Why the Pitt Basketball slide will only last one year.

Pitt Basketball supporters and observers are in full panic mode, and for good reason.  It has been quite some time since Pitt Basketball was on a six game losing streak.  It has been a while since Pitt was "on the bubble" for the NCAA tournament.  This is uncharted waters for a spoiled fan base that expects to be the best. Pitt Basketball went from a nobody to a high profile program seemingly overnight. The construction of the Petersen Events Center created a Basketball atmosphere on the campus, and created a program that could compete nationally. After nine seasons without an NCAA tournament appearance, Pitt has been in the Big Dance the past nine years. Those nine seasons include two number one seeds, one number two seed, and three number three seeds. This stretch has also seen the Panthers win two regular seasons Big East Championships along with two Big East Tournament Titles. Jamie Dixon raced out to 200 career wins as fast as anyone, he also holds the Big East's highest winning percentage, EVER. His resume includes an Elite 8 and two Sweet 16 appearances.  That is why this six game losing streak is troubling.  Pitt has been over the stench of mediocrity for some time now, and I guess people have forgotten how to deal with it.  The people that see Dixon as overrated, or even the extremists that think he should be fired are laughable. They have to realize where the Basketball program was, and where it is now. Pitt is regularly a member in the nation's Top 25, actually more often than not, the Top 10.  Pitt plays in the country's toughest conference, and they possess the highest winning percentage over the past eight seasons.  Pitt is constantly playing on national television. The postseason success has yet to come, but its hard to dismiss the fact that Pitt is only school in the entire NCAA that has actually won an NCAA tournament game in each of the past six seasons.
             

       When you take into consideration all of the facts listed above, you can conclude Pitt Basketball is a pretty good program. Pitt's recent struggles are not nearly as concerning as people are making them out to be.  Many top programs go through struggles. Connecticut won a National Championship the year after they were in the NIT.  Syracuse had their struggles, and North Carolina has not always been in the top ten this past decade.  Pitt in the scheme of things is a young team. This team evidently was not ready for the rigors of an intense season. They have five freshmen and three sophomores. They are still learning about being contributors.  That happens in major college basketball. Pitt's youth this season will translate to experience next season.  Pitt will also add the best player it has ever added to the program.  Things will be back to the norm next season. Steven Adams is a player to get excited about.  He is legitimately a potential one and done prospect. He is a guy you can build a good postseason run around. Khem Birch was a highly rated guy, and thought he would be a similar prospect.  That was not the case. He was weak and offensively challenged. Adams has a complete game, and will be one of the better Centers in the country next season.  Also, Pitt adds a Point Guard in James Robinson that is a true Point Guard. He will play the position more like LeVance Fields, and he's 6-3. Pitt has the talent next season to be back in the Top 10, and they had the talent this season to do the same, they just happen to be missing an inside presence. I cannot count out Pitt the rest of the way because there is a lot of Basketball left, but things need to change right away for there to be a chance of a tenth straight NCAA appearance.  Either way, the panic and worry over the losing streak is warranted, but patience will get you through it. Pitt will be back next season, count on it.

Insanely early look-ahead to the 2012 College Football season.

Being prepared is half the battle. And I'm preparing for College Football 2012.(spare the sports nerd joke) This season was wild and unpredictable. The BCS came up with two teams from the same conference playing each other in the Title. Bowl games saw some scores from video games, a quarterback from BAYLOR?! of all places won the Heisman. This season was odd to say the least, but what could be in store for 2012? There will be some familiar faces up top, but some new guys will be challenging for the BCS Title bid....Here's my take.


1. Georgia (10-4)-I have the Georgia Bulldogs as my early season favorite to take the road to Miami for the National Championship game.  Why, you may ask?  Aaron Murray is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, as he just tossed 35 touchdowns in his sophomore season. Sophomore Running Back, Isaiah Corwell looks to bounce back from an injury plagued freshmen season.  The defense improved each and every game, and can have up to nine starters back. The schedule sets up nicely, as they avoid regular season games with LSU,Alabama, and Arkansas. The Dawgs will be a force in 2012.

