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Brian Batko's Pitt football chat: 9.20.17
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Brian Batko
2:22
Nah, probably not
OHIO412FAN
2:22
Brian, with Pitt coming off a bad lost to OK ST, what needs to change? Will they go with Browne or Dinnuci? They lack the skilled players like last year to propel them in games like these, (AKA Clemson game). What improvements need to be made?
Brian Batko
2:23
Well, in relation to that game, everything needs to change. Personally, I think they'll go with Ben DiNucci at QB, but I wouldn't be shocked if it's Browne. Improvement-wise, it's a little different on both sides of the ball. Defensively, I think there's a lot of things to fix. Offensively, I think there's one BIG thing to fix - quarterback play (though the line could use some work, too).
HTP4Ever
2:23
How do you think Pitt will do against Ga Tech?  Pitt struggled to beat Youngstown in OT; was never really in the game against Penn State and was completely embarrassed against OSU in so many ways, including the play on the field and on line stuff.
Brian Batko
2:24
History would indicate it'll be close. In both matchups with GT since Narduzzi got here, Pitt has won by a field goal. So maybe get ready for a nail-biter this weekend?
Jason Mackey
2:25
Great chat, Mike!
Brian Batko
2:25
I think you're lost, Jason.
Tina
2:25
Dahlkempers or David Weiss?
Brian Batko
2:25
I think you're lost, too.
Kevin
2:25
Dinucci did provide a spark when he came in but honestly really didn't play that well. Knowing the backup QB is everyone's favorite how long till the good ole pitt faithful are calling for macvitte to start
Brian Batko
2:26
See above, Kevin
Terry
2:26
How much of a must win game is this for pitt?
Brian Batko
2:26
Terry: On a scale of 1-100, I'll say 84.
H2P
2:26
Do you know if pat narduzzi took your suggestion (free of charge I might add is very generous of you) and will put Paris on the field for real this week?
Brian Batko
2:27
I don't know, and I don't expect he'd tell me if he did. But no, I don't expect Paris Ford to be on the travel roster en route to Atlanta, given that he's playing scout-team QB. I thank you for noticing my generosity.
Matt N.
2:27
I liked that Dinucci seemed to spread the ball around to more receivers -- and downfield more.  Browne has a good arm but seems hesitant to get vertical sometimes.  What's your take?
Brian Batko
2:29
Definitely seems hesitant, Matt. Max even said that himself when we talked to him before the OK State game. He and Shawn Watson were working on getting him to "pull the trigger" on some of those potential big-play throws. He made a good one at Penn State, and Jester Weah dropped it. Weah got wiiiide open Saturday at Heinz Field, Max aired it out, but just simply overthrew him. I think if Narduzzi DOES go back to Max this week, might as well see if he can connect on some of those deep balls.
salb
2:29
Will Whitehead's return give an uptick for the defense and maybe even a spark for the offense?
Brian Batko
2:31
If it doesn't give the defense a boost, that ain't good. Because he's almost certainly Pitt's best athlete out there. I wouldn't anticipate seeing him on offense, but I guess you never know.
H2P
2:31
Watson has no idea how to call canadas offense it's great that he tried but it's about time he stops trying and does his own thing. Think it's the only way to save the offense. Thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:31
My thought is that I'm not sure how great this offense would look this year even with Matt Canada, given the losses of Nathan Peterman, James Conner, Scott Orndoff, Adam Bisnowaty and Dorian Johnson.
Jeem
2:31
What's up with Quadree Henderson? Before the Ok State game Narduzzi even said he wasn't 100%, but he looked pretty healthy when he took that screen pass 74 yards. Other than that play though, he just hasn't been performing up to expectations this season.
Brian Batko
2:32
Hi, Jeem. Not sure what's going on there, but yeah, even on that play you're talking about he did get caught from behind. Granted, Pitt finished that drive off with a TD anyway, but that to me was maybe another indication that he's not fully healthy. He better get right for ACC play though, because that would be as much of a shot in the arm for the offense (or special teams) as anything else.
Alan
2:33
It seems that no matter who coaches Pitt, all they are able to attract are 2 and 3 star recruits and maybe a 4 star here and there.  Consequently, they are consistently outmatched when going against elite teams (except for the occasional upset like Clemson and PSU last year).  It's been like this for 25+ years.  Not having an on-campus stadium doesn't help.  It seems like it's going to take much more than what Pitt is willing or able to do to have a consistent top 25 team.  Pitt is over-matched in the ACC in both football and basketball and it doesn't appear this will ever change.  Maybe it's time to become a MAC team where Pitt can compete easier and not get embarrassed like they seem to do too often.
Brian Batko
2:33
Probably not.
Jeem
2:33
What impact will Whitehead returning this week have on the defense? Obviously it should be positive, but to what degree? He is only 1 guy.
Brian Batko
2:34
Good point, he is but a man. Nonetheless, I think he'll make tackles other guys might not. I think he'll be able to cover up the mistakes of inexperienced players in some ways. He won't be a cure-all, but his versatility to play either safety spot should help, too.
Andrew
2:34
Do you sense any concerns from the coaching staff on facing the Triple Option offense this week?
Brian Batko
2:35
No more than other years. The benefit is that they've faced it three times at Pitt, GT twice and Navy once. Pitt's 2-1 in those games, but with both wins against GT, that seems like something to put in the positives column.
BigPitt
2:35
Why have confidence in ACC play when OOC play was so bad? That includes OT win agains YSU.
Brian Batko
2:35
I wouldn't say I have confidence in ACC play, but some of the other Coastal teams don't seem that great this year, either.
Jeem
2:35
What sights, if any, are you gonna check out while you're in Atlanta? I recommend the College Football Hall of Fame.
Brian Batko
2:36
That's a good idea. Wouldn't mind seeing a Braves game. Food-wise, my editor Michael Sanserino tells me Mary Mac's Tea Room is a must. I've also heard good things about The Varsity and been told the Coca-Cola museum is overrated.
Pittguy
2:37
Is Josh Conklin in over his head, I think Narduzzi might want to make a change! His good friend Scott Shafer-ex Syracuse- is at Middle Tenn St. Any chance he looks elsewhere?
Brian Batko
2:37
College coaches are often nomads, Pittguy, especially assistants. So I'd just say there's always a chance, I guess.
PittBob
2:37
Franklin won a conference title in year 3 with average players.  Narduzzi has similar type of players.  Shouldn't this be his coming out year?
Brian Batko
2:38
Every team has some average players. Penn State, last year and this year, also has some very good players. Naturally, Narduzzi hopes to take a step forward this year, as any coach would in any ensuing year. It just doesn't seem to be trending that way thus far.
Rico Bosco
2:39
Do you think it’s time for narduzzi to swallow his pride with stuffing the box? The secondary even with Whitehead and hamlin is not talented enough and okst scores multiple times on the deep route that crossed through the middle of field. Multitudes of students will not be attending the rice game at least. Something has to change or pitt football will die a painful death.
Brian Batko
2:39
Narduzzi's first goal in any game is to stop the run, and I don't think he'll change his mentality on that. With Tyrique Jarrett and Shakir Soto gone, does this team have the ability to do that like last year's? Time will tell.
Panther Prowl
2:39
Is it worth scheduling top ten teams when the stadium is still far from being full?
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