2008 Pittsburgh Panthers Football
Dave Wannstedt looks to finally break through in his 4th year as Pittsburgh head man. The Panthers won five games last year, including a 13-9 season finale victory over Big East champion West Virginia. That huge win kept the Mountaineers out of a national title game and gives the Panthers big momentum heading into this season. The Info Plays team shows you how far that momentum will take them with our 2008 Pittsburgh Panthers football predictions and team preview below.
Offense:
Quarterback play last season easily cost the Panthers three losses in the early going. Bill Stull went down with a thumb injury in the first game, opening the door for true freshman Pat Bostick. Stull had a great spring and Bostick continue his improvement this offseason, so the quarterback position looks in good hands with whomever gets the job. Also in the mix is ultra-athletic junior college transfer Greg Cross, who will take over some offensive package each weed as the Panthers take advantage of his running talents. Questions on the line could threaten the season with only one starter, senior left guard C.J. Davis, back at his same position.
Left tackle Jason Pinkston mist most of last year with a shoulder injury, and junior right tackle Joe Thomas played the past two seasons at guard. Junior college transfer Robb Houser will start at center and junior right guard John Malecki is a converted defensive tackle to make due. The line has to play well so the offense can utilize a plethora of weapons at the skill positions. The receiving corps is led by sure-handed senior Derek Kinder. Athletic junior T.J. Porter is the most talented of six possible targets at receiver. Tight ends Dorin Dickerson and Nate Byham possess big-play potential as well. Sophomore LeSean McCoy emerged as one of the nation’s best tailbacks, compiling 1,328 yards and 14 touchdowns last year. He offense will again be built around his talents.
Defense:
Pittsburgh features one of the best defensive fronts in the nation. The line is athletic and deep, starting with sophomore end Greg Romeus. Tackles Gus Mustakas, Mick Williams, Tommie Duhard and Rashaad Duncan give the Panthers their best rotations since the 1980s. All three starting linebacker return. Senior All-American candidate Scott McKillop led the nation in tackles last year from his starting middle linebacker position.
Outside linebacker depth has been bolstered by a trio of redshirt freshman, headed by Greg Williams. Senior free safety Eric Thatcher and junior cornerback Aaron Berry are among the best at their positions in the Big East conference. They lead a secondary that will be more versatile and athletic than the ‘07 group. Sophomore strong safety Dom DeCicco will begin the season as the starters, but he’ll be challenged all season by fellow sophomore Elijah Fields who has unbelievable potential.
Pittsburgh Panthers Predictions at Info Plays: 3rd in the Big East
This should be the season for Wannstedt’s recruiting prowess to finally pay off. It’s hard to see how this Panthers’ squad won’t produce at least eight wins this season and a decent bowl game. And given how strong the defense should be, if the offense comes together quickly the Panthers could challenge for the Big East title.
Get more in depth analysis and a 2008 Pittsburgh Panthers team preview from a respected Big East website here.
Big East Wins Expected in ‘08: at Syracuse, RUTGERS, LOUISVILLE, at Cincinnati
Potential Scares/Losses: at South Florida, WEST VIRGINIA, at Connecticut
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