Pittsburgh 9/7 12:00 ESPN2

[Lobot]

Starting a little early because they named a starting QB in Alabama transfer Eli Holstein, a RS-Freshman. Unfortunately, they just lost their starting RB, Rodney Hammond Jr. to ineligbility. No details there so far. Seems like strange timing to make that ruling.

[bearcatbret]

The panthers easily beat Kent State. Newcomers Holstein and Reid star as Pittsburgh opens with 55-24 win over Kent State - CBS Pittsburgh (cbsnews.com)

[swilsonsp4]

Here's the take of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on the Panthers' demolition of Kent State. The Flashes were pretty miserable in 2023 (1-11), with their sole win at home over Central CT State.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/...s/202408280080

[Lobot]

Game is on ESPN 2 now. Title fixed

[leo from jersey]

I have directv but I bought the Disney package for the grandkids so I can stream the game.

[Lobot]

I have directv but I bought the Disney package for the grandkids so I can stream the game.

Hopefully DirectTv and Disney get their current carriage dispute mess sorted out before the game is on.

[Lobot]

Ring of Red this week for you apparel aficionados

[bearcatbret]

Last year, after the win against Pitt, CSS said something to the effect that they wanted to play smash mouth, run it down their throat ball. We had at least 7 guys run the ball last Saturday. Pitt is currently in the mind set of score quickly and often. How do you see this game going down? Will UC try to run, run and run? Will Pitt put up quick numbers?

[red_n_black_attack]

Last year, after the win against Pitt, CSS said something to the effect that they wanted to play smash mouth, run it down their throat ball. We had at least 7 guys run the ball last Saturday. Pitt is currently in the mind set of score quickly and often. How do you see this game going down? Will UC try to run, run and run? Will Pitt put up quick numbers?

I see CSS implementing that smashmouth mentality more this year. We will run 1st, 2nd, and 3rd if successful, and throw ball control (west coast) unless there is blown coverage. I think this game comes down to who makes the fewest turnovers and will be a close game with scoring in upper 20s or low 30s. Unfortunately, I have to give Pitt the nod to win the game because UC made too many penalties and turnovers against Towson. I hope I'm wrong.

Pitt 33
UC 27

[swilsonsp4]

I see CSS implementing that smashmouth mentality more this year. We will run 1st, 2nd, and 3rd if successful, and throw ball control (west coast) unless there is blown coverage. I think this game comes down to who makes the fewest turnovers and will be a close game with scoring in upper 20s or low 30s. Unfortunately, I have to give Pitt the nod to win the game because UC made too many penalties and turnovers against Towson. I hope I'm wrong.

Pitt 33
UC 27

While there were far too many turnovers (three), the Bearcats were flagged only three times during the entire game. Unfortunately, two of them were for roughing that gave the Tigers new life. The other was a defensive holding call on Jordan Young that actually saved a TD, as he was beaten on the play. Towson later settled for a FG. UC committed no pre-snap penalties. Those usually are drive killers.

So, for an opening game, with a bunch of new players, the Cats played pretty cleanly (other than the turnovers).

[GoBearcats31]

UC has announced Dontay Corleone has been cleared to play in games; he'll be a full participant in practice today and his status for Pitt is TBD https://gobearcats.com/news/2024/9/3...-in-games.aspx

[D.A.H.]

Last year, after the win against Pitt, CSS said something to the effect that they wanted to play smash mouth, run it down their throat ball. We had at least 7 guys run the ball last Saturday. Pitt is currently in the mind set of score quickly and often. How do you see this game going down? Will UC try to run, run and run? Will Pitt put up quick numbers?

i think CSS would like to run it and drain the clock, but the 'cats did show the ability to hit on a couple of quick strikes. one thing i noticed is that sorsby, on his release / mechanics, definitely is very aware of accuracy. we couldn't hit those last year.

[longtimefan]

Dante Corleone cleared to play, per Scott Springer.

[leeraymond]

Cincinnati gave up a lot of yards to an FCS school at home (438, where 194 of those yards were rushing yards). Pittsburgh rushed for 201 yards (and had 570 total yards) against KSU and ONLY gave up 31 rushing yards. Pittsburgh gave up 212 total yards. Playing in that 3-3-5, I do not think that UC will put enough pressure on Pitt's QB to really bother him. Also, if Pitt's QB has all day to throw the ball, UC's DBs will not have a chance. UC's offense is probably going to have to win this one if they have any chance to win at all. I cannot see UC's defense stepping up to take Pitt out of what it wants to do offensively.

If UC can out-hustle Pitt, keep turnovers and penalties to a minimum, and make enough winning plays, who knows UC may be able to steal this one at home.

[swilsonsp4]

Cincinnati gave up a lot of yards to an FBS school at home (438, where 194 of those yards were rushing yards). Pittsburgh rushed for 201 yards (and had 570 total yards) against KSU and ONLY gave up 31 rushing yards. Pittsburgh gave up 212 total yards. Playing in that 3-3-5, I do not think that UC will put enough pressure on Pitt's QB to really bother him. Also, if Pitt's QB has all day to throw the ball, UC's DBs will not have a chance. UC's offense is probably going to have to win this one if they have any chance to win at all. I cannot see UC's defense stepping up to take Pitt out of what it wants to do offensively.

If UC can out-hustle Pitt, keep turnovers and penalties to a minimum, and make enough winning plays, who knows UC may be able to steal this one at home.

I doubt that last Saturday's results are indicative of much. Towson are very well coached; probably middle-of-the-pack FCS. The Golden Flashes are, per Sagarin, the second-worst FBS team in the country, ahead of only woeful UMass. KSU won once in 2023, over CCSU, a terrible FCS squad. The Flashes are picked last again in the MAC.

Different week; different opponent; different game plan. CSS won't run 75 players out there again, 34 of which are new to the program.