Thoughts on Pitt Football

[pittmeister]

First of all, the hell with the BC game. We all saw it and it was depressing. Let’s talk about the future:

*I’d rather Pitt pass on the bowl game. They will give a half-hearted effort; a lot of the players won’t play because they’re going to go pro or transfer. There is no playing for pride and your alma mater anymore.

*There are no answers coming in the form of new recruits. Unfortunately, one or two may decommit and the rest isn’t anything to get excited about.

*There will be some players that are going to leave that will upset us. So, brace yourself. There will be a big effort to hold on to the top players. I believe that Holstein comes back along with Kyle Louis, but they won’t hang on to everybody. I think Reid is gone.

*Finally, no matter how many preposterous suggestions you make concerning how to handle Narduzzi, HE IS NOT GOING TO BE FIRED. No matter how much you yell, scream, threaten or beg, it won’t happen for a few reasons. Even if we’re all unhappy with the situation, it won’t change.

So, what can be done to help Pitt?

*You need better players. If you get better players, then you’ll get the same coach you had in 2021. Period.

*In order to get better players, you need money. To get better coaches, you need money. There is no other way. All the recruiting pitches like facilities, attendance, academics, playing time, won’t cut it anymore. That’s the reality, accept it. Under the present circumstance (lack of cash), Pitt could hire Kirby Smart, and you’ll still get 7-5.

*The best thing that Pitt can do is use the money that they have wisely. Buying out contracts, building on campus stadiums and paying unproductive players is a bad use of funds.

A. Pay the difference makers first.

B. Identify good players in the portal and make a pitch for them. Let the selfish malcontents go.

C. Keep the players that have heart and want to play (Fitzsimmons).

D. Donate, attend games and buy tickets and merchandise directly from Pitt.

That is the best that Pitt can do.

 

[bobfree]

You're right. Narduzzi isn't getting fired.

But the program isn't worth following till he's gone.

Programs either have success, or hope, or optimism of someone new. We have none of that.

 

[pittmeister]

You're right. Narduzzi isn't getting fired.

But the program isn't worth following till he's gone.

Programs either have success, or hope, or optimism of someone new. We have none of that.

If he’s gone and the situation stays the same, I firmly believe no matter what coach you bring in the results will be the same. If we get better players, we’ll get back to 11-2.

Ryan Day is a 7-5 coach who has better players.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

You're right. Narduzzi isn't getting fired.

But the program isn't worth following till he's gone.

Programs either have success, or hope, or optimism of someone new. We have none of that.

He deserves 1 more year with this new offense. But the seat has to be scorching hot. He has burnt up any good will. There has to be a come to Jesus with Green and certain conditions have to be met or a change will be made (Top 20 finish, at least 9 wins, win over WVU or ND). I don't care if the entire O-line gets hurt for the year riding the Pittsburgh Plunge at their annual Kennywood trip. A 7-5 finish is grounds for termination. No excuses accepted.

 

[Islanderpanther]

First of all, the hell with the BC game. We all saw it and it was depressing. Let’s talk about the future:

*I’d rather Pitt pass on the bowl game. They will give a half-hearted effort; a lot of the players won’t play because they’re going to go pro or transfer. There is no playing for pride and your alma mater anymore.

*There are no answers coming in the form of new recruits. Unfortunately, one or two may decommit and the rest isn’t anything to get excited about.

*There will be some players that are going to leave that will upset us. So, brace yourself. There will be a big effort to hold on to the top players. I believe that Holstein comes back along with Kyle Louis, but they won’t hang on to everybody. I think Reid is gone.

*Finally, no matter how many preposterous suggestions you make concerning how to handle Narduzzi, HE IS NOT GOING TO BE FIRED. No matter how much you yell, scream, threaten or beg, it won’t happen for a few reasons. Even if we’re all unhappy with the situation, it won’t change.

So, what can be done to help Pitt?

*You need better players. If you get better players, then you’ll get the same coach you had in 2021. Period.

*In order to get better players, you need money. To get better coaches, you need money. There is no other way. All the recruiting pitches like facilities, attendance, academics, playing time, won’t cut it anymore. That’s the reality, accept it. Under the present circumstance (lack of cash), Pitt could hire Kirby Smart, and you’ll still get 7-5.

