The Early look at Pitt's 2016 football schedule

[steel_curtain]

Villanova-Cupcake-Win
Syracuse-Cupcake-Win
Duke-Cupcake-Win

Virginia Tech-Win-Needs to replace the entire Defensive line and a portion of the lb's along with needing a QB. Virginia Tech had 100 total yards of offense against Pitt last year. This is a home game, and should be an easy win. Unless Tech finds the 2nd coming of Mike Vick, they are in trouble. No leading candidate at QB yet per ESPN and the defense is in rebuild

Virginia-Win- Needs to replace 6 starters on offense, another 7 starters on defense, and lost everyone on the defensive line. Chris James pounded them on the ground last year, and James Conner and crew should pound them even worse with a new d-line.

Georgia Tech- Toss game- Needs to replace entire secondary. Georgia Tech hammered Pitt on the ground last year, for 370 rush yards on offense. Their QB isnt that good, but their run game is. This game will be a challenge at home, but winnable. They do lose both redshirt senior starting guards on the offense.

Marshall- Win- For a team that has won 33 games the last 3 seasons, its easy to understand why this team has Pitt fans nervous. But then we look at what happened on paper. Marshall just lost its top 2 WR's, starting RB, and starting LG, all seniors. Not bad, especially when they had a pretty good freshmen QB in the fold. But then we get to defense. Marshall lost 7 Redshirt Senior starters. Both tackles, 3 LB's, a CB, and SS. They also lost 2 more tackles off the 2 deep rotation along with their starting Punter. Big Ouch, and a big good luck to them on run defense next season.

Penn State-Win-Already talked about this team and their d-line

-At worst, Pitt should be 7-1 through these 8 games. We will be favored in every single one of these games.

That leaves 4 games, the meat of the schedule

Oklahoma State- Tossup- Another team that is getting enormous hype, but Im not buying it. The Pokes were 1-3 against ranked teams last year, and were beat down 3 times in the losses. This team needed a 40 yard field goal to beat Kansas State by 2 points in the last 20 seconds of the game, and also needed a 40 yard field goal to beat Texas in the last 5 seconds of the game. They also needed overtime to beat West Virginia, and a 90 yard drive to beat Iowa State by 5 points in the last 5 minutes of the 4th quarter. Simply put, they got all the right bounces last year to win 10 games on a ton of luck. Gone are both starting DE's, both starting CB's. Oklahoma State's offense will be good next year, but their defense couldnt stop a nosebleed last year. Certainly winnable game. Their top rusher amassed 500 yards. And I think they are overrated. Anyone will beat them with a good pass rush against the QB. D-line will be important with blitz packages.

North Carolina- Tossup- Marquies Williams had 24 pass TD's, 13 rush TD's, passed for 3100 yards and ran for another 1000. Simply put, he was a beast last year and is gone and gets replaced with an ESPN 300 QB that should be decent, but not at his level.. They replace both starting lb's, their leading tacklers on the entire team, and both were all acc conference selections. Landon Turner, 1st Team All ACC and their 6'5 300lb guard, also needs replaced. This team was good last year, and we gave them a battle. They have much heavier player losses than we have, when you are losing 4 players off All ACC teams, including their star QB.


Miami- Tossup- After falling in a big hole, Pitt's run game gashed Miami on the ground for 200 yards and 2 Td's. Unfortunately, the hole was too deep to start and Pitt lost by 5 points to end the game. Miami lost 3 of its 4 players in the secondary, their starting NT, both starting WR's, and their RB is suspended right now. They get Mark Richt as Coach, who sucks as a Coach in my opinion for a program like Miami. This is a team we had zero business losing to last year. Miami lost to Clemson 58-0 and lost to North Carolina 59-21. If we get the early lead instead of falling into a 3 TD early hole, we can drive the run game down their throat. They couldnt stop it last year, and wont stop it this year.

Clemson- Preseason Top 3 in the country per most services. They have one of the early Heisman favorites, or one of them, Watson, getting giant hype. They had a gift schedule last year. Their offense is loaded, no question. Their defense just lost 8 starters and 63% of their total sacks, most of them early NFL draft entrants. The schedule is set up again for them to do damage. They played a ton of close games last year, including Notre Dame, Louisville, South Carolina, Syracuse, and North Carolina in the ACC Title game. They once again do not play North Carolina in the regular season. Clemson will not run the table, and will lose at least 2 regular season games because of defense.

 

[OriginalEther]

It's my knowledge that Clemson will simply reload on defense. That will be a very tough game.
I think Pitt is better than Duke, but cupcake is not an accurate word for them anymore.
And don't act as if Pitt didn't catch any breaks last year. Didn't they need a fake punt to beat lowly Syracuse.

My quick view....

Pitt needs to beat Villanova, Marshall, and Syracuse. That's 3-0.
If Pitt can go 5-4 against everyone else - and I don't think that's unreasonable, as I think Clemson is the only team that, right now, Pitt doesn't have a 50/50 chance against.

That puts them at 8-4. Which I would consider to be a successful season.

 

[steel_curtain]

It's my knowledge that Clemson will simply reload on defense. That will be a very tough game.
I think Pitt is better than Duke, but cupcake is not an accurate word for them anymore.
And don't act as if Pitt didn't catch any breaks last year. Didn't they need a fake punt to beat lowly Syracuse.

My quick view....

Pitt needs to beat Villanova, Marshall, and Syracuse. That's 3-0.
If Pitt can go 5-4 against everyone else - and I don't think that's unreasonable, as I think Clemson is the only team that, right now, Pitt doesn't have a 50/50 chance against.

That puts them at 8-4. Which I would consider to be a successful season.

-As I said on the CFB main board, the bar is 8 wins for par. More than that, we did well. Less than that, we greatly underachieved. The schedule seriously is not that tough.

 

[LivinWell]

-As I said on the CFB main board, the bar is 8 wins for par. More than that, we did well. Less than that, we greatly underachieved. The schedule seriously is not that tough.

