Spring Game

[DC_Area_Panther]

From what I read and post game interviews from the press and the Pitt official site--

Other than Q. Henderson showing off his amazing skills (no particular surprise) it doesn't seem there was much to take away of great interest or excitement.

According to a Coach Powell interview on the official site they only showed about 1/3 of the offense--staying very basic so as to not give anything away to fall opponents. He also said that the breaking up of the team into two squads caused OL play to be less coordinated and effective than it would normally be because of having OL groups not used to working together as a unit.

Narduzzi in his interview (typically) said the there is lots to cleanup. On the plus side he said they were where he expected for the spring after 15 practices so he wasn't disappointed that they weren't yet where he believes/expects they will be after the summer.

Maybe someone who attended the game will have more to add?.

A footnote on running backs/running game---Coach Powell said he didn't have the running back depth he wants/needs as of the spring game. Said he needs Hall back and looks forward to seeing the freshman this summer--wants 5 backs to use in the fall. Also said he thought Ollison and Moss were currently even for being the #1 back and he would currently be giving the start to Ollison if it were game #1 of the fall--but solely based on Ollison having more game experience. Nevertheless, he said both would play a lot and it could be game by game who gets the most carries based on which guy had the "hot hand." Mentioned how important George Alston's blocking was to the success of whomever was the #1 back (did Alston not play in the spring game?). He also attributed the overall lack of rushing productivity [Note: Taking away Henderson's 84 yards the Gold only had 74 and the Blue only 49 net yards gained rushing.] to those OL groupings (due to the spring game team draft) not used to working together.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Very, very vanilla. Very boring but that's to be expected. Most disappointing was the Gold OL which was basically the starting OL couldn't establish a running game.

Besides Henderson, the only other impressive performance was by Kenny Pickett. That kid is going to be a really good one. Very quick, great pocket awareness, great movement in the pocket.

 

[p45]

A ton of young defensive players flashed, especially Rashad Weaver & Keyshon Camp. Stocker & Garner made plays. Miller was good in run support. Those three young safeties have very bright futures, they are tall long athletes. Pine is as physically impressive as we've heard.

 

[runshadyrun]

aston played, i don't think he got a touch

 

[Swervin27]

aston played, i don't think he got a touch

Narduzzi doesn't want to punish his own players.

 

[Pitt-Chains]

Very, very vanilla. Very boring but that's to be expected. Most disappointing was the Gold OL which was basically the starting OL couldn't establish a running game.

Besides Henderson, the only other impressive performance was by Kenny Pickett. That kid is going to be a really good one. Very quick, great pocket awareness, great movement in the pocket.

I like Pickett, right handed Palko.

 

[Franb]

Very, very vanilla. Very boring but that's to be expected. Most disappointing was the Gold OL which was basically the starting OL couldn't establish a running game.

Besides Henderson, the only other impressive performance was by Kenny Pickett. That kid is going to be a really good one. Very quick, great pocket awareness, great movement in the pocket.

So tell me again what the point of this game is? Break up the o-line so there is no cohesion, run basic plays and produce a boring game, and expect fans to show up to be "entertained?" I can't wait for next year's game.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

So tell me again what the point of this game is? Break up the o-line so there is no cohesion, run basic plays and produce a boring game, and expect fans to show up to be "entertained?" I can't wait for next year's game.

The primary purpose of any spring game is to get in one more day of practice and develop the players and team a bit more and to further evaluate players--particularly younger players who are developing. It is not supposed to show everything off to future opponents or to maximize fan entertainment value. Entertaining the fans is incidental and primarily to wet their appetite for the fall season.

It seems rather amazing to me that you would expect it to be otherwise.

 

[PITT58]

So tell me again what the point of this game is? Break up the o-line so there is no cohesion, run basic plays and produce a boring game, and expect fans to show up to be "entertained?" I can't wait for next year's game.

I think they should to return to the practice of the starting O team and the starting D team on opposite teams. This is what they did many years ago. More interesting and you played next to the guy you would be during the season. HTPitt

 

[Swervin27]

I think they should to return to the practice of the starting O team and the starting D team on opposite teams. This is what they did many years ago. More interesting and you played next to the guy you would be during the season. HTPitt

you know what, I was thinking this myself.. Let me be the first to say, I was a poster on here bellyaching about changing the format to this type, screaming and yelling about how it would be so much better to watch. OK, well I admit know, you really lose a lot when you split up the squads like this. Yes, you get that "game" atmosphere but these O-line groupings are really just irrelevant and were probably the cause of very little offensive cohesion...

It just depends how much the staff values each one of these practices. to counter my own argument, and go with my original one, maybe its seen as a "fun" event and not to be dissected as the end all of spring. I think Duzzi said in a quote, last week's scrimmage was more important than this one. so maybe he just sees this as a chance to change things up a bit, have fun with it and get the players out in front of the fans at the stadium..

and yes, I realize my post here literally contradicted myself and I did in fact play both sides of the argument here..

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Very, very vanilla. Very boring but that's to be expected. Most disappointing was the Gold OL which was basically the starting OL couldn't establish a running game.

Besides Henderson, the only other impressive performance was by Kenny Pickett. That kid is going to be a really good one. Very quick, great pocket awareness, great movement in the pocket.

I like Pickett, right handed Palko.

