Love Narduzzi already, but.... one thing I disagree with

[Pittx9]

Heard on the radio today Narduzzi said a starting qb will be announced by Thursday at the latest. For the life of me though I can't understand the benefit of publicly announcing that. Tell Peterman, Voytik, and the rest of the team, but I don't want Iowa knowing until we head to the huddle for the first time.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Agree, but I think he may be playing a slight dual mislead, he can start whom he wants, but both will play. Either way, Ferentz Defense has to be ready for both? Yet, Coach Pat/Chaney can change it!

This to me is the defining game of Coach Narduzzi portending tenure at Pitt as a New Head Coach. He has coached against Iowa before and knows how Ferentz coaches....so Pitt either has a Great Coach and will show it by beating a Very Good Coach at his Home Turf, or Coach Pat will need some time to learn to become a Good Coach?

I'll make my call in Friday!!!!

 

[IamHeisenberg]

Heard on the radio today Narduzzi said a starting qb will be announced by Thursday at the latest. For the life of me though I can't understand the benefit of publicly announcing that. Tell Peterman, Voytik, and the rest of the team, but I don't want Iowa knowing until we head to the huddle for the first time.

I was more concerned with the running back by committee comment he made. My first reaction was that the staff isn't as sure as I think they would be now.

 

[PantherO]

I was more concerned with the running back by committee comment he made. My first reaction was that the staff isn't as sure as I think they would be now.

I am not sure you can pin that on the staff. I think they were pretty sure at the beginning of the year that Conner was 1 and James was 2. Well, Conner is out and James is hurt. In the mean time, Ollison has made a nice case for himself. I have no issues with the RB by committee. I do agree about the QB battle, however, it is nice to see the staff consider the best player and not the kid with the most seniority. Even though Voytik isn't dead yet. Competition is a good thing.

 

[Jeffburgh]

I am not sure you can pin that on the staff. I think they were pretty sure at the beginning of the year that Conner was 1 and James was 2. Well, Conner is out and James is hurt. In the mean time, Ollison has made a nice case for himself. I have no issues with the RB by committee. I do agree about the QB battle, however, it is nice to see the staff consider the best player and not the kid with the most seniority. Even though Voytik isn't dead yet. Competition is a good thing.

It isn't their indecisiveness, it is players not stepping up.

The last time Ollison was on the field Saturday he got his ears bent by Nards for half hearting the screen play throw after gimping around like he got shot in the leg the third quarter.

He's supposed to say a redshirt frosh is the clear number one to start the next game after tha

Chad was the returning starter, a kid who the team has to like and respect a good bit, Peterman a completely new transfer.

They have given Chad the first shot at the job, while Peterman has been better, he also is a complete unknown.

Its been TWO games ...

 

[76Stingray]

It's not like we are choosing between John Elway and Micheal Vick. They are essentially the same quarterback. Voytik might run a little more. At this point, neither is very hard to gameplan for. This may change over the season if one breaks out, but right now, not so much. If anything, playing these stupid NFL type personnel games is preventing one of the guys from becoming comfortable and actually prepping for a game that will be pretty big for our perception as a team.

 

[MajorMajors]

Agree, but I think he may be playing a slight dual mislead, he can start whom he wants, but both will play. Either way, Ferentz Defense has to be ready for both? Yet, Coach Pat/Chaney can change it!

This to me is the defining game of Coach Narduzzi portending tenure at Pitt as a New Head Coach. He has coached against Iowa before and knows how Ferentz coaches....so Pitt either has a Great Coach and will show it by beating a Very Good Coach at his Home Turf, or Coach Pat will need some time to learn to become a Good Coach?

I'll make my call in Friday!!!!

Captain - seems to me you are putting some high expectations on a coach who will be missing some of the team's best players and starting one or two freshmen on the offensive line.

If Coach Duzz had Jones-Smith, Conner, Mitchell, Ibrahim, and Biz available for this game, then I could see it being a "defining game," without these key players - not so much.

Go Pitt.

 

[Jeffburgh]

It's not like we are choosing between John Elway and Micheal Vick. They are essentially the same quarterback. Voytik might run a little more. At this point, neither is very hard to gameplan for. This may change over the season if one breaks out, but right now, not so much. If anything, playing these stupid NFL type personnel games is preventing one of the guys from becoming comfortable and actually prepping for a game that will be pretty big for our perception as a team.

Its been ...

TWO GAMES.

And, you can't know how they are going to play, unless you actually see them play ...

 

[geeman2001]

This is the true first game, at least in terms of seeing who is real and who is not.

Some who might have looked good, it had to be remembered who they were doing it against.

Some who looked bad, might have been immature in their overconfidence or lack of respect to prepare or amp themselves up, because of who we were playing (aka, the classic Pitt Rinky-Dink Syndrome).

Ollison appears to fall into BOTH categories. Lucked into great success against a bad team week 1. Unprepared in week 2. So we really don't know what we have with him.

