We're one series away. If we can't win that series, we don't deserve to make the playoffs.

Those type of players are blue-collar, gritty-type players. It's what we want here (at Pitt) and what the city (of Pittsburgh) wants. It affords us a very aggressive way to play the game.

We're a team that there's very little margin for error. The last couple of games we've played clean baseball.

Jim is an outstanding baseball player. He's a consummate baseball player. He's not real big, he's not very flashy, but he knows how to play the game. He's very analytical. He's a smart baseball player and he's got a bright future.

We've been in a must-win situation since Week 3, when we were 1-6. Our guys know it can be done. We've made a lot of big hits, big pitches and big plays to get this far.

We expect to compete for the Big East championship. I believe we're ready for the season. I don't think we're a team capable of blowing people away. We have to play very well every day to win.