Steel, don't overlook that we have an average and immobile quarterback and way below average WRs (at least right now on paper). Expect teams to load the box to counter the run. Think of the blitzing that Peterman may see simply to test our depth at QB.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

steel_curtain, post: 1253307, member: 5476"]
Very good analysis but until I see our August Lineup using some Freshmen Recruits playing right away, I am cautious right now. When playing these Teams is important too. The offense will be set but OC is New and Conner's Return are both unknowns that can be great right away or need time and struggles at the start.

Defense:
The Defense is very dependent on Linebackers and Defensive Backfield playing together, communication, and staying healthy to develop consistent continuity. Even if Hamlin and others New Recruits develop like Whitehead did last year, it is still going some time. The DL should be Very Good but LBs and DBs need to come together quickly to be effective against pretty good Teams in first 5 games. Coaching selection and development is so key to forming a complete talented Defensive Unit and staying healthy.

Offense:
Wideouts have to be good right from the start without Boyd. Tight End great but must stay healthy. Biggest unknown is OC-QB relationship and Team adjusting to new OC and OC to them? If QB and OC Passing Game or Wideouts develop and start fast then could carry the Team until Defense blends and binds. Possible problems add in possible Injuries to QB could be bigger trouble than expected. OL should be solid with Substitutes. RBs too, but Conner's Return impacts and health the game plans as well as provide inspiration to be very good to great Offense if QB, TE, WRs are together with OC.

Add in Narduzzi finding ways to play talent he recruited like Ffrench, Flowers, Hamlin, Coleman, Miller and Special Gaems could be special contributor along with becoming top substitutes to starters as year goes along.

Villanova-Cupcake-Win
It will be a win, but a first game Pitt playing many Players to develop a roster, mistakes can happen, depends how Villanova prepares for the game. Still see a closer than expected game. SOLID WIN NOT A BLOW OUT WIN FOR PITT

Syracuse-Cupcake-Win
Nope, rival game, New Coach Babers is a very good coach. Cuse will be ready and Pitt wins easily only if it is prepared too. It is seldom an easy game. I see Babers making them better with each game but should be a Win not a Cupcake.
CLOSER TOSS UP WIN

Duke-Cupcake-Win
NOPE AGAIN, SOLID TOSS UP WIN. Cutcliffe is a Graet Coach they come to play and have had far better recruiting and talent coming in from and due to a Great Coaching Staff known to be far better at Duke in 50 years? No Cupcake unless Pitt is playing at a Top 25 Level type of Team.

Virginia Tech-Win-Needs to replace the entire Defensive line and a portion of the lb's along with needing a QB. Virginia Tech had 100 total yards of offense against Pitt last year. This is a home game, and should be an easy win. Unless Tech finds the 2nd coming of Mike Vick, they are in trouble. No leading candidate at QB yet per ESPN and the defense is in rebuild.
TOSS UP WIN but Fuente will have them back to Top 25 Winning in less than 2 years and starts in 2016.

Virginia-Win- Needs to replace 6 starters on offense, another 7 starters on defense, and lost everyone on the defensive line. Chris James pounded them on the ground last year, and James Conner and crew should pound them even worse with a new d-line.
TOSS UP WIN-QB back and has some great talent on Defense. Pitt barely beat and lost them them the last 3 or 4 games.

Georgia Tech- Toss game- Needs to replace entire secondary. Georgia Tech hammered Pitt on the ground last year, for 370 rush yards on offense. Their QB isnt that good, but their run game is. This game will be a challenge at home, but winnable. They do lose both redshirt senior starting guards on the offense.
TOSS UP-Pitt won last year but close win at the end of the game. The QB is back and will be better and Johnson Offense hard to defend in any games. Pitt struggles with running QBs look at GT last 3 years, and Navy 2015 too.

Marshall- Win- For a team that has won 33 games the last 3 seasons, its easy to understand why this team has Pitt fans nervous. But then we look at what happened on paper. Marshall just lost its top 2 WR's, starting RB, and starting LG, all seniors. Not bad, especially when they had a pretty good freshmen QB in the fold. But then we get to defense. Marshall lost 7 Redshirt Senior starters. Both tackles, 3 LB's, a CB, and SS. They also lost 2 more tackles off the 2 deep rotation along with their starting Punter. Big Ouch, and a big good luck to them on run defense next season.
TOSS UP WIN-Pitt has to be at its best to win it but Coach Holiday will have his Team and Players ready. Holiday wanted the Pitt Job and still wants the WVU job, or another FBS Power Conference job. Closer than expected.

Penn State-Win-Already talked about this team and their d-line.
TOSS UP It is a Rival's Renewed Game. Pitt will have some edges but not enough to call it an easy Win.

-At worst, Pitt should be 7-1 through these 8 games. We will be favored in every single one of these games. That leaves 4 games, the meat of the schedule

Oklahoma State- Tossup- Another team that is getting enormous hype, but Im not buying it. The Pokes were 1-3 against ranked teams last year, and were beat down 3 times in the losses. This team needed a 40 yard field goal to beat Kansas State by 2 points in the last 20 seconds of the game, and also needed a 40 yard field goal to beat Texas in the last 5 seconds of the game. They also needed overtime to beat West Virginia, and a 90 yard drive to beat Iowa State by 5 points in the last 5 minutes of the 4th quarter. Simply put, they got all the right bounces last year to win 10 games on a ton of luck. Gone are both starting DE's, both starting CB's. Oklahoma State's offense will be good next year, but their defense couldnt stop a nosebleed last year. Certainly winnable game. Their top rusher amassed 500 yards. And I think they are overrated. Anyone will beat them with a good pass rush against the QB. D-line will be important with blitz packages.
TOSS UP LOST TO TOSS UP Almost all back with great experience and only the third game for Pitt. Depends if Pitt is playing great early on Offense and Defense coming together earlier than expected. Still worried about Pitt Linebackers?