Hall as well. Started very tentative. Began to show flashes of ability later in the Akron game. But, then you have to wonder if that was legit, given it was Akron, and they had largely quit by then. We have no real idea yet.

And since we have no clue of James' real injury, we can only guess if he'll continue to have problems. Might be a thing that nags him all season, even if he does return. And frankly, James hadn't shown 'breakout' potential up to then anyway.

It's a huge concern.

DiPaola noted today that this is the first time since 2008 with Bostick and Smith that the starter at QB is unclear. That's because, like both of those guys in 08, our current guys both are likely to struggle mightily all year. They just don't seem to be very good. Passing game could be as anemic as it was that year.

So, Pitt desperately needs one or all of these TB to really take a big leap in performance, really fast, or this team may struggle to win 4 games total.

 

[Somerset Panther]

This is the true first game, at least in terms of seeing who is real and who is not.

Some who might have looked good, it had to be remembered who they were doing it against.

Some who looked bad, might have been immature in their overconfidence or lack of respect to prepare or amp themselves up, because of who we were playing (aka, the classic Pitt Rinky-Dink Syndrome).

Ollison appears to fall into BOTH categories. Lucked into great success against a bad team week 1. Unprepared in week 2. So we really don't know what we have with him.

Hall as well. Started very tentative. Began to show flashes of ability later in the Akron game. But, then you have to wonder if that was legit, given it was Akron, and they had largely quit by then. We have no real idea yet.

And since we have no clue of James' real injury, we can only guess if he'll continue to have problems. Might be a thing that nags him all season, even if he does return. And frankly, James hadn't shown 'breakout' potential up to then anyway.

It's a huge concern.

DiPaola noted today that this is the first time since 2008 with Bostick and Smith that the starter at QB is unclear. That's because, like both of those guys in 08, our current guys both are likely to struggle mightily all year. They just don't seem to be very good. Passing game could be as anemic as it was that year.

So, Pitt desperately needs one or all of these TB to really take a big leap in performance, really fast, or this team may struggle to win 4 games total.

Given the second half of last season I think we have proof that Chad can and has done much better for long periods. I don't think it's a given that they will struggle mightily all year. If that's the case that would be on the coaches. Both seem servicable, will be up to Coach Awe Shucks Dad Gumit (not coach neato) to get that out of them.

 

[thebadby2]

Heard on the radio today Narduzzi said a starting qb will be announced by Thursday at the latest. For the life of me though I can't understand the benefit of publicly announcing that. Tell Peterman, Voytik, and the rest of the team, but I don't want Iowa knowing until we head to the huddle for the first time.

Do you honestly think it would change Iowa's preparation at all? No matter who starts, we are likely to play two guys, and the playbook will be the same.

When they watch film of our first two games, I'm pretty sure they'll get the picture. Stop the run, make us beat them with the pass. Their D, while not great, will be a big step up from Akron and YSU.

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

Do you honestly think it would change Iowa's preparation at all? No matter who starts, we are likely to play two guys, and the playbook will be the same.

When they watch film of our first two games, I'm pretty sure they'll get the picture. Stop the run, make us beat them with the pass. Their D, while not great, will be a big step up from Akron and YSU.

People love to have this idea that we've been holding things back, as some sort of gamemanship.
It's almost always, always wrong.

We are what you've seen.

 

[Jeffburgh]

This is the true first game, at least in terms of seeing who is real and who is not.

Some who might have looked good, it had to be remembered who they were doing it against.

Some who looked bad, might have been immature in their overconfidence or lack of respect to prepare or amp themselves up, because of who we were playing (aka, the classic Pitt Rinky-Dink Syndrome).

Ollison appears to fall into BOTH categories. Lucked into great success against a bad team week 1. Unprepared in week 2. So we really don't know what we have with him.

Hall as well. Started very tentative. Began to show flashes of ability later in the Akron game. But, then you have to wonder if that was legit, given it was Akron, and they had largely quit by then. We have no real idea yet.

And since we have no clue of James' real injury, we can only guess if he'll continue to have problems. Might be a thing that nags him all season, even if he does return. And frankly, James hadn't shown 'breakout' potential up to then anyway.

It's a huge concern.

DiPaola noted today that this is the first time since 2008 with Bostick and Smith that the starter at QB is unclear. That's because, like both of those guys in 08, our current guys both are likely to struggle mightily all year. They just don't seem to be very good. Passing game could be as anemic as it was that year.

So, Pitt desperately needs one or all of these TB to really take a big leap in performance, really fast, or this team may struggle to win 4 games total.

The one note I would make regarding the first time since 08 that the starting QB is unclear is that speaks a LOT more to the fact they spent most of those years with almost literally no other options - like Tino and his mini me in Anderson ...

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

The one note I would make regarding the first time since 08 that the starting QB is unclear is that speaks a LOT more to the fact they spent most of those years with almost literally no other options - like Tino and his mini me in Anderson ...

