Notre Dame is favored by 8, am I crazy to think that Pitt easily covers??

[PittPoker]

Pitt has played every team close, always plays Notre Dame close and it's at home. Yes the pass coverage has not been good lately and the sacks have stopped. However, Narduzzi has gotten so much out of this team and I don't think they are finished by a longshot.

Chaney and his horrible play calling and RB substitution is the only worry for me.

 

[NC Panther]

dunno Poker...I'd take the points too but, ND has some crazy stud athletes.

They may be too much for us this year.

Sure wish we had Conner to shorten the game.

 

[Pittx9]

I think I'd take the points for two reasons a) Pitt plays close games and I'd think there's a good chance they cover b) It's Notre Dame, everybody else on Earth will be betting on them.
You always go against the money. I remember the USF game I believe Graham's year. I read that about 68% of the action was on USF. I took Pitt without any hesitation and the Panthers (as the underdog) demolished USF that night.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I have the feeling that this is the most "mismatched" the 2 teams have been in awhile and that's with a 6-2 Pitt team. Narduzzi has done a great job manufacturing wins but this team jut doesnt have nearly enough talent to hang with ND. I think ND covers easily. 31-13.

 

[Delpanther]

Not an easy question to answer. If we can avoid breakdowns in the secondary, I think the game will be relatively close. The discouraging trend, however, the in the last 3 games is that we have had at least one or 2 secondary breakdowns that have led to big plays for the opposition. If the secondary doesn't play well and we continue the alarming trend of not placing any pressure on the opposing QB, it could be a very long afternoon and an 8 point margin might actually be the best possible outcome.

 

[JSSTartan]

It may be a blessing that Pitt played UNC the game before this game with ND. Both teams run a similar offensive set; Carolina was talented on O, but ND is much more talented. Fuller is probably the best WR Pitt will face all year and he will need to be kept in check if at all possible. Pitt will need to get to Kizer and stop Prosise to have a chance. If ND gets the running game going, it will be a very tough game. On offense, Pitt will have to stop running east/west running game plays and stick to the power game up the middle. ND is too fast on the outside. NDs secondary--the safeties in particular are the weakest link in the ND defense (outside of their MLB, Schmidt) and Pitt will need to find a way to exploit that.

 

[Pittx9]

I have the feeling that this is the most "mismatched" the 2 teams have been in awhile and that's with a 6-2 Pitt team. Narduzzi has done a great job manufacturing wins but this team jut doesnt have nearly enough talent to hang with ND. I think ND covers easily. 31-13.

I'd have to say that's nowhere near true. You remember the 2012 game where we won at ND, but the refs took the game away from us? Notre Dame went to the national championship while we had a very mediocre team that lost to Youngstown. These two teams will never be as mismatched as that season.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I'd have to say that's nowhere near true. You remember the 2012 game where we won at ND, but the refs took the game away from us? Notre Dame went to the national championship while we had a very mediocre team that lost to Youngstown. These two teams will never be as mismatched as that season.

This ND team is much bettet than that team and I dont think we are as good as that team. Chryst screwed that team up. That was an 8-4 ND team that got lucky. They werent that good.

 

[Pittx9]

This ND team is much bettet than that team and I dont think we are as good as that team. Chryst screwed that team up. That was an 8-4 ND team that got lucky. They werent that good.

There was definitely some luck and Notre Dame this year is close, but I don't think I could say they are better. Hard to tell though because Manti Teo was being forced upon us everytime we turned on a TV. Good team that year, but play Alabama ten times and that thrashing in the championship game was probably the best they'd ever do against them. For anyone who bet on Notre Dame that game, lol you are the reason bookies make money with such ease.

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

Yes, its a terrible matchup and the Irish are now sniffing the Playoff.
ND 30
PT 19

 

[WNYPanther]

ND played pretty bad vs Temple & they're too talented to play like that again. If the DBs don't do better than they have the last few games and the pass rush doesn't come back to life they'll likely cover that 8 easily.

 

[Pittx9]

I will not be the least surprised to see Notre Dame win. I'd be much more surprised if they cover the spread. These guys are smarter than just about anybody involved in sports, they know everybody in America is going to bet on Notre Dame. And you know what they say... bookies never lose.

 

[thebadby2]

Pitt has played every team close, always plays Notre Dame close and it's at home. Yes the pass coverage has not been good lately and the sacks have stopped. However, Narduzzi has gotten so much out of this team and I don't think they are finished by a longshot.

Chaney and his horrible play calling and RB substitution is the only worry for me.

I think you're crazy to believe that Pitt "easily covers";I think it would be a bit more reasonable to suggest that Pitt has a decent shot to stay within 8 of ND.