North Carolina- Tossup- Marquies Williams had 24 pass TD's, 13 rush TD's, passed for 3100 yards and ran for another 1000. Simply put, he was a beast last year and is gone and gets replaced with an ESPN 300 QB that should be decent, but not at his level.. They replace both starting lb's, their leading tacklers on the entire team, and both were all acc conference selections. Landon Turner, 1st Team All ACC and their 6'5 300lb guard, also needs replaced. This team was good last year, and we gave them a battle. They have much heavier player losses than we have, when you are losing 4 players off All ACC teams, including their star QB.
TOSS UP LOST TO LOST We should have beat them under Chryst but he lost on Special Teams. They have a Great Coach & Talent but may be on NCAA Sanctions. Yet, until Pitt does beat them, can't call it an easy win. Yet, you are spot on about UNC'S QB last years and New QB THIS YEAR, but Coach Fedora is known for his high scoring Offenses not just at UNC but at Southern Miss.

Miami- Tossup- After falling in a big hole, Pitt's run game gashed Miami on the ground for 200 yards and 2 Td's. Unfortunately, the hole was too deep to start and Pitt lost by 5 points to end the game. Miami lost 3 of its 4 players in the secondary, their starting NT, both starting WR's, and their RB is suspended right now. They get Mark Richt as Coach, who sucks as a Coach in my opinion for a program like Miami. This is a team we had zero business losing to last year. Miami lost to Clemson 58-0 and lost to North Carolina 59-21. If we get the early lead instead of falling into a 3 TD early hole, we can drive the run game down their throat. They couldnt stop it last year, and wont stop it this year.
LOST Again, they have better talent but now a coach to develop it. Pitt lost on Special Teams and could have won more games the last 4 years against the Canes of Pain under Golden, but Richt knows how to win on Top 10-25 levels. Canes QB is back too! How Narduzzi does every year against the Canes will be portend Pitt Future to become a Top 10 Team?

Clemson- Preseason Top 3 in the country per most services. They have one of the early Heisman favorites, or one of them, Watson, getting giant hype. They had a gift schedule last year. Their offense is loaded, no question. Their defense just lost 8 starters and 63% of their total sacks, most of them early NFL draft entrants. The schedule is set up again for them to do damage. They played a ton of close games last year, including Notre Dame, Louisville, South Carolina, Syracuse, and North Carolina in the ACC Title game. They once again do not play North Carolina in the regular season. Clemson will not run the table, and will lose at least 2 regular season games because of defense.
LOST but Pitt could give them a game, depends how close Pitt is to playing and beating Top 10 Teams and Coaches? This is a measurement game as far as I am concern. How far Pitt is from the Top 5-10-15 and 25 or how closer?

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

Good re-analysis. It would be wonderful if steel were to be proven right. Unfortunately, his blue and gold glasses sees Only Pitt's best case outcomes and opponents' worst case outcomes. Reality is usually more toward the middle as things likely won't go ideally for Pitt or as poorly for all the opponents as he predicts.

 

[steel_curtain]

-Pitt has blown out Syracuse almost every time in the last 10 years at home. We've lost to them once in 10 years. They have come within 3 points twice of beating us on the road. We have beaten this team 45-14, 33-20, lost 17-16 on the road, 30-7, won 17-16 on the road, 37-10, and won 23-20 last year. There is nothing to even suggest this will even be a game next year since we constantly blast Syracuse outside the dome.

-Pitt crushed Duke last year. It wasnt even a game, 31-13 final score. We ran the ball for almost 300 yards against them. This game should be a pushover.

-Pitt has beat Virginia 2 times in the last 3 years

-Pitt has beat Virginia Tech 3 times in the last 4 years

-If Pitt loses to Marshall with those player losses for Marshall we should throw the season in. Its Marshall, not Alabama who reloads every single year. Guys, we are talking about Marshall.

-As for Miami, we can agree to disagree on talent levels at the current state of both programs. And if you think Coach Richt is actually good, Ill repost the Georgia blog for you to read and how he sunk Georgia's football program the last 8 years.

-This is the most confident Ive been in the preseason about Pitt's outlook in maybe 10 years. A lot of that banks on Conner obviously, but again if he is remotely healthy, prepare for beating preseason expectations. He's that good

 

[pittpitt]

Steel, don't overlook that we have an average and immobile quarterback and way below average WRs (at least right now on paper). Expect teams to load the box to counter the run. Think of the blitzing that Peterman may see simply to test our depth at QB.

A few reasons I'm actually not that concerned with teams loading the box against Pitt.

1) Our O-Line will be the best Pitt has had in 30 years. We don't know yet if it'll be good or great, but there are reasons to feel positive about each of our top-6 linemen.
2) We have a stable of capable RB's so none of them will be forced to take 20+ carries of pounding, game after game.
3) Peterman has proven he's efficient on quick throws, and Orndoff and Ford have proven they're capable receivers in this setting -- that being the ability to get some space 5-10 yards down field and make a catch.
4) Quadree Henderson sweeps & reverses will loosen up any D packing the box. He is absolutely electrifying (he juked Whitehead on his longest run in the Spring Game...Whitehead), and when he gets moving parallel to the line of scrimmage before snaps, he won't attract the attention Boyd did, which makes it even more likely he breaks enough of these to keep defenses honest. And unlike some ultra-conservative coaches we've had in the past, we already know this staff will run this play multiple times a game.
5) Oh yeah, Whitehead sweeps & reverses. Better yet, these two reversing to each other on sweeps. How would any defense below Bama/OSU-quality cover this possibility and a Conner/Ollison battering ram?

 

[steel_curtain]

A few reasons I'm actually not that concerned with teams loading the box against Pitt.

