No.49- Pitt Panthers, BIG-EAST, Odds to win National Championship 200/1, head coach Dave Wannstadt
The big challenge facing the Pitt Panthers entering the 2007 season will be replacing Quarterback Tyler Palko. Three candidates, Junior Bill Stull, redshirt freshman Kevan Smith and true-freshman Pat Bostick will compete for the starting job during August camp. At least the new quarterback will have the help of an experienced offensive line as the Panthers return three starters, tackles Mike McGlynn and Jeff Otah, and guard Joe Thomas, making the unit the Panthers best offensive strength.
There is no doubt head coach Dave Wannstadt would like to see the running game improve and has tasked offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh with the job of building it up. Junior tailback LaRod Stevens-Howling will carry most of the load aided by the holes fullback Conredge Collins will create. Collins will also help as a receiver in the flat and on screens. During August pre-season drills, Stevens-Howling will be challenged for the starting tailback duties by sophomore Shane Brooks, whose combination of size and speed will be an asset.
Senior Derek Kinder leads an experienced receiver corps complimented by Freshman All-American Oderick Turner . Throw in T.J. Porter and junior Marcel Pestano and competition for the starting wide-out job will be interesting.
The Panthers have two good tight ends in senior Darrell Strong and Nate Byham . The pair can cause havoc on opposing defenses with their over the middle threat as well as help with opening up the running lanes
The defense under coordinator Paul Rhoads has been an Achilles heel to the Panthers squad. Rhoads is back for an eighth season much to the chagrin of many Panthers faithful who are not happy with the teams defense ranked No. 87 in total defense and 107th in run defense, worst in NCAA Division 1A in 2006. The offense was proficient in getting points but the defense could not be depended on to keep opposing offenses off the board.
Fortunately for Rhoads, the team returns it defensive line in its entirety plus a defensive backfield that has promise. All Big-East defensive end Joe Clemond is the defensive leader while Redshirt freshman defensive end Greg Romeus is perhaps the best athlete on the team.
Filling the hole left with the departure of Derrelle Revis , a first-round NFL pick, is sophomore corner Aaron Berry who showed in the spring he can be a great cover man. Both starting safeties, Eric Thatcher and Mike Phillips are healthy and had a productive spring.
If Pitt can pull out a 7-6 season it will be a good thing for the Wannstadt-Cavanaugh regime. If the team finishes with five wins or below, officials might be forced to make a change.
Date Opponent Location Time
09/01/07 vs. Eastern Michigan Heinz Field TBA
09/08/07 vs. Grambling St. Heinz Field TBA
09/15/07 at Michigan State East Lansing TBA
09/22/07 vs. Connecticut Heinz Field TBA
09/29/07 at Virginia Charlottesville TBA
10/10/07 vs. Navy Heinz Field 8:00 p.m. ET
10/20/07 vs. Cincinnati Heinz Field TBA
10/27/07 at Louisville TBA
11/03/07 vs. Syracuse Heinz Field TBA
11/17/07 at Rutgers Piscataway, NJ TBA
11/24/07 vs. USF Heinz Field TBA
12/01/07 at West Virginia Morgantown, WV TBA
