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John McGonigal's Pitt football chat: 12.02.20
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John McGonigal
1:01
Good afternoon, all. Before the oddity that is a Wednesday afternoon NFL game, let’s talk about the Panthers. Drop your questions below, and I’ll answer them.
Adam
1:02
If Pitt could add a transfer at any position, which spot do you think would help the most for 2021?
John McGonigal
1:06
That’s a good question, Adam. I think I’d lean offensive line. But the transfer would have to be a difference maker, and picking up a starting offensive lineman through the portal is hard to come by. I think they’ll take their chances with Yellen or Beville at quarterback, the running back room is crowded as is, Lucas Krull should be the guy at tight end, and wide receiver is deep. Defensively, I think the front-seven will be solid. Another safety to provide competition for that spot next to Brandon Hill wouldn’t hurt, either.
#NOGOODIN
1:07
Hi!  Do you have any idea if there may be a coaching staff change at OC or at OL for next year?
John McGonigal
1:11
Dave Borbely has been instrumental in getting six OL recruits this class, and the pass blocking this year has actually been pretty good despite the running woes. I think it’s more likely that Narduzzi moves on from Mark Whipple, but I’m still not sure if that will happen. Yellen and Beville spent the last year and last two years, respectively, learning Whipple’s offense. The last thing you’d want to do is introduce a new quarterback with a new offense. On the flip side, if you know this offense won’t get it done — and to this point, it hasn’t — then pulling the plug and allowing growing pains in a new system next year in hopes of a better 2022 is a viable plan, too.
Pete Grande
1:12
Hi John!  I hope all is well!  Assuming Pitt does not obtain a transfer QB for next year, who do you think has the edge Yellen or Beville?
John McGonigal
1:16
Hi Pete, hope the same for you. At this point, it’s hard not to lean Yellen. He was recruited by Whipple out of the portal while Beville was inherited. Yellen started against Miami and Notre Dame while Beville was given one series in each game. If Whipple is out, then it’s totally up for grabs. Even if he isn’t, there will still be a competition. But Yellen starting those games without an actual spring ball to get comfortable with the offense says a lot to me.
DGKMRIMM2020
1:18
Have you spoken to Heather Lyke?  Do you think she is becoming frustrated with the trajectory of the football team?  Do you think she will give this staff a mulligan due to the COVID situation?
John McGonigal
1:22
We haven’t spoken to Heather Lyke since July, which is frustrating for the local media. No doubt about that. I recall speaking with her before the Quick Lane Bowl, so perhaps if/when Pitt plays in the postseason, we’ll speak with her then. As far as a mulligan, I think it would be an easy sell from Narduzzi’s standpoint: no Jaylen Twyman, Kenny Pickett injury and, most importantly, an altered schedule. Instead of adding Clemson, Louisville and N.C. State, Pitt would have played Duke, Virginia, UNC — and Miami (Ohio), Marshall and Richmond in the non-conference. If Pitt had that original schedule, I think they go 8-4 or 9-3.
JW
1:25
Are there Yards-After-Contact stats in college? If so, how bad must Pitt's RBs be in that category?
John McGonigal
1:27
I’ve looked feverishly for one, and I haven’t been able to find it. But you’re right, Pitt’s running backs aren’t the best at breaking tackles and getting extra yards. I still think freshman Israel Abanikanda can be that guy. But he hasn’t been able to get on the field due to pass-blocking concerns. Something to keep in mind for 2021, though.
V. Fontaine
1:31
The offensive game plan against Clemson made no sense to me. I don't understand trying to go tempo against a team that can score so quickly and easily. You need to limit their possessions and you do that by taking time off the clock and running the ball. I know they've struggled with running the ball this year but this was the time to try to get it going.
John McGonigal
1:34
It was a little curious that they implemented tempo. But you’ve got to play with to your strengths and weaknesses. Tempo worked against Virginia Tech with the makeshift offensive line, and I suppose Whipple figured it could work again. But Brent Venables is the best defensive mind in college football, and he saw how the Hokies played off on the underneath routes, especially early. He wasn’t going to let that happen.
Moisture meter
1:36
Do you think Pitt needs to emphasize the run game more against GT?  I think more of a balance would help their offense tremendously and open up play action down field
John McGonigal
1:40
Well, that’s an interesting name. As far as running the ball, I’d say now is the time to do it. Georgia Tech struggles to stop the run, ranking 87th in the country in rushing yards allowed per game. The Yellow Jackets also allow 4 yards or more per carry (when 4 yards is available) 52% of the time. That “opportunity rate,” as Football Outsiders has labeled it, ranks 99th nationally. We’ve also got to keep in mind that if the virus rages on and cancels more bowl games, this could be Whipple’s last impression on Narduzzi before the offseason. And Narduzzi wants the program identity to involve running the football. So we’ll see how Whipple approaches it.