*The best thing that Pitt can do is use the money that they have wisely. Buying out contracts, building on campus stadiums and paying unproductive players is a bad use of funds.

A. Pay the difference makers first.

B. Identify good players in the portal and make a pitch for them. Let the selfish malcontents go.

C. Keep the players that have heart and want to play (Fitzsimmons).

D. Donate, attend games and buy tickets and merchandise directly from Pitt.

That is the best that Pitt can do.

Good luck with D…”.hey, guys, notwithstanding 10 years of evidence that this HC is mediocre and has totally flopped the last 2 years, open your wallets and invest in Duzz, his iPad and his impregnable defense.“ Great selling pitch!

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

If he’s gone and the situation stays the same, I firmly believe no matter what coach you bring in the results will be the same. If we get better players, we’ll get back to 11-2.

Ryan Day is a 7-5 coach who has better players.

He has given up on local recruiting. That was truly the only chance to get the high rated 4 star type players that make a difference (Larry Fitzgerald isn't walking through the door anymore). So now, we get locals like Yuhas & Shep Turk that are pursued by G5 teams more so than P4. National recruiting, the bulk of the recruiting, seems to be going after kids in states that OSU or Georgia aren't interested in and hope they blossom. And if they blossom early in their senior years, they take offers from bigger programs.

So where and how are we getting better players?

 

[pittizit]

Fire him that will install some sense of hope regardless of the price regardless of who

 

[pittmeister]

Good luck with D…”.hey, guys, notwithstanding 10 years of evidence that this HC is mediocre and has totally flopped the last 2 years, open your wallets and invest in Duzz, his iPad and his impregnable defense.“ Great selling pitch!

Tell you what….. Why don’t you volunteer to pay the rest of Narduzzi’s contract? Then, you can pay for the next coaches contract. While you’re at it, can you kick in more money for better players. That’ll help!

 

[pittmeister]

Fire him that will install some sense of hope regardless of the price regardless of who

Same answer I gave to Island….
Volunteer to pay the rest of Narduzzi’s contract? Then, you can pay for the next coaches contract. While you’re at it, can you kick in more money for better players. It’s not that easy. Use the money for better players

 

[CrazyPaco]

First of all, the hell with the BC game. We all saw it and it was depressing. Let’s talk about the future:

*I’d rather Pitt pass on the bowl game. They will give a half-hearted effort; a lot of the players won’t play because they’re going to go pro or transfer. There is no playing for pride and your alma mater anymore.

*There are no answers coming in the form of new recruits. Unfortunately, one or two may decommit and the rest isn’t anything to get excited about.

*There will be some players that are going to leave that will upset us. So, brace yourself. There will be a big effort to hold on to the top players. I believe that Holstein comes back along with Kyle Louis, but they won’t hang on to everybody. I think Reid is gone.

*Finally, no matter how many preposterous suggestions you make concerning how to handle Narduzzi, HE IS NOT GOING TO BE FIRED. No matter how much you yell, scream, threaten or beg, it won’t happen for a few reasons. Even if we’re all unhappy with the situation, it won’t change.

So, what can be done to help Pitt?

*You need better players. If you get better players, then you’ll get the same coach you had in 2021. Period.

*In order to get better players, you need money. To get better coaches, you need money. There is no other way. All the recruiting pitches like facilities, attendance, academics, playing time, won’t cut it anymore. That’s the reality, accept it. Under the present circumstance (lack of cash), Pitt could hire Kirby Smart, and you’ll still get 7-5.

*The best thing that Pitt can do is use the money that they have wisely. Buying out contracts, building on campus stadiums and paying unproductive players is a bad use of funds.

A. Pay the difference makers first.

B. Identify good players in the portal and make a pitch for them. Let the selfish malcontents go.

C. Keep the players that have heart and want to play (Fitzsimmons).

D. Donate, attend games and buy tickets and merchandise directly from Pitt.

That is the best that Pitt can do.

Everyone on this board knows the deal with college football today. The problem is that there aren't enough people that care to have skin in Pitt's game. You'll see post after post making excuses as to why they won't, even when Pitt was 7-0, instead of rallying around fixing the problems like fans of the big boy programs do. Many of the same ones crying for buying better coaching or on-field talent are the same boasting about how they won't help. There are loyal sons, and those submerged in the delusion that they are.

