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From the Desk of Jim Snyder
Pitt advances by beating Rutgers
The Pitt football team is now 5-2 on the season and 3-1 in the Big East Conference. West Virginia is now 6-1 overall and is 2-0 in the Big East Conference. Boston College has improves to 5-2 overall with their late win over Notre Dame and is 1-1 in conference play. All three remain alive to win the Big East championship.
Last week one of our readers (Kevink) indicated that he heard that if Pitt goes to a BCS Bowl Coach Harris could have his contract extended by two years. We have heard a similar report last week (prior to the Rutgers game). However, it will not be easy. Pitt plays three of their last four games on the road. The fourth game is with West Virginia in the annual “Backyard Brawl”. The Mountaineers could bring a large contingent of fans with them to Heinz Field. The Panthers will have to be road warriors to pull this off. Pitt will also have to compete with both West Virginia and Boston College for a New Years Day Bowl.
The Pitt offense has looked better the last two games now that the five starters on the offensive line are all healthy. Tyler Palko has better protection. The running game is still not where it needs to be. Marcus Freeman, Tim Murphy, Justin Acierno, Brandon Mason and Chris McKillop have all missed games due to injuries. Ray Kirkley has played banged up. Hopefully the off-week will help get the running backs healthy and ready for a stretch run. Tyler Palko is slowly developing into the type of quarterback that can win a lot of football games for Pitt if he stays healthy. He is beginning to look like a four-star quarterback.
Notre Dame is now 5-3 on the season. They finish at Tennessee, home against Pitt and at Southern Cal. If Pitt can find a way to win in South Bend the Irish may not be “bowl eligible” when all is said and done. West Virginia, Pitt, Boston College and UConn should fill the four Big East bowl slots if Pitt beats Notre Dame. Historically Pitt has not had much luck in South Bend so it certainly will not be easy.
Coach Walt Harris reported after the Rutgers game that with the off-week his staff would be out recruiting this coming weekend. Coach Harris, however, will not be out. We believe this is due to NCAA recruiting restrictions. You often need a compliance officer with you when reading NCAA rules. We have posted a recruiting calendar for your convenience under “Quick Links” at the lower left hand side of this site. Suffice to say we believe he is simply trying to comply with NCAA rules.
It has been very hard for Pitt to recruit in its own backyard recently with the din of media coverage and the volume of Pitt alums voicing their displeasure on Internet sites. It will not get much easier until the direction of the program is resolved. The closer you get to Oakland the tougher it gets. It is somewhat easier when you get out of state and a way from some of the media clamor. It is part of the reason we have featured some Florida players recently.
However, we recently came across an out-of-state recruit who told us that an individual from an organization formerly known as the “outsiders” had told him Pitt would fire Coach Harris and was trying to switch pitch the prospect on a coach that he thought would be the next coach at Pitt. The recruit said that he loved Walt Harris and asked us for reassurance that this story was not true. Have you ever heard of “the old soft-shoe?”
Coaches are paid to recruit. Reporters are paid to report. Recently we published an article by Gene Williams of Warchant.com. He blasted Tom Lemming for similar unethical behavior. Lemming has developed a reputation for switch pitching prospects on Notre Dame. He is also accused of raising or lowering a player’s evaluation depending upon whether he picks Notre Dame. There was also a case with the past year of an unsavory Internet site operator that was caught recruiting for Kentucky. He has been barred from any further association with the Wildcat program.
Here is the rule. Coaches are paid to recruit. Reporters are paid to report. Those that don’t are not doing the University any favor and they are cheating their readers. To make matters worse the coach he mentioned will probably not be near the top of Pitt’s list should they decide to make a change.
Last week we commented about Tony Dorsett remarks. Later there was a strand on the message board that needs some follow-up. Any former Pitt player that does not have a college degree would not be considered for a coaching position. Universities are in business to grant degrees. It is their mission in life. It is what they are all about. Pitt would not hire an individual as a head or an assistant coach without a degree and neither would any other Division 1A school. You can certainly rule out any former player from any further consideration that does not have at least a bachelor’s degree.
An observation on offensive linemen.
Pitt has struggled in recent years up front and so has Penn State. In many games over the past couple of years the quarterback at Penn State has often had to scramble for his life. Their quarterbacks have been injured as they were repeatedly drilled once they release the ball. This past weekend Penn State lost to Iowa 6-4 in the “Unhappy Valley”. Recently the top seven running backs have been injured for the Hawkeyes so Iowa had an excuse for the low scoring game. We may simply have gone though a period where the state of Pennsylvania has produced a shortage of quality linemen. It could just be a cyclical thing.
The good news about Antonio Bryant being traded to the Cleveland Browns is we may all get to see him play him play more often. The bad news is it will be for the Cleveland Browns. Shortly after going to the pros Bryant said, “If Coach Harris’s offense is run properly it is unstoppable.” Recently Larry Fitzgerald was quoted as saying the offense of the Phoenix Cardinal offense is simpler than Pitt’s”. Both quotes give you the reason Pitt sometimes struggles and sometimes looks great.
