tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56567832011-06-08T01:05:09.531-04:00A bunch of Pitt fans/alumni writing and ranting about the University of Pittsburgh Panthers and anything sports and entertainment related. Other than being alumni, the writers of this blog have no affiliation or official connection with the University of Pittsburgh, the Pitt Panthers, and related entities. The views expressed on this blog are solely our own. You can e-mail us: <b><strike>PittSportsBlather-at-sbcglobal.net</strike></b>.Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comBlogger30111100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154396902215123562006-08-01T07:02:00.000-04:002006-08-01T07:05:42.296-04:00

It is now up. Posting can be found atPittBlather.com

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154115672301838102006-07-31T12:51:00.000-04:002006-07-31T12:55:28.840-04:00

A recent visit to the Pitt site may have piqued your curiosity about the teaser press release for "Panthers All-Access." It did for me.Panthers All-Access" is a must for the serious Pitt fan. Providing the most comprehensive Pitt coverage on the web, Panthers All-Access gives you such exclusive content as live game broadcasts, highlights, press conferences, special behind-the-scenes features and

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154310824712613862006-07-31T09:45:00.000-04:002006-07-31T09:51:49.573-04:00

A couple weeks ago there was the story about the Pittsburgh summer league in the Trib. Now the P-G adds its own story without much more new info other than to point out that it's got room to grow."It's something all the college kids around here needed," Pitt coach Jamie Dixon said. "It's beneficial for all of the teams from Division I through Division III. It's been great. All the feedback I've

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154304728797465452006-07-31T06:57:00.000-04:002006-07-31T07:02:59.426-04:00

Not sure what to read into this. Pope, who has Pitt on his short list of colleges, was involved in an on-court altercation at the Junior AAU Super Showcase boys' basketball tournament in Orlando, Fla. Pope, playing for the Pittsburgh JOTS, was sent home and will miss the 17-and-under Junior AAU National Championships, which began Thursday in Orlando. "It was how the game was played," Pope said.

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154139628319316462006-07-30T20:01:00.000-04:002006-07-30T20:21:36.473-04:00

This fine bit of cross-stitchery was done by my wife. She located an old Pitt cross-stitch design (apparently they license anything) and altered it slightly. The original design for the "Pitt" name was this style.Not sure what I'm going to do with it, exactly. I suggested that it could be mounted on some other material and used as one of those car flags. She didn't agree. It's roughly 8 X 7

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154269506548151172006-07-30T10:17:00.000-04:002006-07-30T10:25:07.033-04:00

Gene Collier has a nearly sarcasm-free piece on Coach Wannstedt as training camp approaches. When Wannstedt returned to Pitt before last season, he had been out of college coaching for 16 years, out of Pittsburgh for 26, and relearning both instantaneously represented a challenge with which he essentially went 1 for 2. "The easiest things were recruiting and connecting with the community," he

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154134394207025302006-07-29T16:41:00.000-04:002006-07-29T16:48:40.416-04:00

The 'effin FCC has lost its frickin' mind ever since Janet Jackson exposed a nipple. In its continuing crackdown on on-air profanity, the FCC has requested numerous tapes from broadcasters that might include vulgar remarks from unruly spectators, coaches and athletes at live sporting events, industry sources said.Tapes requested by the commission include live broadcasts of football games and

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154181670195557412006-07-29T09:54:00.000-04:002006-07-29T10:01:10.596-04:00

Andy Katz has a little more on Pitt's schedule and the game at Army (Insider Subs). As such, Dixon set up the Maggie Dixon Classic. Details are still being finalized but the unique doubleheader will include Army's women's team against Ohio State and Dixon's Pitt men's team against Western Michigan at the Academy on Sunday, Nov. 12. ESPNU tentatively is scheduled to air the doubleheader.

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153968918498003602006-07-29T08:01:00.000-04:002006-07-29T08:04:50.490-04:00

This store has some great helmets available. It also affords a little comparison of the helmets and their colors.This helmet is a replica of the Pitt helmet from 73-80.Now you can compare it to the 1996 model.Something even the helmet project missed.The colors got noticeably darker shortly before Pitt went to the navy and gold tones of today. The thing is, I don't think the road jerseys at that

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154053639444047092006-07-28T13:53:00.000-04:002006-07-28T23:35:42.066-04:00

The Canadian media is doing a piss-poor job following the Canadian national team. It may have something to do with the team getting off to a less than stellar 0-3 start. They lost to Italy, Greece and then Serbia and Montenegro.The Greece loss was particularly bad with a final score of 89-59 (so bad, that no one even bothered with a game recap). No one is even hiding how bad the Canucks

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154101295174981392006-07-28T11:34:00.000-04:002006-07-28T12:22:37.186-04:00

You know, I don't like to post too much when something goes wrong for another school. No, really. I worry about that Earl Hickey/Karma thing. Still, it has to be noted the academic problems for some WVU players.Mr. Football appears to be Mr. History. Brandon Barrett, a two-time Kennedy Award winner as West Virginia's finest scholastic football player, has been removed from the Mountaineers'

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154054664289583362006-07-28T10:08:00.000-04:002006-07-28T10:13:21.736-04:00

Pat Bostick is at the EA Sports Elite 11 QB camp, this week. Not much heard about what he is doing. Even though he has given his verbal to Pitt, there will always be concern until he actually signs in February. The good news about the camp is that it hopefully will give him time to bond with one of the counselors (Insider subs.). The young quarterbacks, along with the camp counselors made of

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154086807257798072006-07-28T07:38:00.000-04:002006-07-28T07:46:03.680-04:00

