Why I'm starting to sour on Narduzzi

[raleighpanther]

Hear me out: This isn't a case of missing out on one kid. This is now a pattern of significant misses of kids who Pitt should be in it with to the end. Miles Sanders, Khaleke Hudson, David Adams, CJ Thorpe, Phil Jurkovec. 5 guys who are instant upgrades to what Pitt has now or will have. All misses, and in some cases...we weren't close.

When Narduzzi was hired, he claimed that he was searching for assistants that would "kill it" on the recruiting trail. For the most part, the 2016 class appears to be a good class although most of them are on the bench. 3 games in, the class has produced more retired players (1 maybe 2) than instant impact true FR. The Maurice Ffrench's and Ruben Flowers of the class are behind bums like Jester Weah who is still learning how to catch. In 2017, the prized assistants have yet to kill anything on the recruiting trail except the buzz of the 2016 class.

Speaking of those assistants, how many people honestly think Josh Conklin is an improvement over Matt House? We picked Matt Canada off the scrap heap of recently fired OC's at middling programs. It's tough to judge Conklin because I don't know how much involvement Narduzzi has. But, Canada has turned this offense into a 1 dimensional offense that runs the jet sweep and power running well. The passing game has regressed to the point where we don't or can't throw the ball on 3rd and 4 in critical situations. There are tons of people to blame for the atrocious passing game...Canada sticks out.

It all brings me back to Narduzzi who hired these clowns. Narduzzi's insistence that 1970's run game and defense will win championships is troubling, especially in today's college football landscape. I'd love a coach who with a 3+ point lead keeps his foot on the throat of the opponent with offensive pressure. Too often in the last 2 years we go far too conservative leaning on a running game that is ineffective and a defense that sucks. There are massive issues in pass defense and while we have some talented FR that sit...our terrible SR and JR CB's get to play.

It all leads me to begin to sour on Narduzzi. We need playmakers and tons more speed on offense and impact players on defense and I see neither outside of Ford and maybe Sibley in this class.

And FYI....I would have kept Henry Miller at QB. He fits the mold of kids having massive success at schools Pitt should be on par with. Lengthy kids who can run and sling it a little...and at 6'3 or 6'4?!? Cmon.

This is one of the worst posting I've read on this board (and that is saying something.)

A couple of things: when noting "significant misses", you should balance that with significant wins. The top end of those wins include Whitehead, Hamlin, Pugh, and Ford. These kids were all recruited by some of the biggest programs in the country, and yet they chose Pitt. Pulling off those recruiting wins was extraordinary. And BTW, all are better performers than Jeter. I don't want to bash the kid, but many of said that he is a lot of potential, and for that reason was someone Pitt wanted, but that he hasn't really done it on the field yet. He may eventually do it on the field...or not.

And out of area, McVittee faced a full court press by LSU and USC after Chaney left, and Narduzzi got him to sign.

Yes, Josh Conklin is world's above House. Is considered to be one of the best young defensive minds in the game by the coaching professional.

Your comment that Canada was picked up off the scrap heap was really, really ill-informed. A year ago, he turned down an offer from Tennessee, signing an extension with a serious bump in pay to stay at NC State. His offense at State last year was really good. He had a falling out with coach, and we were lucky to get him.

Clowns??? This is the best staff Pitt has had since Johnny Majors was coach, the first time.

 

[GenesPlace]

I remember that Canada had recently interviewed for a HC job at another school the season before but didn't get it. then he asked permission to interview for another school last season (i don't remember if it was specifically Pitt or another HC job) and they decided to fire him. It appeared he was the scapegoat for NC State's troubles last year. I remember their fanbase was surprised Canada was fired as the offense was at least decent. Next thing you know, he was hired by Narduzzi.

Geez go back and read about his leaving NC State. It had a lot to do with the Pitt job. Great spin though on your part.

 

[steel_curtain]

-For the record, in 3 years at N.C. State under Canada, Canada increased that teams offense by over 10 points per game within that window of time, and N.C. State had its 3rd highest scoring offense ALL TIME the year he left and was interviewing with Tennessee. I would also like to point out N.C. State has already been embarrassed by East Carolina this year.

 

[raleighpanther]

Oh, and criticizing Narduzzi for not playing raw 18-year old freshman over experienced 22-year old veterans is absurd. He's seen them in practice and knows how they compare at this moment to the veterans; you haven't.

Did you like that busted coverage on the first play on Saturday? I'd bet that we would see a steady diet of that if the unready 18-year olds were out there on a regular basis. But you probably think their 4-stars trumps everything, that they are better today because the veterans have only 3-stars.

