For all my usual pessimism when it comes to Pitt Football and lately Basketball

[PittPoker]

Something seems different to me regarding this current Pitt football team. After watching Pitt manhandle VTech defensively and even with bad offensive playcalling, they were able to hold onto their lead and didn't find a way to lose. To me that's real progress. Yes that Iowa game still stings but to take a step back, they made huge plays late to tie it and it took a ridiculous field goal by Iowa to beat them.

I really think the offense will improve and with Narduzzi the defensive guru at the helm, it would be shocking if our defense lets up. Can this team win the Coastal?? It might still be a long shot and definitely our offense needs to get better and more vertical - but I see a lot of heart on this team - heart that in my opinion wasn't there very much when Chryst was at the helm. Regardless whether Pitt wins the Coastal, I see a much better bowl prospect this season than those crappy lower tier projections that have just come out.

It's been a while, but I am starting to really feel extremely optimistic again about Pitt Football. Wait did I just write that??

 

[FreeportPanther]

Who really cares what YOU think? It's JUSTIN's opinion that really matters!!!

 

[KennyTheKangaroo]

I would suggest that your optimisim has a lot more to do with your attitude/belief in the coaching staff and a lot less to do with the actual on field product.

It is pretty simple, the fanbase is optimistic because they like Narduzzi. So far our best victory is against Va Tech, a team that was without their best cornerback and starting QB. They also just lost to east carolina and were 7-6 last year.

And that is not to suggest I'm not optimistic myself. I honestly believe this team has a legitimate change to win the coastal conference. I honestly believe this team is entertaining to watch because of the defense. I'm just suggesting that anyone that feels good is feeling good because of their belief, not because of the results on the field.

 

[Parkview57]

I agree, to a point , but it was reported that Pitt has 17 sacks so far this year....with only 19 the entire season last year....maybe that is why we like the coaching staff...

 

[Pittx9]

This is Pittsburgh. If you grew up watching the Steelers, you loved tough defensive football. Narduzzi and his defense are a perfect fit. This is gonna be a legit top-notch program sooner than later.

 

[PITTLAW]

This is Pittsburgh. If you grew up watching the Steelers, you loved tough defensive football. Narduzzi and his defense are a perfect fit. This is gonna be a legit top-notch program sooner than later.

Small but important point...people love tough defense provided the team wins. Play a great, tough defensive game and lose...and be sure, the fans will not be happy. Hail to Pitt!

 

[Pittx9]

Small but important point...people love tough defense provided the team wins. Play a great, tough defensive game and lose...and be sure, the fans will not be happy. Hail to Pitt!

Lol yes, also true. What we've seen so far though, reasons to be excited.

H2P!!!

 

[JoeScaz]

I would suggest that your optimisim has a lot more to do with your attitude/belief in the coaching staff and a lot less to do with the actual on field product.

It is pretty simple, the fanbase is optimistic because they like Narduzzi. So far our best victory is against Va Tech, a team that was without their best cornerback and starting QB. They also just lost to east carolina and were 7-6 last year.

And that is not to suggest I'm not optimistic myself. I honestly believe this team has a legitimate change to win the coastal conference. I honestly believe this team is entertaining to watch because of the defense. I'm just suggesting that anyone that feels good is feeling good because of their belief, not because of the results on the field.

Agree, partially.

The defensive product on the field is ENTIRELY different. There is no denying it. Narduzzi's defenses have an almost always defiant-cocky nature to them, that I love. The aggression that this staff defensively has, is leaps and bounds better than anything that we have had in many years. Just wait until he has all of his horses....

Offensively, we have played in two games that were monsoon-like conditions...seriously,, how can anyone gauge anything from Akron and VT offensively?... Iowa, we moved the ball pretty well.. and got beat on a lifes-record, absurd 57-yard FG....

 

[MajorMajors]

Agree, partially.

The defensive product on the field is ENTIRELY different. There is no denying it. Narduzzi's defenses have an almost always defiant-cocky nature to them, that I love. The aggression that this staff defensively has, is leaps and bounds better than anything that we have had in many years. Just wait until he has all of his horses....

Offensively, we have played in two games that were monsoon-like conditions...seriously,, how can anyone gauge anything from Akron and VT offensively?... Iowa, we moved the ball pretty well.. and got beat on a lifes-record, absurd 57-yard FG....

What I like about the Coach Duzzi version of the Pitt defense is that the players make a big play - and then act like they should - like they've made big plays before. They're excited, but the don't overdo it. I guess maybe that comes from making big plays more routinely.

In the more recent past, when we've seen a big play on defense, we often saw big celebrations or gesturing, and I guess that was somewhat to be expected since defensive big plays were so rare.

Go Pitt.

 

[Pittx9]

What I like about the Coach Duzzi version of the Pitt defense is that the players make a big play - and then act like they should - like they've made big plays before. They're excited, but the don't overdo it. I guess maybe that comes from making big plays more routinely.

In the more recent past, when we've seen a big play on defense, we often saw big celebrations or gesturing, and I guess that was somewhat to be expected since defensive big plays were so rare.

Go Pitt.

Exactly. Nothing made me more mad than David Durham making a sack against freakin' DELAWARE! last year and getting penalized for excessive celebration.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Admittedly, I'd share in the optimism of many other Panther fans when I see something remotely approaching consistency or an identity on offense. Attitude, enthusiasm of the staff is pretty contagious though. Just gotta see more from the offense.

 

[Cap pitt]

Exactly. Nothing made me more mad than David Durham making a sack against freakin' DELAWARE! last year and getting penalized for excessive celebration.

We are. "Pittsburgh". We are. "Pittsburgh". We are. " Pittsburgh"

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"PittPoker, post: 378347, member: 2776"]Something seems different to me regarding this current Pitt football team. After watching Pitt manhandle VTech defensively and even with bad offensive playcalling, they were able to hold onto their lead and didn't find a way to lose. To me that's real progress. Yes that Iowa game still stings but to take a step back, they made huge plays late to tie it and it took a ridiculous field goal by Iowa to beat them. I really think the offense will improve and with Narduzzi the defensive guru at the helm, it would be shocking if our defense lets up. Can this team win the Coastal?? It might still be a long shot and definitely our offense needs to get better and more vertical - but I see a lot of heart on this team - heart that in my opinion wasn't there very much when Chryst was at the helm. Regardless whether Pitt wins the Coastal, I see a much better bowl prospect this season than those crappy lower tier projections that have just come out. It's been a while, but I am starting to really feel extremely optimistic again about Pitt Football. Wait did I just write that??
So, you are no longer on Pitt being on the Abyss? Now might me a New Pitt Dawn?

I have to wait to see UVA & GT but I see a twinkle in Coach Pat & Staff Eyes on the Sidelines and it is no longer a Darker Dusk with Unknown Chryst gone at Pitt, and a turning Twilight, but will know more on Saturday Night?