Well said, Tino just lacked the skills to execute but his heart was as big as his loyalty to Pitt, unlike Graham?

Yet, Savage took a beating as he developed and won at Pitt even with some very bad Coaching calls as Chryst learned to become a Head Coach as he develop him, but let his Players and Team down with such poor Special Teams coaching too, that cost Pitt Teams 3 games each year?

At least Coach Narduzzi and Chaney brought in Peterman that is pushing Voytik that stayed loyal to Pitt to play together at Pitt more than just competing! Both remind me of the abilities Savage a Pocket passer transfer to Pitt and Voytik a Option Running QB, both have unique Talents to win at Pitt together.

It is up to Coach Natduzzi 7 Chaney to figure out when and how to use both of them to win at Pitt with great Game Plans that the Offensive Players are capable of making this year?

If the Coaching can figure that out, develop the players around such talents, and coach them up, Pitt can be very formidable this year, and next, but we won't know until we see it on this Saturday?

We shall see if the Coaching Strategy will be working as desired and needed to win this year at Pitt. I think it shows Coaching Guile and willingness to take bold risk and force Teams to adjust to Pitt Offense rather than just going with one QB in hopes it all comes together, until an injury happens and would be a disaster.

The key is Wannstedt played two QBs but he made multiple mistakes when he did not change them at the right times when one was not clearly not performing, and he cost Pitt some games, and then again won some too?

We shall see?

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

I was more concerned with the running back by committee comment he made. My first reaction was that the staff isn't as sure as I think they would be now.

I see it that they will need 2 QBs for this year, and better to have both play early on to prepare in case one goes down, and Pitt did improve against an Akron team that was far better than YSU in talent?

This goes for Running Backs even more since Pitt OL is capable of blocking and opening up more holes after 3 years, in my opinion, as season in the first two games, even without Connor! I expect Pitt OL can do this against Power Conference Teams too, if the passing game is there with Boyd & Company & Tight Ends!

It really depends on also how the coaches call the plays and prepare the Game Plans for the entire Offense and Subs to adjust together along with great coaching?

It will also help if the defense and Special Teams can improve and contribute to winning too, and not just depend on the Offense in the process?

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

I am not sure you can pin that on the staff. I think they were pretty sure at the beginning of the year that Conner was 1 and James was 2. Well, Conner is out and James is hurt. In the mean time, Ollison has made a nice case for himself. I have no issues with the RB by committee. I do agree about the QB battle, however, it is nice to see the staff consider the best player and not the kid with the most seniority. Even though Voytik isn't dead yet. Competition is a good thing.

I think you hit why it is happening at QB too! Better to have both ready in case one goes down? To practice that against YSU & Akron was the best time to do it? Now how to keep it up against Iowa, VT, and UVA is the process to see it continue and grow for the rest of the season.

 

[geeman2001]

The one note I would make regarding the first time since 08 that the starting QB is unclear is that speaks a LOT more to the fact they spent most of those years with almost literally no other options - like Tino and his mini me in Anderson ...

Absolutely. It was almost as critical to have excellent tailbacks those years as well. Thankfully we have had them. This year, it's not so sure.

 

[thebadby2]

The one note I would make regarding the first time since 08 that the starting QB is unclear is that speaks a LOT more to the fact they spent most of those years with almost literally no other options - like Tino and his mini me in Anderson ...

For those who wonder why this program has wallowed in mediocrity for most of the past 30 years, look no further than the QB position. If you think about it, look at who our QBs have been since Marino. Not exactly a murderer's row. VanPelt and maybe Rutherford or Palko are about all we can claim and they weren't great. Congemi was a decent college QB. Van Pelt and Savage ( a one year Pitt player) are the only ones that have made a living playing in the NFL. The only coach we've had who emphasized the QB position enough in recruiting was Walt. The rest have failed to recruit that position adequately. The best we've had is the one that got away, Flacco.

You'd think that we'd snag a future star QB by accident once in a while, but it just hasn't happened. We've had some phenomenal players at other positions, but not at the most important position.

I know Duzzi is a defensive guy, but if I were him, I would make my top priorities (1) recruiting legit QBs into the program and (2) keeping the O line well stocked.

I tend to think the real problem with our current group of WRs outside of Boyd is the guy that's supposed to be getting them the ball, as opposed to their lack of ability. Maybe Peterman can change that for us.

Anyway, it's about time Pitt had a QB who ends up being mentioned on Sports center every week (for something other than embarrassing miscues) and who winds up being drafted in the top 3 rounds.

I really believe you build a program by (1) building stout, deep offensive and defensive lines and (2) finding the right QB to run your particular offense. We are getting there with #1. If we can solve #2, the rest will take care of itself.

