It's about time someone from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recognized the amazing story developing right under their noses in Oakland. Ron Cook's column in the March 2 issue of the newspaper clearly puts into perspective the heroic year the Men's Panther basketball team has had. Injuries are certainly a part of the game and any critic could easily point to all the injuries other teams in the Big East (most notably the Louisville Cardinals) have suffered and yet still had even better seasons than Pitt.
But to truly appreciate what the Panthers have accomplished this season, one must take into account where this team stood heading into this season. Even if Mike Cook, Levance Fields, Austin Wallace and Cassin Diggs hadn't missed a ton of games the Panthers were still a very young and mostly inexperienced group of players that was going to have to fight their way to a 20+ win season and a bid to the NCAA tournament. The fact that the Panthers did win those 20+ games and likely extended their season beyond the Big East Tournament while not having the services of the players listed above for most (if not all) of the season is quite an accomplishment in itself.
And that accomplishment becomes even more amazing when one takes into account the fact that most of the players who didn't miss extended time were also playing through significant injuries themselves. Ronald Ramon, Keith Benjamin, DeJaun Blair and Gilbert Brown did a tremendous job keeping the Panthers competitive throughout Big East play despite suffering from a plethora of maladies that would have otherwise kept them out of the lineup if the team has anyone available to come of the bench and take their spots. And since there was no one experienced or capable enough, this valiant group of relatively inexperienced and young players themselves carried on despite their pain. And not only did they continue to play; they accomplished all of the goals expected of this year’s club even before the injuries racked their season.
So it's quite a success story for these young players, one that deserves all the accolades their fans can heap upon them. I'm sure some fans will continue to easily dismiss this team's accomplishments in light of their recent shooting and rebounding woes. And we all know many lament the defensive liabilities of this team compared to past editions. But the Dawg can't help being excited about the fact that these young players are getting valuable playing time for the future. And that will come in very handy when the Panthers make their playoff push this year and for the next few years to come. The future is bright for this program not only this year…but for seasons to come.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Shooting Bricks
The Dawg woke up this morning and was excited to find John Grupp's article on Pitt's recent shooting slump in the Pitt Post-Gazette. It's about time the panthers (and us as fans) get to the heart of the matter. The shooting, especially from beyond the arc, has been terrible all season. It certainly hasn't been acceptable since the start of conference play. It's been so bad I think all Pitt fans have been asking themselves if Gil Brown or Ronald Ramon will ever make a three pointer again. Or more importantly, will they ever decide to be more selective about taking shots until they do get back on track.
As Grupp wrote in his article, poor shooting leads directly to bad defense and rebounding. Even in the rough and tough grinding battles of the Big East, shots have to be made. There is only so many times the defense can answer the bell and make the stops necessary to keep a game close. Eventually bad shooting will doom any chance of victory no matter how valiant the defense plays. And the sad part about the slump is that Pitt's staple motion offense has been generating open looks at the basket. The shots are generally there but this team is inexplicably missing them, especially at the most critical moments during games.
But why are the Panthers missing these shots? Exhaustion and injury definitely deserve the lion's share of blame. Ramon and Benjamin have been fighting through injuries while also having the burden of playing more minutes than expected with Fields' injury and only freshman Bradley Wannamaker to back them up. Exhaustion is certainly a culprit for a young starter like DeJuan Blair as he makes his way through brutal conference play for the first time. And with Levance Fields shaking off the rust since his return three games ago it becomes painfully clear why the Panthers can't buy a bucket right now. And Pitt fans could only shiver when envisioning what the fate of this season would if Sam Young had not dramatically improved his outside shot from last year.
Unfortunately, the Panthers have no time to rest and get healthy. Jamie Dixon must find a balance to keep his top players fresh enough to finish off their shots, especially late in games. Pitt should be able to beat Cincinnati and DePaul at home with just their relentless defense...regardless of how well they shoot. But to lock down a spot in the NCAA tournament before they even travel to Madison Square Garden they must also win at least one of the two road games left on the schedule. And it's hard to envision the Panthers winning at West Virginia or Syracuse by defense alone. The must make shots or they will find themselves at the losing end of both road games and needing a deep run in the conference tournament to ensure their invitation to the big dance.
As Grupp wrote in his article, poor shooting leads directly to bad defense and rebounding. Even in the rough and tough grinding battles of the Big East, shots have to be made. There is only so many times the defense can answer the bell and make the stops necessary to keep a game close. Eventually bad shooting will doom any chance of victory no matter how valiant the defense plays. And the sad part about the slump is that Pitt's staple motion offense has been generating open looks at the basket. The shots are generally there but this team is inexplicably missing them, especially at the most critical moments during games.
But why are the Panthers missing these shots? Exhaustion and injury definitely deserve the lion's share of blame. Ramon and Benjamin have been fighting through injuries while also having the burden of playing more minutes than expected with Fields' injury and only freshman Bradley Wannamaker to back them up. Exhaustion is certainly a culprit for a young starter like DeJuan Blair as he makes his way through brutal conference play for the first time. And with Levance Fields shaking off the rust since his return three games ago it becomes painfully clear why the Panthers can't buy a bucket right now. And Pitt fans could only shiver when envisioning what the fate of this season would if Sam Young had not dramatically improved his outside shot from last year.
Unfortunately, the Panthers have no time to rest and get healthy. Jamie Dixon must find a balance to keep his top players fresh enough to finish off their shots, especially late in games. Pitt should be able to beat Cincinnati and DePaul at home with just their relentless defense...regardless of how well they shoot. But to lock down a spot in the NCAA tournament before they even travel to Madison Square Garden they must also win at least one of the two road games left on the schedule. And it's hard to envision the Panthers winning at West Virginia or Syracuse by defense alone. The must make shots or they will find themselves at the losing end of both road games and needing a deep run in the conference tournament to ensure their invitation to the big dance.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Talk, Talk, Talk
OK, I'll admit it. the Dawg started this not too long after Pitt lost their third straight game to the Louisville Cardinals at home. Nonetheless, the issue that has me burning right now has been doing so for some time now.
This team talks to much. Especially to the press.
And that's all fine and dandy when they are winning...which is exactly what they are NOT doing right now.
I now what many of you are thinking...this is a little too unfair. But I don't care. I'm ticked off and concerned right now. The last time Pitt had a team that even insinuated they would beat a team like Dejuan Blair did before he and his teammates went out and lost to Louisville was the 2005 version that fizzled down the stretch and exited both the the Big East and NCAA tournaments without a win.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the confidence and fire...but keep on the floor. It just seems like the natural reaction to losing by some players is to exude some sort of false confidence with the press. Maybe I appreciate the old school way, but until you are winning with ease, it's better to spare everyone the faux bravado and just put the energy into actually winning the game.
You see, what happens is that all the energy ends up being overextended into backing up boasts made in the papers. And it only gets worse at the losing continue. All of sudden knuckles become white and too much stock is put into reversing the losing trend instead of doing what is truly required to stop the losing...getting back to the basics. The Panthers are their absolutely best when they are grinding out every position on both ends of the court. This season has not been any different. Wins against Duke, Georgetown and the dreaded Mountaineers of West Virginia came because each possession was played with the utmost intensity and as if it was the last in a tie ball game.
Instead, the Panthers are now missing wide open jams and three points shots while also turning over the ball way too much while uncontested. This is not Pitt basketball. The Panthers might not recruit the highest rated players come out of high school. But they do recruit talented and smart basketball players who bring intensity to each possession as if its the last of the season. It might not be pretty, it's how this team wins a lot of games.
