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Brian Batko's Pitt football chat: 9.20.17
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Brian Batko
2:00
Good afternoon, everyone. Chat Narduzzi here. Let's get it cranked up.
H2P
2:01
I'm liking the changes that are being made on the depth chart Bookser to RT, Moss to Co-starter, and Whitehead to the BS are there any other moves that are being made besides QB obviously
Brian Batko
2:03
That seems like pretty much it, H2P. I've also noticed Kam Carter creeping up the two-deep at DT week by week, so I wonder if you might see more of our favorite Netflix player there now in ACC play. And I'll be curious to see if Damar Hamlin gets more in the mix. Josh Conklin said today Hamlin has been working a lot lately with Jordan Whitehead, but then quickly added it has nothing to do with the depth chart. Do you believe him?
rob
2:03
Why is Morrissey at center and not Officer ? And  do you think the game would have been closer if Dinucci went in earlier  ?
Brian Batko
2:04
I think Pat Narduzzi and his staff really like Jimmy Morrissey. Doesn't sound like they think he's been overmatched as a redshirt freshman. From the early returns, if anyone's losing their starting role on this O-line, I think it's gonna be RT Jaryd Jones-Smith, with Brandon Hodges sliding back in (if healthy)
SOMDPanther
2:04
Let's get the on-campus stadium question out of the way early: If "New Pitt Stadium" could be built on Atwood street such that either Sorrentos OR Antoons must be razed to provide the necessary space, which iconic late night joint would you save?
Brian Batko
2:05
Love where your head is at, SOMD. I would preserve Sorrento's, no doubt. When I tell people I prefer Sorrento's, they usually reply that Antoon's is more pizza for less money. Since when are gluttony and stinginess good qualities???
2:06
Since they didn't play it Saturday at Heinz Field, I'm adding a new feature to the weekly chat: Sweet Caroline (you'll never know when it's gonna be, much like the real thing, but this week you're getting it in the "first quarter")
Terry
2:06
brightwell has looked out of place to me at MLB think he belongs outside with saying that do you think pine gets some more snaps this week?
Brian Batko
2:07
Hi, Terry. I think Brightwell has had some "bright" spots and some where he hasn't done so "well." But I also believe it's too early to write him off at the MIKE, and it's certainly too early to know what you've got there in Chase Pine, who admittedly looks the part.
Xzavier
2:08
What are the chances Paris Ford sees the field this season? I would think it's more of possibility after OK State embarrassed the safeties on national TV.
Brian Batko
2:09
Thanks for our court-mandated Paris Ford Q, X. Comments from Narduzzi and the other coaches make me think those chances are low, and even more so, the fact that Ford hasn't dressed for either home game makes me think it's even less likely. (Stephen A. Smith voice) HOWEVA, I'm sayin' there's a chance that he finds his way out there eventually. Maybe next weekend in a low-leverage matchup at home with Rice? I say why not?
M96
2:10
What's more likely to happen? Pitt finds some sort of identity and finishes with 8 or 9 wins and a decent bowl; somehow limps to 6 wins (hello Detroit the day after Christmas); or the season completely falls apart and is only able to manage another win or two.
Brian Batko
2:11
Hmmmm. Of those three options, I'll play it safe and say Door No. 2, M96. Not sure the Panthers have looked anything close to resembling a 9 or even 8-win club, but I'm not sure I'd predict a total disintegration at this point.
old german
2:11
Any way Pitt would consider using tarps or something similar for advertising to cover the large empty seat sections for some games at Heinz?
Brian Batko
2:11
I don't know, but I'll add it to my list of questions for Heather Lyke
meisterbrau
2:11
Does Pitt communicate with the Pirates considering future scheduled games? For example, they know the upcoming backyard brawl games years ahead, does Pitt request to the Pirates to request to mlb to be away that weekend? Thanks Brian.
Brian Batko
2:11
I don't know, but I'll add it to my list of questions for Heather Lyke. Thanks, meisterbrau, good question.
pittbb80
2:11
I thought Pitt hired a defensive minded coach?  Did Narduzzi leave his defense in Michigan?  It's year 3 and the defense is NOT improving.  Its unacceptable.