 

[vegasgreed]

ECU has beaten NCSU 3 straight times, including a 42-28 win over NCSU w/Canada.

ECU always has a major chip on their shoulder when they play Nc State and UNC.

 

[ViciousHitter]

He's just a troll. His posting history supports that. Nothing to see here.

Hey....Gary77 and his well thought out and relevant points.

 

[steel_curtain]

ECU has beaten NCSU 3 straight times, including a 42-28 win over NCSU w/Canada.

ECU always has a major chip on their shoulder when they play Nc State and UNC.

-That was in Canada's first season with another rebuild on his hands, which he did indeed rebuild the offense in 3 years, the numbers speak for themselves. The point is you dont go from constant 6-6 team year in year out with constant coaching changes to 10 win juggernaut overnight. The depth on our current team is atrocious if you look at it. That isnt Narduzzi or Canada's fault.

 

[ViciousHitter]

Oh, and criticizing Narduzzi for not playing raw 18-year old freshman over experienced 22-year old veterans is absurd. He's seen them in practice and knows how they compare at this moment to the veterans; you haven't.

Did you like that busted coverage on the first play on Saturday? I'd bet that we would see a steady diet of that if the unready 18-year olds were out there on a regular basis. But you probably think their 4-stars trumps everything, that they are better today because the veterans have only 3-stars.

Avonte Maddox and Ryan Lewis are easily in the bottom of CB tandems in the ACC. Maybe BC is worse. Assuming what the 18 year old can or can't do is pure assumption. But, I know Maddox is pure junk.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

Avonte Maddox and Ryan Lewis are easily in the bottom of CB tandems in the ACC. Maybe BC is worse. Assuming what the 18 year old can or can't do is pure assumption. But, I know Maddox is pure junk.

Unless they're demonstrably better - and since they're not playing I have to assume they aren't - I'd rather take my lumps with the older guys. I'd rather have Coleman, Miller, etc (and Hamlin too if he's not ready real soon) available for a RS than run them out there to get annihilated. I'd love to see them win out but if I have a choice I'm more interested in the long term.

 

[wbrpanther]

Hear me out: This isn't a case of missing out on one kid. This is now a pattern of significant misses of kids who Pitt should be in it with to the end. Miles Sanders, Khaleke Hudson, David Adams, CJ Thorpe, Phil Jurkovec. 5 guys who are instant upgrades to what Pitt has now or will have. All misses, and in some cases...we weren't close.

When Narduzzi was hired, he claimed that he was searching for assistants that would "kill it" on the recruiting trail. For the most part, the 2016 class appears to be a good class although most of them are on the bench. 3 games in, the class has produced more retired players (1 maybe 2) than instant impact true FR. The Maurice Ffrench's and Ruben Flowers of the class are behind bums like Jester Weah who is still learning how to catch. In 2017, the prized assistants have yet to kill anything on the recruiting trail except the buzz of the 2016 class.

Speaking of those assistants, how many people honestly think Josh Conklin is an improvement over Matt House? We picked Matt Canada off the scrap heap of recently fired OC's at middling programs. It's tough to judge Conklin because I don't know how much involvement Narduzzi has. But, Canada has turned this offense into a 1 dimensional offense that runs the jet sweep and power running well. The passing game has regressed to the point where we don't or can't throw the ball on 3rd and 4 in critical situations. There are tons of people to blame for the atrocious passing game...Canada sticks out.

It all brings me back to Narduzzi who hired these clowns. Narduzzi's insistence that 1970's run game and defense will win championships is troubling, especially in today's college football landscape. I'd love a coach who with a 3+ point lead keeps his foot on the throat of the opponent with offensive pressure. Too often in the last 2 years we go far too conservative leaning on a running game that is ineffective and a defense that sucks. There are massive issues in pass defense and while we have some talented FR that sit...our terrible SR and JR CB's get to play.

It all leads me to begin to sour on Narduzzi. We need playmakers and tons more speed on offense and impact players on defense and I see neither outside of Ford and maybe Sibley in this class.

And FYI....I would have kept Henry Miller at QB. He fits the mold of kids having massive success at schools Pitt should be on par with. Lengthy kids who can run and sling it a little...and at 6'3 or 6'4?!? Cmon.

So he's a bad recruiter because the kids he did get are not impacting yet. Check around football. see how many freshmen impact their programs. For God's sake his second full class is not in the barn yet and some want to burn it down: again.

 

[OriginalEther]

Maddox is fine as a cb, other than he could stand to be taller.
His biggest issue is that Narduzzis system asks a lot out of him, more than what most cornerbacks can handle.