 

[geeman2001]

Given the second half of last season I think we have proof that Chad can and has done much better for long periods. I don't think it's a given that they will struggle mightily all year. If that's the case that would be on the coaches. Both seem servicable, will be up to Coach Awe Shucks Dad Gumit (not coach neato) to get that out of them.

Well I agree ... I think properly managed, Chad has the better potential than Peterman. I think this team, with Connor gone, uneven replacements, Boyd the only decent wideout, and shaky at the tackles, is doomed with the offense it appears it will be running. I think a set more like we were using the latter half of last season would be more productive. But most seem to vehemently disagree. We'll see, and soon.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Jeffburgh, post: 323412, member: 204"]It isn't their indecisiveness, it is players not stepping up.
I see it as more as some Players learning to step up. There is old coaching adage for every freshmen you play expect to lose one game due to them learning how to play and that goes for College and Pros? New Players and especially younger ones have to adjust to bigger faster players while learning the system and plays execution? It does take time!

The last time Ollison was on the field Saturday he got his ears bent by Nards for half hearting the screen play throw after gimping around like he got shot in the leg the third quarter.
A Great example of Ollison learning and Narduzzzi teaching too! It does not just happen but takes time.

He's supposed to say a redshirt frosh is the clear number one to start the next game after tha
Yep! We lost Connor and James is hurt, what else can you expect?

Chad was the returning starter, a kid who the team has to like and respect a good bit, Peterman a completely new transfer.
Both need Reps with all Offensive Players vets and replacements and Coaches should have Plays designed towards both strengths. Voytik plays best when he is allow to decide when to run, and when some plays are designed for him to run, it really helps his confidence and that is how he played in High School. It took Chryst an Offensive QB Coach and Coach to figure that out 4 games last year, when he did Pitt improved, until Special Teams and his Play Calling cost Pitt Players some games?

Playing Peterman was actually a great move and Pitt won 28-7 showing it great timing to do it!

They have given Chad the first shot at the job, while Peterman has been better, he also is a complete unknown.
Not anymore, Petreman did fine, but now needs some more time too. Had Chryst allowed Voytik to learn some under Savage Pitt might have had a better year last year? Savage got beat up badly and when he went down in the Bowl game, Voytik's Running and Scramble Plays won that Bowl Game! Voytik's Game includes running was my point lat year and it si part of his game that won some games last year, and actually won Duke, UNC, Houston and would have won UVA had he run earlier? Special Teams lost Duke, UNC, and Houston on terrible Special Teams Coverage and poor play calling on a few plays by Chryst and Rudolph in Duke and Iowa games last year at crtical times?

Its been TWO games ...
But improvement was seen from First to Second Games and Akron was the better Team with with Talent that beat Pitt last year, and Coaching won 28-7 instead of losing 24-7 like last year and that was without Connor & New Coaching Staff?

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

It's not like we are choosing between John Elway and Micheal Vick. They are essentially the same quarterback.
Disagree, it is just like Savage being a Pocket passer and staying in the Pocket open up the game and complete his reads and learn to execute the Players with the Offensive Players.

Voytik is not as tall and does bot have the arm as good as Peterman but has the undefinable ability to know when to run when in trouble or during breakdown by the Pitt Offense or when the Defense stops the pass and run, and then Voytik comes through breaking up the Defense confidence. Nothing kills off a Defense when they covers the pass, stops the run, and then the QB goes off getting the First Down? It is very demoralizing for the Defense that worked hard on their game Plan Defense to be beaten by broken or well design QB run plays?

Voytik might run a little more. At this point, neither is very hard to gameplan for. This may change over the season if one breaks out, but right now, not so much. If anything, playing these stupid NFL type personnel games is preventing one of the guys from becoming comfortable and actually prepping for a game that will be pretty big for our perception as a team.
Peterman and Voytik are not the same as explained above. However, I agree in part, it is far tougher to have a consistent QB when he gets less reps at practice by sharing and the Team must adjust to different rhythms, and good Game Plans require great repeated practices over 17 Hours of a Weekly Practice to execute properly and often.

But that is what a new Coach & System has to do and having two QBs capable of learning and playing well when needed is better for the entire season.

All I am saying, the Coaches can and should make sure the Pitt Offensive Players does learn and execute how Voytik's ability to run certain designed run plays is part of that Offense during all future games.

Like Narduzzi said, he will play both based on how they are doing but Chaney needs to see Voytik Plays should be a tad different than Peterman, just on Voytik's running ability alone?

It kind of reminds me how Paterno & Staff was so dumb in trying to make Zack Mills a Running Option QB when he was small and a far better Pocket Passer.....then he forced Michael Robinson that was a great Option Runner to become a Pocket Passer???? What a total waste of individualize talent and they lost games that way and Jay Paterno was just as stupid and still is today?