 

[pittmeister]

There’s the way things should be, and then there’s the way things are. You have to deal in reality. So you look at the problem and then come up with a plan…

Let me break it down another way… You got $200 bucks:

Buy out contact: $150
New coach’s contract $175
Total: $325

Better players: $200.

Which is the better invest with Pitt’s resources?

Unless there is a larger revenue stream on the way (larger donations) Those are your choices.

 

[Las Panteras]

When Pitt got to 6-0, i changed my tune on NIL and decided to donate.

I am not a whale....but im not the last guy on the bus, either.

There have to be a number of high dollar donors that are asking why they should keep throwing money at this program and more specifically, this coach.

A lot of posters here remain stuck in the 90's.....thinking Pitt cant afford to buy out Narduzzis contract and as such he will stick around.

I got news for you. If the donors are pissed and NIL cheddar dries up, Narduzzi will be fired by Selection Sunday.

 

[Cap pitt]

Pitt returns to their former 2023 glory

 

[OhioPanther99]

First of all, the hell with the BC game. We all saw it and it was depressing. Let’s talk about the future:

*I’d rather Pitt pass on the bowl game. They will give a half-hearted effort; a lot of the players won’t play because they’re going to go pro or transfer. There is no playing for pride and your alma mater anymore.

*There are no answers coming in the form of new recruits. Unfortunately, one or two may decommit and the rest isn’t anything to get excited about.

*There will be some players that are going to leave that will upset us. So, brace yourself. There will be a big effort to hold on to the top players. I believe that Holstein comes back along with Kyle Louis, but they won’t hang on to everybody. I think Reid is gone.

*Finally, no matter how many preposterous suggestions you make concerning how to handle Narduzzi, HE IS NOT GOING TO BE FIRED. No matter how much you yell, scream, threaten or beg, it won’t happen for a few reasons. Even if we’re all unhappy with the situation, it won’t change.

So, what can be done to help Pitt?

*You need better players. If you get better players, then you’ll get the same coach you had in 2021. Period.

*In order to get better players, you need money. To get better coaches, you need money. There is no other way. All the recruiting pitches like facilities, attendance, academics, playing time, won’t cut it anymore. That’s the reality, accept it. Under the present circumstance (lack of cash), Pitt could hire Kirby Smart, and you’ll still get 7-5.

*The best thing that Pitt can do is use the money that they have wisely. Buying out contracts, building on campus stadiums and paying unproductive players is a bad use of funds.

A. Pay the difference makers first.

B. Identify good players in the portal and make a pitch for them. Let the selfish malcontents go.

C. Keep the players that have heart and want to play (Fitzsimmons).

D. Donate, attend games and buy tickets and merchandise directly from Pitt.

That is the best that Pitt can do.

By "going Pro", do you mean starting their post college careers? I'm sorry, but other than Sauls, there aren't any professional football players on this team.

 

[Cap pitt]

My thought on Pitt football, fa ged a boud it, it’s basketball time

 

[pittmeister]

By "going Pro", do you mean starting their post college careers? I'm sorry, but other than Sauls, there aren't any professional football players on this team.

Some think they are….It doesn’t matter what we think. Their “handlers”, parents and agents may think they are pros…

 

[Cap pitt]

By "going Pro", do you mean starting their post college careers? I'm sorry, but other than Sauls, there aren't any professional football players on this team.

Look for a lot of transfers

 

[OhioPanther99]

Look for a lot of transfers

That's fine. Many would be better off at a lower division of football.

 

[Islanderpanther]

Tell you what….. Why don’t you volunteer to pay the rest of Narduzzi’s contract? Then, you can pay for the next coaches contract. While you’re at it, can you kick in more money for better players. That’ll help!

Oh, I see, due to the buyout we should like you, play dumb, and just pretend Narduzzi can coach.

Look, the bleak financial situation, created by the dunce who was the prior AD, doesn’t alter the fact that the current HC is done….just a matter of time. He’ll just continue to muddle along like he has the last 10 years, and people like you will use his mediocre results, created by his incompetence, as evidence of Pitt’s ceiling as a FB program.

