Now, as a blogger, I know it is supposed to be a birthright to bash the MSM — reflexively, instinctively. If anything, writing about college sports has exacerbated that tendency with respect to national coverage because it becomes so obvious that they have limited knowledge of teams once they get past the AP top-25. Actually, they generally don’t know that much of those teams, but they know where things are supposed to sort.

This syndicated BE preview is that sort of example. In it, Pitt is ranked #8. Well within the normal range of predictions for this season, and in and of itself not unspectacular.

PITTSBURGH: Entering his third season with the Panthers, head coach Jamie Dixon has been to the NCAA Tournament twice and has an incredible record of 51-14 with Pittsburgh. Losing Chris Taft and Chevon Troutman, who combined for 28.3 points and 15.5 rebounds per game in 2004-05, means more of the load in the Steel City is going to be dumped on senior guard Carl Krauser and his 6-2 frame. Last year Krauser was the top scorer for the Panthers with 16 ppg, added almost five rebounds per contest and was also the most consistent passer with just under six assists each time he hit the hardwood. As one of only two seniors on the roster, the other being John DeGroat (4.8 apg), Krauser can’t exist as the only reliable force for the Panthers, which means Dixon has to find suitable playmates for the young man. In all likelihood, Pitt is going to run with a three-guard offense as much as possible, taking advantage of its speed and trying to get away with limited height. Joining Krauser in the backcourt will be Antonio Graves (7.8 ppg) who has shown the ability to knock down the three (46.2 percent), while sophomore Ronald Ramon (6.8 ppg) will get more chances to boost his perimeter accuracy from 33.6 percent. As the tallest player on the team, Aaron Gray won’t be able to hide his seven foot frame from the rest of the Big East, but will need to use it better inside.

Now, what is noticeable is no mention of any of the prospective freshman talent that could help. In fact, if you read the entire BE preview, there are only 3 freshmen mentioned for the entire 16 team BE (and 2 of the 3 come from Oak Hill Academy). Kind of suggesting not particularly deep work on the preview. Of course the writer spreads himself a little thin, and anyone who is willing to slurp Phil Collins shouldn’t be trusted.