[EmpireWF]

This Wednesday evening, the Pittsburgh Panthers (2-3) take on the (3-2) Navy Midshipmen. Pittsburgh is on a three game losing streak and their defense has been nothing short of horrid. They've allowed UConn and Virginia to score a combined 78 points.

Navy haven't beaten any "major" teams but their offense can get going. I have to go with Navy in this game.

[Lefty Noob]

I agree. Pitt has just struggled so much this year. I don't think they can beat the Middies.

[wookie554]

I would have to agree that Pitt will probably lose to Navy. I also do not think they will win a game the rest of the year. I wonder if Mike Ditka would come back to coach? He would sure make the team look a lot better!!

[EmpireWF]

Originally Posted by wookie554

I wonder if Mike Ditka would come back to coach? He would sure make the team look a lot better!!

If nothing else, Ditka would make the team a lot more entertaining to watch.

[Lefty Noob]

You know, if I'm Pitt, I don't want another retread after Wannstedt. Get some fresh blood in there.

[Lefty Noob]

Crazy finish to last night's game.

According to the Associated Press, "Dave Wannstedt took the kind of gamble that can make or break a season, or a coach's career. Pittsburgh lost, and the Panthers' latest defeat may bring down their season with it... Joey Bullen kicked a 29-yard field goal in the second overtime and Navy then held as Pitt inexplicably gambled by going for a touchdown on fourth down when a chip-shot field goal would have forced another overtime, and the Midshipmen upset the Panthers 48-45 on Wednesday night." Wow... what in the world was Dave Wannstedt thinking? Stupid, stupid call.

NCAA Football - Navy Midshipmen/Pittsburgh Panthers Recap Wednesday October 10, 2007 - Yahoo! Sports

[wookie554]

The following quote appeared in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette on October 12,2007:

Coach Dave Wannstedt has been steadfast in his support of Rhoads. And continued to back him after Wednesday's loss when he was asked if he is going to evaluate the job the defensive staff has done in light of the results of the past three weeks.

"The only thing we are going to take a good look at is Cincinnati, that is what we have to take a look at," he said, referring to Pitt's next opponent (Oct. 20).

I think this indicates that Dave Wannstedt is too inflexible to turn this program around. A wise man once said that failure to study history dooms one to repeat it. I believe that Pitt can not afford another year of this mediocrity and embarrassment. As an alumni, I really am hesitate to even mention that I went to the University because you end up getting belittled for how pathetic of a football team we have.

In addition, it was pretty embarrassing to have a half filled stadium for a national TV audience. I think this would be a concern to the University Administration.

[Lefty Noob]

All excellent points, wookie, and all seem to point towards an inevitable coaching change at the end of the year. If not sooner.