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Pittsburgh Panthers - 2008 Season Preview

By Jordan Walters
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

Sports Betting at WagerWeb Online Sportsbook

Despite his club going 5-7 last year and missing a bowl with a third straight losing season, Pittsburgh rewarded coach Dave Wannstedt with a three-year contract extension. Why? Wannstedt has had the top-rated recruiting class in the Big East for the past three seasons. And the Panthers knocked West Virginia out of the national title game with a 13-9 upset in Morgantown to close out last year, showing their potential. In addition, four of the Panthers’ losses in 2007 were by a total of only 18 points.

Coach: Dave Wannstedt (3rd season at Pitt, 16-19)

2007 record: 5-7 (3-4 Big East)

Starters returning: 17 (offense: 8, defense: 7, kicker/punter: 2)

Top returnees: TB LeSean McCoy, Scott McKillop, PK Conor Lee, G C.J. Davis, FB Conredge Collins, CB Aaron Berry, DT Mick Williams, DT Rashaad Duncan

Key losses: OT Jeff Otah, OT Mike McGlynn, DE Joe Clermond, DE Chris McKillop

2008 SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 Bowling Green

Sept. 6 Buffalo

Sept. 20 Iowa

Sept. 27 @ Syracuse

Oct. 2 @ South Florida

Oct. 18 @ Navy

Oct. 25 Rutgers

Nov. 1 @ Notre Dame

Nov. 8 Louisville

Nov. 22 @ Cincinnati

Nov. 28 West Virginia

Dec. 6 @ UConn

Key game: Oct. 2 at South Florida – The Panthers could and should be 4-0 heading into this game in Tampa against a Bulls team expected to contend for the Big East title and a dark horse national championship contender. The Pitt defense allowed 48 points to USF last year, and that can’t certainly happen again for the Panthers to win. But a 2-0 start in the Big East (again, assuming Pitt beats Syracuse the week before) could have the players finally believing in Wannstedt’s optimism and entrench LeSean McCoy as a top Heisman candidate.

2008 OVERVIEW

The Pitt pass offense ranked only 104th in the country last year. For running back LeSean McCoy to really explode, the Panthers must improve that mark. The QB job is expected to fall to Bill Stull, who was tabbed the starter last year but was injured in the season-opening win against Eastern Michigan. Stull was replaced by Kevan Smith, who then struggled, which brought on top recruit Pat Bostick. All three players return, and Wannstedt brought in JuCo star Greg Cross, who is a major running threat. Stull took most of the snaps with the first-team offense at the end of the spring, but this competition should spill over into fall practices. Cross could be a change-of-pace threat.

No question the star of the show in Pittsburgh is LeSean McCoy. He set school freshman records for points (90) and rushing touchdowns (14), eclipsing 34-year-old marks set by Tony Dorsett. McCoy was the top freshman tailback in the nation, averaging 110.67 yards per game, and was No. 21 overall. He also was third on the team with 33 receptions for 244 yards, giving him 1,572 all-purpose yards. Providing depth at the position is senior LaRod Stephens-Howling, who has more than 1,600 yards in three seasons.

 

The Panthers’ receiving corps should be bolstered by the return of Derek Kinder, who caught 57 passes for 847 yards (14.9) and six touchdowns in 2006, earning first-team all-conference honors, before missing last season with a torn knee ligament. Kinder will fortify a group that features junior T.J. Porter (37 receptions) and potential star Oderick Turner. Sophomore Maurice Williams, who showed flashes last year, will miss the season after being declared academically ineligible.

Offensive line could be a problem area, as the Panthers lost three starters, including second-round NFL draft pick Jeff Otah. The Panthers return both guards in senior C.J. Davis and junior Joe Thomas, who is expected to move outside to right tackle. Converted defensive lineman John Malecki will take over at right guard.

The defense should be a strength for Pitt this season, as the Panthers ranked fifth nationally in 2007 and bring back eight starters. Sophomore defensive end Greg Romeus had 41 tackles and was second on the team in sacks with four and tackles for a loss with 11.5 and was a freshman All-American. Mick Williams and Rashaad Duncan will anchor the defensive tackle spots.

The linebackers are led by senior Scott McKillop, a Butkus Award candidate. He led the nation in 2007 with 12.6 tackles per game. Senior Adam Gunn is back on the strong side and junior Shane Murray is back on the weak side. Still, any type of injury to McKillop would be a killer.

The Panthers finished No. 3 in the nation and first in the Big East in pass defense last season, allowing only 167.2 yards per game. Two of the four starters return from last season: Cornerback Aaron Berry and free safety Eric Thatcher. There is decent depth here, as eight lettermen in all return.

Senior kicker Conor Lee went 18-for-22 on field goals last year and has an active streak of 75 consecutive extra points. For his career, Lee is 30-of-36 on field goals.

If Pitt can build on the momentum of that upset of West Virginia to close last season, this club is a possible Big East title contender. A lot will depend on how the QB situation plays out, but most of the other pieces are in place. Wannstedt’s club should finally have a winning season (I expect 8-4) and reach a bowl.

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