They should hire a HC in waiting and make Narduzzi the program’s figurehead with no decision making authority in return for keeping the lodestone. He can just stand on the sidelines look at his iPad, bluster and spit out his gum on the sideline and babble on in pre and post game press conferences. Otherwise, people will refuse to donate going forward just to expedite his demise.

 

[pittbb80]

First of all, the hell with the BC game. We all saw it and it was depressing. Let’s talk about the future:

*I’d rather Pitt pass on the bowl game. They will give a half-hearted effort; a lot of the players won’t play because they’re going to go pro or transfer. There is no playing for pride and your alma mater anymore.

*There are no answers coming in the form of new recruits. Unfortunately, one or two may decommit and the rest isn’t anything to get excited about.

*There will be some players that are going to leave that will upset us. So, brace yourself. There will be a big effort to hold on to the top players. I believe that Holstein comes back along with Kyle Louis, but they won’t hang on to everybody. I think Reid is gone.

*Finally, no matter how many preposterous suggestions you make concerning how to handle Narduzzi, HE IS NOT GOING TO BE FIRED. No matter how much you yell, scream, threaten or beg, it won’t happen for a few reasons. Even if we’re all unhappy with the situation, it won’t change.

So, what can be done to help Pitt?

*You need better players. If you get better players, then you’ll get the same coach you had in 2021. Period.

*In order to get better players, you need money. To get better coaches, you need money. There is no other way. All the recruiting pitches like facilities, attendance, academics, playing time, won’t cut it anymore. That’s the reality, accept it. Under the present circumstance (lack of cash), Pitt could hire Kirby Smart, and you’ll still get 7-5.

*The best thing that Pitt can do is use the money that they have wisely. Buying out contracts, building on campus stadiums and paying unproductive players is a bad use of funds.

A. Pay the difference makers first.

B. Identify good players in the portal and make a pitch for them. Let the selfish malcontents go.

C. Keep the players that have heart and want to play (Fitzsimmons).

D. Donate, attend games and buy tickets and merchandise directly from Pitt.

That is the best that Pitt can do.

Solid post

My comments

Reid would be crazy if he played another down or college football. He showed he can be electric at a high level. Another year anywhere and he risks getting injured and playing at the next level. I think he declares for the draft which is the right thing to do. He could have a long career in the nfl as a change of pace third down back

I think they have that talent on the defensive side of ball to win next year. They were young on the Dl and those guys should improve. They were not quite ready this year but they showed some promise I don’t think they need to add a lot on defense

Offense is where they need to add talent especially on the OL. If all they did was add OL to allow the offense to run the ball a bit and keep the QBs from getting killed every other play this offense will be pretty good

They also need to pick up a wr as well. Kenny Johnson looks like he’s progressing The loss of Lee hurt as aside from Mumfield he was the only other receiver who showed promise.

With Reid gone they need to address RB as well

Regarding Duzz 2025 is make or break. If they improve hell get 2026. If they have another year like this he’s gone

Finally regarding support. IMO Pitt’s years of not investing in the program are dooming back to haunt them. They had great momentum in the 70s and early 80s and
Failed to capitalize on the momentum. Terrible replacements following Jackie doomed the program. As a result pitt
Never grew a loyal fan base. Even when the team shows promise the stadium is half empty not. Heck hoops isn’t much different. The crowd at Pitt hoops games are mot
Great considering how good and entertaining the team has been.

So while donations from the fan base certainly help that’s not going to
Move the needle. They need Big money albums to donate and that has not been happening. Pitt’s big money guys don’t care like the blue blood programs. Maybe the new AD can change that well see

But until that happens Pitt is a program that can strike lightning in a bottle from time to time but for the most part will be a 7-8 win program. It’s why I no longer get too bent out of shape when the bottom falls out like this year. I enjoy the highs (the 7-0 start, the ACC championship etc) and am prepared for
The lows At the begging of this year most didn’t think this team would win 7 games. Holstein was an unknown and many panned the dude as a Bama cast off. So staring 7-0 was a big step up. Sadly the bottom fell out with injuries So get the disappointment but at the same time there was clearly progress from last year and some nice talent to build off of. We’ll find out if. Duzz can keep enough of the good players and get
Some help in the portal to improve next year

 

[kma0043]

Reid had issues staying healthy going from FCS to FBS. He will have issues in the nfl. Hate saying it cuz I really like him, but he appears fragile.