And when they forget that...they talk too much...and then lose too many games.
This team talks to much. Especially to the press.
And that's all fine and dandy when they are winning...which is exactly what they are NOT doing right now.
I now what many of you are thinking...this is a little too unfair. But I don't care. I'm ticked off and concerned right now. The last time Pitt had a team that even insinuated they would beat a team like Dejuan Blair did before he and his teammates went out and lost to Louisville was the 2005 version that fizzled down the stretch and exited both the the Big East and NCAA tournaments without a win.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the confidence and fire...but keep on the floor. It just seems like the natural reaction to losing by some players is to exude some sort of false confidence with the press. Maybe I appreciate the old school way, but until you are winning with ease, it's better to spare everyone the faux bravado and just put the energy into actually winning the game.
You see, what happens is that all the energy ends up being overextended into backing up boasts made in the papers. And it only gets worse at the losing continue. All of sudden knuckles become white and too much stock is put into reversing the losing trend instead of doing what is truly required to stop the losing...getting back to the basics. The Panthers are their absolutely best when they are grinding out every position on both ends of the court. This season has not been any different. Wins against Duke, Georgetown and the dreaded Mountaineers of West Virginia came because each possession was played with the utmost intensity and as if it was the last in a tie ball game.
Instead, the Panthers are now missing wide open jams and three points shots while also turning over the ball way too much while uncontested. This is not Pitt basketball. The Panthers might not recruit the highest rated players come out of high school. But they do recruit talented and smart basketball players who bring intensity to each possession as if its the last of the season. It might not be pretty, it's how this team wins a lot of games.
And when they forget that...they talk too much...and then lose too many games.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Bubble Woes
The Dawg has to admit, I'm finally a little worried about the Pitt Panthers making the NCAA tournament.
The last two double digit losses on the road to Marquette and Notre Dame were disconcerting not only because of the point differentials, but also because of the nature of them. Pitt seemed to literally lay down in the 2nd half with absolutely no answer for when the momentum swung their opponent's way. The last time a Dixon coached team displayed this characteristic they were bowing out of the NCAA tournament in the first round against the likes of Pacific University. I'm not ready to predict a similar ending to this season, but I'm certainly worried enough about it to mention it in this column.
One man gives me hope, and every Pitt fan knows who I'm talking about. The General, The Blue Devil Slayer, the Hero of Madison Square Garden...whatever you call him, he is without a doubt the true leader of this team. Sure Levance Fields has already been back...in fact he played significant minutes in both of the losses that now have me concerned about the Panthers in the first place. But he isn't truly back...not yet. Maybe he will arrive tomorrow against Louisville, maybe later next week. But when he does I do believe the Panthers will go on a run that leads them deep into the Big East and NCAA tournaments.
Pitt might seem lost right now, but they have also proven they have the talent and determination to play with the best in the nation. With a confident Fields the Panthers will be a very deadly opponent in the post season. Very rarely does the team that dominates all season long win the NCAA basketball championship. Last year Florida was the favorite from beginning to end. But the year before they weren't even mentioned as one of the true contenders for the title before they shocked Villanova in the Elite Eight and overwhelmed George Mason and UCLA to win it all.
So there is a lot to be gained, but a leader must emerge as soon as tomorrow if Pitt wants to end the season the way they started it...by beating the best college basketball has to offer.
The last two double digit losses on the road to Marquette and Notre Dame were disconcerting not only because of the point differentials, but also because of the nature of them. Pitt seemed to literally lay down in the 2nd half with absolutely no answer for when the momentum swung their opponent's way. The last time a Dixon coached team displayed this characteristic they were bowing out of the NCAA tournament in the first round against the likes of Pacific University. I'm not ready to predict a similar ending to this season, but I'm certainly worried enough about it to mention it in this column.
One man gives me hope, and every Pitt fan knows who I'm talking about. The General, The Blue Devil Slayer, the Hero of Madison Square Garden...whatever you call him, he is without a doubt the true leader of this team. Sure Levance Fields has already been back...in fact he played significant minutes in both of the losses that now have me concerned about the Panthers in the first place. But he isn't truly back...not yet. Maybe he will arrive tomorrow against Louisville, maybe later next week. But when he does I do believe the Panthers will go on a run that leads them deep into the Big East and NCAA tournaments.
Pitt might seem lost right now, but they have also proven they have the talent and determination to play with the best in the nation. With a confident Fields the Panthers will be a very deadly opponent in the post season. Very rarely does the team that dominates all season long win the NCAA basketball championship. Last year Florida was the favorite from beginning to end. But the year before they weren't even mentioned as one of the true contenders for the title before they shocked Villanova in the Elite Eight and overwhelmed George Mason and UCLA to win it all.
So there is a lot to be gained, but a leader must emerge as soon as tomorrow if Pitt wants to end the season the way they started it...by beating the best college basketball has to offer.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Pitt vs Michigan State: The First Real Test of the Season
Despite a Michigan State fans comments on a Panther Digest thread regarding Pitt's performance the first two weeks compared to MSU's, the Panthers indeed have a great chance for a marquee win against the Spartans this weekend. Just because Pitt didn't run up the scores and stats in the 2nd half of their first two games doesn't mean that the Panthers didn't easily win both games. The purpose of the game is to beat your opponent. And Pitt did that convincingly the first two games of their young season, despite losing three of their most valuable players going into the season already.
A closer analysis show that Pitt has a much better chance to beat MSU this year. Mainly because of the stronger balance they have on both sides of the ball. On offense, the Panthers are much more balanced with a two prong RB attack. Stephens-Howling is much more dangerous to opposing defenses when they are forced to also focus on LeSean McCoy. The Panthers also has outstanding playmakers at WR and TE. The big question for the offense is the line play. It got a little better against Grambling, but it needs to protect the relatively new QB in Kevan Smith enough and give all of Pitt's playmakers a little bit of room and time to make plays. Fortunately, Pitt's tremdeously talented playmakers will not need as much time as they did last year to make those plays.
On defense, even with losing Mustakas, the Panthers are much faster and stronger on the line. More importantly, the linebackers, as a complete unit, are much better this year. McKillop is faster than Blades and Murray and Gunn are much better tacklers. Dickerson is an X factor playmaker that the Spartans offensive line will have to account for when he's on the field. So I don't expect teams to run roughshod on Pitt this year. Doesn't mean teams won't be successful running against them, but you will probably not see many opposing teams racking up 300+ yards on the ground with regularity as too many did last year. The defensive backs, as a group, are also better this year. Thatcher and Phillips are healthy and Cox will not be picked on as much now that he isn't playing opposite the best CB in the league. Berry and Gary might not be the shut down corners that Revis was yet, but they cover well and are opportunistic when given the chance.
Most importantly, MSU does not run the same offensive style they did last year. If the Panthers have shown anything, they do stack up much better against the pro style offense Dantonio employs than the option offense that MSU and other teams were so effective in running against the Panthers the last few years. Pitt only lost two games last year to a traditional pro style offense (Louisville Rutgers). All the remaining teams used sort of option (MSU, WVU, USF) or spread (UCONN) offense to wear and run the thin defense down. I would suggest that both Louisville and Rutgers last were far superior to MSU this year and Rutgers was still a very close game.