1) Our O-Line will be the best Pitt has had in 30 years. We don't know yet if it'll be good or great, but there are reasons to feel positive about each of our top-6 linemen.
2) We have a stable of capable RB's so none of them will be forced to take 20+ carries of pounding, game after game.
3) Peterman has proven he's efficient on quick throws, and Orndoff and Ford have proven they're capable receivers in this setting -- that being the ability to get some space 5-10 yards down field and make a catch.
4) Quadree Henderson sweeps & reverses will loosen up any D packing the box. He is absolutely electrifying (he juked Whitehead on his longest run in the Spring Game...Whitehead), and when he gets moving parallel to the line of scrimmage before snaps, he won't attract the attention Boyd did, which makes it even more likely he breaks enough of these to keep defenses honest. And unlike some ultra-conservative coaches we've had in the past, we already know this staff will run this play multiple times a game.
5) Oh yeah, Whitehead sweeps & reverses. Better yet, these two reversing to each other on sweeps. How would any defense below Bama/OSU-quality cover this possibility and a Conner/Ollison battering ram?

-They wouldnt. I cant even being to explain how happy I am that Jim Chaney is out of here. He sucks as an Offensive Coordinator.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"DC_Area_Panther, post: 1253667, member: 304"]Good re-analysis. It would be wonderful if steel were to be proven right.
I just love more discussions on CFB Games and Predictions with good back-up support. I agree to disagree, Steel's analysis is just as relevant as my cautious one based on not knowing what players will be starting. There is no question in my mind that James Conner in particular could really inspire this Pitt team to become even better in 2016. James himself could be just as great and cured before his treatments, that will be a big boost to Pitt's Team. The is Narduzzi's second year with all his Coaches and an OC that willing wants to be with Narduzzi and worked before together. If Canada works out better than expected or as expected, Pitt could win 9 to 11 games on improved competitive coaching.

Unfortunately, his blue and gold glasses sees Only Pitt's best case outcomes and opponents' worst case outcomes.
Again, I have to agree and disagree a tad and why you have added to the evaluations. I agree, in order to predict Pitt Team Record in 2016, mu cautious approach is based on many unknowns on the Roster selection of starters and how they execute together, as stated above.

Yet, the other side coin is not knowing how much Babers, Fuente, Mendenhall, and Richt will improve their Teams in the First Year. Throw in Cutcliffe, Johnson, Swinney, Gundy, Franklin, and Holiday and that makes it even harder.

Reality is usually more toward the middle as things likely won't go ideally for Pitt or as poorly for all the opponents as he predicts.
Now I agree totally with that too, and I base that losing close games to Miami, Iowa, and UNC games last year and beaten by ND and Navy. Pitt is still rebuilding and the schedule is tougher with far better Coaches with many QBs coming back, so I am predicting the middle like you say, based on when we play a number of Teams and if injuries happen or an OCCanda/QBPeterman adjustment period and Defense Time to come together Period?

Yet, if much of that comes together, Steel Predictions are just as relevant and could happen with a Conner's Boost and Pitt could win 9 to 10 games if they come together?

I say this because of what Narduzzi has said, that Pitt is not far off being a Top 25 Team and mixed in with his own cautions they have a tougher schedule, and he won't know until he sees and selects his players and then how they execute. Pitt could have been 11-2 last year had they started better against Iowa, UNC and Miami last year?

Just way to early to pick all games but still fun to do it and I appreciate your own analysis contributions, that is why i love reading such insights. Up to Pitt Coaches and Players to make it happen. But we will discuss it!

 

[rockypanther]

The Duke QB didn't play. It would have been much closer than 31-13. Also, think it's tough to know what Cuse, Ba-Tech, and Miami will be like. Hard to compare the last few games against each because they have different coaches. Babers and Fuentes are very good coaches. Also, will be tough to stop Saquan Barkley will be really tough.

There are also a lot of unknowns on our roster. QB depth, both WR spots, depth at TE, interior DL, all LB spots, and and some young guys in the defensive backfield. And a brand new OC coordinator. Although I like Narduzzi, he is still only a very new head coach who is on a learning curve.

No way less than 8 wins is a huge underachievement in the regular season. I would be happy with 7-5 and very happy with 8-4. A record of 9-3 is our ceiling.

 

[steel_curtain]

The Duke QB didn't play. It would have been much closer than 31-13. Also, think it's tough to know what Cuse, Ba-Tech, and Miami will be like. Hard to compare the last few games against each because they have different coaches. Babers and Fuentes are very good coaches. Also, will be tough to stop Saquan Barkley will be really tough.

There are also a lot of unknowns on our roster. QB depth, both WR spots, depth at TE, interior DL, all LB spots, and and some young guys in the defensive backfield. And a brand new OC coordinator. Although I like Narduzzi, he is still only a very new head coach who is on a learning curve.

No way less than 8 wins is a huge underachievement in the regular season. I would be happy with 7-5 and very happy with 8-4. A record of 9-3 is our ceiling.

-The Duke QB isnt even good. 16 Total TD's for the entire season in comparison to 8 INT's? He was held to under 200 passing yards in 7 games last year. He's a nobody. And the fact he has zero impact on defense, where Pitt annihilated Duke's run defense for 300 yards of run offense, helps nothing. We embarrassed this team. seriously?

-Louisville is getting preseason Top 15-25 hype. They were 8-5 last year. Pitt was beating this team 42-24 at halftime.

-If you think Syracuse, Virginia, and Virginia Tech are going to be good without talent so be it.

-the same with Barkley, who scored 3 TD's his last 10 games of the season. That's a joke.

 

[rockypanther]

-The Duke QB isnt even good. 16 Total TD's for the entire season in comparison to 8 INT's? He was held to under 200 passing yards in 7 games last year. He's a nobody. And the fact he has zero impact on defense, where Pitt annihilated Duke's run defense for 300 yards of run offense, helps nothing. We embarrassed this team. seriously?

-Louisville is getting preseason Top 15-25 hype. They were 8-5 last year. Pitt was beating this team 42-24 at halftime.

-If you think Syracuse, Virginia, and Virginia Tech are going to be good without talent so be it.

