Hey there up north- I"m writing from Pittsburg Kansas! Just thought I'd see what you guys were saying about the game this next weekend. I've seen all but 2 Pitt Games this year, and I thought I'd share with you, whether you want it or not, things from the other side of the coin.
First off, UND is not as good as they were in 2001.
Second off, Pitt State is much better than they were in 2003.
There. I said it. That much is obvious. Let's move on.
When we came up in 2001, you kicked the absolute crap out of us. Watching that game on TV was the worst 3 hours of my life. Our poor Freshman QB Philpot was being driven into the turf like a penny nail. It was the most complete domination I've ever seen in a Division II playoff game. Only Pitt Game I've never finished.
But times have changed, and, God Willing, the outcome will as well.
First- what's different and good about Pitt State?
1. Our D-Line is fantastic. I mean it, our D Tackles are great. They put a consistent pash rush by themselves, freeing up the linebackers to make a lot of plays. They are so tough to run on because the D-Linemen, McConnell and Stephens are almost impossible to handle one on one. Running the ball on us is difficult.
2. Our team defensive speed has greatly improved, and we can cover a LOT more ground.
3. Our offensive line is improved.
4. Philpot is a much better passer than 2 years ago, and he is a physical specimen. He rarely if ever gets taken down by one guy.
5. Our WR position has been filled out, with viable deep threats that never existed before.
6. Overall, the offensive personnel is much better than 2 years ago, especially at Running back, which lately seems to be window dressing. Not much to do other than lead block for Philpot.
When operating correctly, our offense is very difficult to stop, and Philpot is a beast to contain.
There. Enough bragging.
Now for what scares Pitt Fans about Pitt State.
1. Our kicking game sucks. Absolutely horrible. Cost us both games we lost this season. I mean, two missed PATS and a blocked FG at the end of the game? ARGH! Its not just the kicker, but the blocking, the snapping, all of it. Awful.
2. Losing Levi Neville, our All-American DB on the first play of the Emporia State game has really hurt our secondary. Our corners, in a word, blow. They're fast, and they move to the ball well, but they regularly get toasted like marshmallows at a bonfire. Having 3 of your top five getting hurt before fall camp even opens really takes a toll on your ability to keep the opponents from having big plays. Since the SIoux pass (ALOT, by the looks of it), that scares the bejeezus out of me!
3. Opposing QBs who scramble a lot. NW Mo St's QB was able to throw for 320 yards because he just ran around and our crappy DBs would lose coverage. Plus, the two WRs for NW are fantastic athletes. I've read on here, and looking at your numbers, that you have very good WRs. Is your QB a scrambler or a pocket passer?
4. Our offense, much to our chagrin, gets WAY too conservative against good defenses. Against poor opponents, we open it up and move the ball in all sorts of crazy ways. But lately, it's just been Philpot left, Philpot right, Philpot up the middle. We killed St. Cloud State this year, just abused them. We mixed it up on offense with Play Action, the deep ball, moving the pocket, all of it. But lately it's just been Ground Chuck again, which will work against teams we can dominate the line against, but get killed against the likes of UND in '01 and Omaha in '00.
Still, we're just 3 points from being undefeated, and we'd be playing this game outdoors in the rain this next weekend. Darn kicking game!
This is what I and many others down in this neck of the woods think about Saturday's game:
First, we will not get beat 38-0. Or anywhere close to it. We have a decent shot to win. But the following things must happen.
1. Our D-Line must get by your O-Line, which I hear is pretty good, and put pressure on your talented QB.
2. We must contain the run.
3. We must be in the game at halftime (ahead, tied, or within one score).
4. Our offense cannot go three and out like last time we played up there. We MUST be more varied on offense.
5. Our kicker cannot have any attempts blocked.
So what are your guys' strengths and weaknesses? And don't give the typical diehard fanatic viewpoint where your players fart pixie dust and poop gold, give me a true analytical evaluation of your team.
But no matter what, small college football is great, and the fact that we actually have these honest and true PLAYOFFS to determine the best team is a Godsend.
Best of luck, hope to hear from some of you on here!
