Random thoughts and Perspective:

[pittmeister]

Tough loss, no question. Here some of my random thoughts on the game:


The good stuff:

- The run defense has been outstanding. Pitt has faced some of the best backs in the count (Barkley and Hood) and have done a great job.


- I like the offense very much. The running game is as good as I can remember. In most years, 38 and 36 points is enough points to win games, but not this year.


- I’m glad we have Henderson for the next couple of years. He is has turned out to be a weapon. Moss looks impressive as well. Someone (it appears to be Ollison) is going to lose carries to him.


Now the bad stuff:

- I am baffled at the conservative play calling at the end of the last two games. It is apparent to everyone that the secondary is terrible. In games against, Miami and Clemson, we will have to constantly attack on offense just to make it look respectable.


- The defensive side of the ball, what is a walk on linebacker doing covering Switzer on 4th and 9??? If I’m the coach, I take out a linebacker insert another Safety, and put Whitehead one on one with Switzer. It may not work, but it beats doing the same thing over and over.


- Speaking of 4th down, the defense let NC convert three 4th downs on the last drive. If we make one play, we win the game and Canada looks like a genius for the conservative play calling on the last few offensive possessions.


- I’m seriously starting to question our Secondary coach. I understand that they’ve played against some tough WR’s the last few weeks, but they continue to get burned. These guys are making Lafayette Pitts look like an All-American.


- The DB recruiting (except for last year) has been abysmal and it is showing. Nicholson, Hooker and Henry would look great in our secondary.


- The pass rush outside of Price is anemic. We could have used Mike Caprara today on some blitzes You have to put pressure on the QB when your secondary is terrible. That has to improve because the secondary will not. I don’t believe Narduzzi is going to blow any red shirts on the players he recruited from last year. We need to recruit pass rushers big time.


- We need to throw the ball downfield once in a while. At least take some shots to keep the D honest. If you’re going to blow Matthews red shirt, then get the ball in his hands.


- I think Ffrench is being groomed to spell Quadree Henderson on jet sweeps. Tipton looks promising as well.


- I don’t ever want to see Ryan Switzer again…


Now some perspective thought:


- I still believe that we’re going in the right direction and Narduzzi is the man. I will the way he gets the kids excited to play and how he prepares him for games


- I believe we will win the rest of our games sans the Miami and Clemson games. The rest of teams we face will have the personnel we have faced against PSU, OSU and NC. If we win our bowl, then it would be a very good season. Pitt hasn’t won 8-9 wins to years in a row very often in the last 35 years. So don’t act like a bunch of old ladies thinking that Pitt won’t win another game.


- Most importantly, things could be worse. Pitt is not loaded with high 3 star talent or 4-5 star talent like some of the teams that have been losing the last couple of weeks. PSU got crushed, ND is now 1-3 and lose to Duke???? I want to see what Pitt does when they have the talent that Narduzzi needs to win big…

 

[President Stache]

Well thought out. Agree with most of those. I thought the pass rush looked good. We blitzed quite often. They doffer have a very good offensive line as did oklahoma.state and we registered 7 sacks against both

 

[Cap pitt]

I think they should play the young dbs, they can't do any worse, this is a horrible secondary pass defense, how can their receivers get that wide open all the time, try some different people, the last 2 games had to be well over 900 yds passing

 

[ebonylover40]

Tough loss, no question. Here some of my random thoughts on the game:


The good stuff:

- The run defense has been outstanding. Pitt has faced some of the best backs in the count (Barkley and Hood) and have done a great job.


- I like the offense very much. The running game is as good as I can remember. In most years, 38 and 36 points is enough points to win games, but not this year.


- I’m glad we have Henderson for the next couple of years. He is has turned out to be a weapon. Moss looks impressive as well. Someone (it appears to be Ollison) is going to lose carries to him.


Now the bad stuff:

- I am baffled at the conservative play calling at the end of the last two games. It is apparent to everyone that the secondary is terrible. In games against, Miami and Clemson, we will have to constantly attack on offense just to make it look respectable.


- The defensive side of the ball, what is a walk on linebacker doing covering Switzer on 4th and 9??? If I’m the coach, I take out a linebacker insert another Safety, and put Whitehead one on one with Switzer. It may not work, but it beats doing the same thing over and over.


- Speaking of 4th down, the defense let NC convert three 4th downs on the last drive. If we make one play, we win the game and Canada looks like a genius for the conservative play calling on the last few offensive possessions.


- I’m seriously starting to question our Secondary coach. I understand that they’ve played against some tough WR’s the last few weeks, but they continue to get burned. These guys are making Lafayette Pitts look like an All-American.