Narduzzi shouldn't be beyond criticism. He needs to figure out from the start of the game how to give his secondary a chance, at least until guys like Hamlin and Wade are back there with experience.

But to sour on him already? Yeah that's pretty absurd.

 

[ViciousHitter]

Unless they're demonstrably better - and since they're not playing I have to assume they aren't - I'd rather take my lumps with the older guys. I'd rather have Coleman, Miller, etc (and Hamlin too if he's not ready real soon) available for a RS than run them out there to get annihilated. I'd love to see them win out but if I have a choice I'm more interested in the long term.

I understand that point too. I just can't take watching guys run wide open anymore

 

[steel_curtain]

Avonte Maddox and Ryan Lewis are easily in the bottom of CB tandems in the ACC. Maybe BC is worse. Assuming what the 18 year old can or can't do is pure assumption. But, I know Maddox is pure junk.

-Which one would you like to play? Hamlin is injured. Campbell is injured. Garner is a safety. You have Coleman and Miller left to work with and Miller's position was deemed a wildcard at Pitt, he was an athlete playing multiple positions in high school. So we have Coleman left because of Miller's inexperience.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

Maddox is fine as a cb, other than he could stand to be taller.
His biggest issue is that Narduzzis system asks a lot out of him, more than what most cornerbacks can handle.

Narduzzi shouldn't be beyond criticism. He needs to figure out from the start of the game how to give his secondary a chance, at least until guys like Hamlin and Wade are back there with experience.

But to sour on him already? Yeah that's pretty absurd.

I saw a retweet from a former player. I think it was Ryan Turnley. He said essentially the philosophy behind that defense is if you apply some pressure over the course of a season there aren't enough college kids who can make those plays. Of course that doesn't account for guys running free.

And Maddox's size is a big issue. He had decent position on Fuller last year but Fuller still came away with the ball several times.

 

[TD_istheman]

-Which one would you like to play? Hamlin is injured. Campbell is injured. Garner is a safety. You have Coleman and Miller left to work with and Miller's position was deemed a wildcard at Pitt, he was an athlete playing multiple positions in high school. So we have Coleman left because of Miller's inexperience.

Agree, we are hurting at numbers , I guess they can play one of us next, cause that's what it is coming down to.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

I understand that point too. I just can't take watching guys run wide open anymore

It is hard to take I agree. But on the first one that wasn't all on the corner. Whitehead tried to jump a route and Pitt had 4 or 5 guys covering the Ok St player in the middle while Maddox let the WR go. Even the announcers said that had to be busted coverage.

Unless we know the calls and who is supposed to be where we can't definitively blame someone on every play. Now that's not to say we don't need improved CB play to be certain. But only they know who truly effed up on a particular play.

 

[quip]

Hear me out: This isn't a case of missing out on one kid. This is now a pattern of significant misses of kids who Pitt should be in it with to the end. Miles Sanders, Khaleke Hudson, David Adams, CJ Thorpe, Phil Jurkovec. 5 guys who are instant upgrades to what Pitt has now or will have. All misses, and in some cases...we weren't close.

When Narduzzi was hired, he claimed that he was searching for assistants that would "kill it" on the recruiting trail. For the most part, the 2016 class appears to be a good class although most of them are on the bench. 3 games in, the class has produced more retired players (1 maybe 2) than instant impact true FR. The Maurice Ffrench's and Ruben Flowers of the class are behind bums like Jester Weah who is still learning how to catch. In 2017, the prized assistants have yet to kill anything on the recruiting trail except the buzz of the 2016 class.

Speaking of those assistants, how many people honestly think Josh Conklin is an improvement over Matt House? We picked Matt Canada off the scrap heap of recently fired OC's at middling programs. It's tough to judge Conklin because I don't know how much involvement Narduzzi has. But, Canada has turned this offense into a 1 dimensional offense that runs the jet sweep and power running well. The passing game has regressed to the point where we don't or can't throw the ball on 3rd and 4 in critical situations. There are tons of people to blame for the atrocious passing game...Canada sticks out.

It all brings me back to Narduzzi who hired these clowns. Narduzzi's insistence that 1970's run game and defense will win championships is troubling, especially in today's college football landscape. I'd love a coach who with a 3+ point lead keeps his foot on the throat of the opponent with offensive pressure. Too often in the last 2 years we go far too conservative leaning on a running game that is ineffective and a defense that sucks. There are massive issues in pass defense and while we have some talented FR that sit...our terrible SR and JR CB's get to play.

It all leads me to begin to sour on Narduzzi. We need playmakers and tons more speed on offense and impact players on defense and I see neither outside of Ford and maybe Sibley in this class.

