One of the things to watch is the pace of the game. Last season Bo Ryan’s Wisconsin teams played at a ridiculously slow pace, with an adjusted tempo of 60.2 possessions per game. [UIC Coach Howard] Moore isn’t Ryan, he’s his own man, but the Flames are definitely going to slow things down. On the other hand, Pittsburgh ran with Rhode Island in its last game, which was 75 possessions.
So, we can see if Pitt speeds them up or is content to play slower.
I haven’t forgotten. I’m not trying to give the short shrift to the Thursday night game. Just that actual games take priority and Pitt basketball played on Monday (and will again tonight). Besides, I’m trying not to think too much about Pitt under Coach Wannstedt coming off of extra time to prepare.
As I said in the Pitt blog discussion today, I am worried about this game — and all the remaining ones. Pitt could still find a way to blow these game. Frankly this is as big a game for Pitt as the Backyard Brawl from a media exposure standpoint. Three national games, three losses, negative respect. Deserved or not. You look at UCF getting ranked this week after winning Friday night on ESPN. They may be 7-2 but they dropped both non-con games of any significance (NC State and K-State). Otherwise, it has been just them rolling easy non-cons and C-USA. Winning on the national TV stage is significant.
I know the polls shouldn’t matter but at this time of year they do. The coaches and whatever that legends thing is make up a significant chunk of BCS rankings. For the Big East and Pitt, they need to win and look good doing it.