In case you missed it over the weekend former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett’s appeal was rejected by the 2nd US court of Appeals. He must now decide if he wants to challenge the NFL draft rules in the US Supreme Court. I am feel reasonably certain that if the Clarett case did not come up, Larry Fitzgerald might have been playing for Pitt this year. The fact that a loophole was found for Fitzgerald and the fact that Princell Brockenbrough and Terrel Allen have watched Pitt games in street clothes this fall has certainly hampered the Pitt offense this year.
Rivals.com updated their rankings in October. Pitt recruit Marlon Terry has been given a three-star rating despite missing several games for Buchtel with a broken leg and a high ankle sprain. In his first game back he was used as a defensive lineman. Coach Brown moved him to linebacker in the second game and Terry had 7 unassisted tackles. Coach Brown plans to keep him at linebacker for the remainder of the season and only to use him only on defense.
A little Hoops talk
Hopefully you had a chance to read Bob Gibbons article which Harry posted at the top of the Center Court at the Pete message board late last week. Gibbons described Sam Young as a “relentless warrior”. He had 19 points and 11 rebounds in a half during a scrimmage against national power Oak Hill Academy. He has a reputation as a terrific offensive rebounder. The more I hear about him the more I am reminded of former Panther Jerome Lane. Young plays in a program loaded with Division 1 prospects. He will see good competition and could be someone that gets significant minutes as a freshman at Pitt. It reminds us of ESPN announcer Bill Raferty shouting “Send it home Jerome!” Pitt fans might need a catchy phrase for Sam down the road.
Blue Ribbon Yearbook is out. They have Pitt ranked No. 24 in the country and Memphis ranked No. 23. The Panthers play John Calipari’s team in early December in Madison Square Garden. If Pitt can find a way to beat the Tigers (and it won’t be easy) they could go unbeaten into conference play. If Pitt beats Memphis they have a good shot of being ranked in the Top 10 when they start Big East play in January.
Note to Pantherlair.com Fans: The staff at Pantherlair.com works diligently to bring you the best information on University of Pittsburgh football and basketball recruiting (in addition to game coverage). Thousands of Panther fans visit our site on a daily basis. We have received a tremendous amount of e-mail thanking us for our efforts. If you like our site, please feel free to tell other fans about it. “Spread the word” and let’s add to our online family of Panther fans.Revisions[/URL])');}
This post was edited on 10/25 12:03 PM by Jim Pantherlairif(GetAdminCookie() != 0) {document.write(' (Revisions[/URL])');}
From the Desk of Jim Snyder
Pitt advances by beating Rutgers
The Pitt football team is now 5-2 on the season and 3-1 in the Big East Conference. West Virginia is now 6-1 overall and is 2-0 in the Big East Conference. Boston College has improves to 5-2 overall with their late win over Notre Dame and is 1-1 in conference play. All three remain alive to win the Big East championship.
Last week one of our readers (Kevink) indicated that he heard that if Pitt goes to a BCS Bowl Coach Harris could have his contract extended by two years. We have heard a similar report last week (prior to the Rutgers game). However, it will not be easy. Pitt plays three of their last four games on the road. The fourth game is with West Virginia in the annual “Backyard Brawl”. The Mountaineers could bring a large contingent of fans with them to Heinz Field. The Panthers will have to be road warriors to pull this off. Pitt will also have to compete with both West Virginia and Boston College for a New Years Day Bowl.
The Pitt offense has looked better the last two games now that the five starters on the offensive line are all healthy. Tyler Palko has better protection. The running game is still not where it needs to be. Marcus Freeman, Tim Murphy, Justin Acierno, Brandon Mason and Chris McKillop have all missed games due to injuries. Ray Kirkley has played banged up. Hopefully the off-week will help get the running backs healthy and ready for a stretch run. Tyler Palko is slowly developing into the type of quarterback that can win a lot of football games for Pitt if he stays healthy. He is beginning to look like a four-star quarterback.
Notre Dame is now 5-3 on the season. They finish at Tennessee, home against Pitt and at Southern Cal. If Pitt can find a way to win in South Bend the Irish may not be “bowl eligible” when all is said and done. West Virginia, Pitt, Boston College and UConn should fill the four Big East bowl slots if Pitt beats Notre Dame. Historically Pitt has not had much luck in South Bend so it certainly will not be easy.
Coach Walt Harris reported after the Rutgers game that with the off-week his staff would be out recruiting this coming weekend. Coach Harris, however, will not be out. We believe this is due to NCAA recruiting restrictions. You often need a compliance officer with you when reading NCAA rules. We have posted a recruiting calendar for your convenience under “Quick Links” at the lower left hand side of this site. Suffice to say we believe he is simply trying to comply with NCAA rules.
It has been very hard for Pitt to recruit in its own backyard recently with the din of media coverage and the volume of Pitt alums voicing their displeasure on Internet sites. It will not get much easier until the direction of the program is resolved. The closer you get to Oakland the tougher it gets. It is somewhat easier when you get out of state and a way from some of the media clamor. It is part of the reason we have featured some Florida players recently.
