forums

Some thoughts on the Pitt game

View as article
Advertisement
I cringe a bit whenever it’s suggested that Mario turned this program around

We won a bunch of big ACC games with TVD and a complete lame duck head coach on his way out to end 2021

Mario is to blame for 2022 not Manny

But the program is as I’d hoped when Mario was hired. Good foundation. Very high floor for the future.

Evals from the 2025 class look really really good

Portal evals have gotten much better (likely from not needing to just take bodies we can actually take people we need)

It’s a real kick in the nuts to feel like it was Playoffs or ACCCG or fail this year and somehow we go 10-2 beating Notre Dame/Florida/FSU/USF and finishing the season by obliterating Pitt on the road

And somehow not make either of those “must” scenarios

Even if I disagree with people or flat out can’t stand them, if you’ve stuck around this program for this long you deserve a medal or a hug or something

Let’s hope the committee somehow does the right thing
 
DMoney said:
I slept like a baby last night. There will be plenty of time to stress about playoff scenarios. That can wait. I was always more worried about going 4-0. We've flopped in November since before Facebook. Four blowout wins later, and it feels like we have a real program again.

This has been a weird season. In August, anybody would've signed up for 10-2 and sweeping our rivals. I'm a pretty optimistic guy, and 10-2 was my preseason pick. It's the path that feels different. Everything looked smooth for a while. Now, we're sweating rankings instead of booking a trip to Charlotte. We still haven't gotten over the hump.

But these are good problems. Four years ago, we were in existential danger. The sport was leaving us behind. Our only draft pick was a seventh rounder. Every big game was a blowout loss. We were a joke. Now the U is everywhere- ESPN, the Draft, award shows, recruiting rankings. We're relevant for the first time in most players' lives.

Our biggest problem remains the ACC. The first issue is our own performance. We've done worse inside the conference than outside of it. Two more losses as double-digit favorites blew up our season. This needs to be the focus for self-scouting. Is it a style-of-play issue? Should we be playing higher tempo against less-talented conference foes? Mario needs to take an honest look at everything.

The second issue is the league itself. The refs, the rules, the representatives- it all screams all bush league. There may not be a single ACC team in the playoff because the tiebreaker rules are so stupid. The conference is an albatross around our necks, in recruiting and beyond.

Overall, this was a step forward. We lost the best player in America and got better. That's a sign of true program health. Here are some more thoughts on the Pitt win:

- Ahmad Moten set the tone on the first defensive play, and it was domination after that. Pitt came in averaging 38 PPG and got squashed. Justin Scott was making plays vertically and horizontally while looking every bit like a five-star player. Rueben Bain had his best game in a month. Everybody ate.

Defensive line is the most important position in college football, and the Portal has increased parity by spreading around the big boys. This is why the top of the SEC has fallen off. Mario and his staff have adapted and used a combination of blue-chip recruiting (Scott, Bain, Armondo Blount), savvy evaluation (Moten, Donta Simpson) and the Portal (Akheem Mesidor, David Blay) to build an elite front. If we can keep Moten and add a proven EDGE, this group can be lethal next year.

- The offense has continued to ascend, with added looks from Dawson and more reps for explosive young players. We're now 20th in scoring offense, 17th in yards per pass attempt, and 18th in third-down conversion percentage. The end result is within our expectations, but we dropped two critical games getting there.

- Carson Beck's arc mirrored the team itself: up and down, but ultimately where you hoped it would land. I think two things helped Beck: the evolution of the offense, and extra reps after missing spring and summer. All told, he ranks 9th nationally in passer rating and 2nd in completion percentage. When you combine stats, talent and winning (34-5 as a starter), I think he's our second-best quarterback since the Dorsey Era. Cam is the only one better, and Beck is ahead of the third guy by a good margin.

Beck is also another Portal success story. If you pick the five best Canes quarterbacks since Dorsey, it's some combination of Ward, Beck, King, Berlin and Kaaya. Four out of those five are transfers, including the best ones. I expect us to go back to that well.