So all in all, I think on paper Pitt has a great chance to win this game. I'm not predicting a win since the game is on the road at a difficult place to play. But I will not be surprised if either Pitt won the game or lost it. It certainly is not the lost course some here might predict it is. I will only be disappointed if Pitt doesn't make the game competitive for four quarters.
A closer analysis show that Pitt has a much better chance to beat MSU this year. Mainly because of the stronger balance they have on both sides of the ball. On offense, the Panthers are much more balanced with a two prong RB attack. Stephens-Howling is much more dangerous to opposing defenses when they are forced to also focus on LeSean McCoy. The Panthers also has outstanding playmakers at WR and TE. The big question for the offense is the line play. It got a little better against Grambling, but it needs to protect the relatively new QB in Kevan Smith enough and give all of Pitt's playmakers a little bit of room and time to make plays. Fortunately, Pitt's tremdeously talented playmakers will not need as much time as they did last year to make those plays.
On defense, even with losing Mustakas, the Panthers are much faster and stronger on the line. More importantly, the linebackers, as a complete unit, are much better this year. McKillop is faster than Blades and Murray and Gunn are much better tacklers. Dickerson is an X factor playmaker that the Spartans offensive line will have to account for when he's on the field. So I don't expect teams to run roughshod on Pitt this year. Doesn't mean teams won't be successful running against them, but you will probably not see many opposing teams racking up 300+ yards on the ground with regularity as too many did last year. The defensive backs, as a group, are also better this year. Thatcher and Phillips are healthy and Cox will not be picked on as much now that he isn't playing opposite the best CB in the league. Berry and Gary might not be the shut down corners that Revis was yet, but they cover well and are opportunistic when given the chance.
Most importantly, MSU does not run the same offensive style they did last year. If the Panthers have shown anything, they do stack up much better against the pro style offense Dantonio employs than the option offense that MSU and other teams were so effective in running against the Panthers the last few years. Pitt only lost two games last year to a traditional pro style offense (Louisville Rutgers). All the remaining teams used sort of option (MSU, WVU, USF) or spread (UCONN) offense to wear and run the thin defense down. I would suggest that both Louisville and Rutgers last were far superior to MSU this year and Rutgers was still a very close game.
So all in all, I think on paper Pitt has a great chance to win this game. I'm not predicting a win since the game is on the road at a difficult place to play. But I will not be surprised if either Pitt won the game or lost it. It certainly is not the lost course some here might predict it is. I will only be disappointed if Pitt doesn't make the game competitive for four quarters.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, June 25, 2007
When will the Penn State Charade End?
Ok, the Dawg has had enough. I just can't take it anymore. I'm finally worn out. I just don't care anymore.
I hate to say it: but I could care less if Pitt and Penn State every play each other again.
That's it, the weight is officially off my chest. But some of you who have been reading me for some time now will be confused. Especially since I have been a vocal supporter of bringing the rivalry back and an often even louder critic of PSU and more importantly Joe Paterno's reluctance to not even consider it, or even historically talk about it in a fair matter.
But once he did start talking about it, boy I wish he never did.
Because once he did, what he has said about it has been so insulting that I can't believe these two teams once actually had a deeply intense and much anticipated rivalry game. But I guess that's what Joe Pa and his devoted nation wanted us all to believe all this time anyway. So in the end, they win. Because the last thing Pitt needs is another program artificially looking down their collective noses at it, especially when that program isn't the lion of college football they used to be...and still falsely think they are.
Is it me, or does it seem like every time Penn State nation needs a jolt in the arm, Joe Paterno brings up the defunct rivalry with Pitt? It's eerily similar to the pattern we've seen from politicians recently. Republicans who don't want to talk about the Iraq War bring up gay marriage or immigration. Democrats who don't want to talk about their inability to fulfill their promise to end the war bring up health care and tax cuts for the rich. For Joe Paterno, its a lot easier acting like he controls the fate of a historic rivalry than answer questions regarding the lawlessness of his supposedly pristine grand experiment of a football program.
It's not Pitt's responsibility to acquiesce in this situation and agree to an unfair deal. Pitt does not need Penn State. It has not played Penn State in six seasons and has still been able to make four bowl games, including the Fiesta Bowl, and be on national television and in the rankings since that day in 2000 that Pitt won the final game in the series 12-0. Yes, Pitt has publicly admitted it would be more than willing to accommodate PSU in any fair way possible to resume the series. This should not be interpreted as a measure born out of necessity or desperation. Just because Pitt wants to play fair to re institute a legendary rivalry doesn't mean Pitt needs to ever play PSU again, as Joe Starkey inaccurately suggests in his most recent column.
So let PSU make all their grand announcements about not needing to play Pitt unless its on their terms. Pitt has nothing to prove to PSU or anyone else. For a medium size intercity college football program, Pitt has done an incredible job staying relevant in college since the shift of successful programs from inner urban campuses to larger state schools in the late fifties/early sixties. After Miami and USC, it's hard to find a more successful program in the inner city than the Panthers. Pitt has to bow to no one, especially PSU.
Maybe its just my own flawed opinion, but I think Joe Pa is still bitter about his less than agreeable dealings with Pitt over the years. Until recently, Joe Pa always maintained that if Pitt was willing to agree to a two game, home and home series, he would do it. It was always his way to say he tried when he know Pitt wouldn't accept anything less than a long-term deal. Yet now he's saying he wouldn't even accept that, as I'm sure Pitt has put out feelers that the arrangement would now be agreeable to them if it could possibly kick start the series again.
This constantly moving target of what he would agree to merely suggests the obvious. Joe Paterno is a man who holds grudges, and yet won't admit to them. He'll suggest any reason for not continuing the rivalry and than switches it when the objection is met. It's a sure sign that a petty grudge by one man holds up the rivalry...which is a shame for all college football fans.
I hate to say it: but I could care less if Pitt and Penn State every play each other again.
That's it, the weight is officially off my chest. But some of you who have been reading me for some time now will be confused. Especially since I have been a vocal supporter of bringing the rivalry back and an often even louder critic of PSU and more importantly Joe Paterno's reluctance to not even consider it, or even historically talk about it in a fair matter.
But once he did start talking about it, boy I wish he never did.
Because once he did, what he has said about it has been so insulting that I can't believe these two teams once actually had a deeply intense and much anticipated rivalry game. But I guess that's what Joe Pa and his devoted nation wanted us all to believe all this time anyway. So in the end, they win. Because the last thing Pitt needs is another program artificially looking down their collective noses at it, especially when that program isn't the lion of college football they used to be...and still falsely think they are.
Is it me, or does it seem like every time Penn State nation needs a jolt in the arm, Joe Paterno brings up the defunct rivalry with Pitt? It's eerily similar to the pattern we've seen from politicians recently. Republicans who don't want to talk about the Iraq War bring up gay marriage or immigration. Democrats who don't want to talk about their inability to fulfill their promise to end the war bring up health care and tax cuts for the rich. For Joe Paterno, its a lot easier acting like he controls the fate of a historic rivalry than answer questions regarding the lawlessness of his supposedly pristine grand experiment of a football program.
It's not Pitt's responsibility to acquiesce in this situation and agree to an unfair deal. Pitt does not need Penn State. It has not played Penn State in six seasons and has still been able to make four bowl games, including the Fiesta Bowl, and be on national television and in the rankings since that day in 2000 that Pitt won the final game in the series 12-0. Yes, Pitt has publicly admitted it would be more than willing to accommodate PSU in any fair way possible to resume the series. This should not be interpreted as a measure born out of necessity or desperation. Just because Pitt wants to play fair to re institute a legendary rivalry doesn't mean Pitt needs to ever play PSU again, as Joe Starkey inaccurately suggests in his most recent column.