Brian Batko
2:14
Hi, pittbb. It's been bad, yes. My brilliant colleague Craig Meyer will have more on this in a story for Post-Gazette.com. The numbers are frightening. That said, I've had people tell me - former players, coaches, etc. - that Year 3 is when things start coming together for a team to fully grasp this defense. Now, the smashing success at Michigan State didn't come until Years 4 and 5, but it's at least one reason to stay optimistic.
HTP4Ever
2:14
Does Narduzzi ever game plan defensively for an individual opponent?  It looked the same D against Youngstown & Penn State.  Obviously those schemes did not work and it appeared he did not adjust from last year's game against OSU.
Brian Batko
2:15
I'm quite certain he does, but as even OK State coach Mike Gundy said last week, there's only so much a coach is going to change his scheme, or his base defense. You won't see any coach taking a complete 180 philosophically, i don't think. The going will certainly be different Saturday at Georgia Tech, which wants to run, run, run.
PittMeister
2:15
I am concerned about the recruiting with both the product on the field in Year 3 of Duzzi.  Not to mention what an embarrassment with so many big recruits at the game for visits.  The team played awful and the fans and game atmosphere were humiliating.  I have zero point zero optimism for next season or the foreseeable future.  SOP.
Brian Batko
2:15
Fair, but I'll say this: Pitt has lost badly before. At home. So has every other team. It wasn't some sort of recruiting death knell. Don't put too much emphasis on one defeat, ugly as it was.
Pitt Cruzer
2:16
Quite a Duzzi last weekend!  Narduzzi has to do better with his defense.  If the talent is lacking, then it is his fault!  Recruit better or adjust the defense to your strengths!
Brian Batko
2:16
I'll pass that along
Pope
2:16
How do you think recruiting was affected today?  The lack of fan support for a Top Ten Team; the empty yellow seats; sleeping fans shown on social media; and free drink bribe for fans to stay to the end of the game.  We had to lose some recruits.
Brian Batko
2:16
Today? Don't think the meter has moved much today, Pope. And no, Pitt hasn't lost any recruits since Saturday. Amazingly, one bad performance didn't change a high school senior's entire worldview.
Pitt boy
2:16
Let the MacVittie era begin!  Max Browne is not the answer and I am not impressed with DiNucci either.  Play for the future with MacVittie.
Brian Batko
2:17
I'll pass this along, too
Pitt Yinzer
2:17
I don't think people give Paul Chryst enough credit.  He left talent behind for narduzzi, which helped his first 2 seasons.  Now, we are seeing the fruits of narduzzi's recruiting.  His top guys are either suspended, kicked off the team, hurt, or academically ineligible.  I hope Michigan State takes Narduzzi back!
Brian Batko
2:18
Paul Chryst left some very good players behind, and also left some position not all that fortified. Quarterback, for instance. Obviously, things haven't gone according to plan for Narduzzi this season, but it's 3 games. Jordan Whitehead is no longer suspended, Rori Blair and Jeremiah Taleni were not Narduzzi recruits, Damar Hamlin is healthy now and Paris Ford is eligible (as far as I know). I think that about covers your complaints point by point.
President Stache
2:19
The last good recruiter Pitt had was Dave Wannstache!  Pitt also had better fan support with Wanny.  Bring back Wanny!!!
Brian Batko
2:19
Joe Starkey the mans has a column coming soon on this very topic. Keep an eye out for it, Stache.
Dream backfield
2:19
This latest humiliation would be easier to take if we fans knew help was on the way.  They are not.  Duzzi can't recruit and he can't win with this lower level talent he is bringing in.
Brian Batko
2:19
Wow, lots of comments, not so many questions this week.
Pope
2:19
The team against OSU just did not look mentally or physically prepared to play.  That is the fault of coaching.  Your thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:21
Defensive coordinator Josh Conklin said these exact words today: "We didn't coach as well as we needed to." And Pat Narduzzi sort of alluded to that Monday, as well, that if the coaching isn't sinking in for the players, that's not all on the athletes. Coaches get paid a pretty penny to figure out how to get through to them.
Blawnox Pitt Guy
2:22
do you think Narduzzi is obsessed with James Franklin and beating Penn State that he didn't have enough left in the tank to beat OSU?  It might explain how we almost lost to Youngstown State in overtime the week before Penn State.
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