I was thinking the same thing. Very quick feet and field awareness. Looks like a natural QB

 

[tetonpanther]

I was thinking the same thing. Very quick feet and field awareness. Looks like a natural QB

I love Kenny " the wicked " Pickett. My nic for this young man and a tribute to 60s soul icon Wilson the wicked Pickett. I intend to use this extensively over the next few years and will be wary of posers who claim to have first used this nic for our quick footed qb.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

Why not change your handle to "Wicked" Pickett. It will be date stamped for authenticity.

I love Kenny " the wicked " Pickett. My nic for this young man and a tribute to 60s soul icon Wilson the wicked Pickett. I intend to use this extensively over the next few years and will be wary of posers who claim to have first used this nic for our quick footed qb.

 

[Revenge Of The Noise]

Up to the coaches, they likely would just have a regular closed practice like the ones before. This exhibition is not really productive as a useful practice other than maybe getting new players some initial experience at Heinz. It is primarily a way to try to keep thoughts of Pitt football active with the diehards during the off-season.

 

[Franb]

The primary purpose of any spring game is to get in one more day of practice and develop the players and team a bit more and to further evaluate players--particularly younger players who are developing. It is not supposed to show everything off to future opponents or to maximize fan entertainment value. Entertaining the fans is incidental and primarily to wet their appetite for the fall season.

It seems rather amazing to me that you would expect it to be otherwise.

Why go through the charade of having a "game" Just have another day of practice, and save all of the money spent on renting Heinz Field for something useful.

 

[pittguy81]

Why go through the charade of having a "game" Just have another day of practice, and save all of the money spent on renting Heinz Field for something useful.

It's useful and good for the young guys to get on the field at Heinz. It has to be exciting for them. Having them play in a "game" simulation/situation is a nice way to end the drudgery of practicing.

 

[pittdan77]

It's useful and good for the young guys to get on the field at Heinz. It has to be exciting for them. Having them play in a "game" simulation/situation is a nice way to end the drudgery of practicing.

They've done that the last two weekends, too. There is no value in the game for the staff or players outside of the fan interaction.

 

[rkohberger]

Up to the coaches, they likely would just have a regular closed practice like the ones before. This exhibition is not really productive as a useful practice other than maybe getting new players some initial experience at Heinz. It is primarily a way to try to keep thoughts of Pitt football active with the diehards during the off-season.

Yet fans pilloried Paul Chryst for being honest and cancelling the spring game for a real practice.

Spring games are strictly for the fans and every HC would do away with them if they could.

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

Yet fans pilloried Paul Chryst for being honest and cancelling the spring game for a real practice.

Spring games are strictly for the fans and every HC would do away with them if they could.

It works for some. Never really did here.

 

[jimmoyer]

I made the 4 hour trip from Hershey to enjoy a live experience with our Panther team. I was impressed with the play of the defensive line and linebackers. They showed some impressive effort and should be fun to watch come fall. I was a bit disappointed with Max Browne but did see some potential in the 4th quarter. Really liked the moxie of the freshman Pickett and believe we will be well represented at QB over the next couple years. Henderson was worth the trip all by himself. This kid is super special and will leave his mark on the program in a major way. It also seemed like there was an overall confidence to this team that has been missing in the past. Call it the "Narduzzi effect", but I could sense a level of cockiness that I have not seen in years with the program. Lets hope they are ready to follow it up with top level performance and wins come fall.
As for the experience at Heinz Field, I really enjoy the opportunity to get down on the field, talk directly with the players, recruits and alumni. It was great to see all the ex players make the game and to see the support they bring to the program. We were able to sit on the 50 yard line with many of the parents of the kids and it was interesting to listen to them and meet them. Great folks who really care about their kids and the the success of the program. For a free event, I have to say I certainly got my moneys worth and look forward to a great season come fall. How can anyone complain about an event like this?

 

[Franb]

Yet fans pilloried Paul Chryst for being honest and cancelling the spring game for a real practice.

Spring games are strictly for the fans and every HC would do away with them if they could.

As Paul Chrystal showed, they can do away with them if they want to. Just announce that another day of practice is more important to the team's success than this non-game event. Especially give the cost of staging it.

 

[Route28]

As Paul Chrystal showed, they can do away with them if they want to. Just announce that another day of practice is more important to the team's success than this non-game event. Especially give the cost of staging it.

I believe his real practice ended up being a team volleyball game.

 

[Pitt-Chains]

I made the 4 hour trip from Hershey to enjoy a live experience with our Panther team. I was impressed with the play of the defensive line and linebackers. They showed some impressive effort and should be fun to watch come fall. I was a bit disappointed with Max Browne but did see some potential in the 4th quarter. Really liked the moxie of the freshman Pickett and believe we will be well represented at QB over the next couple years. Henderson was worth the trip all by himself. This kid is super special and will leave his mark on the program in a major way. It also seemed like there was an overall confidence to this team that has been missing in the past. Call it the "Narduzzi effect", but I could sense a level of cockiness that I have not seen in years with the program. Lets hope they are ready to follow it up with top level performance and wins come fall.
As for the experience at Heinz Field, I really enjoy the opportunity to get down on the field, talk directly with the players, recruits and alumni. It was great to see all the ex players make the game and to see the support they bring to the program. We were able to sit on the 50 yard line with many of the parents of the kids and it was interesting to listen to them and meet them. Great folks who really care about their kids and the the success of the program. For a free event, I have to say I certainly got my moneys worth and look forward to a great season come fall. How can anyone complain about an event like this?

You get it !

 

[Pitt-Chains]

You get it !

Dress rehearsal for more than the football players..