I said that I just don't see us winning the game. I was wrong. The team played great.
On offense Stull made great key throws. Baldwin was given a chance to show what he can do and he certainly came through. Kinder is Kinder. He is consistent game in and game out, we are very lucky to have a wide receiver like him around. Dorin had a nice end around and gave us a critical 3rd down conversion. Lastly I want to mention Oderick Turner. I have been one of his biggest critics and was very happy to hear that he was going to have limited playing time due to his poor play. He, like the rest of the team proved me wrong. He had great catches, fought for yards, and looked like a completely different player. I said that his freshman year showed what it took for him to play well. He is the type of guy that needs to feel pressured to play well. Last year and this year he had one of the starting spots just handed to him and he didn't produce. This game he had to fight with Porter, McGee, and Baldwin for time and he showed that he can be a good player when he wants to be.
Shady deserves a paragraph all to himself and I'm sure he'll get full columns about the way he played today. The fumble he had early on really killed our momentum at a critical time. Instead of dwelling on that and pulling out some "Poor-me" attitude, he went back out there more determined than ever and played the like the back we saw last year. He carried this team tonight. He fought for the hard yards and did what it took to convert third downs. Shady was the all star and he deserves major credit for this win.
The defense did a great job today as well. Minus that drive where USF ran all over us, they played a great game. The line looked like the guys we hyped up all season. The linebackers were in position all game long. McKillop had 14 tackles today and gave the Panthers something to brag about as our All-American linebacker played like an All-American.
Conor Lee should get Big East honors again. He is the most clutch kicker we have ever had since I've followed Pitt football. When we talk all time great Pitt special teams players, Conor Lee and Andy Lee will be the top two that always come to mind.
The main people though who deserve some praise is the coaching staff. This is the type of game that fans were calling for all season. A game plan like today's would have beaten Bowling Green, and would have allowed for 14 or more point victories against Iowa and Syracuse. I don't know if Cavanaugh called the plays he wanted or if Wannstedt wanted an open, unconventional, unpredictable offense. Whatever the case, it worked and we need to stick with it. Phil Bennett also showed the defense I thought we were getting when he was hired this off season. Our blitz packages were effective all game long. We can't play afraid anymore. We know that when we take chances we will be successful and we will win.
Overall it was the best play calling we have seen from this staff ever. They trusted the players, and the players came up big when they had to. Kudos to everyone.
Like I said before, I was wrong, I am glad I was wrong, and I hope you all let me know that I was wrong.
Showing posts with label Pitt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pitt. Show all posts
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sweet Caroline
As I'm sure you all know, I was a big supporter of getting the Sweet Caroline song played at the Pitt games.
The students embraced it and it sounded great.
If you didn't hear it or want to hear it again, you can hear just a part of it here.
This is compliments of the athletics department of Pitt. I'll let them decide when they want to distribute the whole song, but enjoy this little bit.
The students embraced it and it sounded great.
If you didn't hear it or want to hear it again, you can hear just a part of it here.
This is compliments of the athletics department of Pitt. I'll let them decide when they want to distribute the whole song, but enjoy this little bit.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Buffalo preview
Before I break this down, I just want all of you "Panther fans" to make sure you come to the game on Saturday. There is more on the line than you think. An 0-2 start likely will be the start of the fall. Also of interest is that many people have been saying that Turner Gill (the coach of Buffalo) could be a likely candidate to eventually replace Wannstedt. Gill has Nebraska ties as he worked with Coach Osborne and we already know how that Nebraska connection fits in with our athletics department.
The one key thing about Gill that makes this game dangerous for Pitt is not his run first mentality. It is the fact that Gill is willing to change styles when required to win. Last week in a dominating game against UTEP, Buffalo put up over 200 yards of offense both passing and running the ball. I don't fear any team running against us. I do fear Gill seeing what killed us last week and then using the spread to his advantage. One great thing a coach does is teach his team different ways to play. That allows the team to conquer against another team's weakness. Buffalo does have the ability to use the spread and yes they have used it before.
