You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Johnny McGonigal's Pitt football chat: 10.14.21
powered byJotCast
Johnny McGonigal
11:00
Folks, hope you’ve had a good week so far. Let’s get this Pitt football chat going.
Btitbob..
11:02
Hi!  What is VT’s biggest weakness that Pitt can exploit in this matchup?
Johnny McGonigal
11:05
It might not be the biggest weakness, but one I’m eyeing up: Virginia Tech linebacker Dax Hollifield has to miss the first half because of a second-half targeting call against Notre Dame. He’s the Hokies’ guy in the middle who directs everything, makes the calls, lines everyone up. Without him, does Virginia Tech’s defense cope? Or can Pitt pick on whoever fills in and build an early, insurmountable lead?
HundredGrandeCRT
11:07
Hello!  Thank you for your comprehensive coverage.  Do you have any inside information about the status of the VT QB’s?
Johnny McGonigal
11:10
Of course, I appreciate the support. I wouldn’t necessarily call it inside info, but Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente said that Braxton Burmeister will play while backup Connor Blumrick is out. Burmeister is a gutty player. But if he’s still injured that could affect how the Hokies ideally operate their ground game (RPO: outside RB run or QB up the middle).
DRigsniffchairs
11:10
Johnny,  I am surprised by the line with Pitt averaging about a 4.5 favorite.  Why is the line that high?  I would think it would be less.
Johnny McGonigal
11:14
Honestly, I’m not surprised. The game opened as a pickem, but money landed heavy on Pitt. Bettors have seen what both teams have done recently. Pitt’s offense has been on fire, while Virginia Tech has struggled. The Panthers were tested in a Power Five road environment and won at Tennessee, while the Hokies’ only wins this year are against a fraudulent North Carolina, Middle Tennessee State and Richmond (barely).
Anthony Gargano
11:14
What’s up cuz!!!  Hey Bo!!!!  Why do you think Pitt’s OL does well at pass protection, but has shown trouble with run blocking?  Also where’s your go to spot for a cheesesteak in Delco?
Johnny McGonigal
11:18
What up faux cuz! You’re right, this offensive line has excelled in pass blocking. But I think there are a few reasons why the run blocking hasn’t mirrored the pass protection success: 1) one guy here and there is missing an assignment, causing plays to blow up 2) Mark Whipple is great this year dialing up the pass, but hasn’t had a good feel for when to run and 3) Kenny Pickett is so good at maneuvering the pocket that it helps out the OL and covers for any mistakes. In the run game, there’s no way to mask an obvious TFL.
11:19
As far as favorite Delco cheesesteak spot, I gotta go with the Laspada’s in Aston. You know you have a good Delco cheesesteak joint when a photo of Ben Davis is hanging on your wall.
Chris
11:20
Hi john: two questions- 1) what problems does VT’s secondary pose for Pitt’s passing game and how can Pitt counter, and 2) which is likelier- Kenny Pickett wins the heisman or Kendall Roy reclaims the top Exec spot at Waystar Royco?
Johnny McGonigal
11:24
Jermaine Waller is an NFL corner. Waller has four interceptions in five games, including a pick-six against Notre Dame last weekend. But Kenny Pickett is playing better than quarterback Virginia Tech has faced this season. That includes North Carolina’s Sam Howell. Also, Jordan Addison, Taysir Mack, Jared Wayne, Lucas Krull, etc. is the best set of pass-catchers the Hokies will have faced. And they did allow Jack Coan (who’s not particularly good) to complete 5/6 passes on a game-tying, 75-yard touchdown drive in the 4th quarter. I want to see how Virginia Tech’s secondary holds up this weekend because I’m not entirely sold.
11:25
And hmmm, which is more likely? For those who are still catching up on Succession, shield your eyes. But I’d go with Kendall Roy. I think Kenny Pickett has a legit shot to land in New York for the Heisman ceremony. Not knocking his chance. But for someone to succeed Logan Roy, they’re going to have to ruthlessly pry it away. Kendall, for all his transgressions, is actively trying to and positioned to do that.
Dennis Reynolds
11:26
Which CFB head coach would win Squid Game?
Johnny McGonigal
11:28
I haven't watched Squid Game yet, but heard it's kind of like Hunger Games. If we stay in the ACC, give me Geoff Collins. That guy knows what it's like to stay relentlessly optimistic in the face of peril. Also, he's young-ish and a former college linebacker. Makes sense to me.
John Cusack
11:29
Should I be allowed to root for both Chicago teams?
Johnny McGonigal
11:29
It's your life, John. I don't really care.
GoodmanrmsKM
11:29
Hello Johnny!  Does VT have the ability to take advantage of Pitt’s secondary?  Do you think they have improved/made adjustments since the WM game?  Nick’s Roast Beef in Delco!!!
Johnny McGonigal
11:33
I think if anything Virginia Tech might be able to take advantage of Pitt’s defensive scheme. They use RPOs, and we all know how Pitt has defended those this year. If the Hokies take notes from Western Michigan and Braxton Burmeister is accurate, that could be a problem. Also, watch #11 Tre Turner on every play. They move him in motion, try to get him in space. If Virginia Tech is going to succeed offensively, he’s the guy that’ll make it happen.
