and fan base. They love his recruiting but question his coaching and abilities against OSU & Michigan that have equal Program Resources, and Franklin has had trouble against better Coaches like Dantonio and will be facing Ferentz, Chryst, Fitzgerald, and Riley in the future.

Still you are correct if Moorhead/Limegroiver can create a Top Offense combining Top Running Backs, Wide Receivers, and Running Quarterback that throws enough to keep Defense from stacking the Line of Scrimmage and produce a Great Offensive Line. It could be formidable and recruiting will be just as good due to Penn State Football Recruiting Resources. If not, and Franklin turns out like you say less capable about backing up his blowhard talk and is dismissed. Penn state can then bring in a Top Coach like Michigan did with Hrabaugh, or Meyers following Tressel, or like what happen at Florida last year.

This is why I want to see the PITT-PSU Game this year. Narduzzi needs the DLs, LBs, and DBs to hold and contain Moorhead Offense of RBs, QBs, WRs behind a possibly improved Big Fast OLs?

Right now I see the game as PITT Offense scoring many points against New PSU Rebuilt Defense, and PITT Defense learning to take on Moorhead Offense, and a high scoring shoot out Toss Up? Until I see the Roster Starters? This is just my view, other Posters know far more by the way.

On the other hand, and if Moorhead/Limegrover fail Franklin and he loses 6 and 7 games in 2016, and cannot win 8 to 9 in 2017, he may not get an Extension or could be dismissed. Like you said, the Big Ten East is formidable with OSU, UM, MSU, and Maryland and Rutgers will get better.

Another reason why Narduzzi stays at Pitt after rebuilding the Program in his image and winning the ACC Coastal against Miami or VT than going back to MSU if Dantonio ever leaves? Coach Pat wanted to come to Pitt a long time. Coach Pat did promise his Recruits, especially Hamlin he is staying at Pitt.

I can see Coach Pat is man of his word and after going through all the hard work and effort to rebuild the Pitt Football Program. Along with working with Chancellor Gallagher I can see why he won't leave Pitt for a long time. Once he establishes Pitt as an ACC Top 25 Program why would he leave even for another Program? I think he loves this region and that includes Youngstown and is a man of word and intent.

Penn State is right there as far as a Program but needs Great Coaching against Great Coaching. So far that has been a bigger challenge for Franklin and Franklin has admitted he may have over estimated his abilities to get it done. Penn State has given Franklin all he needs to win 10 games a year. Yet, his Staffers still abandon him in just his third year?

However, Penn State also has put pressure on Franklin along with his mouth. When they told him, they have to see "MUST WINS" and that is against Ranked Teams? Franklin has a young talented team that gets more talented every year, and now new coaching staff at important positions, they have to produce in 2016 or 2107, or he may be gone by 2018. If Franklin is not given and Extension that will just undermine his recruiting for the future. If Franklin has another 7-6 or 6-7 year, he may lose Top Early Recruits late again like last year as well as being shutout against Top 4-5 Star Targets the last 6 weeks in 2016.

If Matt Rhule beats Franklin at Beaver this time you could be seeing the next PSU Coach too? Coach Rhule is a former Nittany Lion and one of their own Penn State Pride Den and his coaching does his talking not just his mouth.

All I know is that PITT Coaches & Penn State Program will produce great games in the coming 4 years with or without Franklin. Narduzzi, Meyer, Harbaugh, Dantonio and Ferentz all have longer Extensions than Franklin now? There is a reason for that and Franklin knows it!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Thanks for the post, interesting, although... of course... completely meaningless for now.

I like we have Pederman coming back, but super worried about having ANYONE that can catch the ball and strike fear into the opposing defense. On the flip side, if you are a WR on the Pitt team, you have a chance to go from unknown to potential draft pick in a hurry. I hope all those 13 guys are buckling down, watching tape, working out, talking to Pederman, and of course studying

Agree, Pitt is getting and growing the Talent to beat ranked Teams and Programs but this years schedule and young talent will need great coaching. On that point, I am not worried about Pitt. I am confident Coach Pat & Staff will find those Players needed to win in 2016. Even with this Very Tough Schedule. This is Coach Narduzzi & Staff job and from what I see, read, and hear, they know what they are doing, and doing it.

Pitt has a very Good coach right now, and soon to be a Great Coach is up to him, but I believe he will do it and stay at Pitt a long time, just a Hunch and Opinion, not Gospel.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

There is no question in my mind that Coach Pat Narduzzi will build the Pitt Program into a Top 25 Program and Teams. However, the Coaching Staff challenge in 2016 is getting the current players and talented recruits ready to play together as a Team all year long.

Last year, Coach Pat changed attitudes in the players but this took time seeing it on how the Players improved execution of game plans as Players adjusted to a New Coaching Staff. Even with improved changes in players attitudes, sideline coaching, game day planning, and half time adjustments, the 4 close wins and 3 close losses, came from 4 or 5 plays of poor or great execution that could have changed the results in all of them.

Iowa, UNC, and Miami games were losses by a combination of coaches learning and players execution. Pitt fell behind early and came up short to in catching up, and missing some kicks or the other teams making them was the difference is losing not by much.