Chris Dokish had it yesterday that Pitt will play Washington in a home-and-home this year. Apparently Washington had a lot of people questioning their non-con slate as well.Last season, the non-conference schedule for the Washington men's basketball team was panned as way too easy. This time, at least when the Feb. 17 game is considered, people might be asking, "What were they thinking?" The

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154023357459549782006-07-27T16:50:00.000-04:002006-07-27T16:54:24.533-04:00

A couple more way too early prognostications on Pitt.Dick Vitale ranks Pitt at #6 in his pre-season top-40. His top-5 are North Carolina, Florida, Kansas, Ohio St. and UCLA. Other Big East teams are Georgetown (8), Marquette (12), UConn (15), Villanova (16), and Louisville (20). Noticeably absent is Syracuse.A syndicated writer from the Sports Network puts out his pre-season top-5:5. Pittsburgh -

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154022166246258792006-07-27T13:35:00.000-04:002006-07-27T13:42:46.620-04:00

I just learned, but haven't had time to start looking through it. The 2006 Pitt Football Media Guide is on the web. The cover features H.B. Blades, Tyler Palko and Darrelle Revis.As usual the Media Guide is broken up into sections and are all in PDF format for downloading and saving or printing. Or of course, you can order a regular copy for $15 (full disclosure, the Pitt Athletic Department is

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154003267571182022006-07-27T10:53:00.000-04:002006-07-27T10:59:48.136-04:00

Banging on Duquesne isn't really fair. It's not difficult, and it isn't that much fun to keep kicking someone when they are down. Still, this new logo forces my hand.What are they? The Duquesne Stage Magicians? The new design, created by Rickabaugh Graphics of Columbus, Ohio, replaces the script "D" and "Duquesne" used since 1998. I wanted to make a note of the company that was responsible, so

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1154000727662980742006-07-27T08:10:00.000-04:002006-07-27T08:14:40.693-04:00

CollegeFootballNews.com has its Big East Preview. They did their Pitt Preview a couple weeks ago. The strange and surprisingly optimistic tone they had for the Pitt preview is now tempered as they pick Pitt for 4th in the Big East. 4. PittPredicted record: 8-4 Conf. record: 4-3Best Player: LB H.B. Blades, Sr.Offense - Running game, running game, running game. Head coach Dave Wannstedt wants to

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153936317234050862006-07-26T13:44:00.000-04:002006-07-26T13:51:57.616-04:00

Charles Spencer, drafted at #65 (3d round) by the Houston Texans has agreed to terms. The Texans have all their draft picks signed. Not sure what the exact numbers were, but it couldn't be much different from the Texans pick at #66.Winston was the last player the Texans signed. He agreed to a $608,000 signing bonus in a four-year deal, which likely will be restructured after three years. He is

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153878465195695432006-07-26T10:44:00.000-04:002006-07-26T10:49:47.470-04:00

Way back in May, I posted about the desire of schools with 1-AA football to remove the perceived second class citizen status of that classification. They didn't like that they were being treated like Division 1-AA in basketball and other sports when it came to recruiting and public perception. They were talking about changing the names to something more representative of their respective

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153858508271323322006-07-26T07:02:00.000-04:002006-07-26T15:00:52.600-04:00

Caught this little nugget from a report on the Reebok Camp.Pitt's Jamie Dixon and Boston College's Al Skinner watched Teeng Akol in the morning along with assistants from DePaul, Florida, St. John's and Georgetown.Akol, is without a doubt, very raw. He came to the US from Sudan in 2005. He's also 6' 10" and apparently loaded with potential. Scout.com considers him a 4-star, 30th best PF prospect.

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153855593998074642006-07-25T15:24:00.000-04:002006-07-25T15:26:34.483-04:00

The Blue Ribbon Yearbook Analysis of Pitt is at ESPN.com (Insider subs). As usual, it's one of the best and most comprehensive you can read. I'll skip down to the conclusion.Grading the Panthers Unit Grade Offense C+ Special teams B- Defense B- Intangibles A-Wannstedt and his staff learned some realities of making the transition back to the college world in '05 the hard

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153841881802301032006-07-25T11:34:00.000-04:002006-07-25T11:38:02.170-04:00

No, I'm not doing a podcast or anything. Rivals Radio has a couple interviews, though, you might want to give a listen.This one with Coach Dave Wannstedt (Windows Media), is decent. It's about 10:40 in length. Some of it is stuff already read or heard elsewhere like how this team is really Palko and Blades's. He had a lot of praise for Blades in the interview.On the discussion of the offseason,

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153778001049642522006-07-25T07:29:00.000-04:002006-07-25T07:33:26.780-04:00

The Explanation of what I'm doing can be found here. Here's Lindy's, CBS Sportsline, and Athlon Preview Mags Pitt summaries.The Sporting News College Football Preview is very unsure about Pitt. They like the team a little more than some, but hedges. In their Total Rankings (p 10) they put Pitt at #42, but then includes them in a sidebar under "Could Fade Fast." The reason for why is not

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153767644676527562006-07-24T14:52:00.000-04:002006-07-24T15:00:45.070-04:00

Mainly speculative stuff.This story on the action at the Adidas Super 64 Tournament in Las Vegas has a note on a top player Pitt has only recently gotten involved in recruiting.Julian Vaughn said he is drawing closer to making a decision. The Oak Hill bound big man said he could make his decision by late August, early September. Florida State, Pitt, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Kentucky are

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153755559669924662006-07-24T11:34:00.000-04:002006-07-24T11:39:20.123-04:00

