Game #4 Pittsburgh Panthers

[K92]

Has anyone selected a tailgating lot for Saturday yet?

[GP1]

ETV lot. Be there at 4 PM.

[Dr Z]

Interesting stat indeed. I'm not sure what "equal amount" means by your quote.

In the first three weeks of the NFL season there are eighteen games where a team has had a 100 yard rusher.

In the same time span, there are eighteen games where a team has had a 300 yard passer.

One would think as many times as the media repeats "the NFL is a passing league", the two would not be equal, with both being 18 games.

This surprised me. Gil Brandt was discussing this on NFL radio. His simple explanation, the more teams try to defend the pass, the more the running game is there for the taking, and offenses are starting to adjust their game plan to a running attack.

PS I'll be happy when the "bubble screen" becomes unpopular again.

[Balsy]

In the first three weeks of the NFL season there are eighteen games where a team has had a 100 yard rusher.

In the same time span, there are eighteen games where a team has had a 300 yard passer.

In which of those situations did the team win more games? The 300 yard passer games or the 100 yard rusher games?

That's an important detail. So what if you ran for 100 yards if you ended up losing the game. So what if you threw for 300 yards and lost the game.

[zippy5]

Without looking, I'd guess the teams that had 100 yards rushers won more often than the 300 yard passers.

[Dr Z]

In which of those situations did the team win more games? The 300 yard passer games or the 100 yard rusher games?

The point was the "trend," but okay, I'll look it up for you.... 14 wins for 100 yard rushers, only 10 wins for 300 yard passers.

Edit: Maybe a better way to put it, since Cheech & Chong, I mean, LeBackfield both had a 100 yard game last week would be:

8 losses for 300 yard passers, only 4 losses for 100 yard rushers.

[Balsy]

The point was the "trend," but okay, I'll look it up for you.... 14 wins for 100 yard rushers, only 10 wins for 300 yard passers.

Edit: Maybe a better way to put it, since Cheech & Chong, I mean, LeBackfield both had a 100 yard game last week would be:

8 losses for 300 yard passers, only 4 losses for 100 yard rushers.

I don't agree with the point "the trend" in the first place. I don't care if teams are passing more than they are running as a definition of a "passing league". I only care if it's because they are winning more or not.

I agree with you Dr Z, I was only curious what the numbers were.

Every time anyone on ESPN, or whatever NFL analysis game says that the "NFL is a passing league" I don't agree with them. But this shouldn't be surprising, ESPN is filled with a lot of good looking monkeys in suits.

[GJGood]

Teams tend to run more when they are ahead late and pass more when they need to come back from a deficit and need frequent clock stoppages so I would say that could skew the numbers a little.

[Dr Z]

Coach Amato, what is your game plan against the Pitt offense?

[Zipmeister]

Coach Amato, what is your game plan against the Pitt offense?

I recommend a 5 3 4

and if we get away with that switch to 5 4 4.

[lance99]

I recommend a 5 3 4

and if we get away with that switch to 5 4 4.

Hey now!

Lets go all the way with the 5-2-4!

[GP1]

PS I'll be happy when the "bubble screen" becomes unpopular again.

The bubble screen has become the off tackle play for a lot of passing teams. I neither like it nor dislike it. The successful use of this play is essential for some types of offenses to be successful. I can see how it's successful use can lead to a successful running game by forcing defenders away from the "box" and open up lanes for running, especially if the offense has a great playmaker catching the bubble screen. It's just another type of body punch.

There has been some discussion on this boars about the type of defenses teams employ. A couple of years ago, I said teams would move to a 4-2-5 base defense and that has become more popular since I said it. It may not be base for some, but they go to it a lot. There has always been a "nickle" defense, but it never served as a base defense. Here is a primer on TCUs. I'm not sure Gil Brant is correct. Teams have just as many players at the line, they have just replaced small LBs with large strong safeties that give them more flexibility against both the run and the pass. Teams can run more now not because of the focus on the pass, but in my opinion, the size of defenders is declining while the offensive linemen are still huge and getting morbidly bigger. A good, patient RB like L. Bell of the Steelers can wait for a line to move the defensive line some and then make his move. Therefore, running attacks can be more successful IF a team has a patient back. Not sure if the Zips have a back patient enough or good enough to wait for holes and exploit them when they open.

I don't know if the NFL is a passing league or a running league. You can't have one without the other. I do know that big plays that lead to touchdowns make the difference in teams winning or losing. A regression analysis was once done on NFL stats by the Wall Street Journal over a long period and the most significant stat in determining the Super Bowl winner was Yards Per Attempted Pass. One can determine from that stat that passing is more important than running. If that makes it a passing league, then it is a passing league.

[Dr Z]

For anybody that is going to the game, and then staying in town for Sundays game, be aware that traffic is going to be even worse because of the great race. Plan accordingly. Perfect weather weekend!

[K92]

I called Alexa Doutt this morning to see if we could park in the lot where the Zips bus is going to park. The lot is full. She told me there is another lot a couple of blocks away operated by the same outfit. Gravel lot, 30 bucks. If anyone is interested, can provide a contact. I am going to Pitt this evening and making a rendezvous with fellow Zips fans and we are going to make our Saturday morning game plan over some drinks & dinner. As soon as I figure out what we are doing, I will post it on here.