2. USC (10-2)-The Trojans had a successful 2011 campaign, yet it was marred by the fact they were ineligible for post season play. The Trojans bounced back from a 5 loss season in 2010, and really they turned out to be a quality team.  Matt Barkley shocked everybody and announced his intentions to stay for his senior season, that announcement alone is the reason why you see USC ranked so highly. Barkley is a franchise quarterback in waiting, and USC will benefit greatly from his services. The Trojans get Notre Dame and Oregon at home. Expect to see USC in a BCS Bowl at the very least,thats if they aren't down in Miami squaring off for a championship.

3. Alabama (12-1)-The defending National Champions are in great position to repeat, yet lose just enough to keep them off the number one ranking. AJ McCarron played well in spurts and looks poised for improvement . Eddie Lacy will look to take on a bigger role as Richardson will likely move on. The defense will always be good, Nick Saban will demand that. This team always gets the best recruits, they have one of the best coaches, and they are always going to be a contender under Saban. If the young players grow up quickly, you can definitely see a repeat. They are that talented.

4. Oregon (12-2)-The Ducks start the season among the nations top teams yet again. Oregon's success runs parallel with their athletic ability and speed. The 2012 edition of Oregon football should be no different. Darron Thomas will be running the show again, and is basically the Denard Robinson of the West Coast. Kenjon Barner and DeAnthony Thomas should provide the explosiveness on the outside, and there is a chance LaMichael James could be back. This team is dangerous in space and will always be up tempo. When they are clicking, they are really tough to beat.  There is no colossal opener to this season, so the Ducks can be in the Title hunt for quite a while.

5. LSU (13-1)-LSU was the team in 2011, they were supposed to come out and dual with Alabama for the National Championship. They could not even move the ball, and the LSU faithful may be happy to see Jefferson exit.  LSU's success is not based off of having a dominant Quarterback. They win with a powerful rushing attack, and having athletes at key positions. The three back set of Ware, Blue, and Ford return. The outside threats of Randle, Sheppherd, and Russell will also be back. The LSU defense is littered with pro prospects, and one of the nation's most dynamic players, Tyrann Mathieu. This team is capable of winning a lot of football games. They do need a Quarterback, and 5 star freshmen, Gunner Kiel just may be that guy.

6. Michigan (11-2)-Michigan is back. Brady Hoke came in and put together an eleven win campaign and a memorable Sugar Bowl victory. All the pieces are in place from last season, and this year they could be even better.  Denard Robinson is back for his third stint as the starter in Ann Arbor, and may be poised for his biggest season yet.  The speedy quarterback now has weapons at his disposal, and the Wolverines are a very quick and high powered offensive machine. Fitzgerlad Toussant developed into the back Rich Rodriguez could never find. Throw in an experienced receiving corps, and an ever improving defense and the Wolverines are the favorites to win the Big Ten and make a return to the Rose Bowl.  The road will not be easy as they open with Alabama in Dallas, and must travel to Notre Dame.

7. Oklahoma (10-3)-The Sooner's prospects just recently picked up as Quarterback, Landry Jones announced he is returning. The catalyst to the Sooner's aerial assault propels them into the National Championship conversation. Dominique Whaley, the remarkable walk-on running back will look to return to his early season form. Kenny Stills will now be the go to guy as Ryan Broyles moves on to the NFL. The Sooners always have top talent, and Bob Stoops is bringing in another top notch class. Landry Jones will take this team as far as he can. Oklahoma needs to avoid loses to teams they should beat,and they can find themselves back in the BCS.