Yes, it's a slow news day to start the week.Those Home Depot/Team Colors paints (PDF Listings). They have them for Pitt.I don't know why it took nearly a month to end up on the Pitt site, but a press release about some players from the football team doing some community outreach stuff. Members of the Pitt football team paired with 45 children from two local YMCAs to participate in the First

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153581264675783902006-07-24T07:38:00.000-04:002006-07-24T07:45:25.273-04:00

I've harped on the fact that I feel the Big East is not acting with any foresight with regards to its television deals. I usually cite the Mountain West and now the Big 11 as conferences that are starting to look to the future. The issue isn't simply about exposure. It's about sustaining and growing the revenue streams and market to ensure the teams in the Big East do not lag, get forced to

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153666867790549612006-07-23T10:53:00.000-04:002006-07-23T11:01:08.216-04:00

I try not to panic when I read things like this. Wannstedt predicts that senior quarterback Tyler Palko will have a big season for the Panthers. "We need him to move the chains," Wannstedt said. "That's what we need from him -- just manage the game and let the other guys around him make plays. He will do that. He has prepared himself for this season and worked as hard as any quarterback I've been

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153579219248899722006-07-22T10:35:00.000-04:002006-07-22T10:40:19.630-04:00

Here's an interesting piece on H.B. Blades rebuilding his relationship with his father, Bennie Blades, the last few years. "He was in the NFL, bouncing around and doing those things," H.B. said. "At first, ours wasn't like a normal father-son relationship because he was doing football stuff."Bennie Blades, who earlier this year was voted into the College Football Hall of Fame, played nine seasons

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153572793171023032006-07-22T08:46:00.000-04:002006-07-22T08:53:13.573-04:00

Obviously, closer to September 2, there will be more about UVA. B.B., though, was surprised that the Cavs could be classified as a "likely win" in the Athlon preview. To some degree I would prefer them to be in the "toss-up" category, but it is reasonable.UVA was wildly inconsistent last year. Their QB graduated, their top runner graduated, and their stud LB Ahmad Brooks was dismissed from the

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153505477140773382006-07-21T14:07:00.000-04:002006-07-21T14:11:19.866-04:00

It's been a busy week, and I've been wanting to get this one out for several days. The Explanation of what I'm doing is here. Here's Lindy's and CBS Sportline Preview Mags.Athlon is one of the early releasers. They hold a special place in preseason mags, because they helped pioneer the cheer-babe contest. Not a lot to say about Pitt, though.They rank all 119 teams and put Pitt at #49 (p. 36).As

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153225176708245672006-07-21T10:35:00.000-04:002006-07-21T10:41:08.170-04:00

Okay, at what level of desperation do you reach for some college football, to to sit down -- on purpose -- to hear what Lee Corso has to say about the upcoming season of college football? That's up to you to decide, except for the final thing which I believe to be rooted in fact.10. College GameDay will become a two-hour show this fall. We started 20 years ago with a half-hour show in studio.

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153482840288675632006-07-21T07:47:00.000-04:002006-07-21T07:54:00.656-04:00

The Big East will participate in two bowls this year that don't have all the issues settled.The latest incarnation of the unnamed bowl to be held in Houston now has a title sponsor, but no name determined. The NFL Network which was going to hold the broadcast rights to the game now holds the naming rights. They haven't announced the name yet.Then there is the Birmingham Bowl. They just hired an

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153426794142345562006-07-20T16:08:00.000-04:002006-07-20T16:20:39.096-04:00

Just to note that Pitt has a countdown clock on the front page to the start of Pitt's season. Also, the ticket ads featuring H.B. Blades and Tyler Palko are there (Windows Media).

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153410471853208862006-07-20T11:43:00.000-04:002006-07-20T11:47:52.363-04:00

Great story about how Coach Dixon's basketball camp can be more than simply about more income for the coach. There is the toothy, beaming smile of Julius Page that was as much his identifying feature as his ability to sail over a would-be shot blocker and flush home a dunk. There is the slightly pudgy profile of Jaron Brown, whose ferocity, versatility and Kentucky-bred kindness made him a fan

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153363434877507022006-07-20T10:08:00.000-04:002006-07-20T10:16:57.713-04:00

So, how do some other teams and their local coverage view the goings of BE Media Day?You would think Rutgers, after beating Pitt, having a winning record for the first time since 1992(?), and its first bowl game since 1978 that Rutgers would be a little annoyed to be picked behind Pitt for 4th place in the Big East. You don't know the disturbingly relentless optimism that comes from Rutgers --

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153365665953101512006-07-20T07:20:00.000-04:002006-07-20T07:27:22.166-04:00

I gave the 'Eers the grudging and brief credit for their win in the Sugar Bowl when it happened. I found myself rooting for them in that game. The Hoopies. I know many of us did. For the simple reason that with them winning it helped the Big East in credibility, which of course helps Pitt. It was a necessity thing (well, for our buddy Harlan stuck in Atlanta, it was also good in the fact that all

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153336290395222392006-07-19T15:06:00.000-04:002006-07-19T15:11:30.780-04:00

There's still plenty of material to get through, but I'll focus on the Pitt stuff for now.I noted in the video clips yesterday that Coach Wannstedt talked a bit about Palko, then Palko answered questions about himself and his goals. Palko stressed how his stats didn't matter, only winning the game. Well, it can be argued that some of his stats do matter for the winning.While this will be Palko's

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153323263423916222006-07-19T13:26:00.000-04:002006-07-19T13:32:16.023-04:00

Darrelle Revis is selling the spin that he hasn't made any decisions yet about the NFL Draft.Pitt cornerback Darrelle Revis insisted he is not ready to decide whether to give up his senior year and turn pro. "I'll weigh my options after the season," Revis said. Coach Dave Wannstedt said he hasn't said anything yet to Revis about it. "Right now, he just needs to worry about having a good training