And FYI....I would have kept Henry Miller at QB. He fits the mold of kids having massive success at schools Pitt should be on par with. Lengthy kids who can run and sling it a little...and at 6'3 or 6'4?!? Cmon.

THEY SCORED 38 points with this offense on Saturday, 42 against PennState! LMFAO!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Further Data for those that think a team & Program is turned around in 1 year?

Notre Dame-27 Years-Kelly has them in Top 25 Again, why not it is second to Michigan in Wins, #1 with USC in Pro Hall of Fame Players! It is and always will be Notre Fame of waking up echoes and excitement in that name again!

Georgia Tech-20 Years-Johnson wins even if recruiting classes are in the 50s and 60s. A Special Coach for a Special School. Took him a few years by GT usually wins every year. navy too from where Johnson came from and left a good Program.

Ohio State-15 Years-The foundation left by Tressel was just grown upon by Meyer's that wins 10+ games in most years at 4 different Schools. Elite Program with an Eiite Coach spells Elite Winning in most times! USC & ND have not caught them just yet either?

Miami-15 Years-Richt will have them back in the Top 25 in no time, like this Year! The U need not recruit outside of Miami or Southern Florida but they do anyway. When Pitt can beat the U more often Pitt will have arrived!

Duke-15 Years-A Program lucky to have 15,000 at a game, but has Coach heading to the CFB Hall of Fame! It is a Basketball School with a great CFB Head coach that stays there and wins there.

Michigan-12 Years-One just knew no Red Blooded Big Blue Alumnus (Except Les Miles), can turn down the #1 Wittiness & Winning Most NCAA Record Program in History. Only one Bloody Red Problem, OSU Meyer's?

Virginia-11 Years-Mendenhall thought he bring all his Western Mormon Coaches Eastward and Win, and now he must prove he can win again, so far 0-3, so think again?

MSU-12 Years-Dantonio comes from Scarlet & Silver OSU Stock and just keeps winning at MSU that he rebuilt in 3 years, and Narduzzi has the same Plan for Pitt.

UNC-9 Years-Pitt needs to beat Fedora or Fedora needs to step up to a bigger Program, so far neither has happen? Pitt needs this Win this week too!

Penn State-6 Years-Vandy's Legend is now on his way at Penn State, or is Franklin out of the way, either way, Franklin is still in Harms Way against OSU, Michigan, MSU, and soon more to come too? Did more in 3 years at Vandy than so far at Penn State a Powerful Program even after 2012 Reforms?

West Virginia-6 Years-Big-12 is bleeding this year, WVU has a chance to win 10 games and save Holgrosen again! Chances are tough, wins tougher, Hold On Holgrosen a Friendless Tide may have found you and Mountain Mama's are waiting for CoachRod's finding the Mountainerrs Home Road again. Relax, Arizona State may have an opening soon a Graham Cracker crumbles in his Penny Lover's Heat of Passion to find another Home on the Re Ar"Range"? being 3-0 against NAU, TTU, and UTSA is the same as hiding in one's home when leaving in the morning? Cal, USC, UCLA, CU, won't be so kind?

Indiana-6 Years-Big Ten Money rebuilding Hoosier's in Football now not seen since the 1960s and never since Bobby Knight! Wilson can give most teams a game again, just not 4 Quarters just yet?

Virginia Tech-5 Years-Fuente is rebuilding and winning just like he did at Memphis, he won't need 3 years, he will do it in 2 years or less.

Syracuse-5 Years-After 5 Years as Head Coach, Baber's knows how to win, but will need sometime again, say in 3 or a tad more than 4 more maybe?

Temple-4 Years-Rhule knows how to stay put and continue his rebuilding until ready to come home again!

Maryland-2 Years*-Say what you will, mock me as you wish, but Durkin will have this Team winning this year not needing 3 more years. It will take longer to build the Program, but he is getting there one Under Armor at a time?

Pitt-2nd Year Head Coach-Narduzzi has changed attitudes but needs more talent and must not change latitudes, Pitt needs him to stay a long time, and so much more to do in his 2nd year, versus those above that way more years? Some Pitt Poster's will give up, they got institutionalized doing that under Pederson, Pederson has left the building and that is good for Pitt's Rebuilding so long a Gallagher remains here, the Barn's Door being left open is dependent on STALLings, not so much on Coach Pat & Staff? Consultants are created when they fail to do elsewhere, Banes may end there?

Rutgers-1st Year-The only one ends up crying over Ash's Recruiting will be those Programs that got used to grabbing the Jersey Talent, this guy can Coach and Recruit, another Scarlet & Silver retread that can over run others too sooner not later! I'll bet a $100 Franklin on PSU Dreams being turned into Ashes?