- We're starting the see the vision of the Girard Pringle/Mark Fletcher backfield. Pringle fits our team perfectly because he's a North/South runner. His decisive cuts keep the offense on schedule while also threatening with 10.5 speed. And his size allows him to hide behind our giant offensive line.

A smaller back like Pringle needs help, and Fletcher is the Thunder to Pringle's Lightning. It's appropriate that Fletcher buried Pitt with a TD run that sent helmets flying. He's a huge part of our identity. Fletch is a good runner, but he's a championship-caliber football player. I like that we're using him more as a lead blocker- he brings a unique skillset with his size and physicality.

- Malachi Toney is one of the ten best football players in America. During camp, I said that I could throw a newborn baby at Toney and feel secure. Beck must feel the same way, because Toney hasn't dropped a single pass all year. I hope we keep expanding his passing role, as he's a legitimate quarterback we can trust to make decisions.

- I love that the regular season ended with a CJ Daniels highlight catch, because that's how he started it against Notre Dame. Him and Keelan Marion both brought veteran IQ and positive energy to a young room.

- It's been a rough year for the tight ends, so it's nice to see them get going. Alex Bauman had his best game of the season with 3 catches for 58 yards. Elija Lofton is still not moving and hitting at 100%, but he's finding a way to make an impact on some great calls from Dawson. This is another area where we continue to get better from the beginning of the season.

- Miami's elite pass blocking caused huge problems for Pitt's blitz-heavy attack. At times, it was target practice for Beck. And with so much scrutiny on Miami's running game, it was refreshing to see Francis Mauigoa laying on a defender like a beach towel.



- Bryce Fitzgerald's talent jumps off the screen. His ball skills (4 INTs) are Kam Kinchens-level, but he also brings the speed and fluidity of a cornerback. It will be fun to watch his career unfold.

Now we wait for the committee to do the right thing. I think they will. But if they BCS us, I hope we react like we did in 2001. And this time, our coach won't leave for the Browns. The program is being built to last. Go Canes.
Click to expand...

Whats the most interceptions by a true freshman all time? Not just a Miami player. 4 seems like an insane number.
 
Agreed with most of the post. This was huge for the program and while it’s disappointing to not win the ACC or make the playoff, not collapsing in November and having back to back ten win seasons are things we haven’t seen in what seem forever.

The two things I dont agree with is 1) Beck held us back and even the past few games while he has been solid he was nothing special and 2) we do need a back like Fletcher to compliment Pringle, I just hope we don’t over pay to keep Fletcher. I see a good college RB and situationally a great RB but don’t pay him like a top back just because other schools are coming after him.
 
Great write up D

Only two things…. One I disagree on TEs they are still a liability. Bauman is a horrendous blocker and makes me miss Mallory… is schott still hurt?

And as much I thought nickel was a great option I agree we might as well always be picking up the best QB in the portal. Watching other teams you see how horrendous QB play can be and limit the whole team.
 
tdjones34 said:
But he did this year
Click to expand...
I know. My point was I was worried we’d crater. Go 8-4, 7-5. Look shaky. Make last season look like fools gold type of stuff.

You can see the direct progression from last year, leaky defense, mentally kinda weak, inability to really blow anyone out. Even with that elite offense.

This year, the offense took a step back. That was expected though. But you can make the argument we are a better “football team”. We blew everyone out we should have. But even in the losses, we were never playing some ridiculous game of catch up. Or hoping we’d just get the ball last.

Yes if we miss the CFP it’ll suck. Another wasted year. But anyone who claims we aren’t on an upward trajectory, just has a vendetta against Mario. Not saying you’re saying that. Just saying in general.
 
Advertisement
bobbydigius said:
Agreed with most of the post. This was huge for the program and while it’s disappointing to not win the ACC or make the playoff, not collapsing in November and having back to back ten win seasons are things we haven’t seen in what seem forever.

