The coaching staff has their work cut out for them this week

[RF2044]

Need to get the team ready, on the heels of that crushing defeat where we let a big opportunity slip through our grasp.

Can't afford to come out flat. Pitt is awful -- and their crowd should be even worse than usual, given how they've been playing. After Death Valley, being on the road for this one shouldn't be an issue.

But the coaching staff needs to get the team refocused to ensure that we don't stub our toe. They'll have their work cut out to ensure that the team isn't distracted by disappointment over what happened last week, and are instead focused on the opponent in front of them.

Take care of business, and then carry a 5-1 record into a well-deserved bye week to rest up / recuperate for the second half of the season.

 

[Trueblue25]

No doubt in my mind Dino has pitt circled after 2018’s recruitment cycle.

We need to put the cats to bed.

 

[PhatOrange]

Need to get the team ready, on the heels of that crushing defeat where we let a big opportunity slip through our grasp.

Can't afford to come out flat. Pitt is awful -- and their crowd should be even worse than usual, given how they've been playing. After Death Valley, being on the road for this one shouldn't be an issue.

But the coaching staff needs to get the team refocused to ensure that we don't stub our toe. They'll have their work cut out to ensure that the team isn't distracted by disappointed over what happened last week, and are instead focused on the opponent in front of them.

Take care of business, and then carry a 5-1 record into a well-deserved bye week to rest up / recuperate for the second half of the season.

I think last year, the coaching staff did a tremendous job getting the team refocused and ready for the next weekend. I would expect that to continue this season - and more so. I'm not worried at all about coming out flat.

 

[RF2044]

I think last year, the coaching staff did a tremendous job getting the team refocused and ready for the next weekend. I would expect that to continue this season - and more so. I'm not worried at all about coming out flat.

I am -- I wouldn't underestimate the psychological let down after such a tough loss. And we haven't fared well @ Pitt [unfortunately, I've been to a lot of those losses at heinz field -- don't think we've won there since 2000].

I have 100% faith in Dino Babers and this coaching staff, but I'm a little concerned. We're dinged up and coming off of a tough loss. Just want to see us capitalize and not stub our toe.

 

[SoBristol]

I know what happened last season after the win vs Clemson, but this team has more talent and is healthy and hungry. Losing a close game to Clemson in Q4 in their venue - - might be more uplifting than crushing. Beat Pitt and keep getting better.

 

[LeMoyneCuse]

I know what happened last season after the win vs Clemson, but this team has more talent and is healthy and hungry. Losing a close game to Clemson in Q4 in their venue - - might be more uplifting than crushing. Beat Pitt and keep getting better.

Yeah, Cuse's 1st 5 losses last year were all pretty crushing, and until the defense fell apart the second half of the Wake Forest game, the team kept answering the bell. Not worried.

 

[TheCusian]

Need to get the team ready, on the heels of that crushing defeat where we let a big opportunity slip through our grasp.

Can't afford to come out flat. Pitt is awful -- and their crowd should be even worse than usual, given how they've been playing. After Death Valley, being on the road for this one shouldn't be an issue.

But the coaching staff needs to get the team refocused to ensure that we don't stub our toe. They'll have their work cut out to ensure that the team isn't distracted by disappointment over what happened last week, and are instead focused on the opponent in front of them.

Take care of business, and then carry a 5-1 record into a well-deserved bye week to rest up / recuperate for the second half of the season.

I’d lean heavy on Dungey’s leadership. Guy hates losing.

 

[PhatOrange]

I am -- I wouldn't underestimate the psychological let down after such a tough loss. And we haven't fared well @ Pitt [unfortunately, I've been to a lot of those losses at heinz field -- don't think we've won there since 2000].

I have 100% faith in Dino Babers and this coaching staff, but I'm a little concerned. We're dinged up and coming off of a tough loss. Just want to see us capitalize and not stub our toe.

re: psychological let downs. Last year there weren't any until after Wake when the season was lost. Crushing loss to LSU bounce back and play Nit State close (away). 2 demoralizing defeats in a row yet come back and beat Pitt followed by beating top ranked Clemson. Go on the road and lose a draining 100% effort game to Miami. Here you could expect a let down, nope, bounce back again on the road and lose to FSU at the buzzer. Then still come out again and jump all over Wake until the wheels fell off in the 2nd half. game set match season over.

Point is that all tells me Dino is the uber motivator and can keep the guys focused on the task at hand. The team is still trying to learn how to win but motivation should be easier this year because it's really simple. A bowl game is within sight and they know they have to take care of business. It's a completely different team playing with confidence.

I've never believed in that 'past' hokey stuff. Different teams different seasons different coaches. I'm sure Pitt is a little dinged up to and somewhat demoralized after taking 2 on the chin. Their stadium will be empty.

Anyhow I can understand people being worried about the let down. I just don't because I know the guy in charge is a real leader.

 

[Cusefan0307]

I think we win by 3 touchdowns tbh. I think our fans are more let down than the players.

 

[PAcuse]

The team has a different feel to it this year. The players want to win so badly and you could see it in Dungey after the Clemson game.
Pitt is going to feel the wrath of us letting the Clemson go...

 

[Trueblue25]

I acknowledge the disparity between us and pitt in talent and performance (they are inferior in each at this point imo), however, I dont believe we will ever have “easy wins” at Pitt.

I think we win but this is hard fought, ugly, big east football. Look to Slayton and our vets to be the difference.

 

[Townie72]

I actually don't disagree with RF's second, third and forth paragraphs.