-the same with Barkley, who scored 3 TD's his last 10 games of the season. That's a joke.

Duke's QB was a dual threat QB who was dangerous on the ground too. That's why he didn't throw for over 200 yards every game. We weren't good against running QB.

Barkley is a top 5 RB in the country. He will be very tough. Plus they have Miles Sanders.

The Pitt I love always loses a couple of toss up games. I am not sure Narduzzi has been here long enough to change that culture.

I can't decide if you are this optimistic or are setting such high standards, so you can beat down Narduzzi if he fails to meet your expectations.

 

[steel_curtain]

-The Duke QB isnt even good. 16 Total TD's for the entire season in comparison to 8 INT's? He was held to under 200 passing yards in 7 games last year. He's a nobody. And the fact he has zero impact on defense, where Pitt annihilated Duke's run defense for 300 yards of run offense, helps nothing. We embarrassed this team. seriously?

-Louisville is getting preseason Top 15-25 hype. They were 8-5 last year. Pitt was beating this team 42-24 at halftime.

-If you think Syracuse, Virginia, and Virginia Tech are going to be good without talent so be it.

-the same with Barkley, who scored 3 TD's his last 10 games of the season. That's a joke.

-As far as Pitt's defense, who did we lose?

-The answer is 4 players off the entire 2 deep roster.

-Pitts at CB, Render at DT, Grigsby at LB, and Mosely Smith at NT. That's it. The entire 2 deep defense is back besides those 4.

-Who does Pitt gain?

-Dewayne Hendrix, who everyone that is tied into the program is calling an absolute animal on the d-line and is getting hyped to death. Every SEC team in the country wanted him. All of them.

-Damar Hamlin, the 2015 Pennsylvania State player of the Year at DB that Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Florida State, Florida, and just about every other power program in the country wanted.

-Keyshon Camp at DT, that had offers from Bama, USC, Oklahoma, Ohio State, and every other power program in the country. He took 5th in the entire state of Florida Powerlifting program. A 6'4 285lb DT with Elite strength.


-We dont need to bank on anything else. We have enough talent to plug the gaps with those 3.

 

[steel_curtain]

Duke's QB was a dual threat QB who was dangerous on the ground too. That's why he didn't throw for over 200 yards every game. We weren't good against running QB.

Barkley is a top 5 RB in the country. He will be very tough. Plus they have Miles Sanders.

The Pitt I love always loses a couple of toss up games. I am not sure Narduzzi has been here long enough to change that culture.

I can't decide if you are this optimistic or are setting such high standards, so you can beat down Narduzzi if he fails to meet your expectations.

-Top 5 RB in the country? He scored 7 TD's last year. Please stop posting and move over to the Penn State homer Koolaide board.

 

[rockypanther]

-The Duke QB isnt even good. 16 Total TD's for the entire season in comparison to 8 INT's? He was held to under 200 passing yards in 7 games last year. He's a nobody. And the fact he has zero impact on defense, where Pitt annihilated Duke's run defense for 300 yards of run offense, helps nothing. We embarrassed this team. seriously?

-Louisville is getting preseason Top 15-25 hype. They were 8-5 last year. Pitt was beating this team 42-24 at halftime.

-If you think Syracuse, Virginia, and Virginia Tech are going to be good without talent so be it.

-the same with Barkley, who scored 3 TD's his last 10 games of the season. That's a joke.

JJS, Connor, Whitehead, potentially Hendrix, and maybe JJS we won't be able to say as of now that we have many players that could be drafted in the next two years in the first 3 rounds. I think we have a few difference makers and some young talent that is unproven.

Arr we so much more talented than Cuse, Va Tech, Duke, OK State, and Navy that if we just show up we win?

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"steel_curtain, post: 1253787, member: 5476"]-Pitt has blown out Syracuse almost every time in the last 10 years at home. We've lost to them once in 10 years. They have come within 3 points twice of beating us on the road. We have beaten this team 45-14, 33-20, lost 17-16 on the road, 30-7, won 17-16 on the road, 37-10, and won 23-20 last year. There is nothing to even suggest this will even be a game next year since we constantly blast Syracuse outside the dome.
Agree Pitt has won all games the last 12 years, but 7 to 9 were pretty close is my point, and that is with Pitt and Cuse going with many Coaching changes too? My point and does not make you wrong either is just that Pitt and Cuse are Rivals and games are tougher and unpredictable even Pitt being 11-1? Also, I view Babers as a good coach and will have the Orange being better in 2016, but you are not wrong either, I am just more cautious and we barely beat Cuse last year without that long smart and bold coaching calls and players execution drive last year. After I see the Lineup of both Teams I may change and totally agree with your view.
Link:
http://football.stassen.com/cgi-bin...1869&end=2015&team1=Pittsburgh&team2=Syracuse

-Pitt crushed Duke last year. It wasnt even a game, 31-13 final score. We ran the ball for almost 300 yards against them. This game should be a pushover.
True again and Pitt should win this year, but Cutcliffe is still a good coach and has recruited talent that Duke has not seen in a long time and knows how to develop them. again, your prediction is not wrong, I am just waiting to see how Starters line up before calling it, so i went with TOSS UP WIN and before the Season or that game can change that to WIN?

-Pitt has beat Virginia 2 times in the last 3 years
True again, but all 3 close games that could have gone either way with QB Johns and other QBs UVA had trouble winning and developing. Bronco will have them improved on Offense and until I see it or don't see it, can't call it so easy.
Link:
http://football.stassen.com/cgi-bin...1869&end=2015&team1=Pittsburgh&team2=Virginia

-Pitt has beat Virginia Tech 3 times in the last 4 years
True again and you are not wrong in anyway. Yet, that was against Beamer that got older and was 29-23. New Coach Fuente turned Memphis Teams from 2-10 in previous years to around 2012 4-8, to 3-9, to 10-3 and 9-4, and expect he will improve VT too. Yet, again you are not wrong, I see a Toss up Win, but again Pitt won its first games last year by close games 17-13 and 21-16?

