PITT-Penn State Game Day Prediction!

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

I no longer follow certain aspects and values I used to use to predict games, and so this is my last prediction and it is has weak as it gets, I just don't know and have no fear admitting it. I could go into a diatribe of many factors but that would be just what others have said, as I have read! I have called this a TOSS UP GAME last and all of this year and so I will rate Units and and come up with a very undependable score with no confidence whatsoever and I welcome all critics in every way to challenge it.

PITT VERSUS PENN STATE
Unit View Ratings 1-Poor to 5-Good!
Pitt Offense Psu:
4 QB 2
5 OL 2
5 TE 3
2 WR 5
4 RB 5
20 - 17 Total
PITT +3

Pitt Defense Psu:
4 DL 2
2 LB 5
3 DB 5
9 - 12 Total
PSU +3

Pitt Special Teams Psu:
3 Punter 3
4 Punt Return 3
3 Kicker 3
4 Kick Return 5
14 - 14 Even

Pitt Coaching Psu
5 Game Plan Preparation 3
3 Game Day Players Execution 2
5 Sideline Coaching 2
4 Half Time Adjustments 2
17 - 9 Total
Pitt + 8

4 QB 2
Peterman has more experience with a solid OL, McSorley is new but scary with his running abilities, and it is just the second game under 2 OC's for both QBs? Back-Ups favor Pitt since OC Canada has coached Stocker versus PSU QBs both new but talented?

5 OL 2
Pitt has a proven OL and Penn State is rebuilding again with a New OLC. Both had nics and kinks last week. Enough said, we just have to see?

5 TE 3
Scott Orndoff has legs, hands and an arm that can throw a trick play or two. Psu TE is adequate but McSorley has many other weapons. Pitt used Orndoff far more than anyone expected except me. This kid will play on Sundays.

2 WR 5
Penn State has a GOD-Win, Hamilton and Blacknail could be Pitt Death Nails? Yet, Pitt Wideouts still unknown, unsteady, and without Oh Boyd?

4 RB 5
If Coach Narduzzi calls Barkley one of the Best RB in America, I won't argue against it. Last week Pitt 83 Yards gives an edge to Psu? Depends who gets the carries for Pitt? Both have the Running Backs and Back-Ups!

PITT DEFENSE PSU:
4 DL 2
Losing Hendrix hurts but Pitt has more experience than Penn State, but PSU has talent that needs experience. Pitt DL has to stop Barkley & McSorley and that must happen or could be some trouble in containing them all game long?

2 LB 5
Penn State Linebackers have proven experienced talent but has to deal with a Pitt OL. While Pitt Linebackers have to cover and tackle very fast Penn State Offensive talent without Zeise. Quickness with sure tackling is critical to do both against Penn State speed at RBs and WRs?

3 DB 5
Penn State DBs are experienced and played more together with coverage and tackling abilities. Pitt has 3 but not 4 DBs and one Players mistake won't skate by not covering a number of speedy Penn State Players. Yet, Whitehead can cover some but not all.

DEFENSE UNITS VALUES 9 - 12 Total
PSU +3

PITT SPECIAL TEAMS PENN STATE UNITS;
3 Punter 3
Penn State has improved Special Teams but by how much will be seen on Game Day.? Therefore, even Stephen looks good with no advantage either way.

4 Punt Return 3
I give the edge to Pitt here because the Penn State OL will be part of the Penn State OL Players on coverage's and if they are still learning to block, they will wilt in the heat tomorrow for coverage.

3 Kicker 3
I would favor PSU Kicker here that has made 10 of 10 FG in last kicks but Heinz Field can be unkind to Kickers not used to it. I am worried about Pitt's Blewitt Confidence going into this game so I put it at a wash.

4 Kick Return 5
I favor Penn State here because Franklin kept Polk and other Burners out of the Game last week. I smell a bushwhacking in Franklin's Game Plans on Special Teams. UNC won a game this way the last few years too. But Pitt players should be able to cover speed on Special Teams. Pitt returner can do the same for Pitt, but still give an edge to PSU here?