However, we recently came across an out-of-state recruit who told us that an individual from an organization formerly known as the “outsiders” had told him Pitt would fire Coach Harris and was trying to switch pitch the prospect on a coach that he thought would be the next coach at Pitt. The recruit said that he loved Walt Harris and asked us for reassurance that this story was not true. Have you ever heard of “the old soft-shoe?”
Coaches are paid to recruit. Reporters are paid to report. Recently we published an article by Gene Williams of Warchant.com. He blasted Tom Lemming for similar unethical behavior. Lemming has developed a reputation for switch pitching prospects on Notre Dame. He is also accused of raising or lowering a player’s evaluation depending upon whether he picks Notre Dame. There was also a case with the past year of an unsavory Internet site operator that was caught recruiting for Kentucky. He has been barred from any further association with the Wildcat program.
Here is the rule. Coaches are paid to recruit. Reporters are paid to report. Those that don’t are not doing the University any favor and they are cheating their readers. To make matters worse the coach he mentioned will probably not be near the top of Pitt’s list should they decide to make a change.
Last week we commented about Tony Dorsett remarks. Later there was a strand on the message board that needs some follow-up. Any former Pitt player that does not have a college degree would not be considered for a coaching position. Universities are in business to grant degrees. It is their mission in life. It is what they are all about. Pitt would not hire an individual as a head or an assistant coach without a degree and neither would any other Division 1A school. You can certainly rule out any former player from any further consideration that does not have at least a bachelor’s degree.
An observation on offensive linemen.
Pitt has struggled in recent years up front and so has Penn State. In many games over the past couple of years the quarterback at Penn State has often had to scramble for his life. Their quarterbacks have been injured as they were repeatedly drilled once they release the ball. This past weekend Penn State lost to Iowa 6-4 in the “Unhappy Valley”. Recently the top seven running backs have been injured for the Hawkeyes so Iowa had an excuse for the low scoring game. We may simply have gone though a period where the state of Pennsylvania has produced a shortage of quality linemen. It could just be a cyclical thing.
The good news about Antonio Bryant being traded to the Cleveland Browns is we may all get to see him play him play more often. The bad news is it will be for the Cleveland Browns. Shortly after going to the pros Bryant said, “If Coach Harris’s offense is run properly it is unstoppable.” Recently Larry Fitzgerald was quoted as saying the offense of the Phoenix Cardinal offense is simpler than Pitt’s”. Both quotes give you the reason Pitt sometimes struggles and sometimes looks great.
In case you missed it over the weekend former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett’s appeal was rejected by the 2nd US court of Appeals. He must now decide if he wants to challenge the NFL draft rules in the US Supreme Court. I am feel reasonably certain that if the Clarett case did not come up, Larry Fitzgerald might have been playing for Pitt this year. The fact that a loophole was found for Fitzgerald and the fact that Princell Brockenbrough and Terrel Allen have watched Pitt games in street clothes this fall has certainly hampered the Pitt offense this year.
Rivals.com updated their rankings in October. Pitt recruit Marlon Terry has been given a three-star rating despite missing several games for Buchtel with a broken leg and a high ankle sprain. In his first game back he was used as a defensive lineman. Coach Brown moved him to linebacker in the second game and Terry had 7 unassisted tackles. Coach Brown plans to keep him at linebacker for the remainder of the season and only to use him only on defense.
A little Hoops talk
Hopefully you had a chance to read Bob Gibbons article which Harry posted at the top of the Center Court at the Pete message board late last week. Gibbons described Sam Young as a “relentless warrior”. He had 19 points and 11 rebounds in a half during a scrimmage against national power Oak Hill Academy. He has a reputation as a terrific offensive rebounder. The more I hear about him the more I am reminded of former Panther Jerome Lane. Young plays in a program loaded with Division 1 prospects. He will see good competition and could be someone that gets significant minutes as a freshman at Pitt. It reminds us of ESPN announcer Bill Raferty shouting “Send it home Jerome!” Pitt fans might need a catchy phrase for Sam down the road.
Blue Ribbon Yearbook is out. They have Pitt ranked No. 24 in the country and Memphis ranked No. 23. The Panthers play John Calipari’s team in early December in Madison Square Garden. If Pitt can find a way to beat the Tigers (and it won’t be easy) they could go unbeaten into conference play. If Pitt beats Memphis they have a good shot of being ranked in the Top 10 when they start Big East play in January.
Note to Pantherlair.com Fans: The staff at Pantherlair.com works diligently to bring you the best information on University of Pittsburgh football and basketball recruiting (in addition to game coverage). Thousands of Panther fans visit our site on a daily basis. We have received a tremendous amount of e-mail thanking us for our efforts. If you like our site, please feel free to tell other fans about it. “Spread the word” and let’s add to our online family of Panther fans.Revisions[/URL])');}
This post was edited on 10/25 12:03 PM by Jim Pantherlairif(GetAdminCookie() != 0) {document.write(' (Revisions[/URL])');}