8. Nebraska (9-4)-Nebraska had a rough go at it in their first season in the Big Ten. They return many players and could be ready for the second time around. Taylor Martinez is a veteran playmaker that is always dangerous with his legs. Rex Burkhead is a dynamic running threat that will also be back. The Huskers bring back a veteran offensive line and the typical Nebraska "blackshirt" defense. Bo Pelini does a great job with Nebraska, and he gets Wisconsin and Michigan in Lincoln.  Taylor Martinez needs to be a better passing threat, but this team has the talent to win plenty of games.

9. Arkansas (11-2)-The Razorbacks found themselves ranked third in the country in late November, and had a showdown with than ranked number 1 LSU, and they were humbled with a 24 point loss. Despite that, they have a really talented group returning and perhaps the SEC's best offense. Tyler Wilson had a really good campaign in his first year as a starter. He loses some weapons, but both leading rushers return. Some young receivers will need to step up, but Wilson should do fine tossing the ball to anyone. The offense will be solid, but the defense must improve if they look to unseat Alabama or LSU, both of which will be traveling to Arkansas to play. That could really help out the Hogs.

10. TCU (11-2)-TCU will be making its first appearance in the Big 12 in 2012. They have the talent, the program, and the coach to make some noise right away. TCU's only losses came in two wild shootouts despite losing many starters coming into this season. They reloaded, an impressive feat for Gary Patterson. Casey Pachall may not be Andy Dalton, but he is a winner and will only get better. The two leading rushers will be back, the top three receiving threats will return as well. The TCU offense can be potent, but their calling card is defense, and they return nine starters for next season. The Horned Frogs will be dangerous, and may steal the Big 12 Championship in their inaugural season.

Heisman Hopefuls.

1 Matt Barkley- He is the best player coming back for the 2012 season. He is a sure fire top 5 draft pick. He has the ability to lead USC to a National Championship. This guy is good, and my pick to take it home.




2 Aaron Murray- The best player on my predicted best team. He has all the tools to succeed, and will have the exposure playing for a top team. Murray will be a good pro someday as well.




3 Tyrann Mathieu-The Honey Badger will be around next season. He has the strange ability to force fumbles, unlike anything anyone has ever seen. He is a true ball hawk and play maker. Things happen when Mathieu is around.


4 Sammy Watkins-The nations's most dynamic offensive threat is back. He can run the ball, catch the ball, and return kicks unlike any other. He is a guy you have to account for every play or he will break down your defense, and make it look easy. 


5 Marcus Lattimore- Lattimore will be coming off a knee injury, but will still be the nation's premier tailback. He is a beast and hard to tackle. He has the right size and speed combination to be a very successful player at the next level. 

Pennsylvania Football.....yikes.

Steve Adazzio was hired by Temple University on December 23, 2010. He is the longest tenured coach of the State of Pennsylvania's three division one college football programs. Since the day Adazzio was hired Pitt had recently fired Dave Wannstedt, hired than quickly fired Mike Haywood. Phil Bennett coached the bowl game. Pitt hired again in Todd Graham, and he subsequently left after one season. Meanwhile, in Happy Valley, Penn State was enjoying an unexpected rise in the rankings in the 2011 campaign.The legendary coach Joe Paterno garnered his 409th win and one week later, he was gone as a victim, or a culprit(depends how you look at it) in Jerry Sanducky's sick and twisted web. The football rich state was left with much turmoil and disgrace. The mainstay power of Joe Paterno ended overnight, and Todd Graham's tenure seemingly felt like one night. After careful and regimented processes the state's two largest institutions hired two men in hopes they can bring stability after a black eye of a season.

             Both Bill O'Brien and Paul Chryst have the task of building trust, and that is a given with the way the two previous coaches went out. But from there, both programs have two very different set of problems that need to be corrected ASAP.  The two jobs are different just as the two schools are different.  Pitt and Penn State share the same state and passionate fan bases, but the schools, settings, fans, and just about everything else is different.  The makeup of Oakland is much different than University Park. Heinz Field and Beaver Stadium are far from being similar.  The jobs ahead share a common goal, but the way of going about them are very, very different. That is why I have a set list for each coach that I think they need to address and try to enact upon.....