SPECIAL TEAMS 14 - 14 Even

PITT COACHING PSU:
5 Game Plan Preparation 3
Coach Pat & Staff had good Game Plans in all games last year but Navy. the problem is will the Pitt Players Execute them unlike in Iowa, ND, Miami, and UNC losses? Against a New Penn State OC, OLC, DC, and DBC I have to favor Pitt Staff again.

3 Game Day Players Execution 2
The Game is at Pitt, will be Hot, and both teams still need vast improvments, but it is at Home for Pitt Players. Franklin has winning issues away from Playing at Beaver!

5 Sideline Coaching 2
I have yet to see Franklin do a good job at this skill. maybe Joe Moorhead and Limegrover can do it, but need to see it. Pitt staff does it quite often and Pitt never quit last year.

4 Half Time Adjustments 2
The same goes again for the Pitt Staff, the Pitt Teams played better Second half games in all Games last year except Navy. Franklin when losing was often beat at Half-Time, but when it was still close, his Teams wilted the 3rd Quarters and could not make it back in the 4th coming up short or blown away.
17 - 9 Total
Pitt + 8

Preseason Predictions Early in Week;
27 Pitt Penn State 29

Game Day Prediction:
35 Pitt Penn State 27

I respect both Universities, Coaches, and Alumni and Fan Bases and glad the game is being played, have to go to a Picnic so will just hear part of the Game.

Good Luck & All Comments welcomed with no offense taken.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Cap, if Jesus H. Christ were hosting the picnic, I would kindly pass along my regrets and attend the Pitt-PSU game!

Sorry to hear you are getting out of the prognosticating business. I also don't have a good feel for this game. Reminds me of 1983 or 1989, when both teams are evenly matched. Could really go either way. Back then Paterno always seemed to be able to win those types of games, not sure if Franklin has the same type of Karma. This game will tell us a lot about both coaches. Pitt 27- 24

 

[HailToPitt1985]

I'm not going to even try to make a prediction. Every time I did in the past and it was in Pitt's favor, Pitt lost. And there is no way I'd ever pick PSU to win anything.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"Slick Manager of Champs, post: 1568664, member: 2532"]Cap, if Jesus H. Christ were hosting the picnic, I would kindly pass along my regrets and attend the Pitt-PSU game!
I have been very busy on other areas now, and was just in DC yesterday leaving at 2AM and getting back at 8PM and getting involved in different aspects of other pursuits. The Picnic is a follow up to my DC Trip, and I turned down a personal invitation to see President Bill Clinton this morning in Homewood, and I have met Trump way back in 1988 when he supported Vice-President Bush. Unlike many supporters on both sides, I fear neither to become President. America was built on the Roman Empire Foundation with added balance and Separation of Powers, America will survive and prosper.

Sorry to hear you are getting out of the prognosticating business.
I very much have deep respect and appreciation for your views, comments, and arguments on football info. Quite frankly, you know more than anything i possess on Football Games & Players subjects, as well as many others on the Lair too. I just do not follow it like I did and I am not going back to it. When you no longer follow and study a subject, then don't post about it, because others will know more, and accept with gratitude what they know and share. I would be doing a disservice to do otherwise.

I am still on top of things on PSU Scandal but that is becoming too burdensome has it starts to an end. I want to see a Return of Pitt, PSU, and WVU being Top 25 Teams again. All 3 are in different Conferences and all 3 can become Powers now that all 3 have Stable & High Income Budgets. Once all 3 Find the right coaches they can do it and return to Top 25!

Still, I just have a waning interests as seen how I just respond to a few Threadshere on the Lair, on football now both Pro and College.

I also don't have a good feel for this game. Reminds me of 1983 or 1989, when both teams are evenly matched. Could really go either way. Back then Paterno always seemed to be able to win those types of games, not sure if Franklin has the same type of Karma.
Great point, I agree Paterno superior coaching always had Pitt playing Catch-Up, but I see Narduzzi as another Paterno now! Pat Narduzzi has the same traits that Paterno had to win games against bigger Programs. Pitt is very lucky, Coach Pat Narduzzi has the same passion and knowledge as Dantonio has against Michigan bigger powerful program. Coach Pat relishes the Challenge in my view.

