The Steve Pederson Era...

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"JohnnyGossamer, post: 1690606, member: 3494"]Good thing Pitt went 8-4 and beat two Top 10 teams. Otherwise, we'd be gripping about attendance, stadium size/location and an AD that's no longer here. Oh, wait, never mind...sounds like you are gripping too!

No one is gripping but singing Valhalla's Hallelujah that is gone and in only one thread that you chose not to ignore and you gripe about it now too?

Do you want him back or prefer just to ignore Pederson is gone by gripping too?

 

[Piranha]

The Pitt athletic program needs less complaining and more support. Look for ways TO SUPPORT rather than looking for ways not to support. Stop looking in the rear view mirror.

 

[CorsosRevenge]

By the students

I love how you're so cynical about everything else yet take this one at face value.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Coward. Guess you'd prefer Akron at home followed up by New Hampshire and an away game at fiu. And you guys wonder why local media could care less.

Yes, i would prefer that schedule in a heartbeat. You think Ron Cook knows the difference between Stillwater and Fallingwater? Heck no, he probably won't even go to the game. The only thing he would notice is a 10-2 record and he would finally give us some good press about not having a 3 loss season.

There is no attendance or recruiting boost by playing OSU. The only way that game should be on the schedule is if PSU, ND or WVU aren't available. I'm far from a Pederson hater, but this was not one of his shining moments.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

I'd prefer discussions about Barnes, Narduzzi, future of the Pitt squad on the gridiron, the awesome new look uniforms with the retro option (though I do wish they had stripes on the pants), etc. I know that there's nothing that I can do about it. Many here aren't happy unless they're commiserating together. And, honestly, I should just let it be.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Kill Pitt football? I suggest you look at where Pitt football was the sixth years prior to his hiring and then since his hiring.

The program was on its death bed when he was hired, they are in the ACC now.

Participation in the ACC, by the way, is one thing that remains from the Peterson era, and far outweighs stadiums, uniforms, and logos in terms of importance.

Exactly. Yeah Pederson had reached his expiration date. But there was a lot of good on his watch, namely getting in the ACC and getting PSU back on the schedule. And something had to be done in 1996. When he was first hired and went to Majors last game at Pitt stadium the first thing he said was "where are all the fans?". I was at that game....you could launch a rocket attack in the stadium and chances are you wouldn't hit anyone. So the mystical on-campus stadium had zero affect in drawing fans.

Something had to be done. Whether what he did remains debatable (attendance is higher at Heinz than Pitt Stadium, but Heinz is just too big). And dropping script/Pitt wasn't too smart. But it was more than him responsible for the mediocrity (who can forget Nordy's "we thought we had earned the right to coast" quote as the Big East was being poached), especially during his second tenure.

 

[Swervin27]

Yes, i would prefer that schedule in a heartbeat. You think Ron Cook knows the difference between Stillwater and Fallingwater? Heck no, he probably won't even go to the game. The only thing he would notice is a 10-2 record and he would finally give us some good press about not having a 3 loss season.

There is no attendance or recruiting boost by playing OSU. The only way that game should be on the schedule is if PSU, ND or WVU aren't available. I'm far from a Pederson hater, but this was not one of his shining moments.

couldn't disagree with you more.. how about for pure entertainment value? Can't tell you how annoyed I get watching mickey mouse games between pitt and some small ass D1 school or worse, an fcs scrimmage on my laptop then when it's over, turn on ESPN or ABC and watch two P5 teams playing, on HDTV.. Biggest example I recall was the FIU game a few years back. Hillgrove making jokes about how the crowd consists of some students walking back to their dorms from the library and stopping to see what's going on.. Loved that.. Walked into bar and I watch this thing, cant call it an actual college game, not sure what it was. then I look over at the other tv and sure enough, there are actual D1-P5 football games..

That osu game was fun as hell to watch, until the delay of course. That psu game was an actual EVENT, people talked about it, fans were excited. I didn't have to get my laptop out to watch it.. The FCS Scrimmage was something to do after the rib cookoff, it wasn't a game, it sure as hell wasn't an event. Its ok to have bigtime college football in Pittsburgh. I know it scares some of you but don't be scared, lots of towns and cities do this every Saturday and actually find a way to enjoy it. Sure, sometimes they lose but you know what, they are ok with that.

You guys want easy matchups in front of crowds filled with parents and girlfriends, go root for a Psac team. Very good athletes, good competition.. You want P5 D1 football, then you have to play other P5 teams..

 

[CorsosRevenge]

When he was first hired and went to Majors last game at Pitt stadium the first thing he said was "where are all the fans?". I was at that game....you could launch a rocket attack in the stadium and chances are you wouldn't hit anyone. So the mystical on-campus stadium had zero affect in drawing fans.

I would say having a team that was boatraced 72-0, 54-0 and 60-6 earlier in that season did more to the attendance than the allure of beautiful and historic Pitt Stadium.

 

[Swervin27]

There is no attendance or recruiting boost by playing OSU. The only way that game should be on the schedule is if PSU, ND or WVU aren't available. I'm far from a Pederson hater, but this was not one of his shining moments.

Do me a favor, and I am dead serious about this.. Compare the feeling you get as a pitt fan when you wake up on game day and you know that pitt is playing an OSU or a PSU or IOWA and compare that feeling to when you wake up on gameday and you know pitt has a game against akron, ysu, marshall.. Leave psu out of it if you want, that has an added element..

You cant tell me there isn't a HUGE difference in how you feel.. excitement level, talking about it all week with your friends, checking out what their board has to say, matchups, their best players, Those nerves of excitement with anticipation. Now how do you feel when you wake up and pitt has FIU that day? How do you feel going into an Old Dominion game? Are you researching ODU to see who can beat us? Are you texting your friends all week, telling them that you sure hope we can stop akron's qb? Are you really going to be nervous on Friday night before the Rice game?


I am sure there are some pitt fans that will tell me they are equally excited about any game.. They are lying..

 

[GreatBear71]

Just another loss to Oklahoma state - never understood that series - two probable losses and no attendance boost or recruiting area

He was ticked at Oliver Luck so to piss him off, he scheduled Oklahoma State and Marshall

 

[OriginalEther]

Do me a favor, and I am dead serious about this.. Compare the feeling you get as a pitt fan when you wake up on game day and you know that pitt is playing an OSU or a PSU or IOWA and compare that feeling to when you wake up on gameday and you know pitt has a game against akron, ysu, marshall.. Leave psu out of it if you want, that has an added element..

You cant tell me there isn't a HUGE difference in how you feel.. excitement level, talking about it all week with your friends, checking out what their board has to say, matchups, their best players, Those nerves of excitement with anticipation. Now how do you feel when you wake up and pitt has FIU that day? How do you feel going into an Old Dominion game? Are you researching ODU to see who can beat us? Are you texting your friends all week, telling them that you sure hope we can stop akron's qb? Are you really going to be nervous on Friday night before the Rice game?


I am sure there are some pitt fans that will tell me they are equally excited about any game.. They are lying..

Well, you have to be smart about it.
I don't want to see the Baylor plan or the nc state plan where you play nobody ooc. But I also don't want to see four bcs teams on the slate either.....that's competitive suicide.

I just think it's funny in that the people griping about Oklahoma State are likely the same folks roasting Pederson for not pursuing that neutral site game against Alabama a few years ago. Or would be happy if the osu Pitt was playing was Ohio State.

 

[Swervin27]

Well, you have to be smart about it.
I don't want to see the Baylor plan or the nc state plan where you play nobody ooc. But I also don't want to see four bcs teams on the slate either.....that's competitive suicide.

I just think it's funny in that the people griping about Oklahoma State are likely the same folks roasting Pederson for not pursuing that neutral site game against Alabama a few years ago. Or would be happy if the osu Pitt was playing was Ohio State.

There is a balance of course. I love OOC P5 competition but even I don't want to see bama, Michigan, Oklahoma and Florida on our schedule.. Big time event is one thing, committing suicide is another. Our schedule last year was awesome, minus the fcs scrimmage of course. Marshall being our cupcake, and they aren't really a cupcake caliber program, I like that. Get rid of the fcs garbage, keep two good (But not great) P5 OOC games, give me the MAC buy-a-win at home, maybe a decent mid-major home and home and I am happy.

The fans on here that want to schedule down to manufacture that better record makes me sick. Those same fans are the ones complaining about 35k fans in the seats I am sure or how boring and stale game day atmosphere is at Heinz, overlooking the fact that no on on the planet cares about akron or villanova or Albany.

 

[CorsosRevenge]

I have no issue with who is on the schedule but instead they're laid out. We should have opened the season against PSU - since neither team looked particularly interested in its opening game - and then played Villanova, followed by Okie State.

 

[Swervin27]

I have no issue with who is on the schedule but instead of they're laid out. We should have opened the season against PSU - since neither team looked particularly interested in its opening game - and then played Villanova, followed by Okie State.

think the coaches prefer that warm up scrimmage first game.. I'd like to see the NCAA get rid of fcs games, or at least not allow them to count towards bowl eligibility. In replace of, maybe allow some inter-scrimmages in summer camp, similar to how the NFL does it.. Spend a day or two with pitt scrimmaging and practicing against a YSU. that would be a nice break in summer camp I think, beneficial to both sides..

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Do me a favor, and I am dead serious about this.. Compare the feeling you get as a pitt fan when you wake up on game day and you know that pitt is playing an OSU or a PSU or IOWA and compare that feeling to when you wake up on gameday and you know pitt has a game against akron, ysu, marshall.. Leave psu out of it if you want, that has an added element..

You cant tell me there isn't a HUGE difference in how you feel.. excitement level, talking about it all week with your friends, checking out what their board has to say, matchups, their best players, Those nerves of excitement with anticipation. Now how do you feel when you wake up and pitt has FIU that day? How do you feel going into an Old Dominion game? Are you researching ODU to see who can beat us? Are you texting your friends all week, telling them that you sure hope we can stop akron's qb? Are you really going to be nervous on Friday night before the Rice game?


I am sure there are some pitt fans that will tell me they are equally excited about any game.. They are lying..

ok, then do me me a favor. Compare the feeling you have watching PSU be in the top 10 and playoff discussion, while we are a fringe top 25 team and know the main reason PSU is where they are at and Pitt is where we are at is because the strength of schedule.

So I will gladly trade how I feel now for waking up on a Saturday going to see Pitt play Villanova.

 

[Swervin27]

ok, then do me me a favor. Compare the feeling you have watching PSU be in the top 10 and playoff discussion, while we are a fringe top 25 team and know the main reason PSU is where they are at and Pitt is where we are at is because the strength of schedule.

So I will gladly trade how I feel now for waking up on a Saturday going to see Pitt play Villanova.

PSU is where they are because they beat tosu.. So let me get this straight. You think if you sub out the osu game for temple or Kent state (psu's ooc opponents) and we win, we are in the top 10? we still lost to unc, we still lost to va tech, we still got our asses handed to us by Miami.. So we are 9-3 with a win against kent state over ok state, so maybe we are ranked 22 instead of 25.. I will give you that. We are still looking at the same tier bowls, we are still out of any running for the coastal but yeah, our ranking is a tad higher. So you want to trade a great, exciting, OOC matchup with a boring ass, buy-a-win for that? really?

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

PSU is where they are because they beat tosu.. So let me get this straight. You think if you sub out the osu game for temple or Kent state (psu's ooc opponents) and we win, we are in the top 10? we still lost to unc, we still lost to va tech, we still got our asses handed to us by Miami.. So we are 9-3 with a win against kent state over ok state, so maybe we are ranked 22 instead of 25.. I will give you that. We are still looking at the same tier bowls, we are still out of any running for the coastal but yeah, our ranking is a tad higher. So you want to trade a great, exciting, OOC matchup with a boring ass, buy-a-win for that? really?

You are forgetting that the UNC game came immediately after PSU & OSU. In blazing heat 3 weeks in a row. So I think if after PSU we played Kent, then played UNC, yeah maybe we are 10-2 and with a win against Clemson (similar to PSU win against O$U) then we are Top 10.