 

[Pittx9]

I think it would be a bit more reasonable to suggest that Pitt has a decent shot to stay within 8 of ND.

Much, much more reasonable. I as well think it's crazy to say Pitt easily covers, although I think they've got a better chance than some think.

 

[thebadby2]

This ND team is much bettet than that team and I dont think we are as good as that team. Chryst screwed that team up. That was an 8-4 ND team that got lucky. They werent that good.

I believe ND has something like 6-7 injured starters including half of its secondary. They are very good, but they're dealing with some significant personnel issues. If we're going to try to run the ball on 80% of our first downs and remain predicable as we typically do, this one might be over quick.

 

[Teh Teh]

Pitt has played every team close, always plays Notre Dame close and it's at home. Yes the pass coverage has not been good lately and the sacks have stopped. However, Narduzzi has gotten so much out of this team and I don't think they are finished by a longshot.

Chaney and his horrible play calling and RB substitution is the only worry for me.

Well me gambling will ensure Pitt doesn't cover, but I agree and I won't bet on what you said. I honestly think Pitt will win... And I didn't think we would win vs unc

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

Oh, I disagree entirely. Pitt could absolutely win this game. I'm not saying they will win the game but with a break or two they certainly could.

Notre Dame is very good but they are not remotely unbeatable. Hell, Temple should have beaten them this past Saturday. The Owls were leading that game with less than five minutes remaining.

Pitt's challenge offensely is its inability to generate explosive plays. That really hurts you when you play against better teams because you always have to drive long fields. Also, as the season wears along and our film gets longer, opposing coaches realize that we lack explosiveness and they defend us accordingly.

That said, bear in mind that the best player on the football field on Saturday afternoon is going to be wearing a Pitt uniform.

 

[Pittx9]

Oh, I disagree entirely. Pitt could absolutely win this game. I'm not saying they will win the game but with a break or two they certainly could.

Notre Dame is very good but they are not remotely unbeatable. Hell, Temple should have beaten them this past Saturday. The Owls were leading that game with less than five minutes remaining.

Pitt's challenge offensely is its inability to generate explosive plays. That really hurts you when you play against better teams because you always have to drive long fields. Also, as the season wears along and our film gets longer, opposing coaches realize that we lack explosiveness and they defend us accordingly.

That said, bear in mind that the best player on the football field on Saturday afternoon is going to be wearing a Pitt uniform.

Very well said on all accounts. Adding to the injuries mentioned in the post above yours, let's also not forget the starting safety who will miss the first half due to the targeting penalty against Temple.

 

[thebadby2]

Oh, I disagree entirely. Pitt could absolutely win this game. I'm not saying they will win the game but with a break or two they certainly could.

Notre Dame is very good but they are not remotely unbeatable. Hell, Temple should have beaten them this past Saturday. The Owls were leading that game with less than five minutes remaining.

Pitt's challenge offensively is its inability to generate explosive plays. That really hurts you when you play against better teams because you always have to drive long fields. Also, as the season wears along and our film gets longer, opposing coaches realize that we lack explosiveness and they defend us accordingly.

That said, bear in mind that the best player on the football field on Saturday afternoon is going to be wearing a Pitt uniform.

We could beat ND, it is unlikely but certainly not outside the realm of possibility. We have a tendency to give them a lot of trouble.

The best guy on the field you reference is averaging 9 YPC and under 100 YPG. ND has a guy who has essentially double those stats. Regardless of stats, he is the best player on the field in many of our games, but I'm not sure he will be in this one. ND has several projected first rounders, and I think Jaylen Smith is expected to go top 5. I just hope Chaney has something up his sleeve to make us a little more vertical and a lot less predictable. If we keep setting ourselves up with obvious passing situations we will get killed. 2nd and 9 or 3rd and 6-plus ain't gonna cut it this week, as it didn't last week.

 

[Pghfan]

if you think they cover easily, that means you think pitt will win outright. If you believe that, bet Pitt straight up.. You'd probably get 2:1 payout, if not more..

 

[oldpantherfan]

Call me crazy. Pitt not only covers they upset ND. The Irish are over rated. Their o line is suspect and QB is susceptible to blitzes. Yes he can run but he is stiff in the pocket and can be pressured. And their D is not that great,especially the DB's. Temple doesn't have a WR close to Boyd's , though they did have one tall receiver and they did well against ND's Db's. Boyd should have a field day if not him then the tight ends will. And Temple has a good D line a great linebacker, but i think Galambos will hold his own and have a good day just like their LB did. Their line is big and slow and our ends should be able to pressure Kizer. We just have to keep a eye on Fuller, and hopefully keep him away from Pitts, unless he (Pitts) goes back to how he played 2-3 years ago.
Temple is rated higher than Pitt but isn't better. With all of ND so called studs that game should not have been that close. It was effected by a few bad offensive calls and some bad officiating calls (surprised ? ). Tired of all this overrating, ND mystique, etc. you don't think it's BS and their over rated ? Then please explain to me how they are rated # 5 in the CFP rankings over 6 undefeated teams that include Michigan St, Baylor, TCU, and Iowa). Are they better than them ? No, this is done so that they can be in the playoffs. Pitt will end that story.