 

[PittPharm2002]

If he’s gone and the situation stays the same, I firmly believe no matter what coach you bring in the results will be the same. If we get better players, we’ll get back to 11-2.

Ryan Day is a 7-5 coach who has better players.

That’s why we need a new coach
Pat hasn’t recruited well for a very long time

 

[forbesfield]

It all boils down to money, and every team except Oregon and Texas seems to think that they don't have enough of it.

 

[jtownknowitall]

Having more money would probably just lead to paying the same players more money.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Let's stop with the injuries being an excuse. Kind of like when Hillgrove would always say we are a young team (there is change every year in college)

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

Let's stop with the injuries being an excuse. Kind of like when Hillgrove would always say we are a young team (there is change every year in college)

View embedded media

I wish I could like this a million times. This was absolutely NOT a team that was decimated by injuries. Like, where is this narrative even coming from? Every team in America has lost guys due to injuries. That's how it goes.

Most of these guys weren't expected to win starting spots, or weren't considerably better than their backups, anyway. I just watched Virgina Tech steamroll its rival last night with the 3rd or 4th QB they've used this season.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

I wish I could like this a million times. This was absolutely NOT a team that was decimated by injuries. Like, where is this narrative even coming from? Every team in America has lost guys due to injuries. That's how it goes.

Most of these guys weren't expected to win starting spots, or weren't considerably better than their backups, anyway. I just watched Virgina Tech steamroll its rival last night with the 3rd or 4th QB they've used this season.

look no further than the 2022 sun bowl Pitt team that had a ton of opt outs and still won that game

 

[PittPharm2002]

Let's stop with the injuries being an excuse. Kind of like when Hillgrove would always say we are a young team (there is change every year in college)

View embedded media

Yep
And defense stunk except for 2.5 games mid season .

 

[JD1976]

The defensive personnel is good enough to win big, so long as the offense that we saw early in the season returns. If Pitt is going to win 8-9 next year and be a Top 4 ACC team, then Holstein and Reid need to be paid to stay and then use the other NIL resources to grab a good WR (probably someone on Mumpfield’s level is realistic) and then fix the OL to fit whatever Bell wants to do. I don’t see 2025 as make or break at all despite how this season ended.

 

[PittPharm2002]

The defensive personnel is good enough to win big, so long as the offense that we saw early in the season returns. If Pitt is going to win 8-9 next year and be a Top 4 ACC team, then Holstein and Reid need to be paid to stay and then use the other NIL resources to grab a good WR (probably someone on Mumpfield’s level is realistic) and then fix the OL to fit whatever Bell wants to do. I don’t see 2025 as make or break at all despite how this season ended.

But the defense stunk the beginning and end of the season .
Played a great half against cal.
Won the Cuse game .
And were average at best against uva and Clemson

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Yep
And defense stunk except for 2.5 games mid season .

the 3rd and long blitz that results in a first down for the opponent, and the 3rd/4th needing two yards with a run up the middle that is stuffed for no gain. Continued all season up until this last game.

I'm a Narduzzi supporter but the act is getting old. Red hot seat next year with tangible goals (top 20 finish, beat WVU or ND, at least 9 wins) or a change has to be made

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

The defensive personnel is good enough to win big, so long as the offense that we saw early in the season returns. If Pitt is going to win 8-9 next year and be a Top 4 ACC team, then Holstein and Reid need to be paid to stay and then use the other NIL resources to grab a good WR (probably someone on Mumpfield’s level is realistic) and then fix the OL to fit whatever Bell wants to do. I don’t see 2025 as make or break at all despite how this season ended.

Is it? We must have been watching completely different defenses.

D-line pressure is the lifeblood of a Pat Narduzzi defense, and we got very little of it. These safeties were constantly out of position, and the cornerbacks were okay at best. Tackling all around the board was piss poor, also.

I think that Clemson game really skewed perceptions, but that was a very patchwork offensive line they had in that game.

This defense handed out 3rd and very longs all season like they were passing out candy.

