Taleni, Blair, Wirginis, Whitehead didn't play, but their absences due to team rule violations were felt as the real life consequences of suspensions came to bare, particularly in the 3rd and 4th quarter. Depth, or lack thereof, was a significant factor.
It's not necessarily a lack of conditioning, so much as a lack of quality, experienced, depth. Taleni, had he started would have been spelled by one of the young interior guys every 3rd to 4th snap or as a back-up, would have spelled them. The value of a fresh player coming onto the field with intensity and energy, even if for 3-4 plays per quarter can change a series, a play or a game.
Talent is compromised when fatigue is present and vice versa, in that a fresh player can beat a more talented one solely because of energy resources. It's a hidden reality not often considered because it's not quantifiable. There's no statistic given for a defensive tackle blowing up offensive line blocking schemes and forcing the ball carrier to hesitate and change course and into the arms of a linebacker.
There's no statistic for the defensive end being able to chase down a ball carrier before the 1st down marker or flush a quarterback forcing him to throw the ball away, merely because he has the freshness and energy to do so. Running at full speed is enabled when fresh. When not fresh, it's a fast trot even though you're trying hard as hell.
Same with Blair, who could have spelled either defensive end position for a handful of plays. Ironically, I saw him fall victim to the same fate as true freshman starter at defensive end weighing 230 lbs., and pushed around by the offensive line in the 2nd half in a loss to Iowa a few years back. We couldn't stop the run. Lack of strength, size and depth, not only forced him to start, but play an inordinate amount for an undersized true freshman.
Whitehead's talent and experience speaks for itself. Often, just 2-3 plays change the entire complexion of a game. He would have been good for 3-4 perhaps? If Matthews hadn't missed 3 weeks or so, what impact might he have made considering a new quarterback and offensive coordinator were being integrated in?
Bottom line. Some games are won, lost or heavily impacted in the Spring and Summer. Each of the players above were part of yesterday's performance, as the ripple affect from their absences forced the team to compensate through position changes and a myriad of compromises. Narduzzi did exactly what he was supposed to do. The players above, let their teammates down.
Board Cops: The absent players wouldn't have enabled Pitt to win by 3 touchdown necessarily. Perspective!
It's not necessarily a lack of conditioning, so much as a lack of quality, experienced, depth. Taleni, had he started would have been spelled by one of the young interior guys every 3rd to 4th snap or as a back-up, would have spelled them. The value of a fresh player coming onto the field with intensity and energy, even if for 3-4 plays per quarter can change a series, a play or a game.
Talent is compromised when fatigue is present and vice versa, in that a fresh player can beat a more talented one solely because of energy resources. It's a hidden reality not often considered because it's not quantifiable. There's no statistic given for a defensive tackle blowing up offensive line blocking schemes and forcing the ball carrier to hesitate and change course and into the arms of a linebacker.
There's no statistic for the defensive end being able to chase down a ball carrier before the 1st down marker or flush a quarterback forcing him to throw the ball away, merely because he has the freshness and energy to do so. Running at full speed is enabled when fresh. When not fresh, it's a fast trot even though you're trying hard as hell.
Same with Blair, who could have spelled either defensive end position for a handful of plays. Ironically, I saw him fall victim to the same fate as true freshman starter at defensive end weighing 230 lbs., and pushed around by the offensive line in the 2nd half in a loss to Iowa a few years back. We couldn't stop the run. Lack of strength, size and depth, not only forced him to start, but play an inordinate amount for an undersized true freshman.
Whitehead's talent and experience speaks for itself. Often, just 2-3 plays change the entire complexion of a game. He would have been good for 3-4 perhaps? If Matthews hadn't missed 3 weeks or so, what impact might he have made considering a new quarterback and offensive coordinator were being integrated in?
Bottom line. Some games are won, lost or heavily impacted in the Spring and Summer. Each of the players above were part of yesterday's performance, as the ripple affect from their absences forced the team to compensate through position changes and a myriad of compromises. Narduzzi did exactly what he was supposed to do. The players above, let their teammates down.
Board Cops: The absent players wouldn't have enabled Pitt to win by 3 touchdown necessarily. Perspective!
Last edited:
