2007 Pittsburgh Panthers College Football Picks & Predictions


June 5, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

The Panthers will have someone other than Tyler Palko starting at quarterback for the first time since 2003. How well his replacement does will likely tell the tale of Pittburgh’s 2007 season. Junior Bill Stull, redshirt freshman Kevan Smith and freshman Pat Bostick will battle for the starting spot. The new starter will get to work with an excellent group of experience wide receivers. Sure-handed senior Derek Kindler leads a group that features big-play threats in Oderick Turner, Marcel Pestana and T.J. Porter. Darrell Strong and Nate Byham give the Panters an athletic set of tight ends for solid outlets.

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The offensive line returns four starters and will easily be this unit’s strength. Center is a trouble spot, but the spring emergence of athletic sophomore Jason Pinkston at tackle gives the coaches some flexibility in moving guys around. Coach Dave Wannstedt may have finally found his franchise tailback in touted freshman LeSean McCoy. If McCoy is the real deal, the Panthers’ running game could be the most improved in the country. Lighting quick scatback LaRod Stephens-Howling and an NFL-caliber fullback in Conredge Collins should contribute immensely.

Pitt ranked 87th in the NCAA in total defense last season and that was with three NFL Draft Picks on the roster. The defense should actually be better though, if coordinator Paul Rhoads fins a few capable outside linebackers. The Panthers have proven guys up front with all four starters back. The leader of the group is second-team All-Big East end Joe Clemond. Redshirt freshman end Greg Romeus is lean, but might be the best pure athlete on the team. Tomie Duhart is big, fast and strong enough to fight for a starting spot.

Sophomore cornerback Aaron Berry isn’t very big, but might be one of the best cover corner to ever wear a Panthers’ jersey. Starting safeties Eric Thatcher and Mike Phillips are finally healthy and had productive springs. Pitt does have to replace all three starting linebackers. The middle spot is in the capable hands of junior Scott McKillop, who is one of the team’s smartest and toughest players. There are a number of prospects at the outside spots, including sophomore Dorin Dickerson, a converted receiver. If he makes the right transition, he could be one of the fasted and most athletic linebackers in the country.

After two very forgettable seasons, fans are beginning to grow restless with Wannstedt as their head man. Questions at quarterback, center and linebacker, along with a brutal road schedule, might be too much for this young team to overcome. A bowl game is not out of the question, but a lot really would have to go right. Look for the Pittsburgh Panthers to finish around .500 in 2007.

Odds to Win BCS:
Sportsbook:  75-1 (Field)
Bodog:          50-1 (Field)
BetUS:         +1200 (Field)

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