Seth Davis: Pitt Has "A Higher Obligation" To Strengthen Non-Conference Schedule

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) -- Sports Illustrated senior writer and CBS college basketball analyst Seth Davis joined The Fan Morning Show on Thursday, and he explained to the guys why he doesn't have Pitt on his AP top 25 ballot.

For him, the issue is Pitt's non-conference schedule.

"Every coach puts together a non-conference schedule that fits what he thinks is best for his team, so I don't begrudge Jamie [Dixon] that," Davis said. "But he did not load up on truly, really bad teams, but he didn't play anybody good either. I mean, their toughest non-conference game was against Cincinnati, and they lost, and it was really bad."

Davis feels that, while Pitt can certainly earn more respect as conference play continues, they still need to strengthen their non-conference schedule, which he considers to be unbecoming of an elite program.

"They'll have their opportunities to prove themselves," Davis said.

"But to me, I feel like when you're a program of Pitt's stature - and I have the highest regard for Pitt as a program and Jamie [Dixon] as a coach; I have nothing but great things to say about him - when you're this kind of a program, I think you have a higher obligation to schedule a tougher slate of games," said Davis.

The interview can be heard here: