12/9/08
The Panthers are now becoming a staple in the Top 25 rankings. Annual struggles are now paying dividends. Sticking with Dave Wannstedt – when many alums probably wished ex-coach Walt Harris could be rehired – looks (in hindsight) like a good decision. The running game Coach Dave promised has finally been delivered by soon-to-be junior LeSean McCoy, and even with the jagged results Bill Stull struggles to provide, the guaranteed ground production will continue to open up passing lanes. A lock at All-American, McCoy pulls extra defenders to him, and he still produces YAC like few in the FBS. The top receiver from ’08 (Kinder) leaves, as do the Panther’s four top tacklers. The D’s glue for two seasons, McKillop will be missed, but the ends – well-rounded juniors Sheard and Romeus – will carry the new-look LB corps as they orientate themselves. Losing the feet of sure-fire PK Conner Lee and P Dave Brytus poses the other big question mark, along with the OG’s and LB’s departures. But strong regional recruiting has procured the needed hats to keep this team humming in any situation. Consistency on both sides of the ball is what has allowed the ’08 Panthers to crank up their results over the mediocrity seen up until now, and that will continue with 16 starters back, hence Pitt’s climb to their current ranking status. It may often be grinding, ugly football, but expect Pittsburgh to be right there when the topsy-turvy Big East is finally decided next season.