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153320967301741202006-07-19T10:53:00.000-04:002006-07-19T10:56:07.713-04:00

There are natural rivalries that develop by local geography (Pitt-PSU, Pitt-WVU, USC-UCLA, Alabama-Auburn). There are rivalries that develop from years of strong conference battles for supremacy (Michigan-Ohio State, Tennessee-Florida, Oklahoma-Texas).The worst thing that can be done, though, is for conferences to try and make a rivalry. For years, anyone and everyone has rightly lambasted the "

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153246805374674272006-07-19T09:36:00.000-04:002006-07-19T09:42:26.076-04:00

Last year's blanket coverage of Levon Kendall on the Under-21 Canadian National Team was so highly received how could I resist a chance to do it again.Having missed out on qualifying for the world championships in Japan, head coach Leo Rautins is instead taking a young team to Europe for an eight-game exhibition schedule played in three countries against seven national teams...."Our team is young

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153307796294004732006-07-19T07:11:00.000-04:002006-07-19T07:16:36.710-04:00

There's a lot of stories from Big East Media Day. I'm still sifting through them to skip the repeats or saying the same thing (to some degree they all do, but at what angle). Just get this out there, though, Pitt and UCF have worked out their contract issues with the games.The problem came about when the UCF-Marshall game was moved to Oct. 4, a Wednesday night, to become an ESPN2 broadcast. That

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153272306139645192006-07-18T21:18:00.000-04:002006-07-18T21:25:08.126-04:00

Most of the stories for the Big East Media Day will be in tomorrow's paper, because that's the way the news cycle used to be. Some are ahead of the curve.The AP, of course, already has its summary. And it's all WVU, so let's just move on.The Louisville beat writer for the Courier-Journal, already has his piece up. The oh-so subtle angle, to promote a L-ville-WVU rivalry.Yesterday, the majority of

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153256021291496202006-07-18T16:50:00.000-04:002006-07-18T16:53:41.666-04:00

The Big East video snippet interviews are up (Windows Media. If the direct link doesn't work, go to the Media Day site and click "Video.").Coach Wannstedt is interviewed at the 6:30 mark. The off-camera (and sound) question he is asked is about Palko. Coach Wannstedt said it was Palko's team. He was effusive in his praise for how he prepared and put in so much work during the offseason. The

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153242029145118342006-07-18T12:57:00.000-04:002006-07-18T14:03:16.110-04:00

Man, I hope they have more than just these photos from the day. Looks like Coach Wannstedt wore a tie this year. Pitt players attending were Darrelle Revis, Tyler Palko and Steve Buches. Or at least they were the ones in the photo. I'm stunned if H.B. Blades didn't make the trip for anything other than personal reasons.Looking at the full TV schedule for the Big East reveals something a bit

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153235898312145712006-07-18T11:16:00.000-04:002006-07-18T11:18:18.503-04:00

Interesting.RankTeamPts. 1.West Virginia (18)186 2.Louisville (6)172 3.Pittsburgh127 4.Rutgers125 5.USF97 6.Connecticut80 7.Cincinnati41 8.Syracuse36Pitt actually edged Rutgers slightly for 3rd in pre-season expectations. I guess there's only so much that even the coaches can believe about Rutgers improving.I would actually consider moving USF to 6 or 7. They have lost 10 players already

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153224753528940202006-07-18T10:26:00.000-04:002006-07-18T10:31:34.570-04:00

Looking for any story. Pitt WR Coach (and former Florida WR) Aubrey Hill gets a "where are they now" piece from the Gainesville paper.Hill, 34, said he has head coaching aspirations, but is happy working through the ranks before taking over his own program."Obviously, that's the ultimate goal," Hill said. "But I want to go the way most go first, being a recruiting coordinator, an offensive

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153223697218680192006-07-18T07:47:00.000-04:002006-07-18T07:54:57.546-04:00

The Big East has made its 2006 Football Media Guide available on-line (the sections are all in PDF). Well, except for the part that includes the pre-season poll. That will be released later today. The cover features Steve Slaton, WVU and Brian Brohm, L-ville on the cover. Which should be an oh so subtle hint as to who they think will be the top two teams in the conference.Here's the Pitt section

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153168073975461822006-07-17T16:23:00.000-04:002006-07-17T16:27:54.493-04:00

Dave Cox was officially announced as Pitt basketball's new Director of Operations."David will be a tremendous role model for our student-athletes," Dixon said. "He has an outstanding administrative and basketball background and is an individual who will benefit our program in many facets. He is a former NCAA Division I player who is familiar with the kind of student-athletes that we have and will

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153103916481400882006-07-17T12:15:00.000-04:002006-07-17T12:19:33.716-04:00

Kind of slipped on getting back to this, so I'll do a quick and easy one. In case you need a refresher, here's the explanation, and what I said about Lindy's.CBS Sportsline college previews should have some potential to improve you would think with the purchase of CSTV by CBS. More resources, writers and information. Not the case this year. The only thing it has over last year's version is that

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152973539760949712006-07-17T09:36:00.000-04:002006-07-17T09:41:25.850-04:00

File under "small world": On Thursday night, I was down at the Ingenuity Fest (you may have heard the ads on Pittsburgh radio. Hey, if Kennywood is advertising in Cleveland why not an event in Cleveland?). I was helping out at a booth with some other area bloggers. We were actually sharing the booth with a group called Voices and Choices that works on regional economic development. At the end of

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153135494886281022006-07-17T07:20:00.000-04:002006-07-17T08:06:09.916-04:00