What you need to know. Drew Willy (a.k.a. Dr. Wily) is their senior quarterback, and he is a good one. He hasn't thrown an interception since early in the 2007 season. After one game he is leading the country in passer rating. If there is one guy we need to watch out for it is him. I can see him using his WR's to destroy the linebacker mismatches we will see. When you see a 4 wide set, don't expect us to break out of our 4-3. That is when Dr. Wily will have his chance to shine.
Sophomore Brandon Thermilus had a very good game last week. He put up over 100 yards and 2 touchdowns. The other backs helped the Bulls combine for over 260 yards on the ground. Hopefully we have shed the "Rhoads' Still Running" awards and hold their game in check. The thing about this group is that they can catch the ball out of the backfield which may just be how the running backs get effective touches in this game. The key to winning this game will be limiting Thermilus and company. If him and the backs have a bad day, that means Pitt will be having a great day.
One more thing about the Bull's offense. Their line is massive. They're the biggest line we've seen here at Pitt since MSU marched their giant offensive line on the field. Hopefully Buddy Morris has the right idea with his philosophy of "fat doesn't mean force". If the hogs from Buffalo take out our DLine, there is no way we will win this game.
Now on to the defense. Buffalo will march out a trio of linebackers will little experience. Despite this, those guys, like the rest of their team, had one great game against Buffalo. They were able to finish their tackles and get some sacks. If they play their backers into coverage, we need to exploit them with Dorin and Nate. Will Wanny and Cavvy recognize that? Probably not. However, Gill isn't afraid to unleash the linebackers on the blitz. That should be something of concern for Panther fans since Joe Thomas just doesn't have problems picking up the blitzing linebackers, he can barely stop the guy lining up directly in front of him. If he struggles early, we need to see Lucas Nix.
If we run Shady to the outside, maybe throw in some misdirections instead of just running up the middle all the time Shady should hit his 100 yards easily. Now if Buffalo lines up 8 or 9 guys in the box, we can not abandon play action. We need to do the things early to keep these guys off guard. Run, run, pass will not work against this and if we see your typical Cavanaugh offense, Buffalo will beat us.
This game really is a toss up. We should win this game, but we should have won the Bowling Green game too. I'm really hoping we win especially after we had some guys from Buffalo post on the PantherLair.com message board talking smack on us. I have news for Buffalo fans, before you start running your mouth, try winning more games against major conferences (except for the one win you had against Rutgers in 2002). Since you were so adamant about calling it the University AT Buffalo, I will refuse to do that. So Buffalo University, thank you for giving us the awful second season of Sorority Life and the only season of Frat Life on MTV. Despite that TV gold, you might want to avoid watching the game this weekend. I have a feeling the Panthers are going to come out angry and with something to prove. Even Matt Cavanaugh came out and said he needs to change the way we approach the game. My level headed prediction says Pitt will win 24-20 in a close clock possession game, the optimist in DPJ is going to say Pitt will win 38-17. A 3 touchdown win should give the team back some swagger and put Buffalo back to a world I like to call reality.
We'll see you on Saturday rain or shine, fireworks or no fireworks.
P.S. look out for the Cat Basket standard on the field.
The one key thing about Gill that makes this game dangerous for Pitt is not his run first mentality. It is the fact that Gill is willing to change styles when required to win. Last week in a dominating game against UTEP, Buffalo put up over 200 yards of offense both passing and running the ball. I don't fear any team running against us. I do fear Gill seeing what killed us last week and then using the spread to his advantage. One great thing a coach does is teach his team different ways to play. That allows the team to conquer against another team's weakness. Buffalo does have the ability to use the spread and yes they have used it before.
