The Pittsburgh Football Podcast by Chris Gates

Is expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams actually good for college football? On Episode 35 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris Gates breaks down the proposed 24-team College Football Playoff and what it could mean for Pitt, the ACC, and the future of the sport. For programs like Pitt, expansion could create a much more realistic path to the playoff and open new opportunities for recruiting, fundraising, and national relevance. But at what cost? College football is becoming more and more like the NFL, and a larger playoff could further diminish the importance of the regular season, eliminate conference championship games, widen the divide between the Power Four and Group of Six, and continue to erode the traditions and rivalries that have made college football special for generations. Is the sport sacrificing its identity in pursuit of more money? Plus, Pitt heads to Miami this weekend to take on the No. 1 Hurricanes as a massive underdog. Coming off two straight losses, with major questions at quarterback and a struggling defense, do the Panthers have any realistic chance of competing? Chris examines Miami's potential weaknesses, what Florida State exposed in its recent matchup with the Hurricanes, and what Pitt needs to do to avoid another disappointing performance. Topics include: Why a 24-team playoff could benefit Pitt Whether playoff expansion is hurting college football's regular season The future of conference championships and traditional rivalries The growing financial divide in college football Is college football becoming too much like the NFL? Pitt vs. No. 1 Miami: Matchup breakdown, keys to the game, and predictions -- Subscribe everywhere » https://pittsburghfootballpodcast.transistor.fm/subscribe PFP Website » https://pittsburghfootballpodcast.com/ Join our Mailing List! » https://mailchi.mp/f0b2fd6460f5/pittsburgh-football-podcast-mailing-list-sign-up -- TIME STAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 03:31 - How a 24-Team Playoff Benefits Pitt 16:06 - How a 24-Team Playoff is Bad for College Football 20:45 - Conferences Won't Mean Anything Anymore 24:15 - How This Impacts G6 Conferences and Teams 28:37 - The Business Side of A 24-Team Playoff 35:36 - Pitt-Miami: A Letdown Spot for the Canes? 42:51 - Does Miami Have Any Weaknesses?

The Pittsburgh Steelers found a way to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime, but HOW they managed to win might be the biggest story of the game. In Episode 34 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down a wild Steelers-Bucs matchup that featured another frustrating offensive performance through three quarters, an explosive fourth-quarter comeback, questionable late-game decisions, and special teams mistakes that nearly cost Pittsburgh the game. With the Steelers holding the ball at the three-yard line and an opportunity to put the game away, why did they throw the football on two of three downs instead of leaning on Jaylen Warren? And what happened with the clock management and special teams execution that allowed Tampa Bay to force overtime? We break down those critical sequences, plus: Aaron Rodgers, Jaylen Warren, and DK Metcalf stepping up when the Steelers needed them most. Germie Bernard's impressive rookie season and why he was one of the few consistent offensive bright spots throughout the game. Pittsburgh's offensive inconsistency and why the Steelers keep struggling to score until the fourth quarter. The Steelers' bend-but-don't-break defense, which generated more pressure as the game progressed and forced critical mistakes. Continued special teams concerns, including penalties, missed field goals, and coverage breakdowns. The bigger picture: Can the Steelers keep winning games this way, or will these mistakes eventually catch up with them? A win is a win, and the Steelers deserve credit for finding a way to get it done. But this game left us with plenty of questions about the offense, coaching decisions, and special teams. -- Subscribe everywhere » https://pittsburghfootballpodcast.transistor.fm/subscribe PFP Website » https://pittsburghfootballpodcast.com/ Join our Mailing List! » https://mailchi.mp/f0b2fd6460f5/pittsburgh-football-podcast-mailing-list-sign-up -- TIME STAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 04:10 - How the Steelers Made it Way Harder Than it Needed to Be 13:54 - Confusing Clock Management At the End of the Game 21:39 - Special Teams Gaffes that Continue to Hurt This Team' 28:13 - Positives on the Offensive Side of the Ball for Pittsburgh 34:14 - The Steelers Continue to Play Bend But Don't Break Defense 42:17 - Where the Steelers Go From Here