 

[Pittx9]

Call me crazy. Pitt not only covers they upset ND. The Irish are over rated. Their o line is suspect and QB is susceptible to blitzes. Yes he can run but he is stiff in the pocket and can be pressured. And their D is not that great,especially the DB's. Temple doesn't have a WR close to Boyd's , though they did have one tall receiver and they did well against ND's Db's. Boyd should have a field day if not him then the tight ends will. And Temple has a good D line a great linebacker, but i think Galambos will hold his own and have a good day just like their LB did. Their line is big and slow and our ends should be able to pressure Kizer. We just have to keep a eye on Fuller, and hopefully keep him away from Pitts, unless he (Pitts) goes back to how he played 2-3 years ago.
Temple is rated higher than Pitt but isn't better. With all of ND so called studs that game should not have been that close. It was effected by a few bad offensive calls and some bad officiating calls (surprised ? ). Tired of all this overrating, ND mystique, etc. you don't think it's BS and their over rated ? Then please explain to me how they are rated # 5 in the CFP rankings over 6 undefeated teams that include Michigan St, Baylor, TCU, and Iowa). Are they better than them ? No, this is done so that they can be in the playoffs. Pitt will end that story.

Notre Dame is not overrated, their QB is going to be very tough for us to defend. However, I think we do have a really good chance at pulling the upset. Boyd could definitely have an outstanding game, although it seems like they don't allow him to run very many different routes. One thing I think will be key and could really give us a huge advantage is we need to get Holtz and Orndoff really involved. These two kids are absolute stud TE's. They need to be making at least 5 catches each per game. They are serious difference makers.

 

[runshadyrun]

It may be a blessing that Pitt played UNC the game before this game with ND. Both teams run a similar offensive set; Carolina was talented on O, but ND is much more talented. Fuller is probably the best WR Pitt will face all year and he will need to be kept in check if at all possible. Pitt will need to get to Kizer and stop Prosise to have a chance. If ND gets the running game going, it will be a very tough game. On offense, Pitt will have to stop running east/west running game plays and stick to the power game up the middle. ND is too fast on the outside. NDs secondary--the safeties in particular are the weakest link in the ND defense (outside of their MLB, Schmidt) and Pitt will need to find a way to exploit that.

I think a steady diet of JP and Orndoff in the middle, if the line doesn't need them in to block...

 

[Yooper Irishfan]

I will not be the least surprised to see Notre Dame win. I'd be much more surprised if they cover the spread. These guys are smarter than just about anybody involved in sports, they know everybody in America is going to bet on Notre Dame. And you know what they say... bookies never lose.

I don't disagree with you that ND lines probably get more action than most, but ND is 6-2 against the spread this year, so I don't think it's as simple as betting against ND every game. However, they are 1-2 against the spread on the road this year, so you have that going for you.

 

[Pittx9]

I don't disagree with you that ND lines probably get more action than most, but ND is 6-2 against the spread this year, so I don't think it's as simple as betting against ND every game. However, they are 1-2 against the spread on the road this year, so you have that going for you.

Oh I'm not by any means saying bet against Notre Dame every game their favored and you will win. I'm just saying bookies have more knowledge than probably most people that have played the game, team doctors, and meteorologists all combined. I've won some money betting on Pitt in games where they were underdogs and nobody on Earth thought they'd win because well... the bookies just aren't going to lose money.

But I don't disagree with you either. What I said is not some book of laws to be followed at all times.

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

i think it's as likely we keep it close and win, as we get completely blown out.

We can't play a half of game, like we've been doing the last couple
And the offense has to put a priority on actually scoring touchdowns, not just running clock.

 

[JSSTartan]

And the offense has to put a priority on actually scoring touchdowns, not just running clock.

+1

 

[pittdan77]

ND seems to play to the level of their competition on the road. Take that any way you want. At times they look sloppy and at others, the look unstoppable. I think Pitt has to bring pressure and figure out the athletes on offense. Can't get exposed like they did againstt UNC.

 

[crharris8892]

Not looking good at the moment - This may be Kelly's best team. Too much "material" to overcome. the talent disparity will be on display. I hope I'm wrong - we always play against the common expectation from ND fans and sad sack Pitt fans. And like it was mentioned, just go against the "guaranteed" money

 

[JSSTartan]

Pitt and easily are rarely used accurately within the same sentence.