This game will tell us a lot about both coaches. Pitt 27- 24
Yep, but both Programs have the means to make changes too.

However, I will predict this........As Penn State now has to deal with the rise of Big Ten's Maryland and Rutgers Income Money taking on Penn State as well as play catch Up with OSU, Michigan, and MSU, Pitt has the advantage to pass PSU in winning more and coaching stability, by being in the ACC.....IF NARDUZZI Wins Tomorrow!

Just a Hunch not a Guess!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

I'm not going to even try to make a prediction. Every time I did in the past and it was in Pitt's favor, Pitt lost. And there is no way I'd ever pick PSU to win anything.

I had the same fear this year, but just cannot know enough to get a feeling who will win. I suspect a Big Blow Out could happen as well.

 

[pittpitt]

Pitt, 24-14

Defense will generally prevail throughout for both teams, but PSU's D is more gouge-able than Pitt's, and we have an experienced QB and OL which increases the likelihood of it happening on any drive. Henderson will hand our offense at least 1 short field, so all things considered, Pitt will slowly but consistently pull ahead and stay ahead.

 

[heybandguy]

I'll take the good guys in the (hopefully) Navy (I haven't heard anything either way) helmets over PSU 27-17.H2P.

 

[hermdigity]

I'm not going to post a score, but I have a couple points.

Cowherd the other day said how important a good coach is in college football and I agree. It is a huge factor and I will take Narduzzi over Franklin and it isn't even close.

I think talent is evenly matched. Pitt should worry about Barkley, but the biggest weapon on the field Saturday is Jordan Whitehead. Some guys can't be stopped and he is one of them. Line him up with Connor and Henderson, and you have 3 home run hitters to worry about if you're PSU.

 

[UPitt '89]

21-3 Pitt

Pitt's defense is a huge upgrade that people don't realize yet.

It will be a grinding game. Pitt will end up with about 310 total yards, PSU about 210.

Pitt will have zero turnovers. McSorley will throw one pick and Miles Sanders will fumble a kickoff return which will lead to a short TD drive by Pitt.

 

[Las Panteras]

here is what i know....

1) tease PSU up to +11.5

2) tease vanderbilt up to +2 at home Vs Mid Tenn State

3) Light up an Ashton cigar and reflect on Pitt winning with seconds left on the clock

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

="hermdigity, post: 1568919, member: 1624"]I'm not going to post a score, but I have a couple points. Cowherd the other day said how important a good coach is in college football and I agree. It is a huge factor and I will take Narduzzi over Franklin and it isn't even close.
Exactly, I have made a ton of money picking games by way of learning about Coaches far more than players and stats?

I think talent is evenly matched. Pitt should worry about Barkley, but the biggest weapon on the field Saturday is Jordan Whitehead.
Good reminder, you are not wrong, Whitehead the Best Talent on the Field tomorrow, no one else is better. He is a Dorsett-Fitzgerald-Revis-Boyd type of very Special Player.

Penn State has great combination of talent in Barkley, Godwin, Hamilton, and Sanders and are close to Whitehead too! However, those 4 PSU Players are more compartmental wise in specific talent at their positions.

Jordan Whitehead could be any of the 4 Pitt Players already proven that are in the NFL Hall of Fame & NFL today and future HOF someday. Whitehead has a Football Mind that focuses on his play and is always one step ahead of others on the field of play.

Some guys can't be stopped and he is one of them. Line him up with Connor and Henderson, and you have 3 home run hitters to worry about if you're PSU.
Good insightful and special post, thank you!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Pitt, 24-14

Defense will generally prevail throughout for both teams, but PSU's D is more gouge-able than Pitt's, and we have an experienced QB and OL which increases the likelihood of it happening on any drive. Henderson will hand our offense at least 1 short field, so all things considered, Pitt will slowly but consistently pull ahead and stay ahead.

This is my feeling today too, a slow but consistent execution of a Game Plan meant to wear down PSU Players that will start out with great speed and moves, but will be sucking wind on a Hot Humid Day!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"UPitt '89, post: 1568939, member: 942"]21-3 Pitt Pitt's defense is a huge upgrade that people don't realize yet.
Yep, as usual your insights are spot on, and all the Players said before the media Blackout, they know the system better now. Narduzzi said it too earlier this week!

