Pitt isn't very good.
That said, UC handled their business. 1-0!
Kirk Herbstreit picked Pitt to win the Big East, why would you say Pitt isn't very good?
I'll start by trashing the opponent, not because I want to take away from what UC did last night, but because it was hard to watch that game and not spend at least some time thinking about/laughing at/wondering about how bad Pitt is. I know they've had three (really four) coaches in three years, and one had a drastically different offensive philosophy from the other two, but the Panthers are still a really, really, poorly coached team.
It's been a rough season so far for Pittsburgh, who's final season in the Big East began with a payment of $400K to Youngstown, only to see the Penguins pound them at home, then a $150,000 charter to Cincinnati to hurry them toward their beatown at the hands of the Bearcats.
Munchie is not going to throw the ball for 400 yards a game. He is not that kind of passer. Was he inaccurate at times? Yes. Can that be frustrating? Yes. But let's break it down a little more. Munchie did a couple good things with his inaccuracy. He only threw one questionable pass, his decision making was very good, and his bad throws were low and not high. I would much rather him miss a throw into the ground then sail it high and into the arms of a waiting safety. I will also take no turnovers every single day.
I think Paul Dehner Jr. summed up Munchie's performance pretty well: "He threw for 204 yards and ran for 117. Dating back to 2004 (as far back as I could find records online), no quarterback has thrown for 200 yards and ran for 100 in a game for UC.
Take who most consider the top dual-threat QB in the country in Denard Robinson. How many times last year did he throw for 200 and run for 100? Just twice. This doesn't happen all the time, folks. Say what you will about some of the missed throws and 14 of 28, when a player can offer that kind of versatility and explosion in the offense becomes exponentially more difficult to defend. "
We all need to realize that this is game 1, Munchie's 4th start ever and he will continue to get better. This team has a lot to work on, but that's a good thing. They are not going to be content or overconfident from this win. Munchie rated his own performance as a C+. I think that is a little harsh. I would give it a solid B. He missed some throws and big play opportunities but he also led two drives from his own 1 yard line and didn't get rattled. He changed the game with his feet several times and showed he can run this offense with confidence. There is a lot to like here, guys.
Munchie is not going to throw the ball for 400 yards a game. He is not that kind of passer. Was he inaccurate at times? Yes. Can that be frustrating? Yes. But let's break it down a little more. Munchie did a couple good things with his inaccuracy. He only threw one questionable pass, his decision making was very good, and his bad throws were low and not high. I would much rather him miss a throw into the ground then sail it high and into the arms of a waiting safety. I will also take no turnovers every single day.
I think Paul Dehner Jr. summed up Munchie's performance pretty well: "He threw for 204 yards and ran for 117. Dating back to 2004 (as far back as I could find records online), no quarterback has thrown for 200 yards and ran for 100 in a game for UC.
Take who most consider the top dual-threat QB in the country in Denard Robinson. How many times last year did he throw for 200 and run for 100? Just twice. This doesn't happen all the time, folks. Say what you will about some of the missed throws and 14 of 28, when a player can offer that kind of versatility and explosion in the offense becomes exponentially more difficult to defend. "
We all need to realize that this is game 1, Munchie's 4th start ever and he will continue to get better. This team has a lot to work on, but that's a good thing. They are not going to be content or overconfident from this win. Munchie rated his own performance as a C+. I think that is a little harsh. I would give it a solid B. He missed some throws and big play opportunities but he also led two drives from his own 1 yard line and didn't get rattled. He changed the game with his feet several times and showed he can run this offense with confidence. There is a lot to like here, guys.
With how wide open the receivers were all night, a 50% completion percentage is borderline pathetic. Munchie has a horrible release. I really hope it doesn't cost UC in a meaningful game, but it will in all likelihood.