The two things I dont agree with is 1) Beck held us back and even the past few games while he has been solid he was nothing special and 2) we do need a back like Fletcher to compliment Pringle, I just hope we don’t over pay to keep Fletcher. I see a good college RB and situationally a great RB but don’t pay him like a top back just because other schools are coming after him.
Click to expand...
Back-to-back 10 win seasons is not a fluke. We’re on the right trajectory & a relevant program. Disagree with both 1 & 2. Beck’s experience was invaluable. If you watched games this weekend involving top teams, you gain even greater appreciation. Weren’t many would rather have. Wouldn’t empty the vault for Fletcher, either, but leadership, toughness is a nice complement to Pringle.
 
JHallCanes said:
I cringe a bit whenever it’s suggested that Mario turned this program around

We won a bunch of big ACC games with TVD and a complete lame duck head coach on his way out to end 2021

Mario is to blame for 2022 not Manny

But the program is as I’d hoped when Mario was hired. Good foundation. Very high floor for the future.

Evals from the 2025 class look really really good

Portal evals have gotten much better (likely from not needing to just take bodies we can actually take people we need)

It’s a real kick in the nuts to feel like it was Playoffs or ACCCG or fail this year and somehow we go 10-2 beating Notre Dame/Florida/FSU/USF and finishing the season by obliterating Pitt on the road

And somehow not make either of those “must” scenarios

Even if I disagree with people or flat out can’t stand them, if you’ve stuck around this program for this long you deserve a medal or a hug or something

Let’s hope the committee somehow does the right thing
Click to expand...
Truly anyone who says Mario hasn’t drastically improved the life of this program is delusional. He’s not perfect as a HC by any means. His warts are the absolute worst warts you can have.

But credit is due where it’s due. For the first time in decades, there’s legit NFL players all over the field. Not just one or two. We look like a real program with real talent. Not just some gimmicky scheme or plucky luck. This year told me the floor should be 10 wins going forward. We won 8 games by 17+. You don’t do that as an above average team. Good teams do that in ****** conferences.

Mario has fixed a lot of his issues since 2022. If he can fix the mental issues that lead to a dumb loss he’s going to win a championship here.
 
aelmiami said:
I know. My point was I was worried we’d crater. Go 8-4, 7-5. Look shaky. Make last season look like fools gold type of stuff.

You can see the direct progression from last year, leaky defense, mentally kinda weak, inability to really blow anyone out. Even with that elite offense.

This year, the offense took a step back. That was expected though. But you can make the argument we are a better “football team”. We blew everyone out we should have. But even in the losses, we were never playing some ridiculous game of catch up. Or hoping we’d just get the ball last.

Yes if we miss the CFP it’ll suck. Another wasted year. But anyone who claims we aren’t on an upward trajectory, just has a vendetta against Mario. Not saying you’re saying that. Just saying in general.
Click to expand...
the offense took a step back and finished ranked 20th,
those won't be our most talented teams, program is ready for a long run
will we have a random 8-4 or 9-3 year sometime maybe, but I expect we win 10-11+ most years under Mario

I'm on record, he leaves as our winningest head coach here ever, Ill double down it.
64 more to go
 
bobbydigius said:
Agreed with most of the post. This was huge for the program and while it’s disappointing to not win the ACC or make the playoff, not collapsing in November and having back to back ten win seasons are things we haven’t seen in what seem forever.

The two things I dont agree with is 1) Beck held us back and even the past few games while he has been solid he was nothing special and 2) we do need a back like Fletcher to compliment Pringle, I just hope we don’t over pay to keep Fletcher. I see a good college RB and situationally a great RB but don’t pay him like a top back just because other schools are coming after him.
Click to expand...
I disagree with the Beck stuff. He hasn’t been otherworldly. But I’m convinced if we don’t have a vet at QB we don’t finish the way we did. Beck didn’t win us any games, but he didn’t lose them either. Played within the confines of the offense because that’s all he had to do. When your defense played the way we did, he just had to play efficiently and we’d roll teams. That’s what he did.
 