What you need to know. Drew Willy (a.k.a. Dr. Wily) is their senior quarterback, and he is a good one. He hasn't thrown an interception since early in the 2007 season. After one game he is leading the country in passer rating. If there is one guy we need to watch out for it is him. I can see him using his WR's to destroy the linebacker mismatches we will see. When you see a 4 wide set, don't expect us to break out of our 4-3. That is when Dr. Wily will have his chance to shine.
Sophomore Brandon Thermilus had a very good game last week. He put up over 100 yards and 2 touchdowns. The other backs helped the Bulls combine for over 260 yards on the ground. Hopefully we have shed the "Rhoads' Still Running" awards and hold their game in check. The thing about this group is that they can catch the ball out of the backfield which may just be how the running backs get effective touches in this game. The key to winning this game will be limiting Thermilus and company. If him and the backs have a bad day, that means Pitt will be having a great day.
One more thing about the Bull's offense. Their line is massive. They're the biggest line we've seen here at Pitt since MSU marched their giant offensive line on the field. Hopefully Buddy Morris has the right idea with his philosophy of "fat doesn't mean force". If the hogs from Buffalo take out our DLine, there is no way we will win this game.
Now on to the defense. Buffalo will march out a trio of linebackers will little experience. Despite this, those guys, like the rest of their team, had one great game against Buffalo. They were able to finish their tackles and get some sacks. If they play their backers into coverage, we need to exploit them with Dorin and Nate. Will Wanny and Cavvy recognize that? Probably not. However, Gill isn't afraid to unleash the linebackers on the blitz. That should be something of concern for Panther fans since Joe Thomas just doesn't have problems picking up the blitzing linebackers, he can barely stop the guy lining up directly in front of him. If he struggles early, we need to see Lucas Nix.
If we run Shady to the outside, maybe throw in some misdirections instead of just running up the middle all the time Shady should hit his 100 yards easily. Now if Buffalo lines up 8 or 9 guys in the box, we can not abandon play action. We need to do the things early to keep these guys off guard. Run, run, pass will not work against this and if we see your typical Cavanaugh offense, Buffalo will beat us.
This game really is a toss up. We should win this game, but we should have won the Bowling Green game too. I'm really hoping we win especially after we had some guys from Buffalo post on the PantherLair.com message board talking smack on us. I have news for Buffalo fans, before you start running your mouth, try winning more games against major conferences (except for the one win you had against Rutgers in 2002). Since you were so adamant about calling it the University AT Buffalo, I will refuse to do that. So Buffalo University, thank you for giving us the awful second season of Sorority Life and the only season of Frat Life on MTV. Despite that TV gold, you might want to avoid watching the game this weekend. I have a feeling the Panthers are going to come out angry and with something to prove. Even Matt Cavanaugh came out and said he needs to change the way we approach the game. My level headed prediction says Pitt will win 24-20 in a close clock possession game, the optimist in DPJ is going to say Pitt will win 38-17. A 3 touchdown win should give the team back some swagger and put Buffalo back to a world I like to call reality.
We'll see you on Saturday rain or shine, fireworks or no fireworks.
P.S. look out for the Cat Basket standard on the field.
Friday, December 7, 2007
The good news just keeps coming in.
Unless you live in a cave, you probably have heard by now that by some divine intervention, we were able to grab Cameron Saddler out of the firm grip of UVa's hands. Maybe I was trying to prepare myself for the worst just like I was doing for the WVU game, but I never expected us to land him. According to some people close to the program, his attitude towards Pitt really changed after the WVU game. He was at WVU on his official visit and after the game had ended he wanted to go into the Pitt locker room but wasn't able to. I have also heard rumblings that Wanny and Dickrod went to his house around the same time and that Dickrod was not pleased to see the old Wannmobile in the driveway.
This commitment is huge not because he is a 4 star return specialist from what has been a PSU pipeline high school, it is important because Saddler is the type of player you want in your program. He is very well spoken, highly intelligent, and appears to be passionate about everything he engages in. The second biggest thing about this commitment will be the domino effect we see. Saddler has been open in admitting that he and Shayne Hale would like to go to the same college. Hale originally had crossed Pitt off his list, but all of a sudden in a recent interview Hale said that Pitt is back in the fold. Again, it will be hard to beat UVa, but if there is one thing Wanny has shown he can do better than anyone else in the Big East, it is recruit.