Another ugly loss has Pitt football facing some serious questions about the direction of its season. After falling to Boston College, where do the Panthers go from here? In Episode 33 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down Pitt's disappointing performance against Boston College and, more importantly, what comes next for Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers. The quarterback situation remains a major concern after Corey Dailey struggled to generate consistent offense. Should Pitt stick with Dailey, turn back to Holden Geriner, or rethink its offensive approach entirely heading into the matchup with Miami? Defensively, Pitt struggled to stop Boston College's passing attack, while injuries and costly penalties made matters worse. The Panthers surrendered 133 penalty yards, and with a difficult schedule ahead, it's becoming increasingly difficult to identify where the remaining wins will come from. Chris also discusses the growing frustration surrounding Pat Narduzzi, why firing him now isn't the answer, and how the remainder of this season could impact his future at Pitt. Plus, listener reactions and questions about the quarterback position, defensive struggles, coaching decisions, and what Pitt needs to do to turn things around. Topics include: Pitt vs. Boston College recap and biggest takeaways Corey Dailey vs. Holden Geriner: Who should start against Miami? Why Pitt's offense continues to struggle Defensive breakdowns, injuries, and costly penalties Is Pat Narduzzi approaching the hot seat? Can Pitt salvage its season with the remaining schedule? Listener reactions to another frustrating loss -- Subscribe everywhere » https://pittsburghfootballpodcast.transistor.fm/subscribe PFP Website » https://pittsburghfootballpodcast.com/ Join our Mailing List! » https://mailchi.mp/f0b2fd6460f5/pittsburgh-football-podcast-mailing-list-sign-up -- TIME STAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 04:17 - Can Pitt's Season Be Saved? 27:02 - Breaking Down Corey Dailey's QB Performance 33:07 - Pitt's Defensive Implosion 41:54 - A Few Random Thoughts 45:03 - Listener Reaction After the Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to keep their momentum rolling against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but can they build on their recent offensive success with a depleted receiving corps? In Episode 32 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews the Steelers' matchup with Tampa Bay and explains why Jaylen Warren needs to remain the focal point of Pittsburgh's offense after his explosive performance against the Indianapolis Colts. With Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson, and Ben Skowronek sidelined, can Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers find ways to keep moving the football? And what roles will DK Metcalf, Germie Bernard, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington play? On the defensive side, the Steelers could face rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels with Baker Mayfield dealing with an injury. Chris breaks down the challenge Daniels presents, the importance of containing running back Bucky Irving, and how Pittsburgh's defense can build on its performance against Indianapolis. Plus, a look at the biggest injury updates, key matchups, and what the Steelers must do to come away with another win. Topics include: Why Jaylen Warren should be the centerpiece of Pittsburgh's offense How the Steelers can overcome injuries at wide receiver Aaron Rodgers and the importance of the tight ends Jalon Daniels, Bucky Irving, and Tampa Bay's offensive threats Steelers defensive injuries and key matchups Keys to victory and a game prediction -- Subscribe everywhere » https://pittsburghfootballpodcast.transistor.fm/subscribe PFP Website » https://pittsburghfootballpodcast.com/ Join our Mailing List! » https://mailchi.mp/f0b2fd6460f5/pittsburgh-football-podcast-mailing-list-sign-up -- TIME STAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 05:03 - What’s In the News? Steelers Injury Updates 13:35 - Jalon Daniels Expected to Start for Tampa Bay 14:38 - Previewing the Game: When the Bucs Have the Ball 23:44 - Previewing the Game: When the Steelers Have the Ball 30:10 - Game Plan and Predictions

Pitt football is looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to North Carolina, but major questions remain at quarterback heading into Saturday's matchup against Boston College. On this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Pitt vs. Boston College, starting with the biggest question facing the Panthers: Can Holden Geriner bounce back, and how short should his leash be if the offense struggles again? Then, we break down both sides of the matchup: 1. Pitt's Quarterback Situation: Why Geriner deserves another opportunity, what needs to improve, and when Pat Narduzzi might need to consider a change. 2. When Boston College Has the Ball: A closer look at dual-threat quarterback Mason McKenzie, what makes him dangerous, and whether Pitt's defense can continue its history of limiting mobile quarterbacks. 3. When Pitt Has the Ball: What Boston College does well defensively, how the Eagles have kept games competitive, and what Pitt needs to do to establish its offense and avoid costly turnovers. Keys to the Game & Prediction: The biggest factors that will determine whether Pitt gets back on track against Boston College. Can the Panthers respond after their first loss, or will their quarterback struggles continue? -- Subscribe everywhere » https://pittsburghfootballpodcast.transistor.fm/subscribe PFP Website » https://pittsburghfootballpodcast.com/ Join our Mailing List! » https://mailchi.mp/f0b2fd6460f5/pittsburgh-football-podcast-mailing-list-sign-up -- TIME STAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 05:00 - In The News: Pitt's QB Situation 18:26 - Previewing The Game: When BC Has the Football 28:11 - Previewing The Game: When Pitt Has the Football 35:09 - Predictions and Previewing Other ACC Games