-If Pitt loses to Marshall with those player losses for Marshall we should throw the season in. Its Marshall, not Alabama who reloads every single year. Guys, we are talking about Marshall.
Agree, but Holiday has his system and coaches in place and they have gone 10-4, 13-1, and 10-3 the last 3 Years. I just say not an easy win right now and you are not wrong either. Pitt still has to show up and execute or Marshall's Holiday can Bushwhack the Panthers, there is reason why WVU is avoiding playing them?

-As for Miami, we can agree to disagree on talent levels at the current state of both programs.
And if you think Coach Richt is actually good, Ill repost the Georgia blog for you to read and how he sunk Georgia's football program the last 8 years.
Absolutely, very fair comment and Pitt should have beaten them the last 3 yaers and came close to doing it, but only won once. Richt like you say needs to rebuild his Alma Mater Program. Yet, he won big at UGA and recruited Talent but just was not good enough to win against Top SEC Teams and Coaches as much. Richt won 8th most games from 2001 until 2015, but was 13th last 5 years, and 18th last 3 years? He did that in SEC and can coach at a high level and recruit too.

-This is the most confident Ive been in the preseason about Pitt's outlook in maybe 10 years. A lot of that banks on Conner obviously, but again if he is remotely healthy, prepare for beating preseason expectations. He's that good
I agree with you 100% and have not seen it since 1982, and you are not wrong, I am just cautious due to it being just his second year and new coaches at 4 ACC Schools have hired very good coaches too, and the schedule is tougher than 2014, and Pitt won 5 close games, lost 3 close games, lost 2 blowouts games, won 2 blowouts but has a new OC with Clemson, PSU, and OKSU added in 2016?

Again, just to early for me until see the Lien-ups and Injuries that can happen in August or September? I very much appreciate and compliment your own insights and respect them very much as your other postings.

 

[rockypanther]

-Top 5 RB in the country? He scored 7 TD's last year. Please stop posting and move over to the Penn State homer Koolaide board.

I hate PSU but everytime you post you oversell everything we have and undersell everything everyone else has.
Just be objective if you are going to make lengthy prediction posts.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"LivinWell, post: 1253406, member: 2666"]Steel, don't overlook that we have an average and immobile quarterback and way below average WRs (at least right now on paper).
Agree with you plus a bad OL and OC that did not work well with Franklin and now have a New OC and New OL with bigger younger talented OL. I disagree with you on WRs they were very good last year and will better this year. Mnay Balls off the mark due to pressure by DLs and Calls, and wrong Routes and over flown balls and Coaching in fighting and QB-Franklin not liking each other or blaming each other?

Expect teams to load the box to counter the run. Think of the blitzing that Peterman may see simply to test our depth at QB.
Spot on as far as I am concern, on the other hand if OC Canada and QB Petreman are also spot on and Pitt Wide Outs are just good, Pitt can be great like Steel is predicting as well.

We shall see but many unknowns that makes me not as confident right now, and Steel is not wrong either.

Good Post by you too!

 

[steel_curtain]

I hate PSU but everytime you post you oversell everything we have and undersell everything everyone else has.
Just be objective if you are going to make lengthy prediction posts.

-If Derrick Henry played for Penn State last year, he would of scored way more than 7 friggin TD's the entire season. The same will be said for James Conner. 7 TD's for the entire season. That is laughable.

 

[Swervin27]

Not sure I agree with him being immobile. Our ol did very well protecting him, as far as concerns for this year, that is not one of them. Is not being able to stop run or a running qb should keep you up at night. A mobile qb with our backers is scary

 

[rockypanther]

-If Derrick Henry played for Penn State last year, he would of scored way more than 7 friggin TD's the entire season. The same will be said for James Conner. 7 TD's for the entire season. That is laughable.

It makes me sick to say anything positive about a PSU player. So I will stop.

I would love your prediction. Hope your right.

 

[steel_curtain]

-If Derrick Henry played for Penn State last year, he would of scored way more than 7 friggin TD's the entire season. The same will be said for James Conner. 7 TD's for the entire season. That is laughable.

-Ill cement this point with this. Penn State football is the king of NFL BUST U. They have had more busts than anyone, and a majority of them are at the running back position.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

I hate PSU but everytime you post you oversell everything we have and undersell everything everyone else has.
Just be objective if you are going to make lengthy prediction posts.

I was just in Scranton this week with many Top PSU Alumni as well as other Pennsylvania Universities Alumni and many have concerns like you have posted on Franklin's abilities to coach and it is a wait and see attitude among them with many cautious doubts, more than support shouts, and the Pitt Game could impact on his tenure or extension?

Yet, disagree on other PSU Posters that come over and express their own insights on the game on September 10th, I like reading their expectations and insights, and respect your own views at the same time too.

I agree very much on PSU overselling their Program Players and Teams and they been doing that since 1966, and under selling Pitt, and they had a competitive edge every year, but still trail on producing better Players in NCAA & NFL and the Teams had advantages when it was shown they were not in compliances with rules, laws, and regulations that treated their Playerd different from the Students and built a Top 15 Program doing it.

 

[steel_curtain]

I was just in Scranton this week with many Top PSU Alumni as well as other Pennsylvania Universities Alumni and many have concerns like you have posted on Franklin's abilities to coach and it is a wait and see attitude among them with many cautious doubts, more than support shouts, and the Pitt Game could impact on his tenure or extension?

Yet, disagree on other PSU Posters that come over and express their own insights on the game on September 10th, I like reading their expectations and insights, and respect your own views at the same time too.

I agree very much on PSU overselling their Program Players and Teams and they been doing that since 1966, and under selling Pitt, and they had a competitive edge every year, but still trail on producing better Players in NCAA & NFL and the Teams had advantages when it was shown they were not in compliances with rules, laws, and regulations that treated their Playerd different from the Students and built a Top 15 Program doing it.

