College Football Roundup: Pitt, WVU unimpressive in wins, PSU rolls as QB controversy continues

It was a good week for the three bowl subdivision hometown college football teams, Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia... in terms of winning. All three won by a combined 74 points (in 11 quarters), but all three have plenty to fix going into their week two matchups. Here are my opinions after their opening showings:



PITT 35, Buffalo 16
- I got to attend this game and believe me, you could feel the frustration spreading like wildfire before the first quarter even ended. Seven first half points is not what anyone expected after all of they hype of Todd Graham's "high octane offense."

- However disappointing the first half offensive display may have been, it was unbelievable to find out just how ignorant so many fans in this city are about college football, or at least the fans in section 521. I know that Pittsburgh is all about the Steelers, but it was even more disappointing to find out that seemingly so many fans had never watched college football before as evidenced by their complete lack of understanding at how the spread offense is supposed to work among other things.

- The media and fans alike quickly point to the dropped touchdown passes on Buffalo's side of the ball to show how close this game could have been. Let's not forgot that Pitt had three touchdown passes overthrown by Tino Sunseri, as well as two missed field goals. At best, these missed opportunities offset, so let's please take this game for what it is - a 35-16 Pitt victory.

- The only truly concerning thing for me in this game was the play of Tino Sunseri. Not only did he overthrow several receivers that cost Pitt a minimum of 21 points, but the decisions to pooch punt the ball inside Buffalo territory were downright horrendous. I know some of the blame needs to lie with Todd Graham for even giving Sunseri the option, but Tino needs to have more confidence in himself to make a play of fourth down. In the first instance, it was fourth and long, however, it was also the first possession of the game. It could have made a statement to the fans that the team believes in what it's doing and it's not just going to surrender a chance for points. No matter the outcome it would have made the message clear. The second instance was a bad time for a punt in any situation. It was fourth and four at the Buffalo 36. I'd expect the Steelers to go for it in that situation, so I damn sure better see Pitt go for it against a team that went 2-10 last year and couldn't get anything going offensively.

- Assuming Pitt wins the Big East, I believe Ray Graham is a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender. 200 yards was far from unexpected this week, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see an even better performance next week against Maine. The guy is close to as good, or maybe even better, than LeSean McCoy or Dion Lewis.

WEST VIRGINIA 34, Marshall 13
- There's not too much to take from this, besides the fact that West Virginia needs to be able to beat a stacked defense. Will they be able to? Probably. But they need to be able to show that against a team like Marshall especially in their coaches debut.

- The comparisons between West Virginia and Pitt look like they're going to continue. West Virginia struggled on offense up until the weather delay. It even sparked ESPN's announcers, after a poor WVU series and plenty of booing, to say something to the effect of "these fans expect the results to be instant with a new coach and new offense." And they were absolutely right. It sounds like those other fans in their own backyard...

PENN STATE 41, Indiana State 7
- This was a cakewalk for Penn State as expected. The only thing left is to figure out who the quarterback will be against #2 Alabama. I can't imagine Penn State splitting the quarterbacks up by quarter again. Joe Paterno needs to pick one, and go to the other only if absolutely necessary. I feel for both players, and I believe both deserve to play, but they need to know where they stand and the team needs to know who they're leader is. Penn State can't win with a quarterback by committee situation.


Bucknell 27, DUQUESNE 26

Dayton 19, ROBERT MORRIS 13

Click here for more local scores


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