I know there are a lot of people who want to tailgate close to the stadium with other Zips fans. Pitt's parking setup leaves a lot to be desired. If anyone has a plan in place already and would like some company, please post it here. If not, I will make some beer time decisions and report back to the group late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

Go Zips!

[zippy5]

If you get there early enough, the red lot beside the Clark Bar is usually a good time for tailgating. I have a pass for Gold 1, I believe it's all pre-sold though. Huge lot where Three Rivers was.. Great tailgate spot if you can get your hands on a Gold pass.

[Dr Z]

CJ Mizell: Growing into a MAN

Originally signing with Florida State in 2009, Mizell hit some bumps in the road....

Video of pretty much what is listed below.

Heinz Field Security Guidelines

The following items ARE PERMITTED:

• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags smaller than 12" x 12" x 6"
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags
• Clutch purses no larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
• Medically necessary items, after inspection

The following items ARE NOT PERMITTED:
All prohibited items must be disposed of or returned to vehicles

• Bags (Camera, binocular, computer, cinch, diaper, backpack, fanny pack, etc.)
• Purses larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
• Luggage
• Seat cushions
• Termoses/coolers
• Cans/bottles/flasks/containers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Banners/signs on poles
• Laser Pointers
• Strollers
• Video/movie cameras/tripods
• Professional cameras/lenses (6 in. or longer)
• Audio recording equipment
• Noisemakers
• Weapons
• Apparel or signage displaying profane or abusive language
• Any other item deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate

[johnnyzip84]

CJ Mizell: Growing into a MAN

Originally signing with Florida State in 2009, Mizell hit some bumps in the road....

Video of pretty much what is listed below.

Heinz Field Security Guidelines

The following items ARE PERMITTED:

• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags smaller than 12" x 12" x 6"
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags
• Clutch purses no larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
• Medically necessary items, after inspection

The following items ARE NOT PERMITTED:

All prohibited items must be disposed of or returned to vehicles

• Bags (Camera, binocular, computer, cinch, diaper, backpack, fanny pack, etc.)
• Purses larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
• Luggage
• Seat cushions
• Termoses/coolers
• Cans/bottles/flasks/containers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Banners/signs on poles
• Laser Pointers
• Strollers
• Video/movie cameras/tripods
• Professional cameras/lenses (6 in. or longer)
• Audio recording equipment
• Noisemakers
• Weapons
• Apparel or signage displaying profane or abusive language
• Any other item deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate

It's hard for me to decipher whether a Tablet (Samsung) is acceptable under these guidelines. What do you think?

[Dr Z]

It's hard for me to decipher whether a Tablet (Samsung) is acceptable under these guidelines. What do you think?

Good question. Here are some phone numbers that might get you the answer. I can't find anything on the web other than the new 49'ers stadium encourages fans to bring their iPads because they have an interactive app. I think I'm going to try bringing in a camera with a 4 inch lens. It says 6" lens or more is not permitted, but I'm still nervous that they make me carry it back to the car, which would be a hike for me. I actually printed the security sheet out and put it in my wallet to show the worker.

Edit: I called guest services. Tablets permitted, no big cases on the tablets. You can bring a dslr as long as the lens doesn't EXTEND past 6 inches. Glad I called, because mine does. Phooey.

[Balsy]

No-one has made any score predictions yet?

I'll start it off: The Zips, sporting their chrome-gold helmets with the black Z (IMO if it was about branding, they should have had these for the Penn St game...), surprise everyone and come back from the blow-out last weekend with a competitive game against the Pittsburgh Panthers. Pohl throws a handful of touchtowns to silence the critics on ZN, Chisholm/Hundley and Co move the ball well enough to keep the Zips in the game. And the most surprising feat of the day is that the Zips pull off the win.

Akron 27

Pittsburgh 24

[Jrship35]

What unis will be worn with the chrome helmets ?

[Dr Z]

77 and sunny at game time. Sun will be beating off those gold domes. I'm off to the Burg!!!

[Zipmeister]

No-one has made any score predictions yet?

I'll start it off: The Zips, sporting their chrome-gold helmets with the black Z (IMO if it was about branding, they should have had these for the Penn St game...), surprise everyone and come back from the blow-out last weekend with a competitive game against the Pittsburgh Panthers. Pohl throws a handful of touchtowns to silence the critics on ZN, Chisholm/Hundley and Co move the ball well enough to keep the Zips in the game. And the most surprising feat of the day is that the Zips pull off the win.

Akron 27

Pittsburgh 24

I predict that if Pohl throws a handful of touchdowns, as you predict, we will score more than 27 points (at least 30).

[Balsy]

I predict that if Pohl throws a handful of touchdowns, as you predict, we will score more than 27 points (at least 30).

[K92]

Turns out there was room at 918 North Lincoln after all. That's where we are, so swing by.

[LZIp]

What unis will be worn with the chrome helmets ?

all whites I hear.