So let PSU make all their grand announcements about not needing to play Pitt unless its on their terms. Pitt has nothing to prove to PSU or anyone else. For a medium size intercity college football program, Pitt has done an incredible job staying relevant in college since the shift of successful programs from inner urban campuses to larger state schools in the late fifties/early sixties. After Miami and USC, it's hard to find a more successful program in the inner city than the Panthers. Pitt has to bow to no one, especially PSU.
Maybe its just my own flawed opinion, but I think Joe Pa is still bitter about his less than agreeable dealings with Pitt over the years. Until recently, Joe Pa always maintained that if Pitt was willing to agree to a two game, home and home series, he would do it. It was always his way to say he tried when he know Pitt wouldn't accept anything less than a long-term deal. Yet now he's saying he wouldn't even accept that, as I'm sure Pitt has put out feelers that the arrangement would now be agreeable to them if it could possibly kick start the series again.
This constantly moving target of what he would agree to merely suggests the obvious. Joe Paterno is a man who holds grudges, and yet won't admit to them. He'll suggest any reason for not continuing the rivalry and than switches it when the objection is met. It's a sure sign that a petty grudge by one man holds up the rivalry...which is a shame for all college football fans.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
The Pitt Beagle
Ok, the Dawg just had to chime in on the recently renovated Pitt Panther secondary logo introduced on www.pittsburghpanthers.com today. Of course this really is just a simplifying of the logo appeared on the football team's helmets from 1997-2004 and was relegated to a secondary emblem when Pitt became Pitt again in 2005. And although the logo is of course supposed to be a Panther, it's quite obvious that it looks something else. I think to most fans it's quite obvious this new version of the Pitt Panther looks more similar to a rabid dog than the large sized cat its supposed to be .
But I guess no Pitt fan should be surprised. We've already been down this road many times before. From ROC, the cartoonish squirrel in the 1990s to the Dino Cat logo on the helmet that many swear Steve Pederson lifted straight from the Jurassic Park movies, it's clear that Pitt hasn't been comfortable with it's branding, logos and even its mascot for quite some time now.
And for, it just seems so ridiculous that the athletic department spends so much time on this issue anyway. As a self professed admirer of the classic script look from the 70-80-90s, I personally continue to be stupefied at the athletic department's insistence on constantly changing the program branding without simply embracing the most recognized icon the university ever had. Everyone knows those simple four letters in its signature script styles. It's synonymous with the football program and has been for some time.
And I hear that arguments against bringing back the script on the message boards. We all know Mike Ditka, Joe Schmidt, Jock Sutherland and Marshall Goldberg didn't wear the script. But they played before college football was regularly on television. It's during this era that Pitt rose again and did it wearing the script Pitt on their helmets. It's why its so iconic despite debuting only 35+ years ago. It's what the country identifies immediately to when memories of those great Pitt teams are invoked.
As for the supposedly lack of sales of the jersey's at the auction after the Youngstown State game, that's a relatively weak argument since the jersey's of the most popular players did sell and who in their right mind would spend over $200 on a lesser known player's jersey anyway? Especially when many felt that those supposed throwback jerseys didn't even accurately reflect any of the true past incarnations anyway. Just judging but what one sees at games and around town, it appears to me that the script sells quite well, especially when considering its not even the current branding nor is it as easily and widely available as the current Pitt merchandise.
Maybe its me, but anyone who saw HB Blades and Tyler Palko wearing the script logo on their helmets at the Senior Bowl and didn't think it looked better than anything Pitt has had there since 1996 is certifiably crazy. I'm OK with the team keeping the current colors, they are more regal and commanding of respect than the powder blue and mustard yellow anyway.
But all this nonsense of throwing more good money on bad has to stop. New logos will never...ever bring in the casual fan. Only winning will accomplish that. But tinkering with tradition, for the most part, does aggravate and sometimes even alienate the hardcore supporter.
And on this point, I think Jeff Long gets a large bum rap for this whole issue. He did end the nonsense of being Pittsburgh instead of Pitt. And he does present himself as someone who is more interested in maintaining tradition as his legacy instead of creating his own, which clearly motivated his predecessor.
But if Long is the culprit who is not allowing Pitt to reclaim and proudly display its past glory through the branding that is not only clearly favored by most hardcore Pitt fans, but the coaching staff and players as well, it will be the issue most will unfairly remember him by. And that would be a shame since he has down so much to stabilize the program and lead it through unstable times to hopefuly better days.
But I guess no Pitt fan should be surprised. We've already been down this road many times before. From ROC, the cartoonish squirrel in the 1990s to the Dino Cat logo on the helmet that many swear Steve Pederson lifted straight from the Jurassic Park movies, it's clear that Pitt hasn't been comfortable with it's branding, logos and even its mascot for quite some time now.
And for, it just seems so ridiculous that the athletic department spends so much time on this issue anyway. As a self professed admirer of the classic script look from the 70-80-90s, I personally continue to be stupefied at the athletic department's insistence on constantly changing the program branding without simply embracing the most recognized icon the university ever had. Everyone knows those simple four letters in its signature script styles. It's synonymous with the football program and has been for some time.
And I hear that arguments against bringing back the script on the message boards. We all know Mike Ditka, Joe Schmidt, Jock Sutherland and Marshall Goldberg didn't wear the script. But they played before college football was regularly on television. It's during this era that Pitt rose again and did it wearing the script Pitt on their helmets. It's why its so iconic despite debuting only 35+ years ago. It's what the country identifies immediately to when memories of those great Pitt teams are invoked.
As for the supposedly lack of sales of the jersey's at the auction after the Youngstown State game, that's a relatively weak argument since the jersey's of the most popular players did sell and who in their right mind would spend over $200 on a lesser known player's jersey anyway? Especially when many felt that those supposed throwback jerseys didn't even accurately reflect any of the true past incarnations anyway. Just judging but what one sees at games and around town, it appears to me that the script sells quite well, especially when considering its not even the current branding nor is it as easily and widely available as the current Pitt merchandise.
Maybe its me, but anyone who saw HB Blades and Tyler Palko wearing the script logo on their helmets at the Senior Bowl and didn't think it looked better than anything Pitt has had there since 1996 is certifiably crazy. I'm OK with the team keeping the current colors, they are more regal and commanding of respect than the powder blue and mustard yellow anyway.
But all this nonsense of throwing more good money on bad has to stop. New logos will never...ever bring in the casual fan. Only winning will accomplish that. But tinkering with tradition, for the most part, does aggravate and sometimes even alienate the hardcore supporter.
And on this point, I think Jeff Long gets a large bum rap for this whole issue. He did end the nonsense of being Pittsburgh instead of Pitt. And he does present himself as someone who is more interested in maintaining tradition as his legacy instead of creating his own, which clearly motivated his predecessor.
But if Long is the culprit who is not allowing Pitt to reclaim and proudly display its past glory through the branding that is not only clearly favored by most hardcore Pitt fans, but the coaching staff and players as well, it will be the issue most will unfairly remember him by. And that would be a shame since he has down so much to stabilize the program and lead it through unstable times to hopefuly better days.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
May 20, 2007: Wanny Aid
To drink or not to drink, that is the question all Pitt fans are asking themselves this week. It seems that there are three distinct camps among Pitt fans regarding their opinion of the current tenure of Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt: patient, doomed, and not so sure yet.