-I seriously wish Penn State fans could post on this board. I dont get the need to ban all of them. There is a freedom of speech right in this country, the mods need to stop breaking the 1st amendment of the US Constitution. Let them all post here, I want to get their analysis first hand on their D-line. I went over to the scout board and they have a bunch of freshmen with weak offer sheets plugging up the 2 deep on the dline. Let all the BWI posters post over here.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

It makes me sick to say anything positive about a PSU player. So I will stop. I would love your prediction. Hope your right.

No problem talking about Good Players on any team. But Agree with you on Steel's Predictions and I have been very wrong on Pitt Predictions the last few years too, and not afraid to admit it. I am excited about the coming season and Narduzzi is a coach that wants to stay and build the Pitt Program into a Top 25 Program every year and higher!!!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"steel_curtain, post: 1254114, member: 5476"]-I seriously wish Penn State fans could post on this board. I dont get the need to ban all of them. There is a freedom of speech right in this country, the mods need to stop breaking the 1st amendment of the US Constitution. Let them all post here, I want to get their analysis first hand on their D-line. I went over to the scout board and they have a bunch of freshmen with weak offer sheets plugging up the 2 deep on the dline. Let all the BWI posters post over here.
Pitt fans have never been afraid to tell the truth about the Pitt Program, Coaches, Teams or Players and have a rich Traditional History. Like in the Book written by a Professor called "Wounded Lions". PSU has always had a confidence problem in comparing their University and Football with other Programs and especially when Pitt won the NCS 6 years before Paterno won his own.

Yet, PSU Fans have bought into the many Nittany Lies told by PSU Fans and promoted by the university that was reversed with the 2012 Reforms. When they finally learned the full truths about myth miracles not always based within the honest factual information. Penn State propensity to cover up Educational Compliances and then using Public Relations Slogans about PSU later proved to be failures! "Painting the Mice" has always been a problem at mnay great Universities and not based on realities later revealed and shocked many PSU Fans?

I don't mind giving credit to many things PSU did right in CFB but their disdain for Pitt and other Programs not acknowledging the same respect earned is their problem, and no one else anymore now they know the full truth. The Self Anointed Swagger they thought they had was a Slogan not a Truth as known now!

When I mentioned to various PSU Alums and Fans that Pitt has a Coach that can stay and build Pitt Program with the same intensity as a young Paterno, a few winced, but most agreed and all spoke well of Franklin's Recruiting, but few to none on his Coaching?

I think the BWI Posters feel the same way just not posting it!

Again, not saying you are wrong by any means, just not as confident until I see how other Coaches do with their Teams and Pitt selects its starters? But Coach Pat & Staff will continue to do a superb job on coaching and confident as you are he will make a Pitt a Top 25 Program and agree with could happen in 2016, but need more time on wait and see just for me.

 

[steel_curtain]

From Penn State's scout board regarding their D-line from one of their own fans, posted 5 minutes ago

Read the Concern from their own fanbase



"Yes, I never suggested that we haven't tried to get DTs. We simply haven't been successful at getting the top end guys who have the bodies / strength / adv. technique to step in right away.

With regard to the numbers, there's no doubt we have bodies to throw at the position. The real question is how many of the guys you mentioned will be ready to play well next fall. IMO, the fact that our staff is basically trying every bigger sized DE we have at DT tells me all we need to know. The staff is clearly far more concerned about the DT position than they are at the DE spot. They obviously know more than any of us -- so I have no reason to question the staff's choices. And, I'd add that while we saw some of our returning DEs have some good moments last year (Sickels, Brown and to a lesser extent Schwan) and know that they will be backed up by some more highly-recruited DEs (Simmons, S. Miller) -- we don't really have anyone returning at DT who's really distinguished himself on the field; nor do we have many (if any) who on paper came in with the reputation that would suggest they could step in day 1 -. Chavis' age probably gives him the best chance; but, from what I've heard, he's probably not a plug and play kind of guy. IMO, the fact that the staff has basically tried everyone other than our first/second string DEs at DT tells me that at least the staff is still scrambling to figure out a solution on the inside. And, if they don't feel confident about who we have there, they should scramble.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"steel_curtain, post: 1254147, member: 5476"]From Penn State's scout board regarding their D-line from one of their own fans, posted 5 minutes ago Read the Concern from their own fanbase

"Yes, I never suggested that we haven't tried to get DTs. We simply haven't been successful at getting the top end guys who have the bodies / strength / adv. technique to step in right away.

With regard to the numbers, there's no doubt we have bodies to throw at the position. The real question is how many of the guys you mentioned will be ready to play well next fall. IMO, the fact that our staff is basically trying every bigger sized DE we have at DT tells me all we need to know. The staff is clearly far more concerned about the DT position than they are at the DE spot. They obviously know more than any of us -- so I have no reason to question the staff's choices. And, I'd add that while we saw some of our returning DEs have some good moments last year (Sickels, Brown and to a lesser extent Schwan) and know that they will be backed up by some more highly-recruited DEs (Simmons, S. Miller) -- we don't really have anyone returning at DT who's really distinguished himself on the field; nor do we have many (if any) who on paper came in with the reputation that would suggest they could step in day 1 -. Chavis' age probably gives him the best chance; but, from what I've heard, he's probably not a plug and play kind of guy. IMO, the fact that the staff has basically tried everyone other than our first/second string DEs at DT tells me that at least the staff is still scrambling to figure out a solution on the inside. And, if they don't feel confident about who we have there, they should scramble.
Great points and Givens is being mentioned as great Player ready to play, and I wanted him at Pitt. But one guy won't be enough by the second game, they will need some time to gel, in my opinion. They are in hopes the JUCO Transfer can fill up the Defensive Tackle Spot?

I am also worried about Pitt LBs and DBs being ready for New PSU OC Moorhead Offense, but Pitt's DL & OL should be ready and that favors Pitt.