It will be a grinding game. Pitt will end up with about 310 total yards, PSU about 210.
Good prediction we shall see?

Pitt will have zero turnovers. McSorley will throw one pick and Miles Sanders will fumble a kickoff return which will lead to a short TD drive by Pitt.
Ditto again..............

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"Las Panteras, post: 1568946, member: 5316"]here is what i know....
1) tease PSU up to +11.5
2) tease vanderbilt up to +2 at home Vs Mid Tenn State
3) Light up an Ashton cigar and reflect on Pitt winning with seconds left on the clock
Hard to diagnose all that Posts of Coded Unknown Terms I don't understand, but that may be missing the message you know but I'll take Pitt Win in any language of logical hints.

 

[michnittlion]

I'd take Pittsburgh --- although if I were in my younger gambling days, I wouldn't play the point spread. I think the better play is the under (under 48).

I don't view either team as notably more talented than the other. I expect the 2 dominant units to be the respective defenses: Penn State's DL is better than it is getting credit for. While both Conner and Barkley will have a couple of moments each, they will not dominate the game. I don't have confidence in either QB playing exceptionally well either.

Penn State does have an anchor around their neck --- never won a big game road game under James Franklin. If it gets tight in the 4th quarter (as I expect), this will be a factor. Sort of like PSU's game at Northwestern last November.

Call it Pittsburgh 20-17.

 

[psengr82]

I no longer follow certain aspects and values I used to use to predict games, and so this is my last prediction and it is has weak as it gets, I just don't know and have no fear admitting it. I could go into a diatribe of many factors but that would be just what others have said, as I have read! I have called this a TOSS UP GAME last and all of this year and so I will rate Units and and come up with a very undependable score with no confidence whatsoever and I welcome all critics in every way to challenge it.

PITT VERSUS PENN STATE
Unit View Ratings 1-Poor to 5-Good!
Pitt Offense Psu:
4 QB 2
5 OL 2
5 TE 3
2 WR 5
4 RB 5
20 - 17 Total
PITT +3

Pitt Defense Psu:
4 DL 2
2 LB 5
3 DB 5
9 - 12 Total
PSU +3

Pitt Special Teams Psu:
3 Punter 3
4 Punt Return 3
3 Kicker 3
4 Kick Return 5
14 - 14 Even

Pitt Coaching Psu
5 Game Plan Preparation 3
3 Game Day Players Execution 2
5 Sideline Coaching 2
4 Half Time Adjustments 2
17 - 9 Total
Pitt + 8

4 QB 2
Peterman has more experience with a solid OL, McSorley is new but scary with his running abilities, and it is just the second game under 2 OC's for both QBs? Back-Ups favor Pitt since OC Canada has coached Stocker versus PSU QBs both new but talented?

5 OL 2
Pitt has a proven OL and Penn State is rebuilding again with a New OLC. Both had nics and kinks last week. Enough said, we just have to see?

5 TE 3
Scott Orndoff has legs, hands and an arm that can throw a trick play or two. Psu TE is adequate but McSorley has many other weapons. Pitt used Orndoff far more than anyone expected except me. This kid will play on Sundays.

2 WR 5
Penn State has a GOD-Win, Hamilton and Blacknail could be Pitt Death Nails? Yet, Pitt Wideouts still unknown, unsteady, and without Oh Boyd?

4 RB 5
If Coach Narduzzi calls Barkley one of the Best RB in America, I won't argue against it. Last week Pitt 83 Yards gives an edge to Psu? Depends who gets the carries for Pitt? Both have the Running Backs and Back-Ups!

PITT DEFENSE PSU:
4 DL 2
Losing Hendrix hurts but Pitt has more experience than Penn State, but PSU has talent that needs experience. Pitt DL has to stop Barkley & McSorley and that must happen or could be some trouble in containing them all game long?