So I say bring on the cupcakes! Oklahoma State does nothing for me in a year when we play PSU, ND or WVU.

 

[Swervin27]

You are forgetting that the UNC game came immediately after PSU & OSU. In blazing heat 3 weeks in a row. So I think if after PSU we played Kent, then played UNC, yeah maybe we are 10-2 and with a win against Clemson (similar to PSU win against O$U) then we are Top 10.

So I say bring on the cupcakes! Oklahoma State does nothing for me in a year when we play PSU, ND or WVU.

a debatable point, ease up on the OOC to rest up for the conference games.. OK, fair point. I could say that a strong OOC schedule gets you ready for the conference games by playing equally if not more talented teams but it's an argument that neither of us can win or lose..

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

a debatable point, ease up on the OOC to rest up for the conference games.. OK, fair point. I could say that a strong OOC schedule gets you ready for the conference games by playing equally if not more talented teams but it's an argument that neither of us can win or lose..

hey I don't want a Baylor or Minnesota OOC that plays no one. But when most P5's only schedule one other P5 OOC, then it puts us behind the 8-ball right from the start by playing 2.

 

[CrazyPaco]

I love how you're so cynical about everything else yet take this one at face value.

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/...-the-Pitt-fans-singalong/stories/201011260183

 

[CorsosRevenge]

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/...-the-Pitt-fans-singalong/stories/201011260183

Right. And Ben Howland was "discovered" one day when Pederson just so happened onto a Northern Arizona-Cincinnati NCAA game on TV. It wasn't Sonny Vaccaro calling and saying, "I know a guy..."

 

[Swervin27]

hey I don't want a Baylor or Minnesota OOC that plays no one. But when most P5's only schedule one other P5 OOC, then it puts us behind the 8-ball right from the start by playing 2.

big 10 schools do it because they are playing a 9 conference schedule

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

I'd prefer discussions about Barnes, Narduzzi, future of the Pitt squad on the gridiron, the awesome new look uniforms with the retro option (though I do wish they had stripes on the pants), etc. I know that there's nothing that I can do about it. Many here aren't happy unless they're commiserating together. And, honestly, I should just let it be.

Agree......but consider this point too. If many say a Head Coach has to be given 4 to 5 years to build his own Players into Teams this also applies to Athletic Directors past and present!

The very factors Coach Narduzzi & Staff inherited such as Recruiting, Scheduling, and dealing with Boosters Contribution has Pederson's Poison still in the Pitt System since 2014? It is still infecting Pitt Football Program.

Barnes was only brought in last year too, and dealing with rebuilding the Pitt Athletic Department also with much remnants of Pederson's Poison like the Pitt Script Logo Return, Recruiting Staff Vacancies caused much by Pederson's putting Pitt Money in his own Pockets far above what he deserved selfishly I might add, Scheduling the next 6 years, and rebuilding Season Tickets, Bowl Relationships, and Boosters, Studnets, and Fan support!

In fact, the Pederson's Poison Legacy among Fans, National Perspective, and inner Athletic Department Deficiencies require more time to turn around, rebuild, and plan for the future than a New Head Football Coach!

Coach Pat & Staff have changed the Attitudes of Pitt Players & provided by better Coaching, Game Plans and bringing in Recruiting Talent the last two years easier. than what the University & Athletic Department still has to do?

Chancellor Gallagher & Athletic Director Barnes has to change many more aspects of the How the Pitt Football Program must be reorganized and changed, is relating to others Programs, being viewed Locally, State-Wide, and Nationally, and must seek support in the stands and going to bowl games?

Steve Pederson left many negative feeling among Pitt Alumni, Students, and Fans for his Ego Driven Stubborn Selfish Purposes and did it over 19 years with much Pederson's Poison and trickle of Myopic Supports that praised him South of Oakland and that is far harder to overcome in just 2 years?

Moving on is fine to say and no question must be today, but Pederson's Poison for Profits for his own Pockets still has Pederson Smiling counting his Pitt Money laughing to his Bank.

While Pitt has to rebuild from the ground up on Pederson's Poison Soil for years to come? New People that care about Pitt Winning instead of themselves are going to take more years to reverse Pederson's 19 years?

