A perspective on the Panthers in 2011

Another year and another season in which many "experts" are picking Pitt to win the big east. That is not a good thing for Pitt. It seems every time they are expected to do well they have a let down. Pitt has NEVER won a big east championship outright and they have been playing in the league since 1991. They did represent the big east in the Fiesta Bowl in 2004 but everyone forgets they shared the title with Boston College, Syracuse, and West Virginia. They were also co-champions last year but Uconn got the BCS bid.

Stevie P brought in Todd Graham because he thinks his "High Octane" style of football will put butts in the seats at Heinz Field.

I know the Big East is weak but im not sure why so many people are high on a program that has a new coaching staff.  Paul Ziese of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said a new head coach is not an excuse for Pitt not winning the conference championship. Well I agree with that to a certian extent but the thing is Pitt is transitioning to a completly different and radical style of play. Pitt played a pro-style run first offense the last 6 years and it is going to take some time to adjusts to Todd Grahams  "High Octane" offense.





I do think Pitt will have a winnng season but I dont think they are BCS bound. They do have alot of talented players on their roster but I see this team finishing at about 7-5 under Todd Graham. Thats not bad for a program with new head coach. I see Pitt losing games to Iowa, Notre Dame, South Florida (they lose thursday games), Utah, and West Virginia.


A few things have to happen in order for Pitt to win the big east.



-Tino Sunseri has to find his grove in the no huddle/spread offense. Tino seemed limited last year in what he could do but he had flashes of greatness in certian games most notably when they played Syracuse in the carrier dome. Tino will be under shot-gun 99% of the time so this could work out real well for him or it could be a disaster.

-The inside linebacker position has to get better. The coaches have been frustrated all camp by primