Both teams have issued their game notes. Here’s ND and Pitt (PDF). As of yesterday, tickets were still available for the game. The game is at 2 pm on CBS as called by Dick Enberg (over/under on times he noticeably doesn’t know who is making a play — 10) and Clark Kellogg.
This will be the 50th meeting of the teams. ND has a 1 game edge in the series history, but Pitt has won 4 of the last 5. Both teams are shooting for 10 wins in the BE. For Pitt, it would be the 4th straight year. For ND, that would be 4 times in 5 years. A win for Pitt would give them 4 straight years of 20 wins or more. Before this present run, Pitt had 8 20-win seasons in its history.
Everyone is just focused on this game getting them the first round bye in the BE Tournament. ND has had its practice schedule disrupted a bit thanks to President Bush.
This afternoon’s speech at the Joyce Center by President Bush has forced the Irish to juggle their typical game preparation. That didn’t sit well with Brey, who admitted to being distracted during the week in devising both an alternate practice schedule and game plan for Pittsburgh.
“I was a little concerned and probably a little disappointed at the timing of it all,” said Brey, whose team will practice in its basement facility today at noon, four hours earlier than usual. “I certainly understand you have to adjust for a situation like that.”
Once the Irish start practice, the building will be locked down until doors open for the speech. Should anyone leave for any reason before that, they would be required to return through a security checkpoint.
Members of the FBI advance team have been seen in the Joyce Center hallways all week, where behind-the-scenes work for the president’s visit has been an ongoing process. It kicked into gear immediately after Wednesday’s game against Rutgers as the basketball goals at each end of the arena were wheeled out and the satellite television trucks near the arena loading door were moved to the parking lot near Eck Stadium.
Wonder how having to re-install the basketball goals will affect the rims? If there is any change, ND won’t exactly have a big advantage in getting used to them.