DMoney said:
I slept like a baby last night. There will be plenty of time to stress about playoff scenarios. That can wait. I was always more worried about going 4-0. We've flopped in November since before Facebook. Four blowout wins later, and it feels like we have a real program again.

This has been a weird season. In August, anybody would've signed up for 10-2 and sweeping our rivals. I'm a pretty optimistic guy, and 10-2 was my preseason pick. It's the path that feels different. Everything looked smooth for a while. Now, we're sweating rankings instead of booking a trip to Charlotte. We still haven't gotten over the hump.

But these are good problems. Four years ago, we were in existential danger. The sport was leaving us behind. Our only draft pick was a seventh rounder. Every big game was a blowout loss. We were a joke. Now the U is everywhere- ESPN, the Draft, award shows, recruiting rankings. We're relevant for the first time in most players' lives.

Our biggest problem remains the ACC. The first issue is our own performance. We've done worse inside the conference than outside of it. Two more losses as double-digit favorites blew up our season. This needs to be the focus for self-scouting. Is it a style-of-play issue? Should we be playing higher tempo against less-talented conference foes? Mario needs to take an honest look at everything.

The second issue is the league itself. The refs, the rules, the representatives- it all screams all bush league. There may not be a single ACC team in the playoff because the tiebreaker rules are so stupid. The conference is an albatross around our necks, in recruiting and beyond.

Overall, this was a step forward. We lost the best player in America and got better. That's a sign of true program health. Here are some more thoughts on the Pitt win:

- Ahmad Moten set the tone on the first defensive play, and it was domination after that. Pitt came in averaging 38 PPG and got squashed. Justin Scott was making plays vertically and horizontally while looking every bit like a five-star player. Rueben Bain had his best game in a month. Everybody ate.

Defensive line is the most important position in college football, and the Portal has increased parity by spreading around the big boys. This is why the top of the SEC has fallen off. Mario and his staff have adapted and used a combination of blue-chip recruiting (Scott, Bain, Armondo Blount), savvy evaluation (Moten, Donta Simpson) and the Portal (Akheem Mesidor, David Blay) to build an elite front. If we can keep Moten and add a proven EDGE, this group can be lethal next year.

- The offense has continued to ascend, with added looks from Dawson and more reps for explosive young players. We're now 20th in scoring offense, 17th in yards per pass attempt, and 18th in third-down conversion percentage. The end result is within our expectations, but we dropped two critical games getting there.

- Carson Beck's arc mirrored the team itself: up and down, but ultimately where you hoped it would land. I think two things helped Beck: the evolution of the offense, and extra reps after missing spring and summer. All told, he ranks 9th nationally in passer rating and 2nd in completion percentage. When you combine stats, talent and winning (34-5 as a starter), I think he's our second-best quarterback since the Dorsey Era. Cam is the only one better, and Beck is ahead of the third guy by a good margin.

Beck is also another Portal success story. If you pick the five best Canes quarterbacks since Dorsey, it's some combination of Ward, Beck, King, Berlin and Kaaya. Four out of those five are transfers, including the best ones. I expect us to go back to that well.



- We're starting the see the vision of the Girard Pringle/Mark Fletcher backfield. Pringle fits our team perfectly because he's a North/South runner. His decisive cuts keep the offense on schedule while also threatening with 10.5 speed. And his size allows him to hide behind our giant offensive line.

A smaller back like Pringle needs help, and Fletcher is the Thunder to Pringle's Lightning. It's appropriate that Fletcher buried Pitt with a TD run that sent helmets flying. He's a huge part of our identity. Fletch is a good runner, but he's a championship-caliber football player. I like that we're using him more as a lead blocker- he brings a unique skillset with his size and physicality.

- Malachi Toney is one of the ten best football players in America. During camp, I said that I could throw a newborn baby at Toney and feel secure. Beck must feel the same way, because Toney hasn't dropped a single pass all year. I hope we keep expanding his passing role, as he's a legitimate quarterback we can trust to make decisions.

