Pittsburgh Panthers

Head Coach

Dave Wannstedt	4th year
07-08	5-7
Big East	2-4
FCR	74

Previous Season Wins

Big East Previews by Michael Matts

Head Coach - One of the coaching ‘lightning rods’ in college is Dave Wannstedt. Seems he gets more criticism than anyone else, and whether it is warranted at Pitt is a matter for debate. To be fair, he inherited a fair program from Walt Harris at, not a juggernaut (the program was 52-44, 28-27 in BE). He was a late-starter in his first year and had to fight to bring in the staff he wanted. Furthermore, his team was crushed by injuries in 2007. What he has done has infused the program with some serious talent. In year four of his regime, it will be time to see the talent translate to wins.

Quarterback - Bill Stull broke his thumb in his first game as a starter, and that surely set the Panthers back. This prompted highly regarded true freshman Pat Bostick to step in. Now, after a great spring for both of them, the QB spot is set for years to come. Stull had the lead after spring practice, but Bostick, a HS All-American, will have a chance to win the job in the fall.

Running Backs - Who can forget the game had by LeSean McCoy in the Backyard Brawl last year. He carried 38 times for 148 yards when everyone knew he was going to get the ball. He is only a sophomore, but will be the focal point of the offense in ’08. Having All-American candidate Conredge Collins as the FB makes the Pitt running attack one of the nations best.

Receivers - Speed is plentiful at the WR position with Derek Kinder returning from an injury to join starters T. J. Porter and Oderick Turner. Kinder, all-BE in 2006, had 57 catches for 847 yards. After a good spring, he is ready to go in 2008. Turner is a big target at 6-3. He is coming off a great season, highlighted by 5 TD catches.

Offensive Line - The bad news is that Pitt only boasts C.J. Davis as a returnee on the OL, and a major retooling will need to take place in the fall. JUCO transfer Robb Houser will be the center and Joe Thomas moves to right tackle.

Defense - This was the nation’s 5th-ranked defense in 2007 (under 300 y/g), and 7 starters are coming back.

Defensive Line - Expect similar domination on the defensive line. DE Greg Romeus was a freshman All-American a year ago and will look to build on an amazing 11.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. Two-gap tackle Rashaad Duncan had 7 TFL, and Doug Fulmer, who missed 2007 with knee surgery, return to make this a top unit nationally.

Linebackers - The focus will be the three linebackers in the Pitt 4-3 scheme. Start with BE 1st-teamer Scott McKillop in the middle, the nation’s leading tackler. Add Adam Gunn (59 tackles, 6 TFL) and Shane Murray (60 tackles, 4 TFL, 3 sacks and 3 FFs) on the flanks, and you get one of the top units in America.

Defensive Backs - Senior Eric Thatcher at free safety and corner Aaron Berry leads the secondary.

Special Teams - Conor Lee is automatic kicking field goals for Pitt. He went 18 for 22 last year, and is 83.3 % for his career. Dave Brytus will look to improve on his net punting numbers (70th nationally).

Schedule - Pitt is usually a strong OOC scheduler, but they seemed to have given themselves a break in 2008. They open with 3 winnable home games (Bowling Green, Buffalo and Iowa) and have revenge on their mind at Navy. A trip to South Bend is also in the mix. Four of the seven league games are on the road, but the Backyard Brawl with WVU is at home.

Outlook - This was thought to be a critical year for Wannstedt, but he inked a 3-year extension after the WVU win, so the heat should be off. The key for Pitt is the QB play. If Stull returns and plays well, this could be a real breakthrough year for Pitt. The rest of team is loaded with talent…and experience. If Pitt can win a few of the road games, it will be a bowl season. If they win at USF AND at Cincy, watch out!!!!!!!!