And the Dawg will flat out say it right now; I'm in the last group...for sure.
But it's the first two camps that have clearly defined and debated this argument heavily this week. It's obviously a slow week, but nonetheless, this dialogue has been the constant one to inspire extremely long debates and emotion every time it's brought up. As I see it, somehow an analogy of life is unearthed, practically uncovered every time Dave Wannstedt’s prowess as a head football coach is brought up. And that's whether the argument is in Pittsburgh, Miami, or Chicago. Fans seem to look at his lukewarm results as a head coach and either be utterly convinced that the guy is just a flat out failure, while many others look at them and see promise and hope for the future. And nowhere is this analogy more observant and passionate than in Oakland. To Pitt fans Wannstedt is not just another NFL assistant thrown onto the head coaching trash heap. He's a favorite son of not only the program, but of the entire area, mainly for being a decent, warm hearted, friendly, and completely admired legend of a human being. Hence why the debate is more passionate, more well rounded that the typical assertions that he is an abysmal failure of coach you hear from so many outsider fans.
So, among Pitt fans, it appears most look at the results and either feel that this will be life under Wannstedt in perpetuity or that the program naturally bottomed out as a result of the Harris regime and that the current coach is suffering the effects of this while he methodically rebuilds the program in his image.
But there is that small group I personally fit into still to consider: the not so sure one. And I realize how wishy-washy that last sentence really seems. But like almost everyone, I truly believed a new era had dawned for Pitt football that eventful day over two years ago when Dave Wannstedt accepted the head coaching position vacated when Walt Harris took the Stanford head job. Unfortunately, that new era still hasn't started, no matter how much some of us want to believe it has, at least not on the field. The results have just not been there to proclaim Wannstedt's hiring a total success, not yet anyway. So like the first group, I am disappointed with the results. I don’t buy the idea that Pitt was so far in the dumps that not getting to a bowl game was inevitable
But I don't think most of the Wannstedt supporters would want anyone to think that they are happy with the results on the field either. But, they also believe that better results are only a matter of time. And there is validity to their opinion. Wannstedt has dramatically improved the talent level. Mainly because he has lent out a hand and healed many of the relationships Walt Harris had burned at the local high school level as well. Wannstedt has also crafted a very strong and positive image of a program that has struggled at times with its public persona in the past.
But where I differ with this group is there desire to stand by the head coach regardless of how long it takes to see the results. I think somewhere along the line a higher outcome has to be expected. Despite the amount of youth and inexperience on the current roster, there is enough talent to win seven games this year. And somewhere along the road, Wannstedt’s Panthers must figure out how to beat a team that is favored against them. All great coaches have to demonstrate this at least a few times during the tenure. Walt Harris certainly did. And unlike some of the other coaches mentioned who needed more time than two-three years to have a winning season, Wannstedt was brought in to take the program higher than it had been under Harris. A tall order, when you consider that the Panthers had not missed going to a bowl game in half a decade.
So, the Dawg’s point is simple. Wannstedt has come a long way in restoring some lacking elements to the program, especially in regards to talent and public image. But somewhere along the way the results have to follow. And if they don’t soon, the head coach has to be culpable. I’m willing to wait, especially since Wannstedt has shown so much promise. But if Pitt doesn’t make a bowl game this year, then 2008 has to have consequences. He must be coaching to keep his job. If not, than the program will be stagnating and worse off than it was when he took over. And that’s not something any head coach, even one as admired as Dave Wannstedt, can expect to keep their job over.
And the Dawg will flat out say it right now; I'm in the last group...for sure.
But it's the first two camps that have clearly defined and debated this argument heavily this week. It's obviously a slow week, but nonetheless, this dialogue has been the constant one to inspire extremely long debates and emotion every time it's brought up. As I see it, somehow an analogy of life is unearthed, practically uncovered every time Dave Wannstedt’s prowess as a head football coach is brought up. And that's whether the argument is in Pittsburgh, Miami, or Chicago. Fans seem to look at his lukewarm results as a head coach and either be utterly convinced that the guy is just a flat out failure, while many others look at them and see promise and hope for the future. And nowhere is this analogy more observant and passionate than in Oakland. To Pitt fans Wannstedt is not just another NFL assistant thrown onto the head coaching trash heap. He's a favorite son of not only the program, but of the entire area, mainly for being a decent, warm hearted, friendly, and completely admired legend of a human being. Hence why the debate is more passionate, more well rounded that the typical assertions that he is an abysmal failure of coach you hear from so many outsider fans.
So, among Pitt fans, it appears most look at the results and either feel that this will be life under Wannstedt in perpetuity or that the program naturally bottomed out as a result of the Harris regime and that the current coach is suffering the effects of this while he methodically rebuilds the program in his image.
But there is that small group I personally fit into still to consider: the not so sure one. And I realize how wishy-washy that last sentence really seems. But like almost everyone, I truly believed a new era had dawned for Pitt football that eventful day over two years ago when Dave Wannstedt accepted the head coaching position vacated when Walt Harris took the Stanford head job. Unfortunately, that new era still hasn't started, no matter how much some of us want to believe it has, at least not on the field. The results have just not been there to proclaim Wannstedt's hiring a total success, not yet anyway. So like the first group, I am disappointed with the results. I don’t buy the idea that Pitt was so far in the dumps that not getting to a bowl game was inevitable
But I don't think most of the Wannstedt supporters would want anyone to think that they are happy with the results on the field either. But, they also believe that better results are only a matter of time. And there is validity to their opinion. Wannstedt has dramatically improved the talent level. Mainly because he has lent out a hand and healed many of the relationships Walt Harris had burned at the local high school level as well. Wannstedt has also crafted a very strong and positive image of a program that has struggled at times with its public persona in the past.
But where I differ with this group is there desire to stand by the head coach regardless of how long it takes to see the results. I think somewhere along the line a higher outcome has to be expected. Despite the amount of youth and inexperience on the current roster, there is enough talent to win seven games this year. And somewhere along the road, Wannstedt’s Panthers must figure out how to beat a team that is favored against them. All great coaches have to demonstrate this at least a few times during the tenure. Walt Harris certainly did. And unlike some of the other coaches mentioned who needed more time than two-three years to have a winning season, Wannstedt was brought in to take the program higher than it had been under Harris. A tall order, when you consider that the Panthers had not missed going to a bowl game in half a decade.
So, the Dawg’s point is simple. Wannstedt has come a long way in restoring some lacking elements to the program, especially in regards to talent and public image. But somewhere along the way the results have to follow. And if they don’t soon, the head coach has to be culpable. I’m willing to wait, especially since Wannstedt has shown so much promise. But if Pitt doesn’t make a bowl game this year, then 2008 has to have consequences. He must be coaching to keep his job. If not, than the program will be stagnating and worse off than it was when he took over. And that’s not something any head coach, even one as admired as Dave Wannstedt, can expect to keep their job over.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
May 10, 2007: To Schedule or Not to Schedule
That seems to be the question Chris94 has brought up on Panther Digest recently. And anyone who has read Panther Digest long enough will tell you, this is not the first time Chris has brought it up...and it won't be the last. But that is what makes him one of the best posters on Scout.com. He's opinionated, and he isn't afraid to defend his opinion on a few key topics that he feels strongly about.
