JotCast | John McGonigal's Pitt football chat: 11.11.20

John McGonigal's Pitt football chat: 11.11.20

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John McGonigal

2:01

Good afternoon folks, let's get right to it. Drop your Pitt football questions below.

Ryan

2:01

People keep talking about firing narduzzi but am I insane for thinking hes still prob our best bet? Who is going to come to Pitt, stay at Pitt, and do better? Have people forgot about the turnover issues we had?

John McGonigal

2:04

I was told the other week that Pitt should hire an upstart coordinator from a Power Five school that’s had a ton of success … which is what Pat Narduzzi was coming from Michigan State. I can understand the frustration in regards to his six-year tenure so far. But jumping from one head coach to the next isn’t a recipe for success, either.

Beano in absentia

2:04

John, How much of a negative impact on Pitt's putrid running game has missing our 2 top tight ends for most of the season had? I think a lot since the backs can't seem to get around the corner.

John McGonigal

2:08

It certainly doesn’t help. Now, from what I heard during his time at Florida, run blocking wasn’t necessarily Lucas Krull’s strong suit. But if Krull became a real weapon in the passing game, Pitt could do more off play-action, which could in turn open up the running game a bit more.

Huey

2:08

Can you offer any reasoning or explanation for why Izzy and D. Carter aren't seeing meaningful touches? Both offer a lot more than either of the Davis backs. Izzy is the most complete back and Carter always runs hard and has a knack for falling forward for a few extra yards

John McGonigal

2:10

The Daniel Carter question is one I have myself (and one I’ll be asking Narduzzi at his scheduled Thursday Zoom availability). But I would caution the talk of Izzy and Daniel Carter absolutely being better options right now than Vincent and AJ Davis because we just haven’t seen much of Izzy and Daniel yet. Pitt’s coaching staff see those guys in practice every week, and we don’t unfortunately. Narduzzi called Izzy “a puppy” last week, so it seems they don’t think he’s ready for a real workload.

Jonny

2:11

Pitt continues to get burned by the fake QB dive / pass plays. Any reason why they didn't try something like that with Patti on the 3rd goal line trip? Especially after getting stuffed the first 2 times? Whipple never seems to want to use plays to set up different plays.

John McGonigal

2:13

I was thinking the same thing on my rewatch. It probably would’ve worked on third down. But on the flip side, if they run fake QB dive pass and Patti throws a pick, everyone would question why Pickett wasn’t in if you’re going to pass. He’s got experience, but it’s tough to trust your fourth-string quarterback in a high-leverage situation like that, especially when you need only a yard.

Steve

2:14

Am I the only one that felt more comfortable having Hill back there than Ford? Had one bad missed tackle on the QB but other than that I trust him more already to play his assignment and make the smart play.

John McGonigal

2:18

Personally, I’d pump the brakes on that. Narduzzi’s confident in Hill, and he did look good at Florida State. But the Seminoles offense is bad. And while Paris Ford might stray outside the defense and get exposed here and there, he also makes plays that very few safeties in college football can make. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Hill though as this season wraps up, especially down at Clemson.

Litty for pitty

2:18

Is Pitt going to be any good next year? Some young emerging talent and a couple decent recruiting classes makes me think they’re a year away from being a year away, since they are losing so much. any thoughts?

John McGonigal

2:22

I do think Pitt will be a year away in 2021. Like you mentioned, there’s some young talent coming back. Jordan Addison will probably finish this year as a top-15 receiver in terms of production. Sophomore linebacker SirVocea Dennis is second in the country in TFLs. Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Calijah Kancey has played well. But the offensive line will lose Jimmy Morrissey and probably Bryce Hargrove. The defense will lose Patrick Jones and Rashad Weaver. And they’ll be breaking in a new quarterback in place of Pickett. Plus, we don’t know if seniors like Phil Campbell, Damarri Mathis and Jason Pinnock will come back. My guess is they do, but you never know.

Guest

2:23

Hey John, has Pitt's disappointing season had any effect on recruiting so far?

John McGonigal

2:26

In terms of decommitments, no. Disappointing seasons definitely don’t help, giving opposing coaches ammunition for negative recruiting. But most kids commit and sign based on playing time, relationships with coaches, level of competition and academics/campus.

Leroy

2:26

How about our Punter!? After a rough start to his career he has been smacking BOMBS lately

John McGonigal

2:26

Kirk Christodoulou has been exceptional this season. We got to talk with him earlier and will be writing about him later today, so stay tuned for that.

2:27

John How poorly has PN been for this year's team? Bunch of seniors, some real NFL talent, but the execution of the run game has bee awful, dropped passes like crazy and the penalties? Its all on the coach. 6-5 is about the best outlook so far—how does Heather feel about this?