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

MajorMajors, post: 323425, member: 1140"]Captain - seems to me you are putting some high expectations on a coach who will be missing some of the team's best players and starting one or two freshmen on the offensive line.
Fair comment, but it is what it is, I mention early last year, Pitt has little Depth and the Offense only works great if all are healthy and we lost Connor already. This is why I like Voytik, he improvises and adapts to breakdowns and can scramble and run, unlike Savage could not, and now Peterman???? So, have Running Plays like Sweeps, bootlegs, and Options ready for Voytik, whne the Defense has designed game Plan stopping Pitt runs and Passes under Peterman? Great Coaching has to learn to adapt and call those plays at the right time to too, plus see why they are needed and can see when they are needed? It is one reason why they ae paid big buck$ to win?

If Coach Duzz had Jones-Smith, Conner, Mitchell, Ibrahim, and Biz available for this game, then I could see it being a "defining game," without these key players - not so much.
All Coaches have to adapt to injuries and losing a QB without another one with some experience is even worse than losing a number of players on the Offense! It is what it is, and I agree that task is tall, but that is up to Coach Pat/Chaney & Staff?

Boyd is a great runner too, but better pass catcher! Orndoff can throw and catch and run better than Holtz but Holtz has special skills too!! Petrman and Voytik have different abilities and use them too!!!

Adapt a System that develops around the strengths of the Offense Players instead of forcing all the Players to adapt to a System they have to change and learn because Pitt lacks Depth, has injuries, and freshmen substitutes make mistakes.

Voytok's strength is adapting to running when the Offense breakdowns by just one player and unexpected plays develop based on his ability to scramble and run?

Peterman the Pocket Passer executes the Play as design and practiced, but this what Defenses are taught to exploit especially against Younger Players lack of experience.

Yet, Voytik's very confidence builds comes from taking an initiative and improvising by running when he sees breakdowns\ns and nothing demoralizes a Defense than doing every thing right and still seeing a play is made due to such adapting to what the Defesne gave up?

I advocate one way to do that is to have 10 plays ready for Voytik to run and practice that with the Offense, and remember most games are won and lost on just 5 to 6 plays a game? Early running by Voytik will disrupt a Defense and Peterman can still pocket pass on other series?

 

[vegasgreed]

we already know who is starting saturday....

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

geeman2001, post: 323466, member: 2324"]This is the true first game, at least in terms of seeing who is real and who is not. Some who might have looked good, it had to be remembered who they were doing it against. Some who looked bad, might have been immature in their overconfidence or lack of respect to prepare or amp themselves up, because of who we were playing (aka, the classic Pitt Rinky-Dink Syndrome).
So true! Iowa will be far less forgiving!

Ollison appears to fall into BOTH categories. Lucked into great success against a bad team week 1. Unprepared in week 2. So we really don't know what we have with him.
Exactly, and why Voytik should be running some plays too just to keep Iowa Defense off balance in case Ollison has problems?

Hall as well. Started very tentative. Began to show flashes of ability later in the Akron game. But, then you have to wonder if that was legit, given it was Akron, and they had largely quit by then. We have no real idea yet.
Exactly, again, but we do know Voytik can run and win, and Peterman can throw and win! Up to the coaches to know when to use their strengths and design such plays in practice for Game Plans to keep Iowa Defense off balance until Ollison and Hall learn to run and execute behind freshmen lineman making some mistakes too? I am talking about just 8 to 10 plays to prepare for Voytik Runs!

And since we have no clue of James' real injury, we can only guess if he'll continue to have problems. Might be a thing that nags him all season, even if he does return. And frankly, James hadn't shown 'breakout' potential up to then anyway. It's a huge concern.
Absolutely, and why having QBs split practices and executions of certain plays must be ready toward those QBs strengths? Not just competing against one another but complimenting one another!

DiPaola noted today that this is the first time since 2008 with Bostick and Smith that the starter at QB is unclear. That's because, like both of those guys in 08, our current guys both are likely to struggle mightily all year. They just don't seem to be very good. Passing game could be as anemic as it was that year.
Why running plays need to be put in for Voytik too!

So, Pitt desperately needs one or all of these TB to really take a big leap in performance, really fast, or this team may struggle to win 4 games total.
The Offensive Line and Tight Ends play a big part of this implementing this success too! We have talent there too! coaches need to find, adapt, and improvise that talent!

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Well I agree ... I think properly managed, Chad has the better potential than Peterman. I think this team, with Connor gone, uneven replacements, Boyd the only decent wideout, and shaky at the tackles, is doomed with the offense it appears it will be running. I think a set more like we were using the latter half of last season would be more productive. But most seem to vehemently disagree. We'll see, and soon.

This will be the most fascinating thing to watch the season develops. Would an old vet like Chaney be better served to continue running the offensive schemes that were extremely effective over the last 6 games last season while slowly moving toward what he prefers most? Or, is Chaney's best option to use an offense in which the talents of the incumbent are somewhat neutralized but, if Peterman performs, the downfield passing game catches fire? A.k.a, the offense Chaney's ran throughout his career and is most comfortable running...