Yamumkhed
1:42
What’s your favorite Christmas song? And why is it not “Grandma got ran over by a reindeer?”
John McGonigal
1:43
You can’t go wrong with Mariah Carey. “O Come All Ye Faithful” by Josh Groban slaps. I love most Christmas music, as long as it’s not being played earlier than Thanksgiving Eve.
DJ
1:44
What kind of year do you think Pitt needs to have next year to solidify Narduzzi's job for the next few years?
John McGonigal
1:45
I think reaching a bowl game should be the goal in 2021. That’s not necessarily a high bar, but losing Kenny Pickett, Patrick Jones II, Rashad Weaver, Damar Hamlin and Jimmy Morrissey will be tough to overcome.
Leroy
1:47
Yellin isn't the answer. In today's CFB your QB has to be able to take off when needed and he have shown he has no interest in doing so. Davis B or a transfer is what should happen, but it won't.
John McGonigal
1:51
While the ability to run helps, I think a true pocket passer can still succeed in today’s game. All a matter of pass protection in front. If Yellen gets it, I think he could do a fine job.
Lexie
1:51
What happened to Kyi Wright and Dan Carter this year? Both played so well in game one and then vanished.
John McGonigal
1:51
That’s one thing I want to ask Narduzzi when we speak to him next. Because it’s an off week, local media didn’t have our normal Monday zoom press conference. I know Kyi Wright deal with an injury earlier in the season, and Daniel Carter missed a couple pass-blocking assignments, too. With Kenny Pickett playing through pain the last few weeks (at Florida State, especially) you’re going to lean protection over dynamism at tight end and running back. I think that’s one reason why we’ve seen more of Daniel Moraga and AJ Davis.
Bill from Greensburg
1:51
Hi John, could you tell me the status of WR, Will Gibson. He had a excellent career at Aliquippa, but hasn't gotten any playing time the last two years. Does he have a future with the Panthers?
John McGonigal
1:53
A future starting? Probably not, just given where the Panthers are with their depth at wide receiver. But he contributed earlier this season, serving as the team's scout team quarterback imitating Louisville's Micale Cunningham. Pitt's veteran said he played a major role in preparing them for Cunningham and the Cardinals' offense. You always like to see that from younger players in the early stage of their careers.
Fast Eddie
1:53
Is Nick Patti in the competition for QB
John McGonigal
1:53
I'm sure he'll be mentioned in the offseason, but at this point it looks like a two-man race.
Walter Camp
1:54
I believe that next year's recruiting class is ranked # 20 in the country. Is Pitt now signing better recruits? And how do you see Pitt competing with classes like that?
John McGonigal
1:55
Yep, it's currently ranked 20th in the nation by Rivals. The highest of Narduzzi's career has been 29th, so that would be significant for the program. I have a story coming later this week on that development, but a lot of it stems from Chris Beatty's work in Virginia. It's an area with a lot of talent that isn't staying in-state, and he has deep ties.
Peter
1:56
Whats left for Pitt as far as bowl options? I've seen a few projection to play Navy, and I'd consider passing on that game if I'm Duzz and Lyke.
John McGonigal
1:58
Speaking of upcoming stories, I’ve spoken to a few bowl reps over the last couple days about how this bowl season has been different and how that might affect Pitt. So keep an eye on that. But for now, playing Navy in the Military Bowl has been the top projection. And if you’re Pitt, you take that. Getting to a bowl, period, is important to have that extra practice time. Win at Georgia Tech, though, and a Florida bowl is a possibility.
Jurgen K
1:59
Of all the injuries for the Reds, who do you think is the most important player currently on the shelf. Been hard to watch them without Trent, but I personally think Thiago will make the biggest difference when he is healthy. Just so much creativity there.
John McGonigal
2:01
What a question to end on. If we’re excluding Van Dijk, then Alexander-Arnold is the answer for me. I can’t wait to see what Thiago can do once he’s settled in the midfield. He brings something different that Hendo and Wijnaldum don’t offer. But Milner at right back doesn’t offer enough width while Neco Williams is still too young to depend on in your top Premier League matchups. Either way, up the Reds.
2:02
Folks, thanks as always for your engagement. I'll be back next week with another one of these. If you have any questions in the meantime, don't hesitate to reach out on Twitter @jmcgongal9
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