The Dawg obviously has a ton of respect for his fellow moderator's opinion that Pitt should beef up it's out of conference schedule as much as possible. It's one we have debated for some time now. My stance has generally been not to make the schedule too difficult year in and year out, especially since it could be perceived as a knee jerk reaction to offset a supposedly weak conference schedule. Although the Big East might still have a lot to prove, the conference has proven in the last two years that it certainly is head and shoulders about any current non BCS conference (like the MWC or WAC) that might have had it's eye on moving up and taking it's place with the other big boys in major college football when the defections of Miami, Virginia Tech and Boston College supposedly crippled the conference.
So with the Big East's place in the BCS secure (at least for now) its time to consider the question strictly on the basis of how it affects the Panther program alone. If you asked me whether Pitt should schedule USC in the next two years, I would have to say absolutely not. But if we are looking at 2009, I say go for it. As many have said on the thread above, who knows how good USC will be three seasons or more from now. What we all know is that the Trojans will still be recognized as one of the best and most storied programs in college football. And that alone is worth pursuing a series with them. The national exposure and respect of playing one of the major programs, especially the biggest program in college football out West, is well worth the potential beat down the Panthers could receive if USC is still a top 5 team and Pitt is still treading water at .500. Somehow I doubt that would be the case, but if it is true, Coach Wannstedt will be a lame duck head coach at that point anyway, so the loss would be a mercy nail in the coffin for fans anyway.
But if Pitt is back to being a routine bowl bound team, a game against the Trojans could really put the spotlight back on Pitt football. That is especially true if the game ends up being close or even better, if the Panthers find a way to win.Either way, it would be an exciting event for all Pitt fans and tremendous exposure nationally for the program.
And those are two benefits that never go out of style.
The Dawg obviously has a ton of respect for his fellow moderator's opinion that Pitt should beef up it's out of conference schedule as much as possible. It's one we have debated for some time now. My stance has generally been not to make the schedule too difficult year in and year out, especially since it could be perceived as a knee jerk reaction to offset a supposedly weak conference schedule. Although the Big East might still have a lot to prove, the conference has proven in the last two years that it certainly is head and shoulders about any current non BCS conference (like the MWC or WAC) that might have had it's eye on moving up and taking it's place with the other big boys in major college football when the defections of Miami, Virginia Tech and Boston College supposedly crippled the conference.
So with the Big East's place in the BCS secure (at least for now) its time to consider the question strictly on the basis of how it affects the Panther program alone. If you asked me whether Pitt should schedule USC in the next two years, I would have to say absolutely not. But if we are looking at 2009, I say go for it. As many have said on the thread above, who knows how good USC will be three seasons or more from now. What we all know is that the Trojans will still be recognized as one of the best and most storied programs in college football. And that alone is worth pursuing a series with them. The national exposure and respect of playing one of the major programs, especially the biggest program in college football out West, is well worth the potential beat down the Panthers could receive if USC is still a top 5 team and Pitt is still treading water at .500. Somehow I doubt that would be the case, but if it is true, Coach Wannstedt will be a lame duck head coach at that point anyway, so the loss would be a mercy nail in the coffin for fans anyway.
But if Pitt is back to being a routine bowl bound team, a game against the Trojans could really put the spotlight back on Pitt football. That is especially true if the game ends up being close or even better, if the Panthers find a way to win.Either way, it would be an exciting event for all Pitt fans and tremendous exposure nationally for the program.
And those are two benefits that never go out of style.
May 03, 2007: Paul Rhoads Perspective
It’s become quite easy to target Paul Rhoads as the catch all excuse for what has been wrong with the Pitt Panther defense the last few years. The Dawg has to admit that he is just at fault as everyone else in Panther Nation. And as the defensive coordinator, he deserves a lion share of the blame, especially when the porous run defense is taken into consideration.
But underneath the obvious failures there are so very strong indicators that Paul Rhoads has been enough of a contributor to remain defensive coordinator underneath Dave Wannstedt…at least for one more season. This might be shocking to many Pitt fans, but let me explain.
We’ve all heard the excuses about how the program has had a dearth of talent on defense since the last season of note for the defense, 2002. At closer look, that might be a little but of an overstatement. Yet, if that were as true as many Pitt fans would like to believe than the NFL scouts have a lot of explaining to do.
That’s because, despite the drop in defensive efficacy, Pitt’s defense has been able to get quite a few players drafted into the next level since 2002. Pitt fans only have to look to the draft this weekend for immediate proof. Despite having a quite potent offense in 2006, not one offensive player was drafted this year. The closest was quarterback Tyler Palko. But even this warrior, who dazzled Pitt fans with his tenacity and aggressive play, ended up being overlooked for all seven rounds of the draft this weekend. He ended up signing as a free agent, which was not a bad alternative once it became available that no team was interested enough to make him a pick in the first five rounds of the draft.
Yet, as Palko watched his stock drop out of the draft, three of his teammates were drafted. And all three played on the defensive side of the ball. Darrelle Revis went in the first round, 14th overall, to the New York Jets. This was a no brainer, as Revis was easily one of the best cornerbacks in the draft. From the moment he stepped on the field his Freshman year, Revis just looked and played like a first rounder. And despite being told he wasn’t a first round selection by many rival fans, Pitt fans knew that when the scouts looked past the lack of All American selections (mainly due to not ever being passed on by rival teams) they would see the pure talent, skill, and professionalism in Revis that they had in his three years as a Panther.
But Revis was not the only Pitt Panther selected in the 2007 NFL Draft. Pitt had a linebacker that was an All American in 2006 who also was expected to be drafted as well. He was drafted, but not before another shocking development saw his close teammate go first. No one doubted that Big East defensive player of the year H.B. Blades would be drafted. Many even suspected Blades would not be drafted until the 2nd day of the draft. And indeed, he was selected in the sixth round by the Washington Redskins. But Blades was shockingly not the only Pitt linebacker selected in 2007. Clint Session was also drafted, a surprise pick of the Indianapolis Colts. Not only was he drafted, but he was taken almost two rounds ahead of his much higher touted All Amercian teammate at the end of the fourth round.
So where does this leave Pitt fans? They’ve been told by the current coaching regime for two plus years now that the talent has been depleted, especially on the defensive side. It’s been a catch all excuse for why the defense has been particularly bad the last two-three years. With three defensive players drafted this year and several in the past few years, it’s becoming harder to believe that was the case.
More importantly, it shows why Paul Rhoads is still on the coaching staff. His recent defenses may not have been able to reach the high levels of the 2002 unit, but he does recruit (and than coaches up) legitimate NFL talent. Many of his former players now play in the NFL, despite not having a dominant defense for some time. And when you look at the position Rhoads actually coaches, it becomes even clearer. Shawntae Spencer, Josh Lay, Torrie Cox, Ramon Walker and now Revis learned their positon in the defensive backfield under Rhoads and all were drafted into the NFL. Couple that with current NFL linebackers like Gerald Hayes. J.J. Horne and now H.B. Blades and Clint Session and Rhoads has proven he can spot and nurture defensive talent.
Unfortunately, the Achilles’ heel of the defense, its front line, is where Rhoads has had the least amount of success. Rhoads may still have his job because his defenses have been stout against the pass the last few years, but he’ll need to drastically improve the run defense if he wants to keep it past 2007. And the first step might be to actually develop some talent on the defensive front line. For all the NFL success Rhoads has had with his back seven, only one DL, Claude Harriot, has even been drafted in Rhoads tenure as Pitt defensive coordinator.