2 LB 5
Penn State Linebackers have proven experienced talent but has to deal with a Pitt OL. While Pitt Linebackers have to cover and tackle very fast Penn State Offensive talent without Zeise. Quickness with sure tackling is critical to do both against Penn State speed at RBs and WRs?

3 DB 5
Penn State DBs are experienced and played more together with coverage and tackling abilities. Pitt has 3 but not 4 DBs and one Players mistake won't skate by not covering a number of speedy Penn State Players. Yet, Whitehead can cover some but not all.

DEFENSE UNITS VALUES 9 - 12 Total
PSU +3

PITT SPECIAL TEAMS PENN STATE UNITS;
3 Punter 3
Penn State has improved Special Teams but by how much will be seen on Game Day.? Therefore, even Stephen looks good with no advantage either way.

4 Punt Return 3
I give the edge to Pitt here because the Penn State OL will be part of the Penn State OL Players on coverage's and if they are still learning to block, they will wilt in the heat tomorrow for coverage.

3 Kicker 3
I would favor PSU Kicker here that has made 10 of 10 FG in last kicks but Heinz Field can be unkind to Kickers not used to it. I am worried about Pitt's Blewitt Confidence going into this game so I put it at a wash.

4 Kick Return 5
I favor Penn State here because Franklin kept Polk and other Burners out of the Game last week. I smell a bushwhacking in Franklin's Game Plans on Special Teams. UNC won a game this way the last few years too. But Pitt players should be able to cover speed on Special Teams. Pitt returner can do the same for Pitt, but still give an edge to PSU here?

SPECIAL TEAMS 14 - 14 Even

PITT COACHING PSU:
5 Game Plan Preparation 3
Coach Pat & Staff had good Game Plans in all games last year but Navy. the problem is will the Pitt Players Execute them unlike in Iowa, ND, Miami, and UNC losses? Against a New Penn State OC, OLC, DC, and DBC I have to favor Pitt Staff again.

3 Game Day Players Execution 2
The Game is at Pitt, will be Hot, and both teams still need vast improvments, but it is at Home for Pitt Players. Franklin has winning issues away from Playing at Beaver!

5 Sideline Coaching 2
I have yet to see Franklin do a good job at this skill. maybe Joe Moorhead and Limegrover can do it, but need to see it. Pitt staff does it quite often and Pitt never quit last year.

4 Half Time Adjustments 2
The same goes again for the Pitt Staff, the Pitt Teams played better Second half games in all Games last year except Navy. Franklin when losing was often beat at Half-Time, but when it was still close, his Teams wilted the 3rd Quarters and could not make it back in the 4th coming up short or blown away.
17 - 9 Total
Pitt + 8

Preseason Predictions Early in Week;
27 Pitt Penn State 29

Game Day Prediction:
35 Pitt Penn State 27

I respect both Universities, Coaches, and Alumni and Fan Bases and glad the game is being played, have to go to a Picnic so will just hear part of the Game.

Good Luck & All Comments welcomed with no offense taken.

Wow, that's a lot of analysis. My response will seem quite paltry in comparison. I going to counter of few of your arguments but before I do let me setup my thought process.
Keep in mind that this is a new year and college kids change dramatically from year to year.

Franklin has exactly technically 3 classes on campus, the 2014 class was a last moment throw together.
The 2012 and 2013 classes were filled primarily with players that had no other D1 offers and only became 3 stars after PSU offered. Prior most were zero or 2 star players. I know you love to quote the rankings for these two years, but when you consider when the players received their ranking in doesn't make sense.

Of the 2012 and 2013 classes, only 13 players are currently on the roster.

The sanctions didn't end until September of 2014, or very late in the recruiting process for the incoming 2015 class.

Now that I've set that up... (replies have a maximum of 1,000 characters?) look for my other note.

 

[psengr82]

Wow, that's a lot of analysis. My response will seem quite paltry in comparison. I going to counter of few of your arguments but before I do let me setup my thought process.
Keep in mind that this is a new year and college kids change dramatically from year to year.

Franklin has exactly technically 3 classes on campus, the 2014 class was a last moment throw together.
The 2012 and 2013 classes were filled primarily with players that had no other D1 offers and only became 3 stars after PSU offered. Prior most were zero or 2 star players. I know you love to quote the rankings for these two years, but when you consider when the players received their ranking in doesn't make sense.

