RUNNIN OVER THE BULLDOGS

The most impressive thing about yesterday’s win over Gardner Webb???  The fact that I came so very close to predicting the score of the game is the most impressive thing.  Look it up. First time I think I’ve been that close on both score and who would win. 

As for the game itself, it was nice to see Pitt come out and pound the Runnin Bulldogs 55-10.  The Panthers amassed 626 yards and held Gardner Webb to a total of 127 yards.  There were a few disappointing moments.  Pitt’s offensive line seemed to struggle opening up holes until the second half.  Another disappointing thing that happened yesterday is a trend that must improve if Pitt wants to have a good year.  After piling up over 100 yards in penalties against Virginia Tech, the Panthers again had a bad day with the officials.  Pitt took 9 penalties for 77 yards.  This must improve.  Lastly, the special teams must be fixed.  They should fire the special teams coach….oh wait, they don’t have one!  Let’s hope that Pitt gets an extra coach to take on that responsibility.

Enough with me being an asshole about a good win…let’s look at the good that happened yesterday and there was a lot of it.  Pitt dominated this game without stud defensive lineman Aaron Donald (let’s all pray his knee injury is nothing serious), Hubie Graham, Jack Lippert, and unless I missed something Todd Thomas.

The Panthers also got some nice play from the second team offensive line.  Justin Virbitsky, Shane Johnson, Artie Rowell, Arthur Doakes, and Zenel Demhasaj played nicely yesterday.  They opened up some nice holes and Shane Johnson was pretty impressive.  It also appears they will are really trying to keep the redshirts of Adam Bisnowaty and Gabe Roberts.  Also seeing action was Dan Mason.  This was VERY nice to see.  He deserves it and looked pretty solid. 

Also playing very well yesterday was true freshman Darryl Render and senior Shayne Hale.  Hale had a very nice game with a fumble recovery and a sack.  These two stepping up gives Pitt a little more depth at a very thin position.  I was a little miffed as to why Devin Cook did not play more after his impressive game against Virginia Tech.

Tino Suneri once again played well with 344 yards passing and 3 TDs and 0 INTs.  Mike Shanahan chipped in with 144 yards receiving and Devin Street also had 95 yards catching the football and a beautiful and timely block to spring Shanahan on his 77 yard TD catch and run.

There was a lot of good in this game, but let’s try and remember, it was Gardner Webb.  With a bye week coming up, Pitt should be VERY healthy going into the Syracuse game.  As mentioned previously, Aaron Donald’s knee is very important....a prayer wouldn't hurt people. Since it is a bye week, I will try and update if there is any recruiting news that comes out.  I’m sure all of you heard that Pitt made the final cut of 3 schools of someone certain!!!