Notre Dame just had more talent and Navy had more experience with a veteran team, and Pitt struggled in those games from the first to last plays. It takes time to teach execution but more time to make it happen against better talent and establish coaching among competition.

In addition, Pitt won close games against YSU, VT, UVA, Georgia Tech, and Cuse while beating Akron, ULou and Duke. Again, it takes time to teach execution but more time to make it happen against better competition now under new coaching at VT, UVA and Cuse.

Coach Narduzzi publicly stated he sees difference in his Players this year from last year when he took over the Program. he also said he does not know if that will mean they will win more games, and that is because of the schedule in my opinion.

This Pitt Team just like last year with Whitehead, Ollison and Peterson had to adapt to learning to execute as they learned about their Teammates. In turn, Coaches also learning how to adjusting the Player's execution from game to game. The same can be said where Pitt will need WRs, DBs, and LBS, learning to execute ASAP, as they adjust to playing against Teams and a variety of Solid Vet Coaches and New Dynamic Coaches with talented and experienced players of their own.

Early guesses but how the Offense responds to OC Canada, and new roster selection and injuries can impact the entire season, so just a guess at this time.

At the same time, Pitt Staff & Players will be facing 4 New Coaches with Experienced QBs and Players in VT, Miami, UVA, and CUSE. As well as, 3 Top Top 25 Ranked Teams with experienced QBs and Coaches in Clemson and OKSU, and Fedora will have a New QB ready at UNC.

In addition, to 3 Very Good Coaches at Georgia Tech, Duke, and Marshall will not be easy wins.

Moreover, Penn State will be a Rival Game testing Pitt early with good talent of their own, and how the younger Pitt replacements will have to be at their best to win?

CUSE will be a Rival game as well, but with less talent, yet, by the 12th game will or should be playing better under coach Babers. If Pitt can win the Toss Ups they can win 8 games again, and if they win some Toss Up Losses can win 9 to 10 games too! I am confident Coach Pat & Staff will be coaching up Pitt again, but his schedule is very tough for 2016 against many good coaches.

Until we see how Spring Ball and Preseason Camps with new recruits and roster changes respond this is hard to predict right now, but Pitt has 11 Opponents with good coaching and talent. This is why I believed Narduzzi said, they may not win more games, but he sees a difference in players. At the same time, Coach Narduzzi has also said publicly, Pitt Players are closer to playing on a Championship level.

PITT CHALLENGE IN 2016:
N/R Villanova WIN
51. Penn State TOSS UP
17. @Oklahoma State TOSS UP LOSS
15. @North Carolina TOSS UP LOSS.
63. Marshall TOSS UP WIN
48. Georgia Tech TOSS UP
62. @Virginia TOSS UP
BYE
42. Virginia Tech TOSS UP
27. @Miami TOSS UP LOSS
3. @Clemson LOSS
56. Duke WIN
83. Syracuse TOSS UP WIN

 

[pittdan77]

Wait a minute...how are there so many ACC teams with a better ranking than a vaunted B1G power like Penn State? I thought the ACC was an inferior conference?

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Wait a minute...how are there so many ACC teams with a better ranking than a vaunted B1G power like Penn State? I thought the ACC was an inferior conference?

In his Third Year, Franklin has Penn State Ranked here:
2. FSU
3. Clemson
15. North Carolina
21 ULou
27. Miami
42. Virginia Tech
43. PITT
48. Georgia Tech
51 Penn State

BIG TEN:
6. Michigan
7. OSU
18 Iowa
20 MSU
31 Wisconsin
39 Nebraska
51 Penn State

If you read the Allentown Morning Call on Franklin comments about admitting he did not understand Penn State when he took over, but now does, it is very comical. Franklin shows he has a true perception problem on coaching at Penn State and in the Big Ten. Compared to all his prior Public Dominating Unrivaled Bravado in first and second years.

I went through Pitt, Penn State and WVU recruit offer lists on Rivals over the weekend. Even Maryland and Rutgers New Coaches are listed ahead of PSU on Top 4 & 5 Star Recruits. I was surprised to learn that and ND, Michigan, MSU, Ohio State and Pitt along with VT are listed ahead of them on some Top Players?

Even the recruits he has taken early are not solid commitments and still visiting other Programs. There has been a major erosion of confidence within himself, staff and his recruits and fans. Even PennLive Recruit Listings reveals a diffidence, insecurity, and self-doubt and in Franklin. Penn State graduation rates have dipped too, showing more distrust on Franklin's word.

Franklin also admits the PSU Higher Ups told him years 3 and 4 will be toughest? After going 7-6 the last two years that is a major admission he is on the clock and looks like he is already making excuses. Looks like to me he will be losing recruits again and not grabbing the targets the he expects in 2017?

Does this sound like someone a Top Recruit wants to play under to learn to be a better CFB Player for an NFL Career where they won't run or learn a Pro-Set Offense?

LINK:
http://www.mcall.com/sports/college...franklin-allentown-clinic-20160305-story.html