Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Panthers play their home football games at Heinz Field. The football program has been competing since 1889. The Panthers have won nine national championships, the last one in 1976. The program has produced greats like Dan Marino, Tony Dorsett, Mike Ditka, and Larry Fitzgerald.

The Panthers have failed to make a bowl game in Dave Wannstedt’s first two seasons as head coach. The team will have to replace quarterback Tyler Palko. It remains unclear who will emerge as the team’s signal caller. The running game should be solid behind junior RB Larod Stevens-Howling. The non-conference schedule is fairly moderate and should result in a few wins. The Panthers are unlikely to challenge the top teams in the conference.

Sep 1 - vs. Eastern Mich, 6:00 PM

Sep 8 - vs. Grambling St, 12:00 PM

Sep 15 - at Michigan State, 12:00 PM

Sep 22 - vs. Connecticut, TBA

Sep 29 - at Virginia, TBA

Oct 6 - Open

Oct 10 - vs. Navy, 8:00 PM

Oct 20 - vs. Cincinnati, TBA

Oct 27 - at Louisville, TBA

Nov 3 - vs. Syracuse, TBA

Nov 10 - Open

Nov 17 - at Rutgers, TBA

Nov 24 - vs. So Florida, TBA

Dec 1 - at West Virginia, TBA

Dave Wannstedt made the return to college football after 15 years in the NFL. Before accepting the Pittsburgh job in 2004, Wannstedt spent five seasons as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. He also coached the Chicago Bears from 1993-1998. A Pittsburgh native and former Panther player, Wannstedt seemed like the perfect choice to replace Walt Harris. The Wannstedt era has yet to produce positive results and Wannstedt could find himself on the way out if things don’t change soon.

The offense loses three year staring QB Tyler Palko while the defense must replace cornerback Darelle Revis, a first round pick in the 2007 NFL draft. On offense, WR Derek Kinder is a proven pass catcher. Defensively, the Panthers are led by All Big East defensive end Joe Clemond.