Oddly, most of all, who'd have thought that, given injury and coaching turnover, the offense would feel like more a work in progress than the defense this year?

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"Somerset Panther, post: 323503, member: 168"]Given the second half of last season I think we have proof that Chad can and has done much better for long periods. I don't think it's a given that they will struggle mightily all year. If that's the case that would be on the coaches. Both seem servicable, will be up to Coach Awe Shucks Dad Gumit (not coach neato) to get that out of them.
Right on, Great Coaches adapt their talent to the capabilities of great Game Plans that have the Players playing with the strengths that have, and not just making the QBs and Players learn a system they demand?? This was the mistake Graham made at Pitt? He demanded High Octane No Huddle and when he saw they could not do it, he used a Pro Set at times, and all the players were just confused? Graham is having the same problems at ASU now?

My Goodness, Voytik can run and throw and scramble and Peterman throws some nice Pocket passing, certainly 8 to 10 plays can be designed and used at the right times to confuse the Iowa Hawkeyes Defense???? Especially with the talent Pitt has with OL, Boyd, Orndoff and Holtz and Running Backs!

One other thought, might be the great time to have Whitehead be used on 4 to 5 plays on Offense too? Iowa Defense will have to adapt to Whitehead Talent in the slot too?

We shall see?

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

thebadby2, post: 323752, member: 1492"]For those who wonder why this program has wallowed in mediocrity for most of the past 30 years, look no further than the QB position. If you think about it, look at who our QBs have been since Marino. Not exactly a murderer's row. VanPelt and maybe Rutherford or Palko are about all we can claim and they weren't great. Congemi was a decent college QB. Van Pelt and Savage ( a one year Pitt player) are the only ones that have made a living playing in the NFL. The only coach we've had who emphasized the QB position enough in recruiting was Walt. The rest have failed to recruit that position adequately. The best we've had is the one that got away, Flacco.
You'd think that we'd snag a future star QB by accident once in a while, but it just hasn't happened. We've had some phenomenal players at other positions, but not at the most important position.
Good points, but Voytik's game is still about him running and throwing not just throwing!

I know Duzzi is a defensive guy, but if I were him, I would make my top priorities (1) recruiting legit QBs into the program and (2) keeping the O line well stocked. I tend to think the real problem with our current group of WRs outside of Boyd is the guy that's supposed to be getting them the ball, as opposed to their lack of ability. Maybe Peterman can change that for us.
Losing recruits over 5 years to coaching changes due to Pederson's Poison did not help either with a Top QB Recruit wanting to come to Pitt? Wannstedt had trouble coaching and choosing them too. Chryst's own 5 Star Nephew rejected Pitt and his Uncle?

Anyway, it's about time Pitt had a QB who ends up being mentioned on Sports center every week (for something other than embarrassing miscues) and who winds up being drafted in the top 3 rounds.
Easier said then done, but in the meantime up to these coaches to develop game plans that uses the QBs strengths we have right now, and not just Game Plans the coaches demand the QBs must learn and might not be able to do? Iowa knows about Voytik from last year, and Peterman is an unknown to them, up to the Pitt Coaches to create a Game Plan that can use both against Iowa at tomes and with plays unexpected? Also, to be fair, easier said then executed?

I really believe you build a program by (1) building stout, deep offensive and defensive lines and (2) finding the right QB to run your particular offense. We are getting there with #1. If we can solve #2, the rest will take care of itself.
Yep begins upfront blocking and opening holes, and defending the run and pressuring the passers!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

JohnnyGossamer, post: 324037, member: 3494"]This will be the most fascinating thing to watch the season develops.
I fear it more then fascinating about it, because the Players knew exactly what they did great the end of last season after Game 4?

Would an old vet like Chaney be better served to continue running the offensive schemes that were extremely effective over the last 6 games last season while slowly moving toward what he prefers most? Or, is Chaney's best option to use an offense in which the talents of the incumbent are somewhat neutralized but, if Peterman performs, the downfield passing game catches fire? A.k.a, the offense Chaney's ran throughout his career and is most comfortable running...
That is the question? Now we need to see the production against Big Ten Power Conference Iowa's Very Good Coach Ferentz & Players & Game Plan? Ferentz will have his QB playing better with his team from last year. Whether Pitt can do the same is teh question none of us know right now?

Oddly, most of all, who'd have thought that, given injury and coaching turnover, the offense would feel like more a work in progress than the defense this year?
I said so all of last and early this year, Pitt cannot afford to lose many on Offense because we have such little depth! Especially Boyd, OLs, Voytik, and Connor in that order? Well, Connor is gone, and Peterman is playing in case Voytik goes as I see it, but we need Offensive Lineman and Boyd all season long to win more games!

Pitt needs more Players and Depth and we have so little right now without the experience?

But I really like what the coaches have done in both games, changed attitudes, and did improve the players not to quit, and playing back-ups for injured players, as well as preparing if one of our QBs does goes down?

