Rare Sports Commentary: UConn vs. WVU

Hardcore Pitt fans may think otherwise (and let's face facts, this IS a Big East city, not Big 11), but this afternoon's game at 3:30 (on HDTV here) is a really big deal for the Conference. 

Assuming West Virginia wins (and wins fairly convincingly), they're all but guaranteed a spot in the National Championship game based on LSU's loss last night and the fact that either Kansas or Mizzou has to lose today as they play each other.  WVU should move up to #2 with the winner of Kansas/Mizzou as #1.

Having WVU play in the National Championship will help all Big East teams with recruiting and will force all those "Big East is no longer a major conference" twits to finally shut up.  And Pitt may be one of the larger beneficiaries.

We know that rooting for WVU is asking a lot of Pitt alums/fans (like Melanie) - especially when the best thing for everyone in the Conference is Pitt losing the Backyard Brawl next week. 

And I (Rich) say that even as I'm wearing one of my many Huskies shirts.  Yes, a UConn win would be personally satisfying.  But it doesn't mean a shot at a National Championship.  Hopefully even with a loss UConn would go to a nice warm city for a decent mid-level bowl (and a couple days off for moi - with golf clubs).  Besides, any UConn fan who thought we'd actually be better than 6-6 this year is lying through their teeth.  UConn is still a basketball/soccer school until it gets a couple more bowl games under its belt.

So today - the heart is with UConn, but I'm rooting for the Conference - and for WVU.  Enjoy the game.

And free coffee this afternoon for anyone wearing a UConn shirt or cap who watches the game with us.

Comments

[ward]

My kind of football fan... college. Since this is not a college town I get tired of all the conversation focusing only on the Steelers, while Pitt is ignored. To see someone actually discuss a broader range, and additionally acknowledge the region, awesome. I even approve the photo, but my Huskies come from the other side of the country (and like Pitt, are in a rebuilding mode :-).

And your prediction may be fulfilled, as long as Pitt doesn't win the backyard brawl.

[Melanie]

Rich is not yet a hardcore college football fan, having recently become interested due to the up-and-coming UConn program.
I am a long time Pitt football enthusiast, and RIch said something utterly unfathomable to me before the UConn-WVU game: "I almost hope WVU wins this game...." !!! A foregn language, really.

[Rich]

How in the name of Knute Rockne do you beat the pants off UConn with an almost perfectly executed game, then turn around and lose to Pitt while turning over every other series?

Oy.

But congrats to Dave Wannstedt and the team. They deserved that win.