Paul Chryst.

Short term goals.

1.Gain the player's trust. - This is a big one for Chryst. We all saw what Todd Graham do in a few month's time. Todd Graham made everything about himself. The fancy marketing with the "High Octane" approach to everything led many to believe he was a hot shot talker, and that is about all he ever was. He blamed and criticized players in the media. The losses were never his fault, or the staff's fault, it was the player's inability to learn his system. That did not sit well with fans and players alike. He burned plenty of bridges with players and his reputation with how he left. The guy left them a text message for crying out loud. Paul Chryst needs to handle the situation with the fans and university officials as well, but making in roads with his players needs to be priority 1.  These are the guys that will be in the weight room, conditioning, and working year round for him. They invest plenty of time to be student athletes, Paul Chryst needs to prove that he is the player's coach that the Wisconsin people made him out to be. The players for Pitt sure let everyone know they did not like Graham and the way he lied through his teeth. This will be their fourth Head Coach in two years. They are mostly Wannstedt recruits, and they will be harsh on anyone that isn't the man that recruited them.   

2. Sell tickets- This is a BIG one for Pitt. It has been no secret throughout Pitt's history that attendance has been as issue. There are very few ways for Pitt to get big crowds. 1. They are ranked high. 2. Pitt has a chance to clinch a major bowl or 3. They are playing West Virginia or Notre Dame. The University of Pittsburgh is not a small school, they are not in a hard to reach little town, they have plenty alumni right in Western Pennsylvania. There is no real rhyme or reason why people do not attend the football games. Many point to the off campus stadium, the pro town atmosphere, or the variety of things to do in Pittsburgh.  They seem more like excuses rather than reasons. Pitt is less than a third of the size of Penn State, they are never going to sell upwards of 100,000 tickets, it just isn't feasible, but getting 55,000 people on average is not asking a lot. I think the real reason is the lack of a good product. It is that simple for me. Pitt has always had trouble with attendance even with good teams, but if Pitt was a consistent top 25 team, I think you would see more people interested and more people buying seats. Paul Chryst needs to do just that. He needs to put a product that people will buy. Chryst needs to play a consistent brand of football that will not choke in big games, or lose games they have no business losing. He needs to drop the dark cloud from Pitt in big games. Pitt typically outplays their opponents, but just find ways to lose. Chryst needs to find ways to win. He has to be conservative, but daring enough to win games. College football is a simple model, but tough to carry out. Winning games puts people in the stands, more people in the stands attracts better recruits, better recruits means more wins and big bowl games ahead, and all that means more money for the University. Simple layout, tough to follow through.

3. Win the Big East in 2012.-This will likely be Pitt's last time through the Big East. They have a team that is built for a pro style set that Chryst runs. Ray Graham can be one of the best backs in the country, and Rushel Shell will be able to contribute right away. Pitt has talented receivers and tight ends and a big line that Chryst will like. They are short a quarterback for sure, but talent wise....Pitt can win the Big East next year. The defense actually was not too bad this year, and plenty of key faces return.  Chryst has always been known to adapt to his player's strengths. This Pitt team was built on the mindset of playing the pro style offense of Frank Cignetti. Chryst has plenty to work with and Wannstedt was a pretty good recruiter, and this team is filled with former 4 star recruits. Pitt gets WVU at home this season(if WVU is still around), but if WVU bolts, Pitt instantly becomes the league's most talented team, it all depends on how Paul Chryst adjusts.

Long Term goals.