 

[Pittisit4me]

College Football is a broken product. It is major league baseball on steroids. Those with the biggest bags will continue to be the winners while those on a lower budget will continue to plunge. There is not enough NIL money or mega donors that care at all about Pitt football. We are doomed to sink regardless of the coach because there is no way we can ever afford better players. When you couple lack of money, no campus stadium, outdated facilities, and no more local interest from recruits in our program, how in the hell do you expect to get better players? College football is broken period. Settle for mediocrity, if you are still interested in seeing Pitt play football. We can go 500 while running a clean program, it's the best we can do.

 

[OhioPanther99]

I find it interesting how Narduzzi and Tomlin are pretty much the same person. Mediocrity accepted, poor time managers, and no mid-game adjustments, play not to lose, yet many consider Tomlin to be a great coach(I 1000% don't think this way). In fact, I would say that Tomlin has done way less with more.

This is not advocating for Narduzzi, but just something I find strange.

 

[bobfree]

I find it interesting how Narduzzi and Tomlin are pretty much the same person. Mediocrity accepted, poor time managers, and no mid-game adjustments, play not to lose, yet many consider Tomlin to be a great coach(I 1000% don't think this way). In fact, I would say that Tomlin has done way less with more.

This is not advocating for Narduzzi, but just something I find strange.

Tomlin makes a ton of in game adjustments my man.

They may be subtle but they are there. They have the 2nd best 2nd half point differential in the league.

 

[303vND]

He deserves 1 more year with this new offense. But the seat has to be scorching hot. He has burnt up any good will. There has to be a come to Jesus with Green and certain conditions have to be met or a change will be made (Top 20 finish, at least 9 wins, win over WVU or ND). I don't care if the entire O-line gets hurt for the year riding the Pittsburgh Plunge at their annual Kennywood trip. A 7-5 finish is grounds for termination. No excuses accepted.

TOTALLY AGREE!!!

 

[pittmeister]

Oh, I see, due to the buyout we should like you, play dumb, and just pretend Narduzzi can coach.

Look, the bleak financial situation, created by the dunce who was the prior AD, doesn’t alter the fact that the current HC is done….just a matter of time. He’ll just continue to muddle along like he has the last 10 years, and people like you will use his mediocre results, created by his incompetence, as evidence of Pitt’s ceiling as a FB program.

They should hire a HC in waiting and make Narduzzi the program’s figurehead with no decision making authority in return for keeping the lodestone. He can just stand on the sidelines look at his iPad, bluster and spit out his gum on the sideline and babble on in pre and post game press conferences. Otherwise, people will refuse to donate going forward just to expedite his demise.

Talk about playing dumb...I don't think you're playing....

What's the difference between Narduzzi in 2021 and 2024? If you can answer that, then you'll be on track to finding a clue as to what is the solution...

I will give you credit though, at least you gave a suggestion (a coach in waiting). Though it never works, but at least you tried....

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

I wish I could like this a million times. This was absolutely NOT a team that was decimated by injuries. Like, where is this narrative even coming from? Every team in America has lost guys due to injuries. That's how it goes.

Most of these guys weren't expected to win starting spots, or weren't considerably better than their backups, anyway. I just watched Virgina Tech steamroll its rival last night with the 3rd or 4th QB they've used this season.

Fans always look for excuses. Slovis’ concussion a fairly recent example.

 

[OhioPanther99]

Tomlin makes a ton of in game adjustments my man.

They may be subtle but they are there. They have the 2nd best 2nd half point differential in the league.

This year...so far. The Steelers, like Pitt, have benefited from a weak schedule. Let's see how this plays out with the remaining games.

 

[303vND]

Oh, I see, due to the buyout we should like you, play dumb, and just pretend Narduzzi can coach.

Look, the bleak financial situation, created by the dunce who was the prior AD, doesn’t alter the fact that the current HC is done….just a matter of time. He’ll just continue to muddle along like he has the last 10 years, and people like you will use his mediocre results, created by his incompetence, as evidence of Pitt’s ceiling as a FB program.

They should hire a HC in waiting and make Narduzzi the program’s figurehead with no decision making authority in return for keeping the lodestone. He can just stand on the sidelines look at his iPad, bluster and spit out his gum on the sideline and babble on in pre and post game press conferences. Otherwise, people will refuse to donate going forward just to expedite his demise.

I said the same thing in another post - stick Narduzzi in a corner and treat him like a mushroom.