Speaking of linebackers, we just landed quarterback Zach Stoudt. I know you are wondering where this is going, but let me explain. Stoudt is a highly rated Qb from Dublin Oh (motherland of Adam Graessle). Not only is he the son of the man who replace Terry Bradshaw at quarterback in 1983, but he is also good friends with a linebacker from the Buckeye State. That linebacker would be Steve Gardiner. If we can land Gardiner (which is about 97%) and Hale, we would be in very good shape at linebacker with this year and last years class.
Still no work on Jonathan Baldwin. He will be a Panther, but the question is when will he announce? My best guess is that he will wait until late in the recruiting process to make an announcement. If you notice he also has Florida and Miami on his interest list. Pitt, Miami, and UF. It sounds like someone is going to have a couple of nice vacationing weekends in Florida before becoming a Panther.
Lastly, if you are worried about the number of scholarships this year, don't let it bug ya too much. Pestano will not be back on the team next year. On field performance as well as reported attitude issues have cost him his scholarship. Wanny has remained strong in his belief that he will hold up his end of the deal and if you do not hold up your end he will pull your scholarship. He has done this each and every season. I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple of more guys (think DL and DB) to be gone in the next few weeks.
As more news happens we will continue to let you know about it.
13-9.
This commitment is huge not because he is a 4 star return specialist from what has been a PSU pipeline high school, it is important because Saddler is the type of player you want in your program. He is very well spoken, highly intelligent, and appears to be passionate about everything he engages in. The second biggest thing about this commitment will be the domino effect we see. Saddler has been open in admitting that he and Shayne Hale would like to go to the same college. Hale originally had crossed Pitt off his list, but all of a sudden in a recent interview Hale said that Pitt is back in the fold. Again, it will be hard to beat UVa, but if there is one thing Wanny has shown he can do better than anyone else in the Big East, it is recruit.
Speaking of linebackers, we just landed quarterback Zach Stoudt. I know you are wondering where this is going, but let me explain. Stoudt is a highly rated Qb from Dublin Oh (motherland of Adam Graessle). Not only is he the son of the man who replace Terry Bradshaw at quarterback in 1983, but he is also good friends with a linebacker from the Buckeye State. That linebacker would be Steve Gardiner. If we can land Gardiner (which is about 97%) and Hale, we would be in very good shape at linebacker with this year and last years class.
Still no work on Jonathan Baldwin. He will be a Panther, but the question is when will he announce? My best guess is that he will wait until late in the recruiting process to make an announcement. If you notice he also has Florida and Miami on his interest list. Pitt, Miami, and UF. It sounds like someone is going to have a couple of nice vacationing weekends in Florida before becoming a Panther.
Lastly, if you are worried about the number of scholarships this year, don't let it bug ya too much. Pestano will not be back on the team next year. On field performance as well as reported attitude issues have cost him his scholarship. Wanny has remained strong in his belief that he will hold up his end of the deal and if you do not hold up your end he will pull your scholarship. He has done this each and every season. I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple of more guys (think DL and DB) to be gone in the next few weeks.
As more news happens we will continue to let you know about it.
13-9.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
50/50
This game is either going to be a fun night or a long night.