John McGonigal

2:29

It’s pretty hard to know how Heather Lyke feels about the season because local reporters haven’t spoken to her since July. So that’s frustrating. But this team has a lot of warts, a lot of problems. Ultimately, while players are responsible for executing and assistant coaches are responsible for putting those players in a position to succeed, Narduzzi oversees everything. He’s the guy who’s hiring the coordinators and coaches. Sometimes it’s easy to blame the head coach. But sometimes it’s also warranted.

Beano in absentia

2:30

Pat needs to hit the transfer portal hard this offseason for O-lineman or we're going to see a mass exodus of our running backs I'm afraid. I see other programs getting players from Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, etc. but not us. We get guys from Rutgers, Kent State instead.

John McGonigal

2:33

I wouldn’t be surprised if one or two tailbacks left regardless of what happens on the offensive line. There are five guys in that room capable of running ball when the blocking is there. As for the line, they’ll need to do something. Pitt’s confident in Owen Drexel stepping up at center when Jimmy Morrissey leaves, but if Bryce Hargrove goes there will be a decent sized hole at left guard.

lturk

2:35

How was Pitt able to run the ball better against FSU compared to past games? Was it a new scheme, better line play, bad defense, all of the above?

John McGonigal

2:37

Florida State not having Marvin Wilson on its defensive line helped. But I think Mark Whipple called one of his better games. He mixed in the delayed handoffs a little more, worked the outside zone runs in with tempo. It helped having short field after short field. But Whipple schemed the offense well to support a less-than-mobile Pickett.

Guest

2:37

Do you know how the protocol works for ACC referee evaluations during the season? ACC refs were exposed during the ND-Clemson game and I’m still upset about the blown fumble calls in the BC game among other calls (how did they take that TD away from Addison?). It’s embarrassing for the ACC.

John McGonigal

2:39

I don’t know to be honest. But whatever they’re doing to train the officials, it can be better. That Clemson-Notre Dame game was a joke.

Walter Harrus

2:40

what does whipple need to do in order to retain his position in 2021

John McGonigal

2:43

Put up 30+ points the next two weeks, don’t get embarrassed at Clemson and call a good game in a potential bowl game, too. Even still I wouldn’t be surprised if a change is made.

Beano in absentia

2:43

John, Have you heard any reasoning as to why Davis Beville isn't getting any more playing time than 1 series? does he have trouble with the playbook? In some of the games he's played I know he hasn't done well but he should be given a chance to at least get into the flow of the game a little.

John McGonigal

2:45

The reason why he was pulled after one series against Notre Dame is because the first snap he took under center hit him in the chin, and he fumbled it. Narduzzi said that was a “coaching decision” to replace him with Patti. Against Miami, Yellen didn’t play poorly. So if you have a shot to win, which Pitt did, why go away from the quarterback that isn’t losing you the game?

Guest

2:46

John- we can do much much better than Narduzzi. He's had 6 years, we still look a mess, and please join us in pushing for change. There is a great young rising coach out there who would kill for this job. Please let's bring pride back to Pitt football. Until then ( new coach) myself and my family will not be attending another game. Thanks

John McGonigal

2:47

I get the frustration. But that is not my job, nor do I believe that Pitt can do much, much better than Narduzzi.

Dr. Jock

2:48

What do you think of the young d-tackle Kancey?

John McGonigal

2:49

I don’t want to say I’m surprised by his emergence, because I didn’t think he couldn’t do it. But he’s been one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season. Same deal with Jordan Addison. Knew he’d be involved, especially taking the place of Maurice Ffrench in the slot. But to produce like he’s been producing and not hit a wall? Overly impressed.

Barry J.

2:51

John - Do you see any other players leaving the team before the end of the season? If so, then whom? Also, what is your prediction for the final 3 games. Thanks

John McGonigal

2:53

I don’t see anyone else leaving early. And a prediction? Well, I think Pitt wins this weekend at Georgia Tech and loses at Clemson. But I’m going to hold off on picking the Virginia Tech game for now. Want to see how Pitt plays this weekend and how the Hokies do against Miami.

2:54

Pitt could use a big running back did Pitt recruit Josh Hough?

John McGonigal

2:55

Judging by his offer sheet online, Pitt did offer Beaver Falls’ Josh Hough. How serious the interest was is tough to say. And I think Pitt has a bigger running back in AJ Davis. Izzy Abanikanda’s size is good, too. Just a matter of blocking and scheme.

Walter Harrus

2:55

Do any Pitt seniors return next season? Tre Tipton perhaps

John McGonigal

2:56

I think it’s too early to tell at this point. But I’d like to know how many seventh-year seniors there have been in college football.

Timmy

2:58

who wins in the rematch? ND or Clemson?

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