We are thisclose to being 6-0. I don’t think last year’s team would have fought back the way this one did yesterday to regain the lead. We’re obviously not there yet. Passing game needs to be more consistent, so does run defense. But it’s a mistake to see those areas of inconsistency as defining the caliber and character of this team. Let’s see how we adjust coming off a much-needed bye week. My hunch is outstanding coaching staff makes adjustments, players get their second wind and the second half of the season shows continued progress. Anyone can pile on a bandwagon. As a fan, I’ve enjoyed much more seeing a team fight from the bottom and become a contender. This program is doing just that.
Why I’m Optimistic
- Thread starter griddy
- Start date
Yep...lost 2 close ones on the road and the 4 wins were solid no doubt who won that game wins but the 2 losses were there for the taking. This team seems to play to their competition on the road but takes carre of business at the Dome. HAVE to start winning some of those close ones on the road though, split them at the very worst.
Libero2
Hall of Fame
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2012
- Messages
- 7,810
- Like
- 9,402
Honestly if you think about everything that had to go exactly right for Pitt to win that game is pretty remarkable.
We had to turn the ball over at least three times
They needed early weather issues to bog us down when we got rolling fast.
Their kicker had to make 2 kicks NFL guys have NEVER made in that stadium, and then a third pressure cooker kick essentially at the gun to force OT.
They needed a fluke defensive score which 99% of the time would have been blown dead already.
After we catch a break on the Custis play, they needed that awful snap to cost us 15 yards and the chance to run the clock way down
They needed a generous spot on the 4th down run.
They needed every single one of those fluky game changing plays to get us into OT, even then they needed one underthrown ball by Dungey, which could have just as easily been a TD if the execution was there, to beat us.
We learned this in basketball, nothing is ever easy on the road in conference. Every road conference win is sacred because it’s fuciking hard to win those games. Yesterday we were a hairs breadth away from claiming one of those wins. Were we perfect? hell no! But we played well enough to win in a lot of ways.
This team is missing pieces and it’s clear that we need to spend the entire bye week learning how to set edges and stop the damn run. We also need to execute the simple plays on offense, screen passes and slants are serious issues for us, when those and simple crossing routes should be exactly what we make our living on in the passing game, with some deeper balls sprinkled in.
Keep working and don’t lose the faith Orange Nation. Dino has us on the right path.
Remember that progress is not a straight line, it’s a slow progression with steps forward and back, with an ultimate forward trend. The goal this year was always 6. If we got beyond that anybody would have signed up for that preseason. It’s time to learn from our execution mistakes this week and correct them for a big stretch of important home games.
We had to turn the ball over at least three times
They needed early weather issues to bog us down when we got rolling fast.
Their kicker had to make 2 kicks NFL guys have NEVER made in that stadium, and then a third pressure cooker kick essentially at the gun to force OT.
They needed a fluke defensive score which 99% of the time would have been blown dead already.
After we catch a break on the Custis play, they needed that awful snap to cost us 15 yards and the chance to run the clock way down
They needed a generous spot on the 4th down run.
They needed every single one of those fluky game changing plays to get us into OT, even then they needed one underthrown ball by Dungey, which could have just as easily been a TD if the execution was there, to beat us.
We learned this in basketball, nothing is ever easy on the road in conference. Every road conference win is sacred because it’s fuciking hard to win those games. Yesterday we were a hairs breadth away from claiming one of those wins. Were we perfect? hell no! But we played well enough to win in a lot of ways.
This team is missing pieces and it’s clear that we need to spend the entire bye week learning how to set edges and stop the damn run. We also need to execute the simple plays on offense, screen passes and slants are serious issues for us, when those and simple crossing routes should be exactly what we make our living on in the passing game, with some deeper balls sprinkled in.
Keep working and don’t lose the faith Orange Nation. Dino has us on the right path.
Remember that progress is not a straight line, it’s a slow progression with steps forward and back, with an ultimate forward trend. The goal this year was always 6. If we got beyond that anybody would have signed up for that preseason. It’s time to learn from our execution mistakes this week and correct them for a big stretch of important home games.
pacusewife
Maker of Banners
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2015
- Messages
- 1,094
- Like
- 3,640
2-3 more wins (or more) and I can consider yesterday more of a bad game than a sky is falling situation.
I think it’s natural though to feel that “here we go again” feeling after last year’s spiral post-Clemson.
I think it’s natural though to feel that “here we go again” feeling after last year’s spiral post-Clemson.
pacusewife
Maker of Banners
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2015
- Messages
- 1,094
- Like
- 3,640
Sort of OT, all of the teams (6) across various sports that I follow lost this weekend. I think my optimism in general took a punch to the gonads.
Last edited:
djorange1989
Living Legend
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2013
- Messages
- 16,182
- Like
- 46,264
Yes we have two 7 win seasons in the last 16 seasons, that is as good as it has been (regular season) so 7-5 in year 3 of Dino would be a good thing
CuseLegacy
Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 97,534
- Like
- 156,745
I'm optimistic because we aren't in games like that any more.
Finwad32
Hall of Fame
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2011
- Messages
- 8,781
- Like
- 31,743
Im optimistic bc we're a better team than in the past. Also, because I choose not to squalor in negativity throughout our too short lifespan.
It's a game I watch for enjoyment and excitement, things this team and staff have given me much of.
It's a game I watch for enjoyment and excitement, things this team and staff have given me much of.
orange79
Internet Sleuth
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2011
- Messages
- 42,568
- Like
- 133,018
If you think a punch to the gonads is bad, try childbirth.
pacusewife
Maker of Banners
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2015
- Messages
- 1,094
- Like
- 3,640
Only tried it thrice. I mean come on, I practically live-posted #3 until I was too messed up on pain meds to use my phone lol