- The DB recruiting (except for last year) has been abysmal and it is showing. Nicholson, Hooker and Henry would look great in our secondary.


- The pass rush outside of Price is anemic. We could have used Mike Caprara today on some blitzes You have to put pressure on the QB when your secondary is terrible. That has to improve because the secondary will not. I don’t believe Narduzzi is going to blow any red shirts on the players he recruited from last year. We need to recruit pass rushers big time.


- We need to throw the ball downfield once in a while. At least take some shots to keep the D honest. If you’re going to blow Matthews red shirt, then get the ball in his hands.


- I think Ffrench is being groomed to spell Quadree Henderson on jet sweeps. Tipton looks promising as well.


- I don’t ever want to see Ryan Switzer again…


Now some perspective thought:


- I still believe that we’re going in the right direction and Narduzzi is the man. I will the way he gets the kids excited to play and how he prepares him for games


- I believe we will win the rest of our games sans the Miami and Clemson games. The rest of teams we face will have the personnel we have faced against PSU, OSU and NC. If we win our bowl, then it would be a very good season. Pitt hasn’t won 8-9 wins to years in a row very often in the last 35 years. So don’t act like a bunch of old ladies thinking that Pitt won’t win another game.


- Most importantly, things could be worse. Pitt is not loaded with high 3 star talent or 4-5 star talent like some of the teams that have been losing the last couple of weeks. PSU got crushed, ND is now 1-3 and lose to Duke???? I want to see what Pitt does when they have the talent that Narduzzi needs to win big…

Good perspective. I dont really think the line backer was man on Switzer. They were playing a zone. He simply had short middle. If Webb or the other corners knew how to protect the field it would not be so bad. For whatever reason Webb gets completely lost in pass defense. He always drift to the side where they have coverage and let the deep receiver go free. I watched him do it over and over. They are just really bad DBs back there. There is nothing you can do as a coach on defense when you are playing the group in back of your defense. They are neither good in zone or man. Look no further than the Steelers the few years.

I really do beleive that he thought he could win with experienced at DB and not just going with the ones he recruited. Not having Hamlin is a killer. I think after this game he going play his players and sit all those vets. It seems like his players at least make plays. It is so hard to watch these same players every year that are so slow and not athletic. He has 1 and a half years of his players on defense and he not trying to play them but right now he is being backed in a corner.

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

Tough loss, no question. Here some of my random thoughts on the game:

- Speaking of 4th down, the defense let NC convert three 4th downs on the last drive. If we make one play, we win the game and Canada looks like a genius for the conservative play calling on the last few offensive possessions.

Like your post but my problem with this one bit of thinking above (in bold) is that Narduzzi knew his DBs struggled to stop NC from making throws all game and the previous game. So what in the world would make him believe it was going to be possible for them to magically be able to do it at the end of the game?

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

I think after this game he going play his players and sit all those vets. It seems like his players at least make plays. It is so hard to watch these same players every year that are so slow and not athletic. He has 1 and a half years of his players on defense and he not trying to play them but right now he is being backed in a corner.

We shall see.

I know Narduzzi wishes he recruited Price. Too bad he will be gone next year. Too bad Hendrix got hurt. The DL might have another 4 sacks and just maybe Pitt would be undefeated right now if the two were playing together this year. Oh well.

You are right though that Narduzzi is going to have to try some of the young guys at DB or it could be a long season.

 

[pittmeister]

Like your post but my problem with this one bit of thinking above (in bold) is that Narduzzi knew his DBs struggled to stop NC from making throws all game and the previous game. So what in the world would make him believe it was going to be possible for them to magically be able to do it at the end of the game?

Agreed. Remember, that's the DC in him. He believes his defense can make a play. They had their opportunities but failed. Hopefully, he learns. But again in every case but Miami and Clemson, he will probably be right.

 

[Black_Man_Panther]

Good perspective. I dont really think the line backer was man on Switzer. They were playing a zone. He simply had short middle. If Webb or the other corners knew how to protect the field it would not be so bad. For whatever reason Webb gets completely lost in pass defense. He always drift to the side where they have coverage and let the deep receiver go free. I watched him do it over and over. They are just really bad DBs back there. There is nothing you can do as a coach on defense when you are playing the group in back of your defense. They are neither good in zone or man. Look no further than the Steelers the few years.

I really do beleive that he thought he could win with experienced at DB and not just going with the ones he recruited. Not having Hamlin is a killer. I think after this game he going play his players and sit all those vets. It seems like his players at least make plays. It is so hard to watch these same players every year that are so slow and not athletic. He has 1 and a half years of his players on defense and he not trying to play them but right now he is being backed in a corner.