In case you haven't heard Navy likes to run the ball and they do it very well. If you don't believe me you can check the stats out yourself. Navy is #1 in the nation in rushing offense. Over the course of the last several years, I think it is safe to say that we have had a little problem with stopping the run here at the University of Pittsburgh. Notre Dame, West Virginia, and MSU are all prime examples of our defense letting players have career days. As shocking as it sounds, statistically our defense hasn't been that bad. We enter this game ranked 9th in total defense despite getting blown out in the last two games. This is the week where we really find out how far our team has progressed defensively against the run. If we have any chance in this game, it is because of 2 reasons. First, the defense needs to play fast and physical as Rush Probst would say. The option needs to be stopped. Navy does not have a great passing offense at all and if we can force them to pass, then we will be in great shape. The one area that will be critical will be the play of the safeties. They need to read and react if the option is coming to move up and stop the run. We can't have them sit back in the outfield waiting for something. The defense also needs to hit the quarterback every time they run the option. If we can get in his face and knock him down every time they run the option, it becomes more likely we can shut down their running game.
The other half of what will keep us in this game is Navy's defense is pretty damn bad. They gave up 43 points to powerhouse Duke. This is the game where Bostick needs to come up big. If we can complete a few long pass plays, that should open the door for Shady to get his yards on the ground. If Navy does not respect the passing game and starts to line up 8 or 9 guys in the box, we need to open up the playbook and let Pat play. Despite comments from Wanny and Cav, I would not believe them saying they are going to open up the passing game. They have done nothing this season that would suggest they are comfortable throwing the ball. Truthfully, I think it was all fabricated statements to get Navy to back off their pressure of stopping the run. If they are serious about passing the ball, I'd let Bostick take a shot deep on the very first offensive play of the game just to prove a point. That would be a great message to send to Navy. We aren't and won't be afraid to throw the ball.
One little area of concern on the OLine (despite the many others) is that CJ Davis is injured but should play. If for some reason CJ has to leave the game, that would leave us with only 1 good offensive lineman, and that folks is a scary thought. I still hope that McGlynn is moved to center or guard as he is much better at those positions than he is at tackle. The running backs and tight ends will really need to step up this game, and the rest of the season if we want to give Pat the slightest fighting chance of having some time to throw the ball. The other side of that, is our receivers must come up big this game. No more lazy play, no more dropped passes, no stupid penalties. If we want to win some more games this season, the receivers need to show up for the first time this season.
Pitt 27 - Navy 17.
~ The One and Only ~
In case you haven't heard Navy likes to run the ball and they do it very well. If you don't believe me you can check the stats out yourself. Navy is #1 in the nation in rushing offense. Over the course of the last several years, I think it is safe to say that we have had a little problem with stopping the run here at the University of Pittsburgh. Notre Dame, West Virginia, and MSU are all prime examples of our defense letting players have career days. As shocking as it sounds, statistically our defense hasn't been that bad. We enter this game ranked 9th in total defense despite getting blown out in the last two games. This is the week where we really find out how far our team has progressed defensively against the run. If we have any chance in this game, it is because of 2 reasons. First, the defense needs to play fast and physical as Rush Probst would say. The option needs to be stopped. Navy does not have a great passing offense at all and if we can force them to pass, then we will be in great shape. The one area that will be critical will be the play of the safeties. They need to read and react if the option is coming to move up and stop the run. We can't have them sit back in the outfield waiting for something. The defense also needs to hit the quarterback every time they run the option. If we can get in his face and knock him down every time they run the option, it becomes more likely we can shut down their running game.
The other half of what will keep us in this game is Navy's defense is pretty damn bad. They gave up 43 points to powerhouse Duke. This is the game where Bostick needs to come up big. If we can complete a few long pass plays, that should open the door for Shady to get his yards on the ground. If Navy does not respect the passing game and starts to line up 8 or 9 guys in the box, we need to open up the playbook and let Pat play. Despite comments from Wanny and Cav, I would not believe them saying they are going to open up the passing game. They have done nothing this season that would suggest they are comfortable throwing the ball. Truthfully, I think it was all fabricated statements to get Navy to back off their pressure of stopping the run. If they are serious about passing the ball, I'd let Bostick take a shot deep on the very first offensive play of the game just to prove a point. That would be a great message to send to Navy. We aren't and won't be afraid to throw the ball.