Of the 2012 and 2013 classes, only 13 players are currently on the roster.

The sanctions didn't end until September of 2014, or very late in the recruiting process for the incoming 2015 class.

Now that I've set that up... (replies have a maximum of 1,000 characters?) look for my other note.

1. The OL has been horrible the last 2 years. However, the holdovers have more experience and some young very good players are now getting time. In addition, a mobile QB helps to hide some of deficiencies along the line. Last weekend was the first time in over 2 years that I thought they looked competent. I also read that the Pitt OL struggled with Villanova. Yes, not much to be gleaned but I'd move your OL line from 5 to 2 ==>> 4 to 3. Much closer and we will see.

2. Franklins in Offensive achilles was named Donovan and he is now gone. Yes, CJF brought Donovan with him and yes he held on way to long, but he's gone now. So, I will say that we have very little data about the Offensive preparation, but in-game and otherwise.

3. The PSU DL sure surprised me. However, the opponent was Kent, but they surprised nontheless. In addition, 9 players got time. That's a lot of depth. You may want to modify your DL ratings.

4, Wildcard: Narduzzi changed his practice approach and I suspect this will give the Pitt players a bunch of adrenaline to the game but I also expect it to severely drop off as the game wears on in the hot sticky weather.

5. You gave the Pitt QB a rating of 4? All I've heard is that he doesn't throw very much.

Now for the most important point of all...the score. I'm sticking to PSU 24 Pitt 21
I think Pitt will jump out to a lead, the adrenaline will wear off and Penn State will outplay them from that point. Overall, I'm expecting a close game.

 

[BuffetParrothead]

Whats interesting about this is the only honest posters are some Pitt fans who picked the Nitters!
You Nitters lack credibility just look at the posts!
Nothing changes with you losers!
See you Saturday at HIGH NOON!

 

[TempleBAPittMPA]

only became 3 stars after PSU offered. Prior most were zero or 2 star players. .

Funny how that works, huh.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"psengr82, post: 1569690, member: 7257"]Wow, that's a lot of analysis. My response will seem quite paltry in comparison. I going to counter of few of your arguments but before I do let me setup my thought process.
Keep in mind that this is a new year and college kids change dramatically from year to year.
Well said, and accurate!

Franklin has exactly technically 3 classes on campus, the 2014 class was a last moment throw together.
Agree! but Narduzzi has a weak Recruitng Class in his first year too, Ranked in low 60s due to Chryst Leaving?

The 2012 and 2013 classes were filled primarily with players that had no other D1 offers and only became 3 stars after PSU offered. Prior most were zero or 2 star players.
Very fair! Hack was a 5 star, but you are correct!

I know you love to quote the rankings for these two years, but when you consider when the players received their ranking in doesn't make sense.
Agree, in this case too small of class and Ranking do not apply as normal. Roster Size can kill a program, Pitt was at 67 Scholarships for years. But the PSU fans still called them losers when they lacked Resources! Now that Shoe was on the other foot and now some PSU fans that now?

Of the 2012 and 2013 classes, only 13 players are currently on the roster.
Agree again!

The sanctions didn't end until September of 2014, or very late in the recruiting process for the incoming 2015 class.

Now that I've set that up... (replies have a maximum of 1,000 characters?) look for my other note
All fair comments! But Franklin's Classes were Top 25 classes!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"psengr82, post: 1569691, member: 7257"]1. The OL has been horrible the last 2 years. However, the holdovers have more experience and some young very good players are now getting time.
All true! But to be fair, the BWI Posters that Hate Pitt, bragged how great Franklin's Classes were too, then all of sudden they needed 3 years to be better? This is what upsets many Pitt fans, no matter what some BWI Posters don't miss a beat to beat down Pitt? Just saying not disagreeing with you!

In addition, a mobile QB helps to hide some of deficiencies along the line. Last weekend was the first time in over 2 years that I thought they looked competent.
Also, both PSU QBs are pretty good and confident looks like to me.