To be fair, Rhoads has some other defensive lineman make the NFL. But unfortunately Charles Spencer and Andy Alleman play on offense now, and Alleman only made it after transferring to Akron and being converted to offense by former Pitt assistant coach J.D. Brookhart. But both players prove that the talent has been there, but that it’s up to Paul Rhoads and Dave Wannstedt to nurture it.
Because if they don’t, the calls for a coaching regime change in Oakland will only become louder and louder…no matter how many linebackers and defensive backs they put in the NFL come this time next year.
But underneath the obvious failures there are so very strong indicators that Paul Rhoads has been enough of a contributor to remain defensive coordinator underneath Dave Wannstedt…at least for one more season. This might be shocking to many Pitt fans, but let me explain.
We’ve all heard the excuses about how the program has had a dearth of talent on defense since the last season of note for the defense, 2002. At closer look, that might be a little but of an overstatement. Yet, if that were as true as many Pitt fans would like to believe than the NFL scouts have a lot of explaining to do.
That’s because, despite the drop in defensive efficacy, Pitt’s defense has been able to get quite a few players drafted into the next level since 2002. Pitt fans only have to look to the draft this weekend for immediate proof. Despite having a quite potent offense in 2006, not one offensive player was drafted this year. The closest was quarterback Tyler Palko. But even this warrior, who dazzled Pitt fans with his tenacity and aggressive play, ended up being overlooked for all seven rounds of the draft this weekend. He ended up signing as a free agent, which was not a bad alternative once it became available that no team was interested enough to make him a pick in the first five rounds of the draft.
Yet, as Palko watched his stock drop out of the draft, three of his teammates were drafted. And all three played on the defensive side of the ball. Darrelle Revis went in the first round, 14th overall, to the New York Jets. This was a no brainer, as Revis was easily one of the best cornerbacks in the draft. From the moment he stepped on the field his Freshman year, Revis just looked and played like a first rounder. And despite being told he wasn’t a first round selection by many rival fans, Pitt fans knew that when the scouts looked past the lack of All American selections (mainly due to not ever being passed on by rival teams) they would see the pure talent, skill, and professionalism in Revis that they had in his three years as a Panther.
But Revis was not the only Pitt Panther selected in the 2007 NFL Draft. Pitt had a linebacker that was an All American in 2006 who also was expected to be drafted as well. He was drafted, but not before another shocking development saw his close teammate go first. No one doubted that Big East defensive player of the year H.B. Blades would be drafted. Many even suspected Blades would not be drafted until the 2nd day of the draft. And indeed, he was selected in the sixth round by the Washington Redskins. But Blades was shockingly not the only Pitt linebacker selected in 2007. Clint Session was also drafted, a surprise pick of the Indianapolis Colts. Not only was he drafted, but he was taken almost two rounds ahead of his much higher touted All Amercian teammate at the end of the fourth round.
So where does this leave Pitt fans? They’ve been told by the current coaching regime for two plus years now that the talent has been depleted, especially on the defensive side. It’s been a catch all excuse for why the defense has been particularly bad the last two-three years. With three defensive players drafted this year and several in the past few years, it’s becoming harder to believe that was the case.
More importantly, it shows why Paul Rhoads is still on the coaching staff. His recent defenses may not have been able to reach the high levels of the 2002 unit, but he does recruit (and than coaches up) legitimate NFL talent. Many of his former players now play in the NFL, despite not having a dominant defense for some time. And when you look at the position Rhoads actually coaches, it becomes even clearer. Shawntae Spencer, Josh Lay, Torrie Cox, Ramon Walker and now Revis learned their positon in the defensive backfield under Rhoads and all were drafted into the NFL. Couple that with current NFL linebackers like Gerald Hayes. J.J. Horne and now H.B. Blades and Clint Session and Rhoads has proven he can spot and nurture defensive talent.
Unfortunately, the Achilles’ heel of the defense, its front line, is where Rhoads has had the least amount of success. Rhoads may still have his job because his defenses have been stout against the pass the last few years, but he’ll need to drastically improve the run defense if he wants to keep it past 2007. And the first step might be to actually develop some talent on the defensive front line. For all the NFL success Rhoads has had with his back seven, only one DL, Claude Harriot, has even been drafted in Rhoads tenure as Pitt defensive coordinator.
To be fair, Rhoads has some other defensive lineman make the NFL. But unfortunately Charles Spencer and Andy Alleman play on offense now, and Alleman only made it after transferring to Akron and being converted to offense by former Pitt assistant coach J.D. Brookhart. But both players prove that the talent has been there, but that it’s up to Paul Rhoads and Dave Wannstedt to nurture it.
Because if they don’t, the calls for a coaching regime change in Oakland will only become louder and louder…no matter how many linebackers and defensive backs they put in the NFL come this time next year.
April 27, 2007: Don't Pull That Offer Just Yet
The Dawg knows he will be crucified for this, but I don't think Pitt should pull recent decommit Mike Cruz's offer...
I know what you are thinking, how could I say such a thing in light of his comments in Kevin Gorman's article titled Bishop McCort TE backs off Pitt commit in the Pittsburgh Tribune? Believe me; no one was more disappointed and aggravated about his comments than me. They were total cheap shots and totally unfair. But let's have a little perspective here. The reality is that maybe the kid might have committed too early and too soon. Or he might just be exploring his options to satisfying his mother's request to look at other schools.
Fact is, he knows he made a mistake committing too early and then was put in a position to have to justify his decision to decommit. Was his calling the local newspaper and ripping his supposed "dream school" necessary as well? Of course not. Logic and common sense clearly advise against a drastic step like that, especially since it is potentially burning a bridge he might still want to cross later after he has looked at other schools. Unfortunately, logic and common sense are two characteristics not very prevalent in most teenagers. Some are granted these virtues early in life, but like most of us, they are acquired later in the maturation process of our most formidable teenage and early adult lives. Most of us are fortunate to learn from these mistakes in relative obscurity. Most recruits did as well until only a few years ago when recruiting sites like Panther Digest exploded and became what they are today.
Today college athletic recruiting is big news, especially on the internet. Which is great for all of us who are passionate fans, but we must remember it’s also making celebrities out of very young kids, and its giving them this celebrity usually overnight and complete unknowingly. Unlike professionals, or even players in college, these kids have no public relations help or experience. Many simply do not even understand that what they say to a reporter could potentially damage their image on websites and forums that didn’t even exist just five years ago.
Please understand that the Dawg does not don’t condone Mike Cruz for what he did, but I certainly think his actions should be put in more clear perspective. Like many young people, he made a rash emotional decision. Like many young people, he was also advised by his love ones to slow down and reevaluate that decision before it became binding. Unlike many young people, this whole process was also reported and discussed in public, hence the unfortunate decision to defend his actions in a local newspaper and insulting the program he had just committed to a few weeks before to justify his seemingly rash 180 turn around.
I know, many of you might be thinking the Dawg is letting Cruz off easy. But you know what? If anyone deserves to be left off easy, it’s a kid. I learned this lesson the hard way with LeSean McCoy. No on was tougher on him when he was playing up the recruiting game his senior year. I flat out stated that Pitt should withdraw his offer and never offer it again when he seemingly flip-flopped his favorite program from week to week his senior year. If I remember correctly, McCoy also had some pretty harsh criticisms of Pitt at one point as well. But it appears his knew injury and having to play prep ball for a year until he qualified provided McCoy with much needed humility.