WTF... right now he could be playing Mitchell over Webb - but he doesn't. What makes you think he's gonna bench anyone?

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

WTF... right now he could be playing Mitchell over Webb - but he doesn't. What makes you think he's gonna bench anyone?

I was disappointed that I didn't see mitchell on the field that much today. Can anyone give me a good reason why he is not the starter? Webb looked awful in pass coverage and missed several easy tackles. Swiss Cheese baby. Swiss Cheese.

Hey, but as long as we are stopping the run, right?

 

[Las Panteras]

Every remaining team on our schedule can beat us.

To suggest we will win 8 games is a reach

7 -5 with a win against penn state is where we are headed. The Piece that should upset Fans Is not 7-5......it is we had a great great shot at 9-3

 

[Large Panther]

I was disappointed that I didn't see mitchell on the field that much today. Can anyone give me a good reason why he is not the starter? Webb looked awful in pass coverage and missed several easy tackles. Swiss Cheese baby. Swiss Cheese.

Hey, but as long as we are stopping the run, right?

Good question Hugh, was wondering the same thing. Saw him in for one play and that was it. Looked like our best safety not named Whitehead on the team last year but can't sniff the field this year. Yet another head scratcher.

 

[thebadby2]

Tough loss, no question. Here some of my random thoughts on the game:


The good stuff:

- The run defense has been outstanding. Pitt has faced some of the best backs in the count (Barkley and Hood) and have done a great job.


- I like the offense very much. The running game is as good as I can remember. In most years, 38 and 36 points is enough points to win games, but not this year.


- I’m glad we have Henderson for the next couple of years. He is has turned out to be a weapon. Moss looks impressive as well. Someone (it appears to be Ollison) is going to lose carries to him.


Now the bad stuff:

- I am baffled at the conservative play calling at the end of the last two games. It is apparent to everyone that the secondary is terrible. In games against, Miami and Clemson, we will have to constantly attack on offense just to make it look respectable.


- The defensive side of the ball, what is a walk on linebacker doing covering Switzer on 4th and 9??? If I’m the coach, I take out a linebacker insert another Safety, and put Whitehead one on one with Switzer. It may not work, but it beats doing the same thing over and over.


- Speaking of 4th down, the defense let NC convert three 4th downs on the last drive. If we make one play, we win the game and Canada looks like a genius for the conservative play calling on the last few offensive possessions.


- I’m seriously starting to question our Secondary coach. I understand that they’ve played against some tough WR’s the last few weeks, but they continue to get burned. These guys are making Lafayette Pitts look like an All-American.


- The DB recruiting (except for last year) has been abysmal and it is showing. Nicholson, Hooker and Henry would look great in our secondary.


- The pass rush outside of Price is anemic. We could have used Mike Caprara today on some blitzes You have to put pressure on the QB when your secondary is terrible. That has to improve because the secondary will not. I don’t believe Narduzzi is going to blow any red shirts on the players he recruited from last year. We need to recruit pass rushers big time.


- We need to throw the ball downfield once in a while. At least take some shots to keep the D honest. If you’re going to blow Matthews red shirt, then get the ball in his hands.


- I think Ffrench is being groomed to spell Quadree Henderson on jet sweeps. Tipton looks promising as well.


- I don’t ever want to see Ryan Switzer again…


Now some perspective thought:


- I still believe that we’re going in the right direction and Narduzzi is the man. I will the way he gets the kids excited to play and how he prepares him for games


- I believe we will win the rest of our games sans the Miami and Clemson games. The rest of teams we face will have the personnel we have faced against PSU, OSU and NC. If we win our bowl, then it would be a very good season. Pitt hasn’t won 8-9 wins to years in a row very often in the last 35 years. So don’t act like a bunch of old ladies thinking that Pitt won’t win another game.


- Most importantly, things could be worse. Pitt is not loaded with high 3 star talent or 4-5 star talent like some of the teams that have been losing the last couple of weeks. PSU got crushed, ND is now 1-3 and lose to Duke???? I want to see what Pitt does when they have the talent that Narduzzi needs to win big…

We blitzed like crazy especially in the 4th quarter. We just didn't get home very often.

 

[pittmeister]

Every remaining team on our schedule can beat us.

To suggest we will win 8 games is a reach

7 -5 with a win against penn state is where we are headed. The Piece that should upset Fans Is not 7-5......it is we had a great great shot at 9-3

By the end of the season fans will be saying; "Gee we were only a couple of plays away from being 11-2!"