 

[UPitt '89]

OP is a PSU Troll.

Trash this pathetic thread.

 

[PittPoker]

OP is a PSU Troll.

Trash this pathetic thread.

lol

 

[sherepower]

His first full recruiting class was probably Pitts best in 20 years. Take a deep breath. Jeter is a loss no way to spin it, but I've been through too many of these to flip out in September I'll wait till January. Lots of things can happen.

Matt Canada wasn't fired from NC state because his offenses were bad he got fired because he was going to take the Pitt job regardless.

Pitt, football wise, is in the best shape it's been in a long time. With or without jeter.

Though unfortunate. Last seasons class is now without Gilbert, Zac Williams, George Hill, and another who's name escapes me. Take those two 4 stars and two 3 stars away from the class. Its pretty pedestrian.

I am sure if you ask Narduzzi if he is happy with recruiting up to this point. I think he would tell you he and his staff got to be much better. Especially, locally.

I have never seen Pitt this bad pulling in local talent in all my years following recruiting. We always held our own against ND for local talent. To the point they were never a factor up until this year.

I love Narduzzi. However, when he looks at the result ( whether or not some on staff is doing their job ) he will do what's necessary to make sure the problems are fixed

 

[pittguy81]

... I know Maddox is pure junk.

Subject matter expert on being pure junk.

 

[cpc247]

Not to start a fight here, Canada was fired and it had nothing to do with the Pitt job.

NC State had to fire him for Doren to get another year. NC STATE football is the bottom of the barrel. No recruits. No Talent. No coaches. Instate teams pound them. Canada was the only bright spot they had in 2 years

 

[sherepower]

NC State had to fire him for Doren to get another year. NC STATE football is the bottom of the barrel. No recruits. No Talent. No coaches. Instate teams pound them. Canada was the only bright spot they had in 2 years

There recruiting is at the same level as ours right now........just sayin

 

[cpc247]

There recruiting is at the same level as ours right now........just sayin

Couldn't disagree more.. they can not complete for top local talent. They do not recruit out of state very well. There top 3 start players do not resemble anything remotely of NFL caliber players. QB now with patriots only stud on roster in last 5-6 seasons. NC state is on the verge of winning 4 games Pitt is on the verge of 8-9. NC State is what Pitt could be if we didn't hire PC and we hired another 1 year wonder.

H2P

 

[Pitt-Chains]

Hear me out: This isn't a case of missing out on one kid. This is now a pattern of significant misses of kids who Pitt should be in it with to the end. Miles Sanders, Khaleke Hudson, David Adams, CJ Thorpe, Phil Jurkovec. 5 guys who are instant upgrades to what Pitt has now or will have. All misses, and in some cases...we weren't close.

When Narduzzi was hired, he claimed that he was searching for assistants that would "kill it" on the recruiting trail. For the most part, the 2016 class appears to be a good class although most of them are on the bench. 3 games in, the class has produced more retired players (1 maybe 2) than instant impact true FR. The Maurice Ffrench's and Ruben Flowers of the class are behind bums like Jester Weah who is still learning how to catch. In 2017, the prized assistants have yet to kill anything on the recruiting trail except the buzz of the 2016 class.

Speaking of those assistants, how many people honestly think Josh Conklin is an improvement over Matt House? We picked Matt Canada off the scrap heap of recently fired OC's at middling programs. It's tough to judge Conklin because I don't know how much involvement Narduzzi has. But, Canada has turned this offense into a 1 dimensional offense that runs the jet sweep and power running well. The passing game has regressed to the point where we don't or can't throw the ball on 3rd and 4 in critical situations. There are tons of people to blame for the atrocious passing game...Canada sticks out.

It all brings me back to Narduzzi who hired these clowns. Narduzzi's insistence that 1970's run game and defense will win championships is troubling, especially in today's college football landscape. I'd love a coach who with a 3+ point lead keeps his foot on the throat of the opponent with offensive pressure. Too often in the last 2 years we go far too conservative leaning on a running game that is ineffective and a defense that sucks. There are massive issues in pass defense and while we have some talented FR that sit...our terrible SR and JR CB's get to play.

It all leads me to begin to sour on Narduzzi. We need playmakers and tons more speed on offense and impact players on defense and I see neither outside of Ford and maybe Sibley in this class.

And FYI....I would have kept Henry Miller at QB. He fits the mold of kids having massive success at schools Pitt should be on par with. Lengthy kids who can run and sling it a little...and at 6'3 or 6'4?!? Cmon.