- I love that the regular season ended with a CJ Daniels highlight catch, because that's how he started it against Notre Dame. Him and Keelan Marion both brought veteran IQ and positive energy to a young room.

- It's been a rough year for the tight ends, so it's nice to see them get going. Alex Bauman had his best game of the season with 3 catches for 58 yards. Elija Lofton is still not moving and hitting at 100%, but he's finding a way to make an impact on some great calls from Dawson. This is another area where we continue to get better from the beginning of the season.

- Miami's elite pass blocking caused huge problems for Pitt's blitz-heavy attack. At times, it was target practice for Beck. And with so much scrutiny on Miami's running game, it was refreshing to see Francis Mauigoa laying on a defender like a beach towel.



- Bryce Fitzgerald's talent jumps off the screen. His ball skills (4 INTs) are Kam Kinchens-level, but he also brings the speed and fluidity of a cornerback. It will be fun to watch his career unfold.

Now we wait for the committee to do the right thing. I think they will. But if they BCS us, I hope we react like we did in 2001. And this time, our coach won't leave for the Browns. The program is being built to last. Go Canes.
Click to expand...


Good stuff as usual, DMoney.
Regarding Malachi Toney, I think the dude would have killed it playing QB in a Triple-Option offense.
 
aelmiami said:
Truly anyone who says Mario hasn’t drastically improved the life of this program is delusional. He’s not perfect as a HC by any means. His warts are the absolute worst warts you can have.

But credit is due where it’s due. For the first time in decades, there’s legit NFL players all over the field. Not just one or two. We look like a real program with real talent. Not just some gimmicky scheme or plucky luck. This year told me the floor should be 10 wins going forward. We won 8 games by 17+. You don’t do that as an above average team. Good teams do that in ****** conferences.

Mario has fixed a lot of his issues since 2022. If he can fix the mental issues that lead to a dumb loss he’s going to win a championship here.
Click to expand...
Mario brought the financial backing and mobilized the program to keep up with the times

Not saying he was the only one capable but that’s what he did so he gets big credit for that

That was much more important to me than any specific game. We were dangerously close to being left behind for good
 
Advertisement
tdjones34 said:
the offense took a step back and finished ranked 20th,
those won't be our most talented teams, program is ready for a long run
will we have a random 8-4 or 9-3 year sometime maybe, but I expect we win 10-11+ most years under Mario

I'm on record, he leaves as our winningest head coach here ever, Ill double down it.
64 more to go
Click to expand...
I don’t think anyone expected anything close to last season. Just lost too many guys. Top 20 out of what 130? That’s still the top 15%.

I’ve been hard on Mario’s coaching tenure here. He’s left a lot of meat on the bone. But I’m not delusional. I’ve been a fan for 30 years. I’ve experienced a lot of **** coaching. He’s the best we’ve had in years. Granted a low bar to climb, but he’s way past second place rn.
 
aelmiami said:
I disagree with the Beck stuff. He hasn’t been otherworldly. But I’m convinced if we don’t have a vet at QB we don’t finish the way we did. Beck didn’t win us any games, but he didn’t lose them either. Played within the confines of the offense because that’s all he had to do. When your defense played the way we did, he just had to play efficiently and we’d roll teams. That’s what he did.
Click to expand...
He was paid like a player brought in to do more than not lose games for us.
 
JHallCanes said:
Mario brought the financial backing and mobilized the program to keep up with the times

Not saying he was the only one capable but that’s what he did so he gets big credit for that

That was much more important to me than any specific game. We were dangerously close to being left behind for good
Click to expand...
Sometimes it just takes the right guy. I’m friends with a ton of UGA fans. And in no way am I lumping Mario into the category of coaching acumen as Kirby.

But there’s parallels between them. UGA became a more focused and unified organization top to bottom once Kirby went to Athens. The same thing happened here. UGA spent big, both to open eye and under the table. Mario has stirred that here.
 
Back
Top