1) NC is better and deserved to win. Hate to lose, but it's worse when you believe your team is better. Not the case here IMO.
2) NC's offense was supposed to do what it did. There defense was not supposed to dictate the games outcome.
3) Games are often determined by QB's, WR's, RB' etc, but it's still largely decided by the guys up front. on both sides. Pitt lost on both sides. NC's skill position players were on display, but only because of our big guys getting blocked by their big guys.
4) Announcers kept talking about no one getting open, that's because there were more NC defensive backs then there were Pitt receivers.
5) There were more defensive backs than receivers because NC controlled the line of scrimmage and significantly slowed/stopped Pitt's run game, which was the biggest surprise of the game.
6) and they did it with just 4 or 5 up front. With Peterman not a running threat, and the running game being controlled, Chaney went to the passing game (too early imo). Checkmate!
7) NC made Pitt one dimensional which enabled them to drop 5-6 in coverage to cover our 3 receivers, one of which was a tight end. Game!
8) Defensive run defense is what surprises me the most. I thought Jarrett was our most valuable defensive player, but he (or anyone else up front) have won enough 1-on-1's. Started against GT, but I dismissed it due to the GT run game, but lots of 4-6 yard gains on 1st and 2nd down in both this game and the Syracuse game and a much fewer tackles for losses, or sacks.
9) NC even had the safety valve pass to the running backs and fullbacks defended. Really, just a masterpiece of defensive strategy and preparation. NC's defense was one of the worst in the country last year. Chizik won the game for them. Exhibit B on the difference coaching makes. Of course exhibit A is our own Narduzzi who's still the man and this game will not remove any shine from the sparkle he has brought to Pitt.
10) No turnovers, but turnovers are a result, not the cause. Pitt has to win on first and 2nd down to create 3rd and 10 or longer. This didn't happen because NC ran effectively forcing Pitt's front seven to respect the run game and slowing any rush that could be mustered. Pitt's defensive line was manhandled.
11) Not only did NC offensive line block Pitt's defensive line, but they blocked them long enough for long developing run plays to execute.
12) NC's strong recruiting class from a couple of years ago is paying dividends.
13) First game I can recall where Pitt's talent deficiency was so glaring. Not as much in previous games. When scheme can't provide an edge, talent has to make up the deficiency. Much like Tyler Boyd who makes catches even when he's being defended well. Still have to make a play now and then.
14) Years ago I read where Troy Polamalu said the Steelers defensive design was to allow teams to chip away and "matriculate" down the field knowing offensive coordinators would get impatient and seek to strike a big one sooner or later, which is when the Steelers would counter with pressure packages. But the key to it happening was run stoppage and most importantly, impatient offensive coordinators and quarterbacks. Polamalu went on to say, only Brady and Manning (and there coaches) were able to maintain offensive patience for an entire game. The entire remainder of the NFL did not. Chaney fell into this trap, hook, line and sinker.
15) NC's quarterback reminded me of the late Steve McNair. Strong, crafty, deceptive and highly effective.
2) NC's offense was supposed to do what it did. There defense was not supposed to dictate the games outcome.
3) Games are often determined by QB's, WR's, RB' etc, but it's still largely decided by the guys up front. on both sides. Pitt lost on both sides. NC's skill position players were on display, but only because of our big guys getting blocked by their big guys.
4) Announcers kept talking about no one getting open, that's because there were more NC defensive backs then there were Pitt receivers.
5) There were more defensive backs than receivers because NC controlled the line of scrimmage and significantly slowed/stopped Pitt's run game, which was the biggest surprise of the game.
6) and they did it with just 4 or 5 up front. With Peterman not a running threat, and the running game being controlled, Chaney went to the passing game (too early imo). Checkmate!
7) NC made Pitt one dimensional which enabled them to drop 5-6 in coverage to cover our 3 receivers, one of which was a tight end. Game!
8) Defensive run defense is what surprises me the most. I thought Jarrett was our most valuable defensive player, but he (or anyone else up front) have won enough 1-on-1's. Started against GT, but I dismissed it due to the GT run game, but lots of 4-6 yard gains on 1st and 2nd down in both this game and the Syracuse game and a much fewer tackles for losses, or sacks.
9) NC even had the safety valve pass to the running backs and fullbacks defended. Really, just a masterpiece of defensive strategy and preparation. NC's defense was one of the worst in the country last year. Chizik won the game for them. Exhibit B on the difference coaching makes. Of course exhibit A is our own Narduzzi who's still the man and this game will not remove any shine from the sparkle he has brought to Pitt.
10) No turnovers, but turnovers are a result, not the cause. Pitt has to win on first and 2nd down to create 3rd and 10 or longer. This didn't happen because NC ran effectively forcing Pitt's front seven to respect the run game and slowing any rush that could be mustered. Pitt's defensive line was manhandled.
11) Not only did NC offensive line block Pitt's defensive line, but they blocked them long enough for long developing run plays to execute.
12) NC's strong recruiting class from a couple of years ago is paying dividends.
13) First game I can recall where Pitt's talent deficiency was so glaring. Not as much in previous games. When scheme can't provide an edge, talent has to make up the deficiency. Much like Tyler Boyd who makes catches even when he's being defended well. Still have to make a play now and then.
14) Years ago I read where Troy Polamalu said the Steelers defensive design was to allow teams to chip away and "matriculate" down the field knowing offensive coordinators would get impatient and seek to strike a big one sooner or later, which is when the Steelers would counter with pressure packages. But the key to it happening was run stoppage and most importantly, impatient offensive coordinators and quarterbacks. Polamalu went on to say, only Brady and Manning (and there coaches) were able to maintain offensive patience for an entire game. The entire remainder of the NFL did not. Chaney fell into this trap, hook, line and sinker.
15) NC's quarterback reminded me of the late Steve McNair. Strong, crafty, deceptive and highly effective.
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