As it’s been said/noted/discussed, we can all agree the past two weeks of losses has been infuriating and disappointing/embarrassing.
First, Narduzzi runs a clean program, and has students getting degree—all good things. But he gets locked in to doing things that worked in the past and don’t work today with the talent we have. That indicates, he’s recruiting players with less ability OR not being coached properly (and as a result, not being put into a position to succeed). While, our Dline excels, the idea of playing our DBs on the proverbial “island” isn’t working (We’ve seen this the past three weeks...and if the Louisville QB was accurate, there were four times their WRs were open and running free, that could have been another L.. So despite winning the game, the problem surfaced in that game). Against NC State, it was a fourth and 9 they converted...yesterday, third and 10 in OT—are the players being put in a bad position or given no help? Either way, Duzz is reluctant to make changes in our coverage—is he of the opinion he can fix it, or just too stubborn to agree with what’s happening? I get tired of him saying, one player was out of position or used the wrong technique—by the fourth or fifth week, these should be fixed...I’m not in the coaches rooom, but who and how does he hold his coaches accountabl?
I want Narduzzi and PITT to succeed, but right now he doesn’t seem to have the poise or articulation, we see in other coaches. Jeff Capel stands out in his poise and demeanor—he’s a quality interview and though dealt a tough hand when he came here, seems to have plan which includes developing a strong recruiting program and using his players to the best of their ability...and he doesn’t suffer fools. When BC’s Hafley was interviewed at halftime, he seemed poised and confident in his approach and his team.
In terms of Pickett, he’s kept us alive in games and is a true leader. I wish him nothing but the best in his future...in terms of his future, IF his draft stock is round 5 or later—he might wish to be a grad transfer and see what‘s available—imagine him deciding to play one more season at Michigan or Florida or LSU for example. I’d like him back, but he feel it’s better for him to play elsewhere and see what happens.
Among my concerns is the OLine holding back Whipple?—it’s easy to say forget the run and pass, pass, pass, but that leads to Pickett becoming a punching bag. The run usually keeps teams at least worried about being too aggressive in their QB attack. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Whipple back next year, but a new OLine coach and a new philosophy in place for 2021.
As much as we all want the best in PITT, and it feels like a gut punch with the past two weeks, think how the payers feel...and let’s remember, the sun did come up today! And I’ll be watching next game as well.
And cheer up, our soccer programs are among the nation’s best!
Hail to PITT!
-al-
First, Narduzzi runs a clean program, and has students getting degree—all good things. But he gets locked in to doing things that worked in the past and don’t work today with the talent we have. That indicates, he’s recruiting players with less ability OR not being coached properly (and as a result, not being put into a position to succeed). While, our Dline excels, the idea of playing our DBs on the proverbial “island” isn’t working (We’ve seen this the past three weeks...and if the Louisville QB was accurate, there were four times their WRs were open and running free, that could have been another L.. So despite winning the game, the problem surfaced in that game). Against NC State, it was a fourth and 9 they converted...yesterday, third and 10 in OT—are the players being put in a bad position or given no help? Either way, Duzz is reluctant to make changes in our coverage—is he of the opinion he can fix it, or just too stubborn to agree with what’s happening? I get tired of him saying, one player was out of position or used the wrong technique—by the fourth or fifth week, these should be fixed...I’m not in the coaches rooom, but who and how does he hold his coaches accountabl?
I want Narduzzi and PITT to succeed, but right now he doesn’t seem to have the poise or articulation, we see in other coaches. Jeff Capel stands out in his poise and demeanor—he’s a quality interview and though dealt a tough hand when he came here, seems to have plan which includes developing a strong recruiting program and using his players to the best of their ability...and he doesn’t suffer fools. When BC’s Hafley was interviewed at halftime, he seemed poised and confident in his approach and his team.
In terms of Pickett, he’s kept us alive in games and is a true leader. I wish him nothing but the best in his future...in terms of his future, IF his draft stock is round 5 or later—he might wish to be a grad transfer and see what‘s available—imagine him deciding to play one more season at Michigan or Florida or LSU for example. I’d like him back, but he feel it’s better for him to play elsewhere and see what happens.
Among my concerns is the OLine holding back Whipple?—it’s easy to say forget the run and pass, pass, pass, but that leads to Pickett becoming a punching bag. The run usually keeps teams at least worried about being too aggressive in their QB attack. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Whipple back next year, but a new OLine coach and a new philosophy in place for 2021.
As much as we all want the best in PITT, and it feels like a gut punch with the past two weeks, think how the payers feel...and let’s remember, the sun did come up today! And I’ll be watching next game as well.
And cheer up, our soccer programs are among the nation’s best!
Hail to PITT!
-al-
