While this is something very minor and means very little to most people, it’s something that stood out — and annoyed me, frankly — following the weekly Pat Narduzzi Pitt press conference.
Despite being in the midst of a nightmare season, Pitt’s worst since 2008, and coming directly off one of Pitt’s most embarrassing games in many seasons, the head coach had one of his typical moments this afternoon.
Considering he pulled quarterback Christian Veilleux because of poor play, Narduzzi knew that he’d be asked about that, and specifically, who would start Thursday against Boston College.
Instead of answering the question in a direct way and realizing that in the grand scheme of things and considering where Pitt sits at this point of this season, it’s not that big of a deal, Narduzzi couldn’t help himself.
Q. Who’s going to be your quarterback on Thursday?
Narduzzi: “I don’t talk injuries. I don’t know.”
Q. Are they hurt?
Narduzzi: “I don’t know. Are they?
Q. You tell me.
Narduzzi: “I don’t know. We’ll see Thursday night.”
Well, Pat, maybe most people won’t considering the football game, since Pitt men’s soccer hosts James Madison at Ambrose Urbanic Field on Thursday night in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament, and it might have a higher attendance than the football crowd at Acrisure Stadium.
At 2-8, on pace for the worst season in decades, it’s time to read the room and assess the severity of the situation. Pitt is one of the biggest disappointments in college football this season, one of the worst teams in the ACC, and still Narduzzi can’t help the snarky answers.
At this point, why not just be honest (which, admittedly, is rare at these press conferences) about the current situation and give your honest thoughts on Veilleux and Nate Yarnell? It’s not like Pitt or Boston College are playing for anything on Thursday.
Also, considering offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr.’s vanilla play-calling, does it even matter if Boston College knows who’s starting at quarterback? It’s not as if Veilleux and Yarnell are different-style quarterbacks.
Instead of trying to be cute, all that needed to be said was one of two things:
1.) “I have an idea, but I really want to see how practice goes the next couple of days, and then coach Cignetti and I will make a decision that not only gives us the best chance to win but also is in the best interest of Pitt football.”
2.) Explain who really is going to start and explain exactly why that quarterback has earned the opportunity to do so. If it’s Veilleux, explain why you’re sticking with him despite what we’ve seen to this point. If it’s Yarnell, talk about wanting to give him a shot and what the coaches have seen from him over the last couple of years.
Seriously, press conferences are supposed to be informative for everyone involved. Everything doesn’t have to be top secret and endless mind games like Narduzzi has made it over his tenure at Pitt.
It’s not as if asking who the starting quarterback will be is so difficult a question either. So, when he gets a chance to talk about that quarterback situation, like who’s going to start at quarterback in the 10th game of a lost season, that’s one he should answer.
If his bosses continue to see performances like the one put on at Yankee Stadium much more, Narduzzi is going to be forced to answer some real tough questions, and they won’t be coming from the media or about the starting quarterback.
I agree that PN initial response to the QB was snarky. However I agree not divulge the starting QB. Keeping BC guessing. The media should have quickly moved but seemed to hover on the starting QB.
PN is who he is and while I don’t always agree with him, he’s good for Pitt.
Cignetti needs to go and he will be gone by early December if not sooner.
That’s how I used to feel too…just replace the OC and everything would be fine. Now, with all the issues surrounding this team, I have to question Narduzzi’s ability to turn this thing around.
Sounding like an ass during press conferences doesn’t help.
He’s good for Pitt? Every press conference he seems to make a statement that turns more and more people against him. He throws his own players under the bus. He bloviates about the Big Ten. He runs his mouth about fans. The guy come across not as a confident leader, but as a cringy douchebag.
If you are winning you can get away with that. But when you win two games, just save it dude.
Too think it’s just the oc is the definition of insanity.
Nothing says “we’re tired of your b.s.” than NOT asking questions.
I think you have a typo 1998, not 2008. The 08 team went 9-4, 98 team went 2-9 I believe.
Four turnovers is one thing, unwilling to switch to 5-3 to improve Run defense against Syracuse is a head shaker. Start #19 Thursday.
I don’t think it matters who he starts Thursday, but that performance Saturday was an absolute disgrace. Both the coaches and the players should be embarrassed with that game. To have a tight end run for over 100 yards is a disgrace. I don’t want to get into the Narduzzi needs to go discussion, but the head coach needs to stop being such an a$$. 48 hours later I am still shaking my head with what I saw. I don’t know if this team has quit on him and what will happen in the off-season, but his bosses need to… Read more »
Good article, Mike. As an alum and lifelong Pitt fan, what Narduzzi says at press conferences is often incomprehensible, illogical, or childish; and usually an insult to my intelligence. Narduzzi has become increasingly annoying, and playing his stupid mind games in the midst of an 2-8 season makes him look like a fool, unworthy of his leadership position.
First thing I thought of when I read the press conference.What a compmete jackass Narduzzi is.He just can’t quit being a turd..Think a little humility and honesty would be in store after this crap season.I have news for you Pat.No one is afraid of your quarterbacks.I actually dont even know what the hell he was saying when the question was asked and he said he doesnt talk abiut injuries.For me it’s time.His shelf life has expired here.I’m watching Head coaches and OC’s getting canned lwft and right because their doing horrible jobs.Both in the NFL and College,and this goof can’t… Read more »
Just glad it’s almost over. what a disaster. It’s going be interesting to see how Pitt fix’s this without cleaning house.
Marion is up for the nations best assistant coach award. Narduzzi let him go in favor of Cignetti. Enough said.