I also read that the Pitt OL struggled with Villanova. Yes, not much to be gleaned but I'd move your OL line from 5 to 2 ==>> 4 to 3. Much closer and we will see.
Very fair and these are just Opinions not Gospel of facts!

2. Franklins in Offensive achilles was named Donovan and he is now gone. Yes, CJF brought Donovan with him and yes he held on way to long, but he's gone now. So, I will say that we have very little data about the Offensive preparation, but in-game and otherwise.
Very fair and accurate!

3. The PSU DL sure surprised me. However, the opponent was Kent, but they surprised nontheless. In addition, 9 players got time. That's a lot of depth. You may want to modify your DL ratings.
Talent is there, but Kent State Offense was bad, it was their Defense that had many Upperclassmen. They won only 8 games over the last 3 years? Pitt Older OL should be much more formidable! Just a guess!

4, Wildcard: Narduzzi changed his practice approach and I suspect this will give the Pitt players a bunch of adrenaline to the game but I also expect it to severely drop off as the game wears on in the hot sticky weather.
Fair and Back-Ups important like you say too?

5. You gave the Pitt QB a rating of 4? All I've heard is that he doesn't throw very much.
Well, he is Graduate Transfer Former top 4 Star Recruits & Won 8 games in 2015 and so he is not 5 but not a 3 either, but i can see your point, I do find him inconsistent at various times.

Now for the most important point of all...the score. I'm sticking to PSU 24 Pitt 21
I think Pitt will jump out to a lead, the adrenaline will wear off and Penn State will outplay them from that point. Overall, I'm expecting a close game.
I am going to disagree just a tad on point, my Penn State Friend that I went to DC with on Thursday made a point to me that I am not sure is right....he said he sees PSU Players with hands on their hips and feels some are not in good shape. Now he hates Franklin so he may be bias but he is usually honest with me. Also, Narduzzi has his Players in shape all game long as seen last year except in the navy game.

Thank you, and we shall see, and Great Comments! What kind of Engineer are you? Civil, Chemical etc good post!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

["michnittlion, post: 1569658, member: 5996"]I'd take Pittsburgh --- although if I were in my younger gambling days, I wouldn't play the point spread. I think the better play is the under (under 48).
Good point first to mention that and now you got me a tad confused if my analysis is right, but that is OK, we shall see?

I don't view either team as notably more talented than the other. I expect the 2 dominant units to be the respective defenses: Penn State's DL is better than it is getting credit for. While both Conner and Barkley will have a couple of moments each, they will not dominate the game. I don't have confidence in either QB playing exceptionally well either.
Wow, you hit why i cannot predict this game, just too many variables and spot and i gamble quite a bit!

Penn State does have an anchor around their neck --- never won a big game road game under James Franklin. If it gets tight in the 4th quarter (as I expect), this will be a factor. Sort of like PSU's game at Northwestern last November.
Exactly, but they almost and came back to win that but ran out of time. My concern on Pitt is the Kicker Blewitt, just lacking confidence and could become a big liability early if he misses early.

Call it Pittsburgh 20-17.
Just too low for me, because PSU does have the speed and talent to rip ff big yards on a few plays if Pitt defenders miss the tackles? My Preseason Pick was 29-27 PSU! If PSU DL is better than expected, Pitt might have a tough time running and passing?

Good posts and analysis.

 

[deepelemblues]

pitt 31
psu 23

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Whats interesting about this is the only honest posters are some Pitt fans who picked the Nitters!
You Nitters lack credibility just look at the posts!
Nothing changes with you losers!
See you Saturday at HIGH NOON!

They were invited to give their opinions nothing more and all guesses just like my own calls. Give them a break as I see it. They came and shared with the Lair their Honest Opinions and Guesses and backed them with some good facts and collective specific reasons why they are guessing where i am wrong.

It is just FB talk not National Security? Not ripping on you either for your Honest Opinions. One game is not going to make or break either Program, win or lose is my point!

 

[daminals76]

Cabinda is out... PSU is very lacking in LB depth.

I would give their LBS a 3 with their best guy out and no depth.