Pederson may be gone but the smell is from his smiley face manure is far harder to overcome and not as easy to blow away as you pose, and Pitt still has a few loser's that think Pitt cannot rebuild and blame others that live in Highland Park & South of Oakland!

it takes time to shovel up the ship and replace such smells by believing in bigger and better winning and still have to step over Pederson's Pockets of manure left over at Pitt!

 

[CrazyPaco]

Right. And Ben Howland was "discovered" one day when Pederson just so happened onto a Northern Arizona-Cincinnati NCAA game on TV. It wasn't Sonny Vaccaro calling and saying, "I know a guy..."

When people are so wrapped up into their self-conceived narratives that they can't even accept third party documentation of the facts of the otherwise well known origins of how that song began to be played, then there is really is nothing left to do than to hit the ignore button.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Right. And Ben Howland was "discovered" one day when Pederson just so happened onto a Northern Arizona-Cincinnati NCAA game on TV. It wasn't Sonny Vaccaro calling and saying, "I know a guy..."

Exactly, and Howland left Pitt when Pederson did too, both were fired and took a while for someone to hire Howland and Pederson is still unemployed as a way to cover his failure by calling himself a Consultant?

Pederson's Poison within Pitt on Scheduling, Poor Support, and Post Script Manure still lingers in the Pitt Athletic System and outside of Pitt requiring years to removes, not just 2 years.

Go to the Nebraska Boards and see how the Pederson Poison Manure Smells still linger there and that smell has been perfumes for over 10 years to overcome by Big Red Fans that hate their own Pederson Alum?

Pederson may move from Pittsburgh, but his left over odor will follow Pederson to Cleveland. Pitt is lucky some folks in Youngstown will put up more Narduzzi Fans to remove it from Pitt.

Only South of Oakland with a one resident in Highland Park is upset he can't smell Pederson anymore!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

When people are so wrapped up into their self-conceived narratives that they can't even accept third party documentation of the facts of the otherwise well known origins of how that song began to be played, then there is really is nothing left to do than to hit the ignore button.

Yeah, this is coming from a so-called educator that curses because he doesn't have the words to say what's on his mind. Yet, was never invited to the Prince Andrew Dinner on Marshall Scholarships in 2003. In addition, CP embarrassed himself about not knowing how Rhodes Scholarships actually work as well as claimed only he knows about Research Universities.

The only manure came from Crazy Paco Own Mouth and still he can't ignore his own ignorance and arrogance as he spouts back on him!

 

[Swervin27]

me and my kids like Sweet Caroline. for my 8 year old little girl, it's the funnest part of the game. Me and my little man were in the club last game, actually went outside at end of 3rd for Neil diamond then went back inside to drink more beer. Me, not him..

 

[OriginalEther]

me and my kids like Sweet Caroline. for my 8 year old little girl, it's the funnest part of the game. Me and my little man were in the club last game, actually went outside at end of 3rd for Neil diamond then went back inside to drink more beer. Me, not him..

It's the one time the stadium gets loud. Hell, our section on road games gets pretty loud if the band is around to play it.
I've never understood the vitriol some have for it here.

 

[OriginalEther]

You are forgetting that the UNC game came immediately after PSU & OSU. In blazing heat 3 weeks in a row. So I think if after PSU we played Kent, then played UNC, yeah maybe we are 10-2 and with a win against Clemson (similar to PSU win against O$U) then we are Top 10.

So I say bring on the cupcakes! Oklahoma State does nothing for me in a year when we play PSU, ND or WVU.

I don't buy that Pitt lost to north Carolina because they played ok st the week before.
I will concede that playing ok st the week after psu probably didn't help Pitts chances, but it's not like Pitt has ever lost to an inferior program anyways.

 

[CorsosRevenge]

When people are so wrapped up into their self-conceived narratives that they can't even accept third party documentation of the facts of the otherwise well known origins of how that song began to be played, then there is really is nothing left to do than to hit the ignore button.

Awwwww.

Dissent is hard.

Unless you were there you have zero frame of reference other than what was parroted to a reporter, and we all know those people are impossible to trick.