The Big East is making an effort to provide some content this year on the site.This media day headquarters page will be a one-stop shop for fans to get all of their preseason BIG EAST football coverage. Each year, the conference announces the results of its preseason media poll in conjunction with media day. That poll and release will be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the football

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1153055175781745482006-07-16T14:43:00.000-04:002006-07-16T14:46:26.450-04:00

Good article about a new wrinkle in summer basketball in Pittsburgh. An NCAA sanctioned basketball league run by the Pittsburgh Basketball Club that the college kids can play. From Sam Young and Ramon of Pitt, to record-breaking shot-blockers Shawn James of Duquesne and Sam Clancy Jr. of Southern Cal, the first-year Pittsburgh Basketball Club Pro-Am League has filled a long-time void in local

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152968758678339162006-07-16T08:37:00.000-04:002006-07-16T08:42:29.050-04:00

Can you believe I didn't get an invite? And after going out of my way to highlight the happenings at the Big East offices.Not that I could actually make it to Pawtucket, RI, but it would have been nice to have been asked.This coming Monday and Tuesday are football media days for the Big East. Louisville and WVU are expected to be the focal points of the media as the favorites to win the Big

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152967702757374532006-07-15T08:46:00.000-04:002006-07-15T08:48:23.123-04:00

The schedule wasn't really a shock to anyone. Pitt figured to have one of the tougher schedules, as a conference favorite and with expected TV exposure. Dixon said Pitt's schedule revealed few surprises. He said discussions at league meetings centered around playing teams at venues on an every other year basis and that's exactly how Pitt's schedule turned out. Pitt will play Connecticut,

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152928666121041892006-07-14T21:54:00.000-04:002006-07-14T21:57:46.460-04:00

You have to read the story from the NY Times on Auburn's burgeoning academic scandal involving a "groupie" like sociology professor (who just happened to have earned his doctorate at Notre Dame). The Auburn football team's performance in the N.C.A.A.'s new rankings of student athletes' academic progress surprised many educators on and off campus. The team had the highest ranking of any Division

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152901571855657292006-07-14T14:25:00.000-04:002006-07-14T14:26:12.286-04:00

Thanks to Matt from Orange 44 for the heads up. The Big East announced the conference match-ups for the 2006-07 season. Not the dates, just who is playing who. A now challenging question considering its 16 games for 16 teams. To refresh, as to the format. Each team gets 10 single opponent games (5 home, 5 away), 3 home-and-homes, and two teams skipped -- but not the same 2 as last year.So here's

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152894459166744732006-07-14T12:24:00.000-04:002006-07-14T12:27:39.520-04:00

Well, here's that additional confirmation I was hoping that top player Michael Beasley might cast his roaming eyes towards Pitt.To complicate matters further, David Cox, Beasley's former AAU coach and longtime friend, was recently named director of basketball operations at Pittsburgh. Reports have surfaced that Beasley might end up at Pitt, and he did not completely deny them. "It's complicated,"

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152819338723341452006-07-13T15:33:00.000-04:002006-07-13T15:35:39.126-04:00

Everyone has probably read the article at this point, but you know I would have to post something. The 6-foot-2 point guard, who ranks ninth all-time in scoring for the Panthers, confirmed Wednesday that he had signed a one-year deal to play for EWE Baskets Oldenburg, a German First Division team. "After I signed, I stopped and thought about it. I thought, 'I'm a professional.' " Krauser said. "

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152808037246523532006-07-13T12:24:00.000-04:002006-07-13T12:27:17.900-04:00

I haven't glanced at what's happening at the Big East offices in a while. Looks like I missed plenty.It's Hall of Fame time.BIG EAST Conference Commissioner MICHAEL A. TRANGHESE has been formally inducted into the Rhode Island Italian-American Hall of Fame.Tickets were only $100 (VIP tickets $200) for the June 29 event. I was about to make some joke about holding this event in the closet of the

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152799135897065362006-07-13T09:54:00.000-04:002006-07-13T09:58:56.320-04:00

Looks like Pitt will find out soon about another potential recruit on the O-line."I'm very close to a final decision," stated massive Evan Blankenship. "At this point, I'm down to Pitt and Ohio State. Both schools have a great deal to offer."Blankenship has been a three-year starter for Center High School. He led his team to an outstanding 10-2 record last season."It looks like I should have

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152790041940964662006-07-13T07:20:00.000-04:002006-07-13T07:27:22.286-04:00

Justin Hargrove was one of the early big commits for Pitt last year. Now, because of a head injury that was diagnosed as a brain contusion he suffered last fall, he will be one of the last of the recruits to get on the practice field with Pitt. But a lingering injury has changed Hargrove's figurative shirt color to gray. He will take what is commonly referred to as a grayshirt and enroll

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152755832441532542006-07-12T21:54:00.000-04:002006-07-12T22:44:02.820-04:00

I'm hesitant to believe it. The latest from Chris Dokish/PSR on Pitt b-ball recruiting has a major potential bombshell in college basketball recruiting. However, the biggest addition on the Panthers watch list is 6'9" 240 pound MICHAEL BEASLEY of Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, VA. According to the same DC area source, Beasley, one of the top four players in the country, is very interested

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152667201684818782006-07-12T12:33:00.000-04:002006-07-12T12:37:58.150-04:00

I don't have an answer.Let me get that out of the way immediately. I just have some things on my mind, and I'm essentially wondering aloud and wondering what others think.I've been thinking about it since Coach Jamie Dixon reloaded the assistant coaches. I have no problems with the hires. The seem to be good hires, and in fact, I quite like that the new coaches means more avenues for recruiting

