2009 NCAA - Pittsburgh
Dave Wannstedt is slightly above .500 at Pitt and he sticks around for 2009 after a 9-4 effort last fall. The Panthers have some pieces in place to progress, although winning more than 9 games this year could prove difficult after the loss of all-world backs LeSean McCoy and LaRod Stephens-Howling. Not to worry, as true frosh Dion Lewis enrolled early and has drawn comparisons to West Virginia's Noel Devine. The O-line is experienced and solid, but not deep. Wanny hired Frank Cignetti from Cal as his new offensive coordinator. His defensive coordinator is ex-SMU coach Phil Bennett.
|
 |
Pittsburgh
- Season wins over/under prediction
- Team Power ranking
- Recruiting
- Team Preview
- FREE $$$ BONUSES
Get your FREE copy NOW!
|
The Panthers have to first address which returning quarterback will mature into an adequate Big East starter. Bill Stull and Pat Bostick both threw more INT's than touchdowns last year. Redshirt freshman Tino Sunseri could eventually emerge by default. On the other side of the ball, the linebackers appear to be the question (check status of Adam Gunn, who was suspended indefinitely). If Gunn returns, the defense will be very good at worst, and potentially outstanding. The D-line is going to be one of the best in America, and the secondary returns three starters. The schedule isn't difficult at all, with a trip to North Carolina State and a home game against Notre Dame as the two toughest out-of-conference tests. |
| ASK the bookie? - If the Panthers get Gunn back and stay healthy on defense, then Cignetti and Wannstedt's job becomes easy: don't let the offense beat you, because the defense will keep you in almost every game. Take a long look at some early UNDERS if the linesmakers are slow to adjust for the lack of having the two stud running backs. Of course, the Panthers lost their bowl game 3-0 last year, so bettors have to hope vookmakers consider that a throwout. |
|
 |
REQUEST YOUR COPY - FREE
get your 2009 NCAA Football Preview Guide. |
|