 

[crharris8892]

without Conner, we truly lack the explosive big play ability, if they double up on Boyd. Notnamed Boyds need to step up bigtime.

 

[TheDecker]

I believe ND has something like 6-7 injured starters including half of its secondary. They are very good, but they're dealing with some significant personnel issues. If we're going to try to run the ball on 80% of our first downs and remain predicable as we typically do, this one might be over quick.

We have a bunch of injured starters, though no one in the secondary is "injured"...however our starting SS is suspended for the 1st half (targeting call)

Injured starters

• QB - Zaire
• RB - Folston
• TE - Smythe
• OL - Bars (1st backup at OT and OG, started 2 games)
• NT - Jones
• NB - Crawford
• DB - Tranquill (starter in the Dime package, LB/S hybrid)

You can add suspended SS Shumate to this list for the 1st half

 

[Pitt79]

Pitt always seems to have ND and VT's number a lot in recent years. Not sure the exact record, but we're at lease .500 vs. ND the last 10-15 years and we came within a missed 33 yard FG in OT of beating their #1 ranked team that went 13-1 in '12. I won't be surprised if we pull an upset.

 

[PittPoker]

I really think or hope lol that the defense will step up and keep it close. I just worry about keeping up offensively. No vertical passing game, an OC that doesn't realize when to use Ollison and when to use James and bad playcalling.

Chaney needs to get his act together on this one.

 

[upj87]

Pitt has played every team close, always plays Notre Dame close and it's at home. Yes the pass coverage has not been good lately and the sacks have stopped. However, Narduzzi has gotten so much out of this team and I don't think they are finished by a longshot.

Chaney and his horrible play calling and RB substitution is the only worry for me.

don't know, would it be crazy to think Pitt covers +4 against Temple?

 

[TheDecker]

I think whether or not Pitt covers, or even wins, is going to come down to the "chunk plays" on both sides of the ball

On the defensive side of the ball

• ND is Top10 at "Successfull Snaps" and "Getting off the field" (according to Football Outsides...and most stats). Basically, our defense is winning 8-9/10 snaps
• The issue for ND's defense is that the 1-2/10 snaps that we're losing....we're allowing to go for 80+ yards and a TD

We've been burned by "big plays" and "trick plays" this year.....A LOT

On the other side of the ball, it's the flip-side of the same story

• ND's offense hasn't been great in the "per play efficiency" areas. I would bet we're in the bottom half of the country in "negative plays" and "0-3 yard plays"
• ND's offense has been great at generating the "big plays". We're Top20 in the country in 25+ yard plays and Top10 in 50+ yard plays.....and that's with a run-based offense (instead of the air-raids of Texas Tech, Washington State, Memphis, etc.)

We haven't been super efficient without Zaire (QB), Folston (RB), and Smythe (TE)....but we've still been really explosive

I would be willing to bet that the "big plays" and "turnovers" will dictate the story of this game....for both Pitt and ND

 

[pittpitt]

ND's results don't exactly make them look scary

W 38-3 vs. Texas (3-5, Texas in complete disarray, similar blowout to Iowa St)
W 34-27 @ Virginia (3-5, UVA was leading with 1 min left)
W 30-22 vs. GT (3-6, was a blowout before GT scored twice late)
W 62-27 vs. UMass (1-7, close for almost the entire 1st half, similar blowouts to Colorado & Bowling Green)
L 22-24 @ Clemson (8-0, ND's best game but score was 24-9 with 10 mins left)
W 41-24 vs. Navy (6-1, close for entire 1st half, best W was vs. Air Force)
W 41-31 vs. USC (5-3, USC in complete disarray, USC was leading in the 4th)
W 24-20 @ Temple (7-1, Temple was leading with 3 mins left)

ND has barely gone on the road, and the results have been an L at Clemson made to look better with 2 fourth quarter TD's, a very near loss at Virginia, and a very near loss at Temple. Pitt keeps games close and wins the second halves (even against Iowa and UNC); take the points.

 

[heybandguy]

I want Pitt to win outright. A) Good for program, B) I find Bryan Kelly full blown melt-down's ridiculously funny. I think they can, but they have to get the defense off the field after 3rd downs, and control the clock with long TD drives.

 

[CaPAPITT76]

I have the feeling that this is the most "mismatched" the 2 teams have been in awhile and that's with a 6-2 Pitt team. Narduzzi has done a great job manufacturing wins but this team jut doesnt have nearly enough talent to hang with ND. I think ND covers easily. 31-13.

Pitt has never had enough talent to hang with ND the last few years but over the last few games against the Domers we have hung with them...just sayin!!

 

[Syd4ND]

Put all your ca$h on Pitt.