Way too early to jump off of the bridge.
Jeter loved PITT based on all of Jeter's comments..

 

[thebadby2]

Hear me out: This isn't a case of missing out on one kid. This is now a pattern of significant misses of kids who Pitt should be in it with to the end. Miles Sanders, Khaleke Hudson, David Adams, CJ Thorpe, Phil Jurkovec. 5 guys who are instant upgrades to what Pitt has now or will have. All misses, and in some cases...we weren't close.

When Narduzzi was hired, he claimed that he was searching for assistants that would "kill it" on the recruiting trail. For the most part, the 2016 class appears to be a good class although most of them are on the bench. 3 games in, the class has produced more retired players (1 maybe 2) than instant impact true FR. The Maurice Ffrench's and Ruben Flowers of the class are behind bums like Jester Weah who is still learning how to catch. In 2017, the prized assistants have yet to kill anything on the recruiting trail except the buzz of the 2016 class.

Speaking of those assistants, how many people honestly think Josh Conklin is an improvement over Matt House? We picked Matt Canada off the scrap heap of recently fired OC's at middling programs. It's tough to judge Conklin because I don't know how much involvement Narduzzi has. But, Canada has turned this offense into a 1 dimensional offense that runs the jet sweep and power running well. The passing game has regressed to the point where we don't or can't throw the ball on 3rd and 4 in critical situations. There are tons of people to blame for the atrocious passing game...Canada sticks out.

It all brings me back to Narduzzi who hired these clowns. Narduzzi's insistence that 1970's run game and defense will win championships is troubling, especially in today's college football landscape. I'd love a coach who with a 3+ point lead keeps his foot on the throat of the opponent with offensive pressure. Too often in the last 2 years we go far too conservative leaning on a running game that is ineffective and a defense that sucks. There are massive issues in pass defense and while we have some talented FR that sit...our terrible SR and JR CB's get to play.

It all leads me to begin to sour on Narduzzi. We need playmakers and tons more speed on offense and impact players on defense and I see neither outside of Ford and maybe Sibley in this class.

And FYI....I would have kept Henry Miller at QB. He fits the mold of kids having massive success at schools Pitt should be on par with. Lengthy kids who can run and sling it a little...and at 6'3 or 6'4?!? Cmon.

Disagree with most of this, but

I think he will get it done , wish recruiting was a tick better right now , hoping for a very good year and then it takes off

The truth is Narduzzi needs at least 3 years just to fix the personnel problems on this team before the stuff he wants to do will look like he wants it to, and we want it to, on Saturdays. Right now we are bringing a knife to a gunfight when we play any top 25 team. We have a legit O line and very good running backs, a great DE, a great strong safety, and very little else. Defensively there is no one year band aid fix for the personnel deficiencies. Again, Paul Chryst, nice guy, honest, stability, etc etc etc., but he never touched the D while he was here, and that;s why we have Maddox, Webb and Ryan Lewis, depth chart type players at a good program, starting at DB for us.

Regardless of the Jeter loss and getting wiped by ND in the backyard, the only way to fix this comes down to recruiting, recruiting, and more recruiting. Losing these guys isn't; the end of he world but it is a very bad sign, you can try to spin it any way you want but that's what it comes down to. You need to get more Jeters and Adams than Carrigans and Sears to get this thing where we all want it to be. Nobody knows that better than Narduzzi. He and the staff seem to work very hard at it, and the first class was a good start. This one needs to get a lot better, there is no denying that.

 

[sherepower]

Couldn't disagree more.. they can not complete for top local talent. They do not recruit out of state very well. There top 3 start players do not resemble anything remotely of NFL caliber players. QB now with patriots only stud on roster in last 5-6 seasons. NC state is on the verge of winning 4 games Pitt is on the verge of 8-9. NC State is what Pitt could be if we didn't hire PC and we hired another

I simply do not agree. They definitely recruit on the same level as us. Take away the kids we lost from last years class. 2 four stars and 2 three stars and our class currently. NC state's recruiting is right there with ours

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

I simply do not agree. They definitely recruit on the same level as us. Take away the kids we lost from last years class. 2 four stars and 2 three stars and our class currently. NC state's recruiting is right there with ours

This argument is silly. It's nobody's these kids turned out to have health issues. Pitt still successfully recruited them. You're using this in a bent way to support your narrative.

 

[sherepower]

This argument is silly. It's nobody's these kids turned out to have health issues. Pitt still successfully recruited them. You're using this in a bent way to support your narrative.

The debate is that we recruit much better than NC State. Thus, having more talent.

