R-E-S-P-E-CT....find out what it means to me!

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"I still don't see much respect for a 4-1 football team, which is fine. It's something I'll use." - Pat Narduzzi in Monday's pre-VT press conference

Twittersphere and the blogosphere was rampant with that comment during the past several hours. Most rejoinders included a WMU loss reference, and others just showed contempt for the coach. 

My take on Duzz's comment - taken in the entire context of the question and his full answer - it was more about him saying he can use the lack of ranking to get his kids motivated. 

He is so right about bias in the polls, particularly pre-season. 

Lets look at the ACC media (aka the provincial Tobacco Road, Bojangles loving 4th estate cartel) pre-season view...

1) UNC
2) Miami
3) VT
4) Pitt
5) UVA
6) GT
7) Duke

Mack Brown returns to the open arms of the Chapel Hill faithful, lands a couple good recruits, one of which is Sam Howell....and the Tar Heels are annointed the favorite. I get that they went 7-3 last season, but has anyone looked at that schedule that Greensboro gifted them with as John Swofford headed out the door?

Miami - its a dumpster fire compared to expectations... all of which will be forgotten or forgiven by next spring. The Hokies get the same sort of love...led by head Hokie cheerleader Kirk Herbstreit. 

Heck, just writing this, Im getting pissed. I sure hope Narduzzi gets those kids focused on earning respect. And the best way to get it from a biased media is to shove it in their face by beating the teams ahead of them...starting with the Hokies.

Im not a Narduzzi apologist, nor a lover or a hater. Last season, I gave up on believing he had what it took to get the program to a 10 win season. I was convinced we were destined for year after year of 6-8 wins. 

This season? Well, there's a chance for redemption. I've left the door cracked open a wee bit. I guess we just have to see how it plays out.  

Sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me...








Comments

  1. RICHMANOctober 12, 2021 at 10:48 AM

    I absolutely agree with you Joe on all counts. My take is that the media and other coaches don't respect us. And on the other hand there is "irrational exuberance" from most of the fanbase that think we can actually be favorites and win the coastal. It's like my Ex... yes...no,...yes,..no. I think if everyone takes a step back and we see what happens in the next two games, we will either get what we deserve (no respect) from the media or legitimate (versus Irrational) exuberance.

    ReplyDelete
  2. ikeOctober 12, 2021 at 1:49 PM

    Right on guys. Watched the whole interview and thought, hey this guy sounds alright. But I knew "they" would come down on Pat and they have. Why? They got nothing else right now. It's dopey chatter, chatter, chatter when PITT loses and pettiness without phrase when they win.

    ReplyDelete
  3. gcOctober 13, 2021 at 7:49 AM

    Pitt's tradition of losing a couple that they shouldn't and the average of 5 losses a year lately are factored in by the pundits. Also the recent recruiting rankings are factored in to the ACC media predictions. Obviously the bad loss vs WMU is what has kept Pitt unranked so far. But remember, predictions don't mean a thing.
    Pitt still has the opportunity to prove everyone wrong on the field. This looks like the best chance since the Canada year to do that. It won't be easy, lots of tough games ahead and winning the close ones and winning a bowl game is what will make the difference.
    That is the only way Pitt will get respect, if it is truly deserved.

    ReplyDelete
  4. gcOctober 13, 2021 at 8:13 AM

    Also regarding the pre-season rankings there was a huge amount of uncertainty regarding Pitt, starting with the offensive line and lack of a running game last year. Secondly the loss of so many stars from the defense had to be considered.
    I don't think anyone could have predicted that KP would be this good considering his track record, also how poorly UNC and Miami have performed so far. Maybe Pitt should have been ranked higher than VT. If Pitt can avoid the 1 point losses like they had last year, it should be a really good year, but they have to prove it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. BigBOctober 13, 2021 at 6:14 PM

    This respect article reminds of an episode of Dallas many years ago. J.R. goes up to Jock and asks “ Daddy, when are going to give me the power to run run Southfork?” “Son” Jock replied, “ Power isn’t something you give… it’s something you take!!!” End of discussion.. Go take that respect. Don’t shit the bed the next 3 week- ends and good things will start to happen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JoeLOctober 14, 2021 at 7:21 AM

      Didn’t have you pegged as a ‘Dallas’ guy. Never saw the show - who shot JR?!!

      But quote is spot on.

      Delete
  6. gcOctober 14, 2021 at 8:40 AM

    https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/2021/10/13/miked-up-does-pitt-kenny-pickett-deserve-more-respect/

    On topic, haven't listened to it yet.

    ReplyDelete

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