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

People love to have this idea that we've been holding things back, as some sort of gamemanship.
It's almost always, always wrong.

We are what you've seen.

Well--maybe we are and maybe we aren't what we have seen.

So much monkeying with personnel and schemes the past two weeks (plus the limitations imposed by a deluge of rain at Akron) makes it hard to come to a conclusion one way or another as to whether we can predict whether this team is what we saw or will be better going forward. Narduzzi did refer to the past two games as the pre-season.

I suppose one's outlook will be colored by how little or how much one reads into that remark. Was it a throw away remark or were the coaches really experimenting over the past two games vs going 100% out to win them in the most impressive manner possible?

Some sort of answer to that question will be had on Saturday, I suppose.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

Jeffburgh, post: 323412, member: 204"]It isn't their indecisiveness, it is players not stepping up.
I see it as more as some Players learning to step up. There is old coaching adage for every freshmen you play expect to lose one game due to them learning how to play and that goes for College and Pros? New Players and especially younger ones have to adjust to bigger faster players while learning the system and plays execution? It does take time!

The last time Ollison was on the field Saturday he got his ears bent by Nards for half hearting the screen play throw after gimping around like he got shot in the leg the third quarter.
A Great example of Ollison learning and Narduzzzi teaching too! It does not just happen but takes time.

He's supposed to say a redshirt frosh is the clear number one to start the next game after tha
Yep! We lost Connor and James is hurt, what else can you expect?

Chad was the returning starter, a kid who the team has to like and respect a good bit, Peterman a completely new transfer.
Both need Reps with all Offensive Players vets and replacements and Coaches should have Plays designed towards both strengths. Voytik plays best when he is allow to decide when to run, and when some plays are designed for him to run, it really helps his confidence and that is how he played in High School. It took Chryst an Offensive QB Coach and Coach to figure that out 4 games last year, when he did Pitt improved, until Special Teams and his Play Calling cost Pitt Players some games?

Playing Peterman was actually a great move and Pitt won 28-7 showing it great timing to do it!

They have given Chad the first shot at the job, while Peterman has been better, he also is a complete unknown.
Not anymore, Petreman did fine, but now needs some more time too. Had Chryst allowed Voytik to learn some under Savage Pitt might have had a better year last year? Savage got beat up badly and when he went down in the Bowl game, Voytik's Running and Scramble Plays won that Bowl Game! Voytik's Game includes running was my point lat year and it si part of his game that won some games last year, and actually won Duke, UNC, Houston and would have won UVA had he run earlier? Special Teams lost Duke, UNC, and Houston on terrible Special Teams Coverage and poor play calling on a few plays by Chryst and Rudolph in Duke and Iowa games last year at crtical times?

Its been TWO games ...
But improvement was seen from First to Second Games and Akron was the better Team with with Talent that beat Pitt last year, and Coaching won 28-7 instead of losing 24-7 like last year and that was without Connor & New Coaching Staff?

I am not sure I agree with the premise that Akron is a better team than YSU. Yes, the perception is that a MAC team should be better than an FCS team--but that isn't a given. Sagarin's computer pre-season GUESS had YSU about +4 points stronger than Akron. Akron is supposed to be better defensively but given that we played them at Akron in a deluge it is hard to know if that is even true.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

So, Captain, you expect Voytik to start the bulk of the season? Or, did I misread your reply?

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

JohnnyGossamer, post: 324291, member: 3494"]So, Captain, you expect Voytik to start the bulk of the season? Or, did I misread your reply?
Don't know, have no inside info, and have no clue whatsoever!

I just know that Voytik was not ready for the Bowl Game that Tom Savage was knocked out of and took over and ran his butt off when Pitt was covered and that helped Connor run wild? I just think and see when Voytik is allow to run or has design run plays, it offsets the Defenses set up to stop Pitt's passing to Boyd & WR/TE Company and Pitt's Running Game even without Connor?

Now I Just know Chaney decided to change some things that were working on the Offense the last 5 games, but leave it up to him to make sure Pitt is better, and that is what he is paid to do? Connor is hurt and gone too?

All I know is Voytik's in High School and last year was able to score 30+ points when he is allow to run, and they design some plays for him to run, but he had a healthy OL, Boyd, Tight End, and Connor all year long too?

The Games Pitt lost to UNC, Duke, and Houston were due to inattention by Chryst & Staff to Special Teams poor coverage on Punts, Kickoffs, and Extra Points, and Field Goals. Iowa and UVA was lost due to poor play calling and not having Voytik running on plays that he did against Virginia Tech? And none of them were ready for Georgia Tech?

If Pitt scores 30+ points they should win and Voytik, Boyd, Connor, Tight Ends, and OL did that last year without Peterman? Chaney has to prove he is doing the right things this year.

I am content to let Chaney prove it?

