Elijah Fields Suspension

First and foremost, the Dawg would like to thank all of my Penn State fans for the kind words of encouragement and support regarding his most recent blog on the current state (or lack there of) of the Pitt/Penn State rivalry. I have to admit, I was very pleasantly surprised to see so many PSU fans show support and agreement on my theories of why the rivalry isn't currently being held where it belongs, on a football field. And I also was bowled over by their very positive opinions and respect for the Pitt football program and even my skills as a writer. I would have posted all of their responses, but since there were so many and because so many were simply singing my praises and not furthering the discussion of the blog, I've decided to keep them to myself, close to my heart.

So again, thank you to all those gracious Nittany Lion fans, I really appreciate all of your support for my ramblings and look forward to more of your praise and support in the coming months.

Now onto more current news. The Dawg was extremely disappointed by the recent news that Elijah Fields was suspended from the team for the upcoming season. Despite having Mike Phillips and Eric Thatcher back, the safety position was still extremely shallow in depth even before Fields suspension. Considering that both starting safeties are coming off injuries, and how much the absence of Thatcher truly contributed to Pitt losing the last five games last season, losing Fields is a tremendous blow to an already thin defensive backfield.

But this does not mean that all is lost when considering Pitt's defense this year. If the defensive line can continue to show improvement and play a significant role in stopping the run in 2007, than the deficiencies and inexperience so prevalent in the back seven might not be as punitive as it was in 2006. Experience also plays a big factor in all of this.

And I mean lack of experience. Let the Dawg Explain...

Despite a few bright spots (mainly H.B. Blades and Derrelle Revis) most of the defensive leftovers from the Walt Harris days did not seem to buy into the new defensive style favored by new head coach, Dave Wannstedt. Wannstedt prefers to line up in base defenses and that allow his players the chance to beat their man and make plays. This is in direct contrast to the schematic style Paul Rhoads employed under Harris. If asked to be honest, I believe most leftover players would admit they favored the old defense. Especially since its scheme effectively hid their deficiencies by attempting to prevent the big play. The old defense did allow opposing offenses to maintain significant and lengthy drives, but it also kept Pitt in most games and gave Harris' complex offensive a chance to pull games out in the end.

It worked well for Harris, but Wannstedt wants more...he wants his defenses to dominate game much like his defenses at Miami did. And his best chance of having this type of success on defense is by having his talented, but largely inexperienced underclassmen get more playing time on the field. Although its scary to think that inexperience players like Dom DeCiccio and Nate Nix might get significant playing time...but it also could reap huge benefits for the Panthers in the future as well. Fields would have been another benefactor of this, but he also will continue to practice and learn the system. More importantly, due to Wannstedt's recent success on the recruiting trail, there will be many other young players looking to make their impact if opportunity arises as well.