As we quickly approach gametime for Pitt VS. Notre Dame, I asked the guys over at Pitt Script to sit the hell down for a second and answer some of my most important questions from most high. They kindly obliged- but they refused to give me a Beano Cook impersonation.
Damn fools…
(Editor’s note: We got two of these crazy bastards answering questions. Bryan’s answers will be in green, while Victory Lights will be in red. Merry Christmas! Also, be sure to check in with Pitt Script on Saturday morning for Subway Domer’s soapbox preachin’ to the Pitt faithful. )
1. What the hell happened against Iowa? Were you going for the whole, “we are trying to lose games like ND” thing?
Insert Dennis Green youtube clip. In seriousness, the game was likely a lot closer than the scoreboard displayed. While the execution was there to some extent, it still wasn’t where it should be. Iowa finally made the adjustment to go after our Achilles in the 4th quarter and just burned us.
Proving that Dave Wannstedt was just part of the problem, Pitt completely collapsed. The High Octane offense apparently has the unintended consequence of completely wearing out Pitt’s defense. In three games, Pitt has give up 76 points this season – 41 of which have been in the fourth quarter. That Pitt’s linebackers are terrible in coverage is another issue all together, and they’re a big factor why Pitt has the 119th ranked pass defense.
2. You have many fine players. Give me 2 on both sides of the ball that ND should be worried about.
- Offense: Devin Street.
- Defense: *snores*
Right now, the offense is Ray Graham as option one, two and three. Despite not having an semblance of a coherent passing game, Graham has done an incredible job producing. He’s going to have a tough time against Notre Dame, as it appears that Pitt’s best lineman, Chris Jacobson seems to doubtful to play Saturday.
Defensively, Wannstedt left behind a whole lot of talent on the offensive line. If I’m Notre Dame, I’d worry about linemen Aaron Donald and Brandon Lindsey, both of whom should end up on all-conference teams. I’d also be on the lookout for LB/DE hybrid freshman Ejuan Price, who through two games as a starter has already put up two sacks.
3. What’s up with Sunseri? Can he run this offense? Your feelings are inserted… HERE.
Absolutely he can run the offense, just not execute it. He made the correct reads this week but the throws just weren’t accurate. He still seems to be operating in almost slow motion, instead of 1 2 3 throw it’s “1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi, 4 Mississippi OH CRAP PASS RUSH”.
Eventually? Yes. Right now? Not so much. The coaches seem to think he now understands the offense, he just needs to get more comfortable with it. As Victory Lights mentioned, holding on to the ball too long is a huge problem, which has led to sacks (of which Maine (MAINE!) had seven).
4. I hate when college teams play in pro stadiums. Will PITT ever get their own yard again? Do you like Heinz, or are you equally disapointed that the games are played off campus?
It’s pretty unlikely for Pitt to have Pitt Stadium 2.0 built in Oakland. Real Estate is at a premium here, hell, there’s barely any room for a 20 car parking lot let alone a stadium. Heinz field is great, but being away from campus does take something away from the game. That being said, Pitt Stadium outlived its lifespan so the move to Heinz was needed. I mean, the Steelers helped pay for it which probably helped in building the Pete which was much needed.
Personally, I prefer Heinz Field. There’s just no where in Oakland (the neighborhood in Pittsburgh where Pitt is at) to build it. My theory is that those who long for the days of Pitt Stadium never went to a game there where they had to drive. Oakland is right off the highway, but to get to/from the center – where Pitt Stadium was – required sitting in the worst traffic jam ever. There was also very limited opportunity to tailgate, which is certainly not the case at Heinz – current issues and all.
They’ve done a very good job making Heinz a “dual use” facility rather than a rental. While the Steelers are the clear #1 in town, Pitt is ingrained into the building as a permanent resident.
5. So, uhh… this whole ACC thing just happened. Thoughts, hopes, and fears can be told here.
Wait, ND isn’t coming with us?
I’m pretty excited about it. Even though ACC football isn’t a huge step up from the Big East, it’s a legitimate football conference and it’s STABLE. The stability is the big thing, as the Big East was and is a house of cards. I was always hoping for the ACC over the Big 10 if push came to shove, so I’m very pleased with the move. When Pitt will start ACC play, however, is unknown.
6. I know Pitt hates ND. Who doesn’t? However, I would like to know how this game ranks in importance to Pitt (fans, players, ex-lovers etc.)
It’s always a national game that gets plenty of attention. It’s a chance to step up and show we can play. It’s important to everyone.
How’s this: When Pitt joins the ACC, I think Pitt will keep this game instead of the Backyard Brawl with West Virginia. Notre Dame is a national program that garners national attention. Unless both Pitt and West Virginia are top-10 teams in November, the Brawl is still a regional game. It’s not a coincidence that Pitt will have several big recruits at the game tomorrow.
7. Your keys to the game, and your prediction please.
- 1) Play 60 minutes, not 45.
- 2) Pitt’s passing defense – can they step up?
- 3) Tino MUST execute better and eliminate turnovers.
- Prediction: ND 31, Pitt 24 (I just threw up, a little, just now, in my mouth).
The offense MUST put together drives that allow the defense to rest. Conversely, the defense must get its ass off the field on third down from time to time. I think at some point this season Pitt will put it all together and give us a glimpse of what Todd Graham promised. Saturday will not be that day. Notre Dame 34, Pitt 24.
Thanks again to Bryan & Victory Lights! GO IRISH!!!