1.Become competitive nationally- It sure has been a while since Pitt has been a factor nationally. The past decade saw Pitt sneak up a few times, but not for serious lengths of time. Pitt's best stretch was from 1975-1983, in that span Pitt went 85-19-2 with two Sugar Bowl victories and one national championship. The great names like Tony Dorsett, Dan Marino, and Hugh Green are some of the best players in college football history. Pitt has not come close to that type of success since. The ability to win and play at a high level is possible, those nine years prove that. Paul Chryst has some nice recruits coming in without him really having to recruit any of them. There is good base for success. Pitt has the ability to attract top talent, but now they need to maximize their abilities, something Dave Wannstedt really struggled with. Paul Chryst will take the program into the ACC, while it is a step up from the Big East, it is no SEC by any measure. The league is winnable, and Chryst needs to build up a team that is ready to compete. Can he do it? Absolutely. Will he be able to?  Thats another story.  He has plenty of tools to get started. 

2. Keep Top local talent-Pitt sits in a very fertile recruiting area. The area surrounding the city of Pittsburgh has always churned out top talent, and still does to this day. There seemingly always is at least one top 50 type talent within 30 miles of Pitt's campus. Some year's Pitt can get that guy, but most times they fail to bring that guy in. Wannstedt brought in plenty of quality guys, but could never land a guy like Terrelle Pryor. Chryst lucks out by getting stud Running Back,  Rushel Shell in his inaugural recruiting coup. Next year Robert Foster will be an elite top 15 player, and Patrick Kugler will likely find himself in the top 50 players. Those are the type of players Chryst needs to land.  He has a good inside track to each prospect, but that needs to happen on a consistent basis. Western Pennsylvania isn't what it used to be, but it still churns out quality athletes Pitt can win with.

3. Be a mainstay-Paul Chryst seems sincere that he is appreciative of the job opportunity. He could just be the anti-Graham. Throughout Pitt's history, there has never been a coach that had an exceptionally long tenure. Paul Chryst should strive to be that guy. Pitt's coaching job got significantly better since leaving the Big East, it definitely is an upgrade playing in the ACC. With the exception of elite programs, there aren't many places better to be than Pitt. Paul Chryst has a chance to have a very successful career. Pitt has always been a place that had that potential to be a solid program, but is always missing something. Maybe Paul Chryst is that missing piece.

Bill O'Brien

Short term goals

1. Build Trust-Penn State has always been a model of consistency.  They had the same coach since 1966. There was always a sense that if you turn on a Penn State football game Joe Paterno will be there. JoePa was the rock to the Penn State football program. He is Penn State football, and it is very hard to imagine seeing anyone other than him on the sidelines or in the booth.  Joe built up the football program and the school in his tenure, he did more things for Penn State than any coach has done at their respective program. The way Joe Paterno went out did not sit well with people. It is still in question whether Joe had any guilt or further knowledge then let on, anyway you look at it, it just would not have been appropriate for him to coach anymore. Despite Joe Paterno's exit and dark clouds around him, he is still very well revered by many Penn State alums. He is the only thing most Penn State fans have ever known, and to be the guy following a legend can't be easy. Bill O'Brien will have a tough road ahead and may get scrutinized more than the typical new coach. O'Brien needs to prove that he can keep things rolling in Penn State. He has to show that Penn State will be the same brand they have always known. The players and former players will be loyal to Paterno. The fan base is split and some may have a real tough time buying into O'Brien.  Penn State fans had expectations that they would hire a slam dunk, and most do not see O'Brien as that. The one thing on his side is that his expectations are low, he may surprise a lot of people.

2. Win over the Penn State family-Most people thought Penn State would hire somebody that played for Paterno. They thought they would get a "Penn State guy."  Bill O'Brien did not play for Penn State, he has no ties to the school whatsoever. This did not sit well with a lot of people. Notable alumni have been critical of O'Brien's hire, and that will not make his job any easier. LaVar Arrington and Courtney Brown have made it clear they are less than thrilled with the hire. Not that it really matters that ex-players aren't happy, it still would be good for O'Brien to have them on his side. Often the case with critical coaching hires, the fan base may be uneasy but the school and alumni are the ones that are to give support. This has been very far from the case. This will be an uphill battle for Bill O'Brien. He needs to show them he will honor and respect the Penn State program, and more importantly keep up with the winning tradition.