One little area of concern on the OLine (despite the many others) is that CJ Davis is injured but should play. If for some reason CJ has to leave the game, that would leave us with only 1 good offensive lineman, and that folks is a scary thought. I still hope that McGlynn is moved to center or guard as he is much better at those positions than he is at tackle. The running backs and tight ends will really need to step up this game, and the rest of the season if we want to give Pat the slightest fighting chance of having some time to throw the ball. The other side of that, is our receivers must come up big this game. No more lazy play, no more dropped passes, no stupid penalties. If we want to win some more games this season, the receivers need to show up for the first time this season.
Pitt 27 - Navy 17.
~ The One and Only ~
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Sound familiar?
Just like any good Pitt fan, I like to read up on the opponent before we play. This "fan scouting" consists of looking at stats, projected lineups, and other on the field stuff. I also like to read the opponent's message boards. Today I was reading and came across this dandy.
http://connecticut.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=1368&mid=101113301&sid=1039&tid=101113301&style=1
"Game of the year" "Attendance of 33,000" "Program on the rise"
Sure sounds like the way we spoke last week doesn't it? Uconn is a desperate team looking to prove something. They embarrassed us last year on the road and made our defense look completely incompetent.
We can't let this game become a trap game. We are 9 point favorites and we need to win by more than 9 points to prove a point. No matter how they did it, UConn is still 3-0 and beating any D1 3-0 team is an accomplishment. We dropped over 10 spots in last weeks cbs.sportsline.com's poll despite playing a solid game. If we play a superb game this week, we won't move up that much, but if we lose, all hell will break loose.
I don't think we will lose, I actually think we could run the ball every single down and still win. Lets just not take things for granted. This years panther team is very talented and we need to prove it to everyone.
p.s. I hope DJ Hernandez runs a route over the middle and Eric Thatcher sticks him.
http://connecticut.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=1368&mid=101113301&sid=1039&tid=101113301&style=1
"Game of the year" "Attendance of 33,000" "Program on the rise"
Sure sounds like the way we spoke last week doesn't it? Uconn is a desperate team looking to prove something. They embarrassed us last year on the road and made our defense look completely incompetent.
We can't let this game become a trap game. We are 9 point favorites and we need to win by more than 9 points to prove a point. No matter how they did it, UConn is still 3-0 and beating any D1 3-0 team is an accomplishment. We dropped over 10 spots in last weeks cbs.sportsline.com's poll despite playing a solid game. If we play a superb game this week, we won't move up that much, but if we lose, all hell will break loose.
I don't think we will lose, I actually think we could run the ball every single down and still win. Lets just not take things for granted. This years panther team is very talented and we need to prove it to everyone.
p.s. I hope DJ Hernandez runs a route over the middle and Eric Thatcher sticks him.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Pitt vs Grambling preview
Before I get into the meat.....errr......Boca Burgers and Potatoes of this breakdown there is some news I must address first.
Pitt athletics director Jeff Long has been offered the same position by Arkansas. Now Jeff would probably get a nice raise if he went there and Arkansas is a school that has much more support than Pitt. Again, that's one of the negatives being a school in a major city. I'm not going to get into Jeff should do this or Jeff should do that. I just want to make everyone aware that both Jason Jones and I have dealt with Jeff Long many times in the past and he is one of our favorite people at Pitt. He is always nice and sincere with us and will always take the time to talk. Jeff, whatever you choose for your future, we wish you the best of luck.
Now on to the breakdown.
So I'm sure you all think you know everything there is to know about Grambling. Yes, they have a world famous band and drumline.......Actually thats probably all that you know. Here's a little quick fact for you, Grambling's marching band played the halftime show at Superbowl IX between the Steelers and Vikings. Amazing to think of how far halftime shows have come along. Anyways, onward with the breakdown!!!
Grambling is entering Heinz field tomorrow with a 1-0 record. Representing the SWAC, Grambling dismantled Steve McNair's alma mater and conference rival Alcorn State by a score of 31-10. While the score may not look that impressive, let me give you some stats from that game.