 

[OriginalEther]

think the coaches prefer that warm up scrimmage first game.. I'd like to see the NCAA get rid of fcs games, or at least not allow them to count towards bowl eligibility. In replace of, maybe allow some inter-scrimmages in summer camp, similar to how the NFL does it.. Spend a day or two with pitt scrimmaging and practicing against a YSU. that would be a nice break in summer camp I think, beneficial to both sides..

The fcs games are what they are. I actually had a blast at the Delaware game a few years ago.
Too many people, though, want those games. They aren't going away, for better or for worse.
Personally, I'd like to see an exhibition game added for those teams. Or, for schools like Pitt that won't draw against those teams, one against another fans school. Coaches get their warm-up, fcs schools get their money, fans who like blowouts get their sacrifice, etc. Doubt it will happen though.

 

[CrazyPaco]

It's the one time the stadium gets loud. Hell, our section on road games gets pretty loud if the band is around to play it.
I've never understood the vitriol some have for it here.

It is the only time Pitt's crowds resemble an actual, unified college fan base. You don't even get the volume and unison with "P...I...T...T...P..I..T..T...Let's Go Pitt" or "Allegheny Genac Genac Genac" after game clinching touchdowns. The stadium can't put together a unified "Let's Go Pitt" cheer if its life depended on it and forget about asking people to wear shirts of the same color. The students asked for it, 9 years later the students still want it, and it is really the only thing the majority of a Pitt crowd participates in. Regardless of whether you like the song or not, you'd have to be an absolute moron to get rid of it as an in-game gimmick unless it dies out on its own.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Dissent is hard.

I don't know about that. Anyone who reads this board ought to know that at least dumb dissent is pretty easy.

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

I love how you're so cynical about everything else yet take this one at face value.

I do.
Because it's true... they literally had a meeting and voted on it .

 

[beiglepanther]

Do me a favor, and I am dead serious about this.. Compare the feeling you get as a pitt fan when you wake up on game day and you know that pitt is playing an OSU or a PSU or IOWA and compare that feeling to when you wake up on gameday and you know pitt has a game against akron, ysu, marshall.. Leave psu out of it if you want, that has an added element..

You cant tell me there isn't a HUGE difference in how you feel.. excitement level, talking about it all week with your friends, checking out what their board has to say, matchups, their best players, Those nerves of excitement with anticipation. Now how do you feel when you wake up and pitt has FIU that day? How do you feel going into an Old Dominion game? Are you researching ODU to see who can beat us? Are you texting your friends all week, telling them that you sure hope we can stop akron's qb? Are you really going to be nervous on Friday night before the Rice game?

I feel,the same either way.

I am sure there are some pitt fans that will tell me they are equally excited about any game.. They are lying..

I feel the same either way

 

[NTOP]

Rank these three men according to their negative impact on Pitt football: Litchfield, Bozik and Pederson. I think Litchfield edges out Pederson.

Bozik took us from the palace to the outhouse.

 

[beiglepanther]

Get rid of Ok St, this year substitute Purdue, Iowa St, Vandy, Kent St. Akron, we are 9-3 probably ranked 18 or 19 and looking at a ten win Season.

 

[SVPanther]

1. Saved the Pitt Football program from the likelihood of extinction.
2. Hired Walt Harris who worked under miserable conditions yet not only resuscitated the program, but made the team nationally competitive.
3. Built the premier college basketball arena in America.
4. Hired Ben Howland who led Pitt basketball to becoming a national power.
5. Saved all Pitt athletics by cutting deal with ESPN to get us into the ACC when we were so close to being relegated to the AAC.
6. No scandals.
Best Pitt AD in my lifetime.

 

[HailtoPitt]

2. Hired Walt Harris who worked under miserable conditions yet not only resuscitated the program, but made the team nationally competitive.

What miserable conditions? Funny how those conditions allowed for a middle of the pack coach to achieve some success.

 

[SVPanther]

What miserable conditions? Funny how those conditions allowed for a middle of the pack coach to achieve some success.

A Board of Trustees indifferent to the continuation of Pitt Football, Pitt Stadium, dismal facilities, small budget, office in basement of stadium. Seems miserable to me.