It’s a rematch from last year’s SEC/Big East Challenge. Only the event has been rejiggered so that there are 12 games at actual home arenas rather than sterile, semi-neutral sites.

Pitt and Tennessee at 5:15 on ESPN.

Pitt has had all of two days to prepare for this game and being without Travon Woodall. Who will get the start in his place? How will the minutes be divided? So many questions. I’m sure Pitt fans will be calm, rational, not pass snap judgments, and not at all overreact to what unfolds.

Have to expect that Tennessee will look to put some extra pressure on the guards. Ashton Gibbs will probably see double teams all game. It will be up to whoever is used to run point to find the open man, and most importantly make good passes. Even before Woodall was hurt, Pitt’s passing has been less than crisp.

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It’s the final home game (but hopefully not the final game) of the season. The Big East has to love that this game is the one that gets on ESPN2 at noon today. Not only featuring two 5-6 teams trying for the Beef. But featuring the two teams that set off the insanity of finding new teams for the Big East with their announcement of heading to the ACC. Of course, the actions of Syracuse and Pitt look oddly polite and decorous compared to the temper tantrum actions of WVU trying to leave for the Big 12.

This could be a long day. Pitt basketball plays at Tennessee at 5:15 on ESPN. I’m planning a second liveblog for that game. Depending on how this one turns out, I may be blackout drunk by the end of the second liveblog.

As you know, this is a moderated chat. The liveblog is supposed to be a chance for us to gather and share thoughts on the game, hopefully share in the joy/relief of a win (I know, those have been in short supply this year). Commiserate if need be, perhaps a little venting. Not every comment gets through. Especially duplicative, trolls, overly vulgar, personal attacks, or general stupidity as defined by me. Here’s a hint. If you do nothing but post “Tino sucks” or some variation over and over again, I’m probably not going to waste time approving it. That’s why your comment isn’t showing up. I think we got it the first thousand or so times it has been said to this point.

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