Grambling's QB Brandon Landers threw for over 300 yards and 4 TD's and 0 int's. Running back Frank Warren averaged 4.8 yards per carry last week. He had 143 yards rushing on 30 carries. The other player to watch out for on offense is Reginald Jackson. Last week, the senior receiver had more yards in one game than he had for the entire season over the past two years.
While the offense looks pretty scary on paper here, we must keep this in mind. Last week they did beat up on an 0-2 Alcorn State team. Running back Frank Warren, while speedy is pretty light at 6'0, 180. The defense, now with improved size and speed should be able to contain him for the game. Unless he has one big run, I can't see him or any other grambling running back having over 50 yards against our Panthers. In regards to the passing game, Grambling does try some trick plays. You may see some flea flickers, halfback option passes, and other tomfoolery that if the Panther's bite on would cause some trouble. The way Paul Rhodes sets the defense, players are expected to stay in their lanes and fill the gaps, so if our players can stay composed, there isn't any reason to believe we should be hung out to dry on one of these trick plays. Grambling's passing attack doesn't make me lose any sleep at night either. It is not because I feel they are incompetent, I just truly believe that our secondary is still well above average and should be able to shut them down. Ricky Gary will get his second start at corner to allow Aaron Berry time to rest up for the MSU game (tsk, tsk tsk on me for looking ahead). I really really really, really really really really can't see the Grambling offense coming out and putting up a ton of points.
On the defensive side of the ball, Grambling's D appeared to play very solid last week vs. Alcorn state. However this is the key of the game. Pitt's starting offensive line will have the height, weight, and strength advantage over the Grambling defensive line. Pitt's Oline should be able to open HUGE holes for the man who should be starting, LESEAN MCCOY! I believe that no matter who Pitt would start at running back this week, he could have over 150 yards rushing if given an ample amount of carries. As we all know though, LeSean McCoy, Hot Rod, and Shane Brooks will be the primary backs for the game. If Shady has at least 15 touches, I don't see any reason why he shouldn't have over 100 yards rushing. This game will provide a lot of highlight footage for the 2007 squad as you see Shady and Hot Rod busting out big runs. Also, Pitt's receivers create a huge match up for the Grambling Tigers. Pitt's plethora of large receivers should have an easy day catching passes from starter Kevan Smith....Oops I just leaked some confidential unknown information there. Yes, Kevan Smith is the starter and will have nice looking, inflated stats following tomorrows blow out. The one position I am unsure of what to expect of tomorrow is the tight end spot. Byham, Pelusi, and Strong all have the capabilities to put up big numbers, but I really don't see that happening. The TE's will be used in more of a blocking role to help create even more match up problems for the already undersized Tigers. When you're watching the game tomorrow and you see Pitt line up with 2 TE sets on the O-Line, you, as an educated Pitt fan, should expect to see a running play.
The only note of importance about special teams is that grambling uses two kickers. I really don't see this being a problem as I am sure that kicking in Heinz Field is nothing like they have ever seen before.
I don't expect us to run up the score like Jason had predicted, but I don't think a 34-6 win is out of the question either. If we were going to pass the ball more then I would say the score will be higher, but tomorrow will be a nice run the ball and control the clock day. Keep your eyes out for the Cat Basket sign and enjoy the game tomorrow.
~ The One and Only~
Pitt athletics director Jeff Long has been offered the same position by Arkansas. Now Jeff would probably get a nice raise if he went there and Arkansas is a school that has much more support than Pitt. Again, that's one of the negatives being a school in a major city. I'm not going to get into Jeff should do this or Jeff should do that. I just want to make everyone aware that both Jason Jones and I have dealt with Jeff Long many times in the past and he is one of our favorite people at Pitt. He is always nice and sincere with us and will always take the time to talk. Jeff, whatever you choose for your future, we wish you the best of luck.