Looking at the last 4 or 5 recruiting classes. We are in the same ball park as NC State. When it comes to recruiting.

I understand you cannot predict a kids medical condition. However, if your comparing talent and recruiting classes. That must be factored in......don't you agree?

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

The debate is that we recruit much better than NC State. Thus, having more talent.

Looking at the last 4 or 5 recruiting classes. We are in the same ball park as NC State. When it comes to recruiting.

I understand you cannot predict a kids medical condition. However, if your comparing talent and recruiting classes. That must be factored in......don't you agree?

I'll take your word about the last 4-5 but I'm only concerned with what this staff has done and is doing.

I don't think those 4 kids should be factored in if we're talking about recruiting levels. They got them.

If the discussion is about talent level then certainly. Kids get hurt, are busts, and in this case conditions were discovered (thank goodness). And even if these kids were healthy the overall talent leaves a lot to be desired so there's no argument from me there.

 

[BuffetParrothead]

Maddox is fine as a cb, other than he could stand to be taller.
His biggest issue is that Narduzzis system asks a lot out of him, more than what most cornerbacks can handle.

Narduzzi shouldn't be beyond criticism. He needs to figure out from the start of the game how to give his secondary a chance, at least until guys like Hamlin and Wade are back there with experience.

But to sour on him already? Yeah that's pretty absurd.

One element of Narduzzi's system that people don't recognize is he plays his CB's up tight and hopes that the average college QB will make his share of poor throws. This has been discussed by football pre and post game analysts a lot. So if a QB is spot on the CB's will have a long day like the OSU day.
Obviously with better athletes at that CB spot the odds move in Pitt's favor!

 

[djbpitt]

OP, I have made an appointment at UPMC to have your head surgically removed from your behind. Let us know how it goes

 

[mvk112]

I don't think recruiting should be judged on how the true freshmen are doing three games into a season. This was a talented class in a few areas but give them a year to learn and get physically ready for major college football.

Perhaps Hamlin could've helped a bit the past two weeks had he been healthy, he seems like he was a Whitehead/Boyd/Connor level player that could've contributed right away.

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

... We have a legit O line and very good running backs, a great DE, a great strong safety, and very little else. Again, Paul Chryst... never touched the D while he was here, and that;s why we have Maddox, Webb and Ryan Lewis... type players... starting at DB for us.

the only way to fix this... recruiting. Losing these guys is a very bad sign, you can try to spin it any way you want but that's what it comes down to... Nobody knows that better than Narduzzi... the first class was a good start. This one needs to get a lot better, there is no denying that.

Agreed...

I am still big on Narduzzi, but he does need to get his staff to step it up with recruiting. He also should think about giving younger DBs a shot when the ones playing are unable to make plays time after time after time. And he needs to make sure his coaches are making quicker adjustments to stop the bleeding. They did a nice job with adjustments in the second, yet one is left wondering why the coaches chose to have the CBs play so tight in the first place and for so long, when they knew OSU was going to go deep again and again... and Pitt's CBs were getting toasted play after play when doing so.

For every time Maddox made a good play, there were two times where he was abused. The DBs are still often out of position or they are allowing their receiver to blow past them. It's just inexcusable when it happens so often.

No denying Rudolph has a nice arm, but Pitt's poor coverage made him (with his 540 yards) look like a Heisman candidate. Just embarrassing. Doesn't look good for Narduzzi that these starting CBs are supposedly the best we have?

The receiver Maddox covered (Johnson) had 296 yards. What other DB gives up 296 yards to a receiver in a game and is considered by their coaches the best the team has?

The other part of the problem is the offense is getting away from what works at the end of games. Pitt had two chances to put the game away on offense, after the delay. Teams can not stop the jet sweep with Henderson (or Whitehead), yet it virtually disappeared at the end of both the PSU and OSU game.

Hmm.

 

[thebadby2]

I'm not souring on Narduzzi, nor do I have any clue if he's a good HC, bad HC or somewhere in the middle. The only thing I am certain is that the coaching musical chairs must stop. Since Walt was fired, Pitt's program has been in the wilderness going nowhere. We must have stability, that's first, so Narduzzi stays.
Second point is that we simply don't have the talent to do much better than 7-5. 6-6, 5-7 for the foreseeable future. PA talent is thin. Add to that, we don't have a good record of keeping what few of the great ones there are, at Pitt. We need to get the kids from talent rich Florida, Texas and California before we can sniff at "the next level." How we do that is Narduzzi's challenge. Sooner rather than later, I expect we'll be back to 30,000 crowds for home games.