But the best I can say about the first paragraph "Need to get the team ready, on the heels of that crushing defeat where we let a big opportunity slip through our grasp." is "That's like your opinion, Man".

I think that a majority of these kids feel that "We can play with anybody" after that game.. That's hardly the reaction of a team that has suffered a "crushing" defeat.

0307 has it right in the post above. "I think our fans are more let down than the players.".

 

[Alsacs]

Just don’t turn the ball over and we will outscore Pitt.
Fumbles are Pitt’s only chance.
We have the better QB, OL, DL.
Pretty simple the talent of Clemson beat us and nobody else on our schedule left even Notre Dame has that level of talent.

 

[RF2044]

I actually don't disagree with RF's second, third and forth paragraphs.

But the best I can say about the first paragraph "Need to get the team ready, on the heels of that crushing defeat where we let a big opportunity slip through our grasp." is "That's like your opinion, Man".

I think that a majority of these kids feel that "We can play with anybody" after that game.. That's hardly the reaction of a team that has suffered a "crushing" defeat.

0307 has it right in the post above. "I think our fans are more let down than the players.".

Just to be clear -- you're claiming that it's only my opinion that we let a big opportunity slip through our grasp? Or that we'll need to be ready this weekend?

And then you follow that up with something you think about how the kids feel?

Agree 100% with you that we can play with anybody -- there might not be a better defense in college football than the one we just faced. And we only trailed for something like 2 minutes of the entire game [including those last 41 seconds]. Says a lot about how far our program has come under this staff.

 

[IthacaBarrel]

I think we will know if this team has a different "feel" to it after the next two weeks. This game has always been a huge pivotal game for SU. A game we feel we should win, but will we?

I will wait and see, but again I won't be one of the posters piling on if we do drop a few. 7-8 wins is still the goal and very attainable. I think the 9-10 win talk is great for fans and no issues with people dreaming of a double digit win scenario but just not sure were there yet. we shall see

 

[RF2044]

I think we win by 3 touchdowns tbh. I think our fans are more let down than the players.

That would be great. The line is now 6.5. Hope you are right -- but we haven't won there since 2001 [correcting my earlier post], but would love to see this be an easy game where we could play a lot of guys.

 

[PhatOrange]

I think we will know if this team has a different "feel" to it after the next two weeks. This game has always been a huge pivotal game for SU. A game we feel we should win, but will we?

I will wait and see, but again I won't be one of the posters piling on if we do drop a few. 7-8 wins is still the goal and very attainable. I think the 9-10 win talk is great for fans and no issues with people dreaming of a double digit win scenario but just not sure were there yet. we shall see

Pretty much feel the same way. The goal for me has always been 6. Anything more than that would exceed my expectations.

 

[Orangtiz]

For those who are expecting an easy game, recalculate your opinion. We havent beat Pitt in their place since 2001. This is a tall task regardless of the make up of their team.

 

[CuseLegacy]

I think Babers' was preparing the team mentally for Pitt before they even played Clemson. He kept preaching about that they were 4-0 and if they lost it was only one game. Sometimes a loss can actually be beneficial. Now there isn't the pressure to remain undefeated or be 6-0 for the first time in who knows how long. Now it's just the next game.

And I think SU beats Pitt.

 

[Cusefan0307]

That would be great. The line is now 6.5. Hope you are right -- but we haven't won there since 2001 [correcting my earlier post], but would love to see this be an easy game where we could play a lot of guys.

UNC scored 38 on them. They are one of the worst teams in FBS. I know that was in UNC, but if they did that we should have no problem scoring 50.

Again just my opinion, but this is Pitt's worst team since the 90's and it might be our best since then.

 

[TheCusian]

For those who are expecting an easy game, recalculate your opinion. We havent beat Pitt in their place since 2001. This is a tall task regardless of the make up of their team.

Babers is 0-1 there. History beyond that doesn't matter to this team and staff, IMO.

 

[TheCusian]

I also think Narduzzi's seat is getting toasty

 

[RF2044]

UNC scored 38 on them. They are one of the worst teams in FBS. I know that was in UNC, but if they did that we should have no problem scoring 50.

Again just my opinion, but this is Pitt's worst team since the 90's and it might be our best since then.

And UNC is lousy, too.

As my posting track record indicates, I'm the furthest thing from a chicken little, but nearly two decades of football futility has led me not to take game outcomes for granted. Here's hoping we reverse the trend @ Pitt this week, and start a lengthy win streak there.

 

[Chip]

Need to get the team ready, on the heels of that crushing defeat where we let a big opportunity slip through our grasp.

Can't afford to come out flat. Pitt is awful -- and their crowd should be even worse than usual, given how they've been playing. After Death Valley, being on the road for this one shouldn't be an issue.

But the coaching staff needs to get the team refocused to ensure that we don't stub our toe. They'll have their work cut out to ensure that the team isn't distracted by disappointment over what happened last week, and are instead focused on the opponent in front of them.

Take care of business, and then carry a 5-1 record into a well-deserved bye week to rest up / recuperate for the second half of the season.

This was my thought immediately after the game Saturday, and I'm sure I posted as such.

But now I think we'll be fine. There's so much opportunity ahead of this team and I'm sure they all know it. We'll be ready to play.

That said, I'd like to jump out early. Pitt has been really bad and they can't have much confidence at all. Take advantage of that, but then most importantly, keep the foot on their throat.

 

[Orangello]

They are going to try and run the ball, control the clock and keep our O off the field. They have another good RB as usual in Ollison. If this is close in the 4th, conditioning is going to be key. These tilts are almost always rock fights.