Now on to the breakdown.
So I'm sure you all think you know everything there is to know about Grambling. Yes, they have a world famous band and drumline.......Actually thats probably all that you know. Here's a little quick fact for you, Grambling's marching band played the halftime show at Superbowl IX between the Steelers and Vikings. Amazing to think of how far halftime shows have come along. Anyways, onward with the breakdown!!!
Grambling is entering Heinz field tomorrow with a 1-0 record. Representing the SWAC, Grambling dismantled Steve McNair's alma mater and conference rival Alcorn State by a score of 31-10. While the score may not look that impressive, let me give you some stats from that game.
Grambling's QB Brandon Landers threw for over 300 yards and 4 TD's and 0 int's. Running back Frank Warren averaged 4.8 yards per carry last week. He had 143 yards rushing on 30 carries. The other player to watch out for on offense is Reginald Jackson. Last week, the senior receiver had more yards in one game than he had for the entire season over the past two years.
While the offense looks pretty scary on paper here, we must keep this in mind. Last week they did beat up on an 0-2 Alcorn State team. Running back Frank Warren, while speedy is pretty light at 6'0, 180. The defense, now with improved size and speed should be able to contain him for the game. Unless he has one big run, I can't see him or any other grambling running back having over 50 yards against our Panthers. In regards to the passing game, Grambling does try some trick plays. You may see some flea flickers, halfback option passes, and other tomfoolery that if the Panther's bite on would cause some trouble. The way Paul Rhodes sets the defense, players are expected to stay in their lanes and fill the gaps, so if our players can stay composed, there isn't any reason to believe we should be hung out to dry on one of these trick plays. Grambling's passing attack doesn't make me lose any sleep at night either. It is not because I feel they are incompetent, I just truly believe that our secondary is still well above average and should be able to shut them down. Ricky Gary will get his second start at corner to allow Aaron Berry time to rest up for the MSU game (tsk, tsk tsk on me for looking ahead). I really really really, really really really really can't see the Grambling offense coming out and putting up a ton of points.
On the defensive side of the ball, Grambling's D appeared to play very solid last week vs. Alcorn state. However this is the key of the game. Pitt's starting offensive line will have the height, weight, and strength advantage over the Grambling defensive line. Pitt's Oline should be able to open HUGE holes for the man who should be starting, LESEAN MCCOY! I believe that no matter who Pitt would start at running back this week, he could have over 150 yards rushing if given an ample amount of carries. As we all know though, LeSean McCoy, Hot Rod, and Shane Brooks will be the primary backs for the game. If Shady has at least 15 touches, I don't see any reason why he shouldn't have over 100 yards rushing. This game will provide a lot of highlight footage for the 2007 squad as you see Shady and Hot Rod busting out big runs. Also, Pitt's receivers create a huge match up for the Grambling Tigers. Pitt's plethora of large receivers should have an easy day catching passes from starter Kevan Smith....Oops I just leaked some confidential unknown information there. Yes, Kevan Smith is the starter and will have nice looking, inflated stats following tomorrows blow out. The one position I am unsure of what to expect of tomorrow is the tight end spot. Byham, Pelusi, and Strong all have the capabilities to put up big numbers, but I really don't see that happening. The TE's will be used in more of a blocking role to help create even more match up problems for the already undersized Tigers. When you're watching the game tomorrow and you see Pitt line up with 2 TE sets on the O-Line, you, as an educated Pitt fan, should expect to see a running play.
The only note of importance about special teams is that grambling uses two kickers. I really don't see this being a problem as I am sure that kicking in Heinz Field is nothing like they have ever seen before.
I don't expect us to run up the score like Jason had predicted, but I don't think a 34-6 win is out of the question either. If we were going to pass the ball more then I would say the score will be higher, but tomorrow will be a nice run the ball and control the clock day. Keep your eyes out for the Cat Basket sign and enjoy the game tomorrow.
~ The One and Only~
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