Posters say stars matter. Outside of Miami and Clemson, we won't be facing any teams with as much talent as we've faced in the last few weeks.

 

[Black_Man_Panther]

Outside of Miami and Clemson, we won't be facing any teams with as much talent as we've faced in the last few weeks.

Hate to burst your bubble. The Duke QB threw for 290 against ND. You think this defense can hold him to under 290??

Only that arrogant bastard Narduzzi would think that - but he's more worried about the opponents rushing total.

 

[vegasgreed]

Pittmeister, I got news for you, we will be in many close games as the year goes on and will have more losses than just Miaimi and Clemson.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

I think they should play the young dbs, they can't do any worse, this is a horrible secondary pass defense, how can their receivers get that wide open all the time, try some different people, the last 2 games had to be well over 900 yds passing

540+453=993

Ugh.

 

[steel_curtain]

Pittmeister, I got news for you, we will be in many close games as the year goes on and will have more losses than just Miaimi and Clemson.

-If it comes down to the last 2 minutes, bet against Pitt every game. You are an auto winner. How's that feel Vegas? Pitt quits the last 2 minutes of every game until proven otherwise.

 

[Saboteur]

Tough loss, no question. Here some of my random thoughts on the game:


The good stuff:

- The run defense has been outstanding. Pitt has faced some of the best backs in the count (Barkley and Hood) and have done a great job.


- I like the offense very much. The running game is as good as I can remember. In most years, 38 and 36 points is enough points to win games, but not this year.


- I’m glad we have Henderson for the next couple of years. He is has turned out to be a weapon. Moss looks impressive as well. Someone (it appears to be Ollison) is going to lose carries to him.


Now the bad stuff:

- I am baffled at the conservative play calling at the end of the last two games. It is apparent to everyone that the secondary is terrible. In games against, Miami and Clemson, we will have to constantly attack on offense just to make it look respectable.


- The defensive side of the ball, what is a walk on linebacker doing covering Switzer on 4th and 9??? If I’m the coach, I take out a linebacker insert another Safety, and put Whitehead one on one with Switzer. It may not work, but it beats doing the same thing over and over.


- Speaking of 4th down, the defense let NC convert three 4th downs on the last drive. If we make one play, we win the game and Canada looks like a genius for the conservative play calling on the last few offensive possessions.


- I’m seriously starting to question our Secondary coach. I understand that they’ve played against some tough WR’s the last few weeks, but they continue to get burned. These guys are making Lafayette Pitts look like an All-American.


- The DB recruiting (except for last year) has been abysmal and it is showing. Nicholson, Hooker and Henry would look great in our secondary.


- The pass rush outside of Price is anemic. We could have used Mike Caprara today on some blitzes You have to put pressure on the QB when your secondary is terrible. That has to improve because the secondary will not. I don’t believe Narduzzi is going to blow any red shirts on the players he recruited from last year. We need to recruit pass rushers big time.


- We need to throw the ball downfield once in a while. At least take some shots to keep the D honest. If you’re going to blow Matthews red shirt, then get the ball in his hands.


- I think Ffrench is being groomed to spell Quadree Henderson on jet sweeps. Tipton looks promising as well.


- I don’t ever want to see Ryan Switzer again…


Now some perspective thought:


- I still believe that we’re going in the right direction and Narduzzi is the man. I will the way he gets the kids excited to play and how he prepares him for games


- I believe we will win the rest of our games sans the Miami and Clemson games. The rest of teams we face will have the personnel we have faced against PSU, OSU and NC. If we win our bowl, then it would be a very good season. Pitt hasn’t won 8-9 wins to years in a row very often in the last 35 years. So don’t act like a bunch of old ladies thinking that Pitt won’t win another game.


- Most importantly, things could be worse. Pitt is not loaded with high 3 star talent or 4-5 star talent like some of the teams that have been losing the last couple of weeks. PSU got crushed, ND is now 1-3 and lose to Duke???? I want to see what Pitt does when they have the talent that Narduzzi needs to win big…

Thanks for the post. I rarely agree with anything 100%.
This is such an instance with a post script.
In his post game comments PN repeatedly said he loved this team and their effort.
I hope the QB from Pine and the lineman from Beaver Falls look long and hard at Kelly. He is a world class asswipe.

 

[forgeclifton]

Narduzzi, since arriving, that he would play a pass defense that emphasises heat on the QB and the DB's straight up 1 on 1. He added word to the effect that "They have to cover their guy. They will or they won't."

HS DB's can see that we need guys to play this defense. Is this a type of defense particularly attractive (or the converse) to HS DBs?