Big shock that those were the overwhelming choice of storylines.
USA Today has a couple more articles. The main focus is on Weis with a smaller story on Wannstedt.
The Washington Post does a story on the two.
Another from the Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette and from the Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Of course the Florida papers still seem to have affection for Wannstedt so he gets another puff piece about how good a fit it is for him to go back to Pitt and Pittsburgh.
Sorry to just skim these, but they are all starting to bleed together in my skull. After a certain point, it is the only thing making me tired of thinking about the game — the repetitive storyline. Thank God, I don’t have to watch it on TV and hear the same stuff over the actual game.
Here’s an AP story about ND’s secondary trying to improve.
In the final three games last season, the Fighting Irish gave up five touchdown passes each against Pitt and USC and four against Oregon State.
“We have a lot to prove,” safety Tom Zbikowski said.
The Irish secondary will get a chance to prove themselves immediately, opening the season Saturday against No. 23 Pittsburgh and quarterback Tyler Palko, who became the first person to throw five touchdowns against the Irish.
Zbikowski likes opening against the Panthers.
“Words can’t even explain how much I’ve been waiting for this,” Zbikowski said.
Cornerback Mike Richardson, who dropped what would have been a game-clinching interception against Pittsburgh last season, knows the feeling.
“We’re going in this year knowing there’s that big chip on our shoulder from last year and be positive about it,” he said.
First-year coach Charlie Weis said when he arrived, the secondary’s confidence was shattered. He isn’t worried about it heading into the game, though. He believes he provided them with an answer.
“Bill Lewis is the answer to the question. When you have one of the best defensive back coaches that there is at any level that knows how to teach the game and knows how to install confidence — I trust Bill Lewis and his teaching, his leadership and the way he handles the players,” Weis said.
Chip on the shoulder or just weight?
This one is about Pitt trying to prove itself with the opener.
Even though Pitt has played in postseason games five straight years, including a BCS bowl as the Big East champion last season, it clearly did not rise to the status level accorded a team with its record. Wins against MAC opponents, as well as losses, and about a .500 record against the better teams just wasn’t enough for the Panthers.
“You know, you just can’t ask for respect,”‘ Blades said. “You’ve got to earn it. We feel like we have to win every game, but we need this one because it’s the first one. For both schools, I think it’s a must-win situation. Notre Dame is trying to get back on track for a 10-win season and get into a BCS bowl, but we’re trying to do the same thing.
“We want to have a really big season. We want to see coach win his first game in such a big game.”
We all want it. Pitt has to seize it.