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152705353668937932006-07-12T09:27:00.000-04:002006-07-12T09:30:28.960-04:00

Will someone from the Pitt Athletic Department please make a call down to Starkville, Mississippi. Specifically ask to speak with the head basketball coach Rick Stansbury. Maybe something can be worked out (Insider Subs.).Mississippi State is looking desperately for a game, and the Bulldogs will go on the road. They want to play; the question is, does anyone want to return the game?This is the

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152703502458115692006-07-12T07:20:00.000-04:002006-07-12T07:25:02.930-04:00

Under 2 months to the first game of the season and without an All-Star Game to serve as an additional distraction they are starting to look ahead down in Virginia. A capsule look at the opponent in the Cavaliers' opening game.Inside the game: Pitt allowed 185 yards per game on the ground last year to its opponents. That should be good news for UVa quarterback Christian Olsen, who will be making

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152645950619676512006-07-11T16:14:00.000-04:002006-07-11T16:20:55.656-04:00

CollegeFootballNews.com does yeoman's work each year with its 119 previews of all D-1A teams. Not only are they detailed and fairly accurate, the writers actually put their name to the work so people know who to yell at when things are wrong. In something of a change of pace, they put their Pitt preview up on the Fox Sports site before their own. (Thankfully an eagle-eyed reader alerted me.)Head

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152629313146146812006-07-11T10:44:00.000-04:002006-07-11T10:48:34.236-04:00

Last week, the NCAA updated its list of "schools" from which it would not accept academic transcripts.The NCAA on Wednesday added 16 nontraditional high schools, seven of them in Santa Ana, Calif., to a list of those whose transcripts will no longer be accepted because of questionable academic credentials. Five schools, including Martinez Adult Education in Martinez, Calif., were removed from

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152470693253430592006-07-10T14:52:00.000-04:002006-07-10T14:55:45.116-04:00

I meant to get to this a couple of days ago, but hell, if Joe Starkey could wait for a lull for the column to run I can give it a little time before commenting. A week and a half after the NBA draft (admittedly, NBA issues aren't exactly a high priority in Pittsburgh since The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh was released) a need to express ongoing surprise that Gray returned to Pitt. "A lot of

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152455081478046682006-07-10T09:54:00.000-04:002006-07-10T10:01:29.280-04:00

Former Pitt track star, the football team's first strength and conditioning coach (1980-89 and 1997-2002), Charles "Buddy" Morris is now at the University of Buffalo.In two stints as the University of Pittsburgh's strength coordinator, Morris, 45, worked with future Hall of Famer Dan Marino, former Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Ruben Brown and 12 other NFL first-round picks. Former Pitt wide

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152530699088145692006-07-10T07:20:00.000-04:002006-07-10T07:24:59.293-04:00

With Pittsburgh hosting the MLB All-Star Game, you have strippers arriving from Florida to fill the void. There are also plenty of parties.We know smoking is bad, but Franco Harris made it look so good as he puffed on a premium stogie on the patio of the Carnegie Science Center during the Martinis & Cigars Under the Stars Gala Friday night. The former Steelers great was in attendance with his

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152453042407885102006-07-09T11:25:00.000-04:002006-07-09T11:32:25.443-04:00

Both papers have stories on Darnell Dodson committing to Pitt this weekend. As Chris Dokish had noted in breaking the news of his verbal, Dodson is still learning how good he could be. Steve Keller, a New Jersey-based recruiting analyst, agrees with Farrello about Dodson's potential. Dodson is not currently ranked among the top 150 prospects in his class, but Keller believes he will be one of the

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152451275426513012006-07-09T09:18:00.000-04:002006-07-09T09:21:15.863-04:00

I honestly don't see how David Abdul will make it back to the Pitt squad in time for this season. He is still shooting for it. Despite, not only having the needed heart surgery to repair a leaky valve. On top of that, he still needs to get his gall bladder removed this month. To get medical clearance to step on a field, a cardiologist will have to approve it. That and more in a long piece about

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152366127192457112006-07-08T09:36:00.000-04:002006-07-08T09:42:07.520-04:00

This weekend is the seemingly venerable ABCD Camp. It's started well for Pitt, as a verbal has been given. Pitt's first recruit for the basketball class of 2007 is not from New York or New Jersey. That alone is a shock, given recent years.The University of Pittsburgh basketball team has added DARNELL DODSON of Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Maryland. The 6'6" Dodson was on Pitt's

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152290406049539582006-07-07T12:33:00.000-04:002006-07-07T12:40:06.593-04:00

Ah, the NBA Summer League. The chance for undrafted players and those who had to go overseas for another shot at making the NBA roster. A couple former Pitt greats will join the fun. Guard Vonteego Cummings, a three-year NBA veteran who ranks among the top 10 all-time in three categories for the Panthers, will play for the New Jersey Nets' team in the Pepsi Pro Summer League in Orlando, Fla. And

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152221633968240122006-07-07T11:16:00.000-04:002006-07-07T11:22:25.160-04:00

Okay, for many, this post may as well get filed under "that's too much information." The demented geniuses at EDSBS made this the latest BlogPoll Roundtable issue last week. I'm just getting around to it, because I am not sure there is that much interest and if there is, then I'm even more disturbed to know that.1. Education. List the region of the country you were born in, what universities you

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152269967456629992006-07-07T06:57:00.000-04:002006-07-07T06:59:27.770-04:00

If the Dayton Flyers don't make the NCAA Tournament this coming season, it won't be due to their Strength of Schedule.UD will be facing three of the top-nine teams in the ratings published by Fox Sports -- Pittsburgh, North Carolina and Creighton -- as well as perennial stalwart Louisville. When someone pointed out that the killer lineup should generate enthusiasm among the players, Gregory

