At the earliest Pitt and Syracuse join the ACC will be in time for the 2012 season. We will see how negotiations go. As Troy Nunes points out, it is in Pitt and Syracuse’s interests that the Big East move quickly on their expansion — no matter how stupid or short-term their choices may be. Of course never underestimate the stupidity and false sense of importance of the basketball schools helping Pitt and Syracuse leave before the 27 month waiting period.

This could be a negotiating tactic, or he could be serious, but in either case several member schools just want the two schools gone.

There is a feeling in the basketball programs at some member schools that the eventual departure of Pitt and Syracuse will provide some breathing room, that the league had become too great for its own good.

There was room for a record 11 teams to earn NCAA Tournament bids last season, but the presence of Hall of Fame coaches Jim Boeheim and Jim Calhoun at the top of the league and the heavy concentration of elite teams has made it difficult for many league members to gain the necessary media attention to improve their programs through recruiting.

Oh, please, please, please, please, please be true. Hell if I’m in the Big East offices, after I peel myself off the ceiling, is to let my paranoia run wild that this is a planted story from the ACC or Pitt/Syracuse.

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As disappointing as the underneath coverage for Pitt’s pass defense has been, the most surprising thing about Pitt’s defense has been the lack of turnovers. That’s the thing that Pitt’s new and aggressive defense is supposed to be producing. It flat out hasn’t happened.

The run defense has stuffed teams, but no fumbles forced or stripped. The corners — well they just aren’t being aggressive. That reduces interception chances when they aren’t trying to jump routes.

Now Pitt faces an Irish team that has simply been a turnover machine. 13 turnovers in 3 games. The simplest reason for them to be sitting at 1-2, with excruciatingly painful losses. Honestly, if Pitt can’t get at least 2 turnovers against ND — regardless of the outcome — then this could be a really painful transition season.

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