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Brian Batko's Pitt football chat: 8.8.18
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JAM05
2:36
What DBs do you expect to see when Pitt goes to a Nickel package?  Jackson, Pinnock, Hamlin and Campbell to start and Ford and Coleman on sub-packages?  Lots of depth in the secondary.
Brian Batko
2:36
Narduzzi hasn't been overly effusive in his praise of Paris Ford, calling him "up and down" the other day, but to me I'll always think of him as the dude at Steel Valley who was just running around dominating everyone his senior year. For that reason, I have to imagine he'll be a factor in some way, maybe in one of those different packages given the safety skills he showed in HS.
Dan Dobey
2:36
Do you think Narduzzi could be on the hotseat if Pitt does not have a winning record and make a bowl game this year?  Is the recruiting ranking evaluated as well?
Brian Batko
2:37
Not quite. I think a 6-6 year wouldn't be too surprising with such a difficult schedule. Anything less, and he might move a bit closer to that territory, but I really do think Heather Lyke sincerely believes in him. A lot.
Pessimist
2:38
To compliment the "upset game" question, what is the game on the schedule where Pitt has a head-scratching loss?
Brian Batko
2:39
The obvious answer is probably UNC. There's all sorts of less-than-ideal stuff happening in that program right now, from its coach causing distractions on his own at ACC media day to a whole bunch of players getting suspended for selling shoes. And yet, Pitt has still never beaten the Heels since joining the ACC, and this year's game is in Chapel Hill.
Brian K.
2:39
Any WR starting to stand out? Who will get the most run at TE?
Brian Batko
2:41
We don't get to see much, but Darian Street did have a nice catch along the sideline yesterday. For a true freshman, Shocky Jacques-Louis really looks the part. And everyone always seems to have something good to say about Dontavius Butler-Jenkins, who was hurt all last year. At TE, Tyler Sear still seems to have a leg up on Will Gragg, but expect Shawn Watson to get creative with George Aston, too.
H2P
2:41
Do you think Kenny Pickett can live up to the hype? I think he is a great QB and I saw that in last years spring game and throughout the year but do you think the expectations are just a little too high?
Brian Batko
2:42
I think he can. I think he has that "it" factor to him. But whether he will is another story. The expectations are kind of funny because I think they've become intentionally hyperbolic, in some cases. Pitt's players and coaches seem to be trying to straddle the line between putting too much pressure on him, versus unwavering confidence in him.
Matt N.
2:42
Pitt comes on strong this year with renewed vigor supplied by Pickett, a hungry Hall, and returning Aston & Wirginis.  Call me crazy but I see at least 10 wins and a 1/1 bowl game.  Pass the Kool-aid!
Brian Batko
2:42
What flavor?
Jeem
2:43
I know your viewing window is narrow at camp, but how has the O Line looked from what you've seen of them?
Brian Batko
2:43
Large!
SOMD Panther
2:43
Lopes, Tipton, Ffrench, Mathews. Outside of those 4, who has the most receptions at WR?
Brian Batko
2:44
Tough to pick against Rafael Araujo-Lopes, given that he led the team last year, but I think Mathews would be my next pick.
J.D.
2:44
Brian, no excuse for Pitt not to be in the running for the ACC given their schedule.  Incredibly soft conference schedule again.  Think  Miami will be the deciding game?
Brian Batko
2:46
I wouldn't go that far. That's assuming that Georgia Tech, UNC, Duke, etc. are all gimme games. Not the case at all. That's what's tricky about predicting great things for Pitt. Improvement doesn't happen in a vacuum. Even if Pitt does get a lot better from last year to this year, do you think the other teams in the league aren't trying? Sure, some will get worse, but everywhere around the country there's a team believing it will take a step up. Lots of programs have reason for optimism.
Foge Fanatic
2:46
ricky town?  any chance he competes for starting job
Brian Batko
2:47
No. He was brought into be the backup, and that was made clear to him.
HopefullFan
2:47
What is your guess for a surprise player on offense and defense this year?
Brian Batko
2:49
Offense: Dontavius Butler-Jenkins
Defense: Amir Watts
Tiger Jones
2:49
The kicking game looks to be pretty good this year... how does the new kid from Harrisburg look?
Brian Batko
2:50
That'll depend on whether Alex Kessman gets his accuracy issues ironed out. As for backup punter Ethan Van Buskirk, he looks bright. Wears pink shoes, I think.
CNP
2:50
Longterm, how do you see Sibley, Davis and Salahuddin splitting carries, or do you imagine one (or two or three) of them transfers ultimately?
Brian Batko
2:51
I think the pure numbers would indicate that at least one will move on at some point. They could all end up in different classes if Salahuddin redshirts, though, which is interesting.
Matt N.
2:51
Brian -- make it a fruit smoothy:   blueberries & bananas --- blue & gold!  I think Pitt's run game with Pickett using play-action is going to run roughshod over people...even if the line is just slightly better than average.  If the receivers show up, the O could be really big-time.
Brian Batko
2:52
That actually sounds quite delicious.
Foge Fanatic
2:52
any idea if 2018 season ticket sales are better/worse than previous years?
Brian Batko
2:52
Better. See: Sept. 8.
Dnb
2:52
Will Tipton and Ffrench take big steps forward this year?
Brian Batko
2:53
Tipton needs to stay healthy, obviously. Have to hope his injury-plagued career hasn't set him back long-term as far as his physical abilities. As for Ffrench, I thought he'd have a much bigger year a season ago, but no luck. Maybe now with Quadree Henderson gone he'll take on a more significant role.
Jay
2:54
Pickett looks like he will be an upgrade from last seasons QBs.  Do you think he is an upgrade versus last seasons two QBs who started the season?  Also Pickett kinda reminds me of Rick Trocano, a fiery guy who is a natural leader.
Brian Batko
2:55
I think he is. Max Browne never really seemed to get comfortable here and Ben DiNucci was either not an ideal fit for this offense, or a bit out of his depth in terms of his talent level.
John
2:55
Did Narduzzi get along with Stallings?  He couldn't have...nobody did, right?
Brian Batko
2:55
I did!
Lenn Sakata
2:55
Who leads the team in sacks by end of season?
Brian Batko
2:56
Just sign me up for the safe choice in last year's leader, Seun Idowu.
GStar
2:56
Brian - I have a couple of "Cam" Qs ---any thoughts on WR Cam O'Neil? Does he possibly see any time this year?  Also, thoughts on LB Cam Bright - LB is a strength for this team but will he see any playing time?
Brian Batko
2:57
Cam O'Neil looked solid yesterday to my untrained eye. I think the wideout rotation is wide-open enough that he could get a look if he really flashes. As for the other Cam, I don't see him playing much on defense, but maybe special teams. Everyone can help on special teams.
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