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152201004385681552006-07-06T11:43:00.000-04:002006-07-06T11:50:04.690-04:00

It looks like Carl Krauser does have a smart agent. Meanwhile, ex-Pitt guard Carl Krauser appears to be headed to Europe after a college career in which he finished as the Panthers' ninth all-time leading scorer. Krauser's agent, Keith Glass, indicated the 6-foot-2 guard could wind up in a German professional league, but he presented few details. Krauser, who attended the past two NBA Pre-Draft

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152186809378102642006-07-06T07:47:00.000-04:002006-07-06T07:53:29.706-04:00

It's still a long way until November. Even going into the 2004-05 season or those teams in the 80s, I don't think Pitt has had its fans this curious about, this ready for basketball season this early.With all that has played out in the off-season already -- good and bad -- from the contract issues with Coach Dixon, the upheaval on the coaching staff, the tragedy of Maggie Dixon, actual top Div. 1

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152070869441525732006-07-05T19:11:00.000-04:002006-07-05T19:16:43.210-04:00

If you are curious to know where the Pitt coaching staff will be heading for most of the next month. Here's a rough itinerary.Nike All-America Camp. July 6-9, IndianapolisAdidas Superstar Camp. July 6-9, Suwanee, Ga.ABCD Camp. July 6-10, Teaneck, N.J.Nike Peach Jam. July 12-15, North Augusta, S.C.Adidas Super 64. July 22-26, Las VegasMain Event Las Vegas. July 22-26, Las VegasReebok Big Time.

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152106231484631712006-07-05T09:27:00.000-04:002006-07-05T09:30:32.070-04:00

Pat Bostick is heading to the 2006 EA Sports Elite 11 Quarterbacks Camp in Southern California at the end of July.Only the top dozen senior high school QBs in the country are invited to this prestigious annual event, which has seen the likes of Matt Leinart, Vince Young, Brodie Croyle, Carson Palmer, David Carr, Ben Roethlisberger (who Lalich draws comparison to) Drew Weatherford, Kyle Orton,

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152069754330981982006-07-05T07:20:00.000-04:002006-07-05T07:26:37.626-04:00

So what are the odds on Pitt winning the National Championship? Not too bad.Pittsburgh at 40/1 returns eight of their top 10 players from last year led by All Big East center Aaron Gray, who flirted with the NBA draft before deciding to return.The big leader is North Carolina at 5-1. Florida is next at 6-1. Duke clocks in at 15-1 and Gonzaga at 35-1. Lots and lots of expectations.Not everyone,

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1152017064927912292006-07-04T08:37:00.000-04:002006-07-04T08:44:25.213-04:00

Happy July 4.Sorry about not posting yesterday. Yesterday was a funeral, and the travel involved had me on the road by 6 am and I didn't get back until 8 pm. With the AC not working properly on the return trip, it was more than a little draining. Needless to say, thinking coherently -- forget trying to type -- wasn't much of an option.Not that I missed too much. There weren't any news or new

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151809905752420042006-07-02T12:15:00.000-04:002006-07-02T12:20:39.543-04:00

In case you weren't aware, Scout.com has a free preview going through July 4. A chance to read all those firewall protected stories and look at video clips at PantherDigest.com.[Disclaimer: I don't subscribe to either Scout.com or Rivals.com. Initially it was because I was too cheap and broke, but now it is primarily because I don't want to be accused of stealing their subscription stuff.]

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151718863154043802006-07-02T09:09:00.000-04:002006-07-02T09:12:01.866-04:00

So, let's talk the 2007 NBA draft (Insider subs.).Oh, stop screaming.Conclusion: Overall the 2007 draft looks loaded, especially with quality bigs. The draft also appears to be strong at the small forward position. Guard play, however, looks to be a little weaker, especially at point guard for the second straight year.Anyone who thinks Aaron Gray isn't risking a lot in NBA cash, not just in

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151695989282958742006-07-01T16:05:00.000-04:002006-07-01T16:07:31.426-04:00

This is pretty cool.The first Aliquippa Quips football camp, held Thursday at Carl A. Aschman Stadium, drew more than 60 athletes. They paid no tuition. They arrived early in the morning, or at mid-day after summer school, or whenever they could, and they were embraced."I just wanted to come back and give the kids an opportunity to be coached by professional coaches, and to learn something about

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151752047896822302006-07-01T07:02:00.000-04:002006-07-01T07:07:28.226-04:00

Not exactly a surprise that the stories today are about getting 3 verbal commits yesterday. If there is a theme for Pitt's football recruiting focus, it is this -- coach Dave Wannstedt was serious when he said his top priority when he took the job in December 2004 was to rebuild the Panthers' offensive and defensive lines.... Along with Matha, who was first team all-state in Class AAAA, Pitt also

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151720166429522552006-06-30T22:08:00.000-04:002006-06-30T22:16:06.623-04:00

Just because there is always some sort of domino effect, even if it isn't actually related. Pitt has yet another commit for today. Greg Gaskins out of York, PA gave a verbal to Pitt. Gaskins is a center and considered by PantherLair.com (Rivals.com) as the 32nd best player in the state. The 6' 4", 290 pound center also had an offer from Maryland. He was starting to draw interest from BC, WVU, PSU

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151689037958393672006-06-30T13:35:00.000-04:002006-06-30T13:37:18.253-04:00

All condolonces to Northwestern University football and the Walker family. Randy Walker, well to be honest I know nothing about the man himself, but he was a hell of a good football coach. The job he has done at Northwestern in the Big 11 has been extremely impressive.Much closer to home, a good friend and commenter here, Shawn, just lost his mother to a heart attack this week. Norma Jean Furey

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151688131735027402006-06-30T13:17:00.000-04:002006-06-30T13:22:12.056-04:00

If nothing happens from now through the July 4 holiday, I would still say that Pitt has had an excellent recruiting week. Now comes news of 2 more recruits.The big one (in more than one way) is Dan Matha out of Erie, PA. Matha is the top rated OT in Pennsylvania. PSR has him at #16 overall in rankings of players in Pennsylvania. PantherLair.com (Rivals.com) puts him as the 14th best player in PA.