And that’s so cruel to bring up Nick’s around lunchtime. Haven’t been in a few years, but have to get it next time I’m in the area. So good.
Sigspusy
11:33
John….Is K. Camp healthy?  Depth on the DL is needed for an effective pass rush.
Johnny McGonigal
11:35
Keyshon Camp has dealt with his fair share of injuries over the years, and he was tended to by trainers at Georgia Tech. I am curious and will be asking Narduzzi at his media availability today about Camp and others.
Andrew
11:35
Hey Johnny - if Pitt beats VT convincingly this weekend, and Clemson does the same to Syracuse, is there any chance Pitt gets College Gameday to come to town next week? There doesn’t seem to be a ton of other great matchups next week.
Johnny McGonigal
11:39
This is something I’ve probably spent too much time considering this week. But I do think it’s possible. Clemson is on the fringe of getting back into the top 25. A convincing win at Syracuse might be enough. Pitt, meanwhile, could make that jump with a big win at Virginia Tech. If they’re both ranked, it’s the most compelling game of the weekend. Other games that could be considered: undefeated Wake Forest at Army for the West Point atmosphere, or Oregon at UCLA for the Chip Kelly vibes. But how cool would it be to have GameDay on the North Shore? Plus, Pitt-Clemson already locked in as an ABC or ESPN game is a good sign.
Kourosh Parasio
11:40
Does Kenny have a realistic shot at the Heisman?
Johnny McGonigal
11:42
If Pitt keeps winning and Kenny keeps playing the way he’s playing, it’s absolutely realistic. But those two things have to continue to happen. Honestly, Pitt might have to win the ACC for Pickett to get real, NYC-invite consideration. Of the last 19 quarterback Heisman finalists, 13 won their conference. It would really bolster his case.
Slump’s Wet Firepit
11:42
Looking down the road…do you foresee Nick Patti as the best candidate to take over next year.  I have concerns over his height?  Could Beville or the recruit from TX play?
Johnny McGonigal
11:47
Among those on the roster, Patti is in pole position to take over for Pickett. Mark Whipple, assuming the 64-year-old stays on and doesn’t retire, trusts him. There’s a reason why Patti won the backup job over Davis Beville, Joey Yellen and Nate Yarnell. But would I be surprised if Pitt tried to bring in a premium grad transfer, selling him on Pickett’s success under Whipple and the allure of playing with Jordan Addison? Don’t count it out.
Peter
11:47
Do you think the bye week came at a good or bad time for this team
Johnny McGonigal
11:48
I’d say it was a good time. Going back-to-back on the road from Georgia Tech to Virginia Tech would have been difficult. I get the sentiment of wanting to immediately carry over that offensive success. But Pitt has a big stretch ahead of it with Virginia Tech, Clemson, Miami and North Carolina in a 4.5-week span. Think it was a good time to rest up and prepare.
Shane
11:48
I think Fuente is going to try and shorten this game as much as possible....if Pitt doesn't build a early lead I think VT wins. Pitt can't defend QB runs.
Johnny McGonigal
11:50
I could see Fuente trying to do that, but it’ll be dependent on Virginia Tech’s ability to run the ball consistently. And while Pitt has struggled to defend QB runs, if Burmeister isn’t 100% maybe Fuente doesn’t risk him as much as he would normally. This is a huge game for Pitt’s linebackers. I said before the season that it was the best, deepest group of LBs in the ACC. If they play like it, Pitt should win.
David Bowie
11:50
Is there life on Mars?
Johnny McGonigal
11:51
Above my pay grade (but of course there is)
PittFanStanTheMan
11:51
why does it always rain in Blacksburg Virginia
Johnny McGonigal
11:51
I don't know, but I hope it holds off this weekend. Running through what felt like a monsoon to get to my car in the media lot wasn't fun two years ago.
Gary Rossini
11:51
Why is the ACC so wacky this year? Are any of the teams actually good or is it just a down year across the board?
Johnny McGonigal
11:54
Gary, the ACC is always wacky. But this is the first year the title is truly up for grabs in 6 or 7 years thanks to Clemson. It’s certainly a down year for the Tigers, as well as North Carolina, Miami, Florida State and (I think but don’t know for sure) Virginia Tech. Those are five of the conference’s biggest brands.
WILL
11:54
Do you agree that the Panthers better be aware of the quick slants over the middle and the QB fake into the line and then a quick pass to the tight end over the middle this week and next.  That seems to be the defense's weakness. Western Michigan and Tennessee hurt them with it this year and NC State beat them that way last year. It eliminates the pass rush that Pitt counts on for turnovers.
Johnny McGonigal
11:55
100%. When you sell out to stop the run and pressure the QB the way Pitt does, you leave yourself susceptible to those quick passes and misdirections. Virginia Tech has used the TE well over the last few years, too.
Load More Messages
Connecting…