We need to get the kids from talent rich Florida, Texas and California

That's not true, and it's not going to happen, outside of some middle-lower tier Florida kids whose best offer is Pitt. We have all the players we need to be a strong ACC program within 300-400 miles of Pittsburgh, we just need to get some of them.

 

[mvk112]

We need to get the kids from talent rich Florida, Texas and California

That's not true, and it's not going to happen, outside of some middle-lower tier Florida kids whose best offer is Pitt. We have all the players we need to be a strong ACC program within 300-400 miles of Pittsburgh, we just need to get some of them.

They not only need to start winning most of these Western PA battles, but some in NJ, MD, and VA as well. Plus pick off some of the FL kids like they have been.

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

Before Pitt coaches were able to bring in out-of-state superstars like Mark May, Hugh Green and Rickey Jackson, they had to prove they could recruit local/regional superstars and win often with them. Pitt's current coaches need to do it again. They've already have a good start with Whitehead + Hamlin + RBs group + Ford. They need to keep going.

Would Pitt have won against OSU and be undefeated right now with a healthy Hamlin? It's very possible.

 

[thebadby2]

Agreed...

I am still big on Narduzzi, but he does need to get his staff to step it up with recruiting. He also should think about giving younger DBs a shot when the ones playing are unable to make plays time after time after time. And he needs to make sure his coaches are making quicker adjustments to stop the bleeding. They did a nice job with adjustments in the second, yet one is left wondering why the coaches chose to have the CBs play so tight in the first place and for so long, when they knew OSU was going to go deep again and again... and Pitt's CBs were getting toasted play after play when doing so.

For every time Maddox made a good play, there were two times where he was abused. The DBs are still often out of position or they are allowing their receiver to blow past them. It's just inexcusable when it happens so often.

No denying Rudolph has a nice arm, but Pitt's poor coverage made him (with his 540 yards) look like a Heisman candidate. Just embarrassing. Doesn't look good for Narduzzi that these starting CBs are supposedly the best we have?

The receiver Maddox covered (Johnson) had 296 yards. What other DB gives up 296 yards to a receiver in a game and is considered by their coaches the best the team has?

The other part of the problem is the offense is getting away from what works at the end of games. Pitt had two chances to put the game away on offense, after the delay. Teams can not stop the jet sweep with Henderson (or Whitehead), yet it virtually disappeared at the end of both the PSU and OSU game.

Hmm.

one is left wondering why the coaches chose to have the CBs play so tight in the first place and for so long, when they knew OSU was going to go deep again and again... and Pitt's CBs were getting toasted play after play when doing so.

You're exactly right about this--we stayed in press man coverage with the LBs and Whitehead playing downhill to stop the run despite the fact that OSU just kept picking on that very scheme by throwing the ball where our players weren't and/or over the top, over and over again. When you give up 540 passing yards there is no sugar coating it, your defense failed completely.

There is an answer to your question though, and it's one some fans may not like--that's just what Narduzzi does, that's his defense. He is not one to change his core philosophy to fit his personnel. he wants to put his system in and stay consistent in the techniques he teaches until eventually his own players are on the field playing the same defense they came into the program with. Once he gets the right personnel on the field, that defense will look very different than it does now. Still, we will be vulnerable to teams that throw the ball downfield a lot, for reference see what Baylor did to MSU through the air in the 2015 Cotton Bowl--over 600 yards passing if I remember correctly. And that was with MSU having a NFL first rounder at one corner and a NFL free safety.

The OSU game was a classic example of cutting off your nose to spite your face by sticking with our press man, run-stop base D. Narduzzi's philosophy is to have his CBs disrupt the timing of pass plays at the LOS, and to get pressure on the QB from his D line and by mixing up blitz looks. We were unable to effectively do either against OkSU as they had much better athletes at WR than we do at CB and they had their protections down pat, no doubt based on a lot of film study, and we paid the price. As familiar as I am with Narduzzi from his MSU years, and how stubborn he is about sticking to his base D, I was nonetheless a bit surprised he didn't give OkSU a different look than the one they expected and prepared for, as the whole world knew we don't have the horses to man up with their wideouts. Mason Rudolph said before the game that OSU was going to take advantage of the aggressive press man coverage we run, and we gave him exactly what he wanted and expected. The truth is, Matt House's base zone cover 2 probably would have worked out better against OSU than Duzzi's scheme, but that's one game against one unique opponent.

 

[thebadby2]

ECU has beaten NCSU 3 straight times, including a 42-28 win over NCSU w/Canada.

ECU always has a major chip on their shoulder when they play Nc State and UNC.

it was the ECU HC job that Canada interviewed for--with permission--before taking the Pitt job.