So, less than a month after Pitt hired Eddie Faulkner as the running backs coach, he leaves for Wisconsin to be the Tight Ends Coach. Um, okay.

I think I need someone to explain to me what life is like up in Madison. You know, I get wanting to hire guys you know, trust and have been with you in some form before. These Wisconsin coaches, though, seem to be taking it to a new level. There cannot be more than a degree of separation from either Wisconsin or personal connections. This has led to a lot of hiring guys away from each other Doren, Chryst, Bielema — all hiring the same guys and raiding each other for one coach or another. It’s making me a little nervous.

I’m not exactly distraught by this loss to the staff. As noted when he was hired, Faulkner’s recruiting area was in MAC/Big 10 region. That seems well covered with or without him by the Pitt staff.

Chris Dokish makes the good point that this could/should be a blessing in disguise for Coach Chryst. The chance to hire someone with recruiting ties in New Jersey and/or Maryland.

No matter how many times in a row Pitt keeps beating Villanova, it will not make up for that Elite Eight game. But, it will have to do that Pitt keeps beating the Wildcats.

Well, I wrote it after the WVU game, but it bears repeating. This Pitt squad is Tray Woodall’s to lead on the court. When I watch Woodall bringing the ball up court and either Nasir Robinson or Lamar Patterson is going ahead pushing the opposing team’s defender up court. Keeping the defense at bay and from putting any pressure on the ball until Woodall crosses half court and can set the offense. It almost strikes me as the advance guards clearing and protecting the way for the commander.

A bit over-the-top? A little. But it kind of works. The other Pitt players fall in to line and place with Woodall leading this team. He brings a confidence that the rest of the team feeds. The hesitation. The stagnation at both ends. The confusion. All seem to have dissipated with Woodall out there.

This past week’s performance by Woodall also earned him Big East Player of the Week honors.

(more…)