 

[OriginalEther]

Judging whether a running back is good or not by the number of touchdowns he scores is asinine.
Did LeSean McCoy have a bad game against Wvu in 2007 since he didn't score any touchdowns?

I'll also add that while I think Pitt should beat Virginia, Pitt has not fared well against them in their stadium so far.

 

[PhPanther1]

Villanova - Win 1-0. Should be a cake walk.
Penn State - Win 2-0. Should be an easy win, but PSU will score late make it look closer than it was.
Oklahoma St - Loss 2-1. They're gonna blow us off the field with their offense.
UNC - Win 3-1. They're not as good as they looked last year and big loss of Williams.
Marshall - Win 4-1. Scary win, but a wins a win.
Georgia Tech - Loss 4-2. Thomas will be too much to handle
Virginia - Win 5-2. They stink.
Virginia Tech - Win 6-2. They are rebuilding
Miami - Loss 6-3. I never feel comfortable predicting a win over a team with that many athletes.
Clemson - Loss 6-4. They're gonna blow us off the field.
Duke - Win 7-4. They stink
Syracuse - Win 8-4. They stink.

Only wins I think could be losses...UNC
Losses I think could be wins...Georgia Tech

8-4 Happy, 9-3 Super Happy. I have a hard time seeing them going 7-5 or worse.

 

[steel_curtain]

Judging whether a running back is good or not by the number of touchdowns he scores is asinine.
Did LeSean McCoy have a bad game against Wvu in 2007 since he didn't score any touchdowns?

I'll also add that while I think Pitt should beat Virginia, Pitt has not fared well against them in their stadium so far.

-LeSean McCoy scored 36 TD's in his 2 seasons at Pitt. 36.

-He's ATM. Conner is ATM. Derrick Henry is ATM. Barkely = Wannabe ATM

-Scoring TD's is all that matters since that wins the game.

 

[Swervin27]

-Ill cement this point with this. Penn State football is the king of NFL BUST U. They have had more busts than anyone, and a majority of them are at the running back position.

Yeah but they were really good in college. Dozier, Enis, kijana were 3 backs that were incredible in college. Blair Thomas was ok, no way near swervin curvin.

 

[steel_curtain]

Villanova - Win 1-0. Should be a cake walk.
Penn State - Win 2-0. Should be an easy win, but PSU will score late make it look closer than it was.
Oklahoma St - Loss 2-1. They're gonna blow us off the field with their offense.
UNC - Win 3-1. They're not as good as they looked last year and big loss of Williams.
Marshall - Win 4-1. Scary win, but a wins a win.
Georgia Tech - Loss 4-2. Thomas will be too much to handle
Virginia - Win 5-2. They stink.
Virginia Tech - Win 6-2. They are rebuilding
Miami - Loss 6-3. I never feel comfortable predicting a win over a team with that many athletes.
Clemson - Loss 6-4. They're gonna blow us off the field.
Duke - Win 7-4. They stink
Syracuse - Win 8-4. They stink.

Only wins I think could be losses...UNC
Losses I think could be wins...Georgia Tech

8-4 Happy, 9-3 Super Happy. I have a hard time seeing them going 7-5 or worse.

-Oklahoma State couldnt blow anyone off the field last year. They beat Cental Michigan 24-13, and beat the Central Arkansas State Bears 32-8. Their defense gave up 330 points last year, rock bottom in division 1 football. Oklahoma State's run defense was 97th in the country. That's how awful they were last year, and lucky. Most overrated team Ive ever seen.

 

[OriginalEther]

-LeSean McCoy scored 36 TD's in his 2 seasons at Pitt. 36.

-He's ATM. Conner is ATM. Derrick Henry is ATM. Barkely = Wannabe ATM

-Scoring TD's is all that matters since that wins the game.

But, in that game, his best that season, he scored none. Zero.
By your standard, that's a bad game.

Lots of players on the field and team are responsible for a touchdown, not just the guy who got into the end zone. Never mind what the coaches on the sideline decide. Part of the reason McCoy had so many was because Cav barely called for passing plays inside the 20.

I don't watch psu games, so I don't know how good that running back is. But if he's not good, it isn't because he only scored a certain amount of touchdowns.

 

[steel_curtain]

But, in that game, his best that season, he scored none. Zero.
By your standard, that's a bad game.

Lots of players on the field and team are responsible for a touchdown, not just the guy who got into the end zone. Never mind what the coaches on the sideline decide. Part of the reason McCoy had so many was because Cav barely called for passing plays inside the 20.

I don't watch psu games, so I don't know how good that running back is. But if he's not good, it isn't because he only scored a certain amount of touchdowns.

-Penn States offense ranked 105th in the country last year. That is what you need to know.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Yeah but they were really good in college. Dozier, Enis, kijana were 3 backs that were incredible in college. Blair Thomas was ok, no way near swervin curvin.

Yep, why Smart recruits choose Pitt, not just good in NCAA CFB, but are NFL record and Players of Years and Teams too. Millions made and millions to come from Pitt Recruits and Players Best in Pennsylvania College Football History!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

-Oklahoma State couldnt blow anyone off the field last year. They beat Cental Michigan 24-13, and beat the Central Arkansas State Bears 32-8. Their defense gave up 330 points last year, rock bottom in division 1 football. Oklahoma State's run defense was 97th in the country. That's how awful they were last year, and lucky. Most overrated team Ive ever seen.

They are almost all back with Starters except 3 from last year. Yet, I can see your points as well, and if OC/QB for Pitt are on the same page, Pitt can beat them. If Pitt is 3-0 after first three games, Pitt can go 10-2 for the season so long as no major injuries to a few key players.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

-Penn States offense ranked 105th in the country last year. That is what you need to know.

Yep, and it will take time for Moorhead's Offense too!

 

[OriginalEther]

-Penn States offense ranked 105th in the country last year. That is what you need to know.

Which is about where Pitt was in 2007. That Lesean McCoy must have really stunk.
Or maybe some of the other ten players were part of the problem.