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151632981177374112006-06-30T10:08:00.000-04:002006-06-30T10:12:07.163-04:00

Houston has finally confirmed that it will host a bowl this year.The yet-to-be-named bowl, which will replace the financially strapped Houston Bowl, will be held Dec. 28 at Reliant Stadium. The game will be managed by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Texans. Under the four-year agreement, the bowl will rotate in teams from the Big 12, Big East, Conference USA and Mountain

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151668888335278852006-06-30T07:56:00.000-04:002006-06-30T08:01:28.663-04:00

As posted late yesterday, Myles Caregein out of Keystone Oaks High, gave his verbal to Pitt.Myles Caragein has played virtually every skill position on a football field, but his prowess on a wrestling mat had college coaches dreaming of the Keystone Oaks star playing defensive tackle. The sport has taught Caragein an understanding of leverage, and he used his considerable talent to draw 30

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151638456687135162006-06-29T23:31:00.000-04:002006-06-29T23:34:16.883-04:00

Well this is a nice thing to read before bed. Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Sports Report e-mail and Chris Dokish.The University of Pittsburgh has landed 6'1" 270 pound defensive lineman MYLESCARAGEIN of Keystone Oaks High School. Caragein, one of the top dozen prospectsin Pennsylvania, is also considered one of the best defensive end prospects inthe east. Blessed with very good athleticism and

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151520804650863002006-06-29T08:37:00.000-04:002006-06-29T08:40:23.076-04:00

Tyrone Gilliard has decided to give football another try.An impact player is defined as someone who can make an immediate and definite impact on a team. For the 2006 Bluefield Barons, Tyrone Gilliard could be such a player."He makes us a lot better at defensive back," said Barons head coach Bill Dudley. "We have some good ones, but that was probably the weakest part of our defense."That defense

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151536919922867882006-06-28T19:17:00.000-04:002006-06-28T23:59:33.446-04:00

Okay, first the priorities. I went with the bourbon. A nice dollop of Makers Mark by my side.Just hit refresh periodically.Missed the first 10 minutes of the prelims as I had to drive back and got caught in a t-storm. Crap if ESPN isn't doing it's damnedist to suck the life out of this right away. Everyone is earnest and serious about it.Jeez, Dick Vitale shouting from a camera in Tampa with some

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151518758064978322006-06-28T14:16:00.000-04:002006-06-28T14:19:18.366-04:00

An Offensive Tackle from Pennsburg, PA made a verbal today according to the e-mail update from PSR....Upper Perkiomen High School’s JOHN FIEGER committed to the Panthers. The 6'5" 265 pound Fieger possesses quick feet and good athleticism, and though he likely needs to add strength, he has the makings of a top tackle prospect. His other offers were from Akron and Temple, and he there were

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151512054712530722006-06-28T12:24:00.000-04:002006-06-28T12:27:35.113-04:00

As far as I know, no one has posted the clip of Mike Phillips breaking his ankle against Nebraska on You Tube, but that image has stayed burned into my memory. The Warren, Ohio native gets a story in his local paper."It was tough because I had never had a major injury like that," said Phillips, who was an instructor Monday at the Korey Stringer Community Fund football camp. "Believing in God and

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151498284227845852006-06-28T09:00:00.000-04:002006-06-28T09:04:09.353-04:00

The Big East is expected to be the big conference in the draft. Specifically, UConn.This year, the Big East figures to dominate the NBA draft. At least six and as many as eight from the Big East could hear their names called in the first round of the draft, which takes place tonight in New York (7 p.m., ESPN). The record for first-round draft choices out of one conference is eight, set in 1995 by

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151493486444837482006-06-28T07:11:00.000-04:002006-06-28T07:18:06.810-04:00

Ronald Ramon has been staying in Pittsburgh this summer. He has an internship at Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh. His roommate, Keith Benjamin, also is in Pittsburgh for the summer. I suspect most of the team stayed to take some classes and just keep working with each other.Whenever the weekly Pitt propaganda TV show airs next, it will likely include a tour of Ramon and Benjamin's apartment.Nicknamed

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151457564279637112006-06-27T21:18:00.000-04:002006-06-27T21:21:01.546-04:00

No other confirmation that Dave Cox was hired as Pitt's Director of Basketball Operations right now. Here's not a lot of info on the guy right now. He was a coach on the AAU team DC Assault's Blue (17 year-olds).On that squad includes Anthony McClain. He's a 4-star recruit on Rivals.com. 65th best player overall and 4th best Center. Scout.com also considers the 7-footer a 4-star recruit, but

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5656783.post-1151446441123651442006-06-27T18:10:00.000-04:002006-06-27T18:56:57.040-04:00

This is a stunner (big Hat Tip to Scott) .i95Ballerz.com would like to give a big up to former St. John's College Preparatory High School administrator and D.C. Assault coach, David Cox. The seven year St. John's and Assault professional shared during a recent phone interview, he is presently poised to accept the Director of Basketball Operations position at

Chashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702534723365401683noreply@blogger.com