2009 College Football Odds: Dave Wannstedt finally delivered to an anxious Pitt fan base last year, recording his first winning season since taking over the program in 2005. The Panthers went 9-3 in the regular season and finished second in the Big East with a 5-2 mark in conference action. Pittsburgh made its first post-season appearance since 2004, but lost 0-3 to Oregon State in the Sun Bowl. Odds makers at BetUS.com are expecting another winning campaign from Wannstedt this year as the over 7.5 win total is a -175 favorite in the bookmaker's Pittsburgh Panthers 2009 College Football Odds. 
The Panthers did not overwhelm anybody with their offensive prowess last year, relying mostly on running back LeSean McCoy and a diversified passing attack led by quarterback Bill Stull. The team, however, cranked out respectable totals, averaging 27.1 points and 342 yards per game. McCoy and second leading rusher LaRod Stephens-Howling are both gone to the NFL, but Stull will be back under center for his senior year.
Stull, who threw for 2356 yards, nine touchdowns, and 10 interceptions last year, will have four starters from last season's offensive line protecting him and his two biggest receiving threats are also back (WR Jonathan Baldwin and TE Nate Bynum).
The Panther defense — along with McCoy — were the strengths of last year's squad. Pitt held teams to 21.5 points and 317 yards per contest in 2008 and they should be even better with seven starters coming back this season. They lose their top three tacklers, including linebacker Scott McKillop (137 tackles), but four of the top six linebackers are back as well as three starters from a secondary that had 16 picks last year.
The defensive line, which was solid in Wannstedt's fourth year, returns three starters, including end Greg Romeus. Romeus had 51 tackles in '08 (eight for loss) and led the team with 7.5 sacks. The other two returnees, Mick Williams and Jabaal Sheard, had 10 sacks and 70 tackles between them.
Pittsburgh opens the season September 5th with a home game against Youngstown State. The Panthers first conference tilt is an October 2nd skirmish at Louisville.
BetUS.com Pittsburgh Panthers 2009 College Football Odds – BCS Odds 2010
Pittsburgh Panthers Regular Season Win Total:
Over 7.5 (-175)
Under 7.5 (+135)
Pittsburgh Panthers Odds to Win the Big East Championship:
+275
Pittsburgh Panthers BCS Odds 2010:
+7500
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