 

[michnittlion]

Whats interesting about this is the only honest posters are some Pitt fans who picked the Nitters!
You Nitters lack credibility just look at the posts!
Nothing changes with you losers!
See you Saturday at HIGH NOON!

Ah, you're on to me! Let me post my actual pick!

Penn State 84 Pittsburgh 2.

 

[PSU2Cali]

Penn State 48 - Pitt 2

 

[MH55]

Temple fan here. Gonna tape this game, run home and watch it. Beat em down and beat em up. I think both of us are gonna win and drop an atom bomb on James F & HV.

 

[medixman]

Captain last year I said Psu would go 3-1 in this series and this was the year Pitt wins.We have two very mediocre teams going after it tomorrow.The more I see of these two I'm not sure Pitt wins.I think Psu quickness on both sides of the ball will give Pitt fits.Yes Pitt will try to pound it and then try a quick strike to a wide out and Psu will do the same thing.I think Psu d is slightly better than Pitts d right now.I don't feel either qb will lose the game for their team but which one wins it for their team is the question?Which new oc will call the play that breaks the other teams back?Which head coach will have his team ready to go and keep it going the whole game?Right now neither are HoF candidates but maybe in a few years?Hell Captain I don't know who is going to win this one.But if I was a gambler I'd take the 5 1/2 points.Going to bed I'm leaving at 6 am,we'll be in the Burg by 7:30.My buddy's being honored with the 76 team after the first quarter.I'm in section 119 and I hope everyone has a good time tomorrow.Remember I was a Head coach in the Wpial for 35 years and after ever game I coached win or lose the sun came up the next day!!!Some days I was still awake when it came up !

 

[TD_6082]

I'll go with 20-16 Pitt.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Cabinda is out... PSU is very lacking in LB depth.

I would give their LBS a 3 with their best guy out and no depth.

Yep, thank you for the Info, that is a big loss for them.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Penn State 48 - Pitt 2

Well, PnnyLion passion just weighed in, what a goodnap pick?

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"medixman, post: 1570101, member: 28301"]Captain last year I said Psu would go 3-1 in this series and this was the year Pitt wins.We have two very mediocre teams going after it tomorrow.The more I see of these two I'm not sure Pitt wins.I think Psu quickness on both sides of the ball will give Pitt fits.
Good analysis and has me worried too.

Yes Pitt will try to pound it and then try a quick strike to a wide out and Psu will do the same thing.I think Psu d is slightly better than Pitts d right now.
Well, that is why they play to find out, so you are saying Franklin's Coaching is showing up this year not in 2017. I'll hold you to it. I am saying Narduzzi shows he is the better coach, don't know who will be right until tomorrow about 4 PM?

I don't feel either qb will lose the game for their team but which one wins it for their team is the question? Which new oc will call the play that breaks the other teams back? Which head coach will have his team ready to go and keep it going the whole game?Right now neither are HoF candidates but maybe in a few years?
I quite agree, this is why I don't know either, both OC's New! Now my belief that Narduzzi is the better coach will be tested into a reality or be proven false?

Hell Captain I don't know who is going to win this one.But if I was a gambler I'd take the 5 1/2 points.
Everybody is calling 3 point or less game, I am not. I see one Team taking over in the early 3rd.

Going to bed I'm leaving at 6 am,we'll be in the Burg by 7:30.My buddy's being honored with the 76 team after the first quarter.I'm in section 119 and I hope everyone has a good time tomorrow.
Have a safe trip I'll be near WVU and Cooper's Rock, leaving at 9 AM.

Remember I was a Head coach in the Wpial for 35 years and after ever game I coached win or lose the sun came up the next day!!!Some days I was still awake when it came up !
Take it easy Coach always good to hear from you and your views and experiences. I defer to your expertise. See your After Game comments later. Have a great time!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

I'll go with 20-16 Pitt.

Well, you and the Coach Medixman stated Franklin needs this year to grow and take command in 2017 and that is a fair assessment. Coach changes his mind now and so be that too?

I expect much more from Narduzzi but I am worried about Oh, Canada? We shall see and great game among great coaches and players, and have not seen it for 16 years. I'll see parts of it but will listening on the radio.

Thanks enjoy the game?