Today’s useless information. Did you know that Pitt hasn’t lost to Notre Dame since Jamie Dixon took over as head coach? Pitt is 5-0 over the past 4 years. It’s the longest winning streak Pitt has had against ND in basketball? Pitt was 3-6 in the previous 4 years against ND.

Well, Coach Dixon’s head coach at TCU, Jim Killingsworth, passed away this weekend. In the story, there’s a little nugget of information.

TCU produced its first winning season in 10 years, played in the NIT in 1983 and won back-to-back SWC crowns in 1986 and 1987.

The 1987 team advanced to the NCAA Tournament, winning its first-round game over Marshall before suffering a controversial second-round loss to Notre Dame.

The game was tied 57-57 when guard Jamie Dixon was called for a blocking foul against David Rivers, who had dribbled the ball out of bounds with five seconds to go. Rivers hit 1 of 2 free throws to lead the Irish to a 58-57 win.

“It was one of the worst calls I’ve ever seen,” Killingsworth said in March. “But that wasn’t the story of this team. The story was how it came together and along the way brought a whole town with it.”

I know I would never forget. At least we can always be sure Coach Dixon will want to beat Notre Dame.

UPDATE: Click here to see Coach Jamie Dixon, circa 1987.

A couple articles on converted linebackers Dorin Dickerson and Shane Murray that tend to overlap and share quotes since they are both about Pitt linebackers and written by the same guy.

Dickerson seems to like the conditioning from Buddy Morris because he sees a lot of track drills mixed in the system.

“And we still have about two more months to go before training camp in August, so I think we’re way ahead of schedule. We’re going to be ready for anything this year. We’ve been running a lot, 325 yards, which are three 100s and a 25 in under a minute. Then, you get like a minute break.

“Buddy got that from a track guy, and it’s helped our endurance,” Dickerson added. “In the weight room, we’ll hit like every aspect of every muscle in our body. So, that’s been unbelievable. I’m leaner, and I think I’m faster, but I weigh about 223 pounds right now. So, I’m doing pretty well.”

Dickerson primarily is battling redshirt junior Adam Gunn for the Panthers’ starting strong-side linebacker spot. The 6-foot-2 Dickerson is faster, more athletic and appears to be in fantastic shape, but Gunn worked mostly with the first team in the spring.

Dickerson talks about the position and playing in terms of speed and using his athleticism — his strengths. Murray seems more comfortable putting it as playing football, and understanding the position.

“That’s a big thing for me,” Murray said. “I try to use my head, my mental ability, and try to think about what’s going to happen on a play before it happens. That’s what really counts in this game.

“I just have to know where to be and when to be there. And I’ll use my hands and feet when I get there. I can’t afford to hook up with a blocker that could be a lot bigger. But that’s the way it is for me.”

…

“And the more I hang around with guys like Scott and Shane, the more I understand what it takes to play linebacker at this level. I’m also learning how to approach things now, and it’s all coming a lot easier to me. I know I can play linebacker at this level, and I can’t wait to get out there and show what I can do this season.”

Can a compare and contrast of styles and approaches be far behind?

The quarterback situation is going to be the biggest storyline going into the 2007 season, and we still don’t know anymore than we did a few months back. We’re either going to see junior Bill Stull, redshirt freshman Kevan Smith, or true freshman Pat Bostick. None of them have real experience at the collegiate level (Stull’s playing time is classified mop-up duty) and yet Derek Kinder isn’t concerned.

“I think all three of the people in competition right now all have the ability to step in and do a good job,” Kinder said. “They all have some leadership skills, and they all have different abilities. They have strong arms and are athletic.”

Kinder speaks highly of Bostick and how he came in the spring to learn the playbook.

“Bostick, he’s picked up the offense rather well thus far,” Kinder said. “So, I’m real impressed with that, but I really believe that all three of them have a shot to be the starter. And I trust that any one of them, whoever does win the starting job, can step in and help us win.”

Still nothing definitive, but if Kinder isn’t panicking (at least publicly) then it’ll keep be a bit calmer on the situation for at least another few weeks.