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

I am not sure I agree with the premise that Akron is a better team than YSU. Yes, the perception is that a MAC team should be better than an FCS team--but that isn't a given. Sagarin's computer pre-season GUESS had YSU about +4 points stronger than Akron. Akron is supposed to be better defensively but given that we played them at Akron in a deluge it is hard to know if that is even true.

I cannot disagree with you nor will?

Well, let me put it another way....Pitt Defense improved from Game 1 YSU to Game 2 Akron in any event at least on Defense? Now they will have to continue whether they can do it against Iowa?

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

People love to have this idea that we've been holding things back, as some sort of gamemanship. It's almost always, always wrong. We are what you've seen.

Yawnnnnnnnnn. you said the same things for 19 years too, and were wrong on Pederson too contributing to this malaise and never had the courage to admit it, you were never almost wrong like you describe Pitt, just outright your old Yawn Wrongs!!! You just suck like your posts and do not improve them either?

 

[PITTLAW]

I am not sure you can pin that on the staff. I think they were pretty sure at the beginning of the year that Conner was 1 and James was 2. Well, Conner is out and James is hurt. In the mean time, Ollison has made a nice case for himself. I have no issues with the RB by committee. I do agree about the QB battle, however, it is nice to see the staff consider the best player and not the kid with the most seniority. Even though Voytik isn't dead yet. Competition is a good thing.

There are some that might say that it is not that the QB's are that close, but rather the staff is showing favoritism to the kid they brought in over the kid that was already there. As for your seniority comment...Nate is more senior than Chad...so not sure where you are going there? Look, as long as Pitt wins I will be happy. But I know for sure that playing head games with the QB's is a sure way to not get the best play from either. Just talk to one of the QB's that played the yo-yo game with Walt. Pick a guy, and stick with him. Pulling the starter [regardless of who it is] after two series is just dumb. You want to give the back up some meaningful playing time...great...but it needs to be situational...not after so many designated series of play. Not impressed with how they are handling the QB's this season. Hail to Pitt!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

There are some that might say that it is not that the QB's are that close, but rather the staff is showing favoritism to the kid they brought in over the kid that was already there. As for your seniority comment...Nate is more senior than Chad...so not sure where you are going there? Look, as long as Pitt wins I will be happy. But I know for sure that playing head games with the QB's is a sure way to not get the best play from either. Just talk to one of the QB's that played the yo-yo game with Walt. Pick a guy, and stick with him. Pulling the starter [regardless of who it is] after two series is just dumb. You want to give the back up some meaningful playing time...great...but it needs to be situational...not after so many designated series of play. Not impressed with how they are handling the QB's this season. Hail to Pitt!

 

[The Loaded Italian]

Well, obviously ... announcing takes pressure of the starter... but it is probably more due to the press pressing him for an answer constantly.
I saw Jerry tweeted out disdain for the QB's not being available for questions... why??? What possible positives can come out of the press interviewing 2 qbs battling for the start at the beginning of the week??? They aer just looking for negative comments to write about.

 

[Jeffburgh]

For those who wonder why this program has wallowed in mediocrity for most of the past 30 years, look no further than the QB position. If you think about it, look at who our QBs have been since Marino. Not exactly a murderer's row. VanPelt and maybe Rutherford or Palko are about all we can claim and they weren't great. Congemi was a decent college QB. Van Pelt and Savage ( a one year Pitt player) are the only ones that have made a living playing in the NFL. The only coach we've had who emphasized the QB position enough in recruiting was Walt. The rest have failed to recruit that position adequately. The best we've had is the one that got away, Flacco.

You'd think that we'd snag a future star QB by accident once in a while, but it just hasn't happened. We've had some phenomenal players at other positions, but not at the most important position.

I know Duzzi is a defensive guy, but if I were him, I would make my top priorities (1) recruiting legit QBs into the program and (2) keeping the O line well stocked.

I tend to think the real problem with our current group of WRs outside of Boyd is the guy that's supposed to be getting them the ball, as opposed to their lack of ability. Maybe Peterman can change that for us.

Anyway, it's about time Pitt had a QB who ends up being mentioned on Sports center every week (for something other than embarrassing miscues) and who winds up being drafted in the top 3 rounds.an

I really believe you build a program by (1) building stout, deep offensive and defensive lines and (2) finding the right QB to run your particular offense. We are getting there with #1. If we can solve #2, the rest will take care of itself.

Pete Gonzalez had a freak year ... But, yep, just bizarre for a program that has seen more than its share of elite NFL talent that QB has been so painfully mediocre/bad.

 

[Pittx9]

Do you honestly think it would change Iowa's preparation at all? No matter who starts, we are likely to play two guys, and the playbook will be the same.

When they watch film of our first two games, I'm pretty sure they'll get the picture. Stop the run, make us beat them with the pass. Their D, while not great, will be a big step up from Akron and YSU.

Good point. I'm just saying any extra info, no matter how small, i don't want them knowing.