Last year as Pitt was getting ready to face Robert Morris, the minor talk centered around the Colonials possibly not being interested in an annual beating by Pitt much longer. No such talk this year with RMU off to a 4-0 start and the favorite to win the NEC. Now it’s about each side trying to pump the other to keep expectations reasonable.

Pitt is trying to play up the experience and great start by the Colonials.

“No question, it’s the best team they’ve had from what I’ve seen,” Dixon said. “They had the one team that [lost to Central Connecticut State in the Northeast Conference tournament title game] with [Gene] Nabors, the transfer from LSU. I think this is the best all-around team. That team really revolved around [Nabors].

“This team is more balanced and experienced. They have some [junior-college] guys and transfers. And they have played minutes while they were building up, so that’s a big part of it. It’s by far the best team they’ve had and I’m glad to see it.”

The Colonials have beaten Florida International, Marshall, New Hampshire and Maine. The Marshall and Maine games were on the road.

Meanwhile RMU Coach Mark Schmitt is trying to keep things realistic.

Robert Morris coach Mark Schmidt isn’t holding his breath for road win No. 3.

“I’m comfortable with our team,” Schmidt said. “I’m just not comfortable playing the second-best team in the country.”

…

“We are playing with some confidence,” Schmidt said. “But we’re stepping up a little bit (tonight). We’re excited. It’s an opportunity these guys will remember the rest of their lives. We have nothing to lose.”

Only once in 25 meetings has Pitt not won the game by double digits. Pitt has won 14 games by 20 or more points, including 6 of the last 7 meetings.