3. Bring in coaches familiar with the college game-Bill O'Brien needs to make in roads in the college game. He has been with the New England Patriots since 2007, and last coached college football in 2006 as the Offensive Coordinator at Duke University. His other college coaching stops included Maryland, Georgia Tech, and Brown. Those jobs hardly hold the magnitude of the Penn State football program. The Head Coaching job at Penn State is an extremely big deal. O'Brien will be recruiting guys and talent he would not have seen at his previous coaching stops. He would be wise to hire coaches that can bring in the talent he will need to go up against Ohio State and Michigan.  Penn State's whole set up with facilities, atmosphere, and campus can recruit for itself, but so can a lot of places. 107,000 fans on gameday can only take you so far. The coaching staff needs to be well acquainted to the college landscape, and more specifically the Pennsylvania/Northeast region. Larry Johnson staying aboard is a good start. We will wait and see what happens with the rest of the staff.

Long Term Goals

1. Compete with Urban Meyer on field and recruiting-As I mentioned before, Pennsylvania is a talent rich state. This does not mean exclusively Pittsburgh, but the whole state. The recently hired Ohio State coach, Urban Meyer is well aware. Within one week of his hire, he was in Hershey watching the State Championships and came home with the most coveted recruit in Pennsylvania. Ohio State landing Noah Spence sent an early message to Penn State and Pitt and all others that dip into Pennsylvania for talent that he is going to try to take the best from the state. Noah Spence is a top notch player, but also comes from a talent rich High School in Bishop McDevitt. Meyer has one step in the door on anyone else that will go there. He even tried to lure the second most coveted prospect in Rushel Shell away from Pitt within a week of his hire. He knows what he is doing.  Penn State has struggled recently within Pennsylvania losing out on top players to Ohio State, Michigan, and Pitt. That is unacceptable for them. O'Brien should strive to take the top players in his own backyard. He needs to start building up his Pennsylvania connects and focus out of state later. Ohio State is going to be back on top within two-three seasons, its almost inevitable with Urban Meyer at the helm. Penn State has had a poor track record with the Buckeyes of late. They have gone 3-7 in their past ten meetings. They are Penn State's closest rival, and a chief recruiting foe. Winning on the field means winning recruits off of it. Penn State really needs to measure themselves up again Ohio State. They are the premier program in the North.

2. Bring back a consistent National relevance-Penn State is usually a familiar face in the nation's top 25, but top 10? top 5?....not so much. Penn State is a great program, but they have not shown it as much recently. Penn State has not outright won the Big Ten since 1994. They did win the BCS bid twice in 2005 and 2008, though. Those seasons were special, but Penn State could do better. Ohio State has owned the Big Ten basically, and that goes hand in hand with the goal I have above. To be the best, you have to beat the best. Penn State is definitely good for solid 9-10 win seasons, but Ohio State seems to be good for 11-12 win seasons. Michigan and Wisconsin are on the rise as well. This is a tough league to completely control, but Penn State is more than capable of being a program playing in BCS games consistently. O'Brien needs to get a lot of things under control before these aspirations can begin, but they can happen a lot sooner than people think.

3. Not Be a "Stop Gap"- Penn State faithful were expecting, or maybe hoping for a bigger name. They wanted a Chris Petersen or a Mark Richt to come in and wow everyone. That obviously did not happen. Bill O'Brien was not on anyone's radar, let alone anyone's wishlist. There seemed to be a large outcry that this was not the right hire. The fanbase and the football alumni did not seem totally pleased. This had to put O'Brien in a tough and awkward spot. I'm sure he wants to come in and win, and prove the doubters wrong. He has all the motivation in the world. He has the resources of one of the most valuable college football programs in the country.He can win here, he needs to go out and prove it. There will be a lot of pressure for him to be fired if things go wrong, he needs to keep his cool and keep things moving forward despite the media and fan's expectations.



September 10, 2016 Penn State will travel to Pitt, it will be interesting to see if both coaches will still be there for the game.