Who is to say Mike Cruz doesn’t deserve the same second chance as well?
So, my hopes are that the football program puts this into perspective if Cruz does ultimately decide to recommit to Pitt. Should the scholarship be held for him until he ultimately decides? No. But if Pitt does have a scholarship available when and if Cruz does sincerely decide to be a Panther, it should be available to him. His scholarship offer should simply not be withdrawn out of spite. Like all kids, Cruz deserves a second chance should he want it, even if his gaffe was made in public.
I know what you are thinking, how could I say such a thing in light of his comments in Kevin Gorman's article titled Bishop McCort TE backs off Pitt commit in the Pittsburgh Tribune? Believe me; no one was more disappointed and aggravated about his comments than me. They were total cheap shots and totally unfair. But let's have a little perspective here. The reality is that maybe the kid might have committed too early and too soon. Or he might just be exploring his options to satisfying his mother's request to look at other schools.
Fact is, he knows he made a mistake committing too early and then was put in a position to have to justify his decision to decommit. Was his calling the local newspaper and ripping his supposed "dream school" necessary as well? Of course not. Logic and common sense clearly advise against a drastic step like that, especially since it is potentially burning a bridge he might still want to cross later after he has looked at other schools. Unfortunately, logic and common sense are two characteristics not very prevalent in most teenagers. Some are granted these virtues early in life, but like most of us, they are acquired later in the maturation process of our most formidable teenage and early adult lives. Most of us are fortunate to learn from these mistakes in relative obscurity. Most recruits did as well until only a few years ago when recruiting sites like Panther Digest exploded and became what they are today.
Today college athletic recruiting is big news, especially on the internet. Which is great for all of us who are passionate fans, but we must remember it’s also making celebrities out of very young kids, and its giving them this celebrity usually overnight and complete unknowingly. Unlike professionals, or even players in college, these kids have no public relations help or experience. Many simply do not even understand that what they say to a reporter could potentially damage their image on websites and forums that didn’t even exist just five years ago.
Please understand that the Dawg does not don’t condone Mike Cruz for what he did, but I certainly think his actions should be put in more clear perspective. Like many young people, he made a rash emotional decision. Like many young people, he was also advised by his love ones to slow down and reevaluate that decision before it became binding. Unlike many young people, this whole process was also reported and discussed in public, hence the unfortunate decision to defend his actions in a local newspaper and insulting the program he had just committed to a few weeks before to justify his seemingly rash 180 turn around.
I know, many of you might be thinking the Dawg is letting Cruz off easy. But you know what? If anyone deserves to be left off easy, it’s a kid. I learned this lesson the hard way with LeSean McCoy. No on was tougher on him when he was playing up the recruiting game his senior year. I flat out stated that Pitt should withdraw his offer and never offer it again when he seemingly flip-flopped his favorite program from week to week his senior year. If I remember correctly, McCoy also had some pretty harsh criticisms of Pitt at one point as well. But it appears his knew injury and having to play prep ball for a year until he qualified provided McCoy with much needed humility.
Who is to say Mike Cruz doesn’t deserve the same second chance as well?
So, my hopes are that the football program puts this into perspective if Cruz does ultimately decide to recommit to Pitt. Should the scholarship be held for him until he ultimately decides? No. But if Pitt does have a scholarship available when and if Cruz does sincerely decide to be a Panther, it should be available to him. His scholarship offer should simply not be withdrawn out of spite. Like all kids, Cruz deserves a second chance should he want it, even if his gaffe was made in public.
April 22, 2007: Introduction: Va. Tech
It's a new day for the Dawg House! I've decided to starts a blog so that the dawg house will be more accessible and interactive. OK, I also thought it would be cool to start a blog since everyone (including PE75) is doing it now. It really is the big thing now.
Sorry, the Dawg just couldn't help himself.
So please, enjoy. My ultimate hope is that whatever I write inspires dialog and debate about my beloved Panthers and any other topics I write and comment on.
And that leads me to a very important topic. The Virginia Tech shootings. Such a senseless horrible act that touched us all deeply. I really have nothing new to add to the dialog we've all read, posted, and discussed with family and friends. But there is something I would like to comment on. For the last week there has been a lot of debate regarding the university's administration decision not to raise the alarm and lock down the campus between the first and second shootings that were two hours apart.
The Dawg is already on the record as saying that I would have at least notified the campus as soon as possible after confirming the original incident as a double murder. That being said and on record, I find it extremely unfair to criticize the university for making the decision they did. We might never know what information they had on hand at the time of the first murder. And let's be honest, the first incident could happen hundred times again in the future and never lead to the shooter coming back and murdering additional people. It may be a cliche, but hindsight is definitely 20/20. That's because unfortunately murders and crimes happen on campuses every year. But it's been over 40 years since someone went on murder rampage similar to what happened on Blacksburg this past week.
Fact is, the administration and the university police have dedicated their lives to protecting, enhancing and nurturing the students of Virginia Tech. They take their jobs very serious and they in no way took their responsibilities lightly Monday when they made the decisions they made that horrible day. Nothing feels more empty in these terrible situations when the perpetrator kills themselves and steals away any chance for Justice being served on earth. That's when the second guessing is turned unfairly on others that don't deserve it. Even in light of the now infamous NBC tapes, it's still unfair to assume this could have been prevented. Especially when the murderer never specifically did anything enough for him to be expelled from school or be detained until the massacre last Monday.
As many of the students have so eloquently stated, the only villain is the shooter, no one else.
Sorry, the Dawg just couldn't help himself.
So please, enjoy. My ultimate hope is that whatever I write inspires dialog and debate about my beloved Panthers and any other topics I write and comment on.
And that leads me to a very important topic. The Virginia Tech shootings. Such a senseless horrible act that touched us all deeply. I really have nothing new to add to the dialog we've all read, posted, and discussed with family and friends. But there is something I would like to comment on. For the last week there has been a lot of debate regarding the university's administration decision not to raise the alarm and lock down the campus between the first and second shootings that were two hours apart.
The Dawg is already on the record as saying that I would have at least notified the campus as soon as possible after confirming the original incident as a double murder. That being said and on record, I find it extremely unfair to criticize the university for making the decision they did. We might never know what information they had on hand at the time of the first murder. And let's be honest, the first incident could happen hundred times again in the future and never lead to the shooter coming back and murdering additional people. It may be a cliche, but hindsight is definitely 20/20. That's because unfortunately murders and crimes happen on campuses every year. But it's been over 40 years since someone went on murder rampage similar to what happened on Blacksburg this past week.
Fact is, the administration and the university police have dedicated their lives to protecting, enhancing and nurturing the students of Virginia Tech. They take their jobs very serious and they in no way took their responsibilities lightly Monday when they made the decisions they made that horrible day. Nothing feels more empty in these terrible situations when the perpetrator kills themselves and steals away any chance for Justice being served on earth. That's when the second guessing is turned unfairly on others that don't deserve it. Even in light of the now infamous NBC tapes, it's still unfair to assume this could have been prevented. Especially when the murderer never specifically did anything enough for him to be expelled from school or be detained until the massacre last Monday.
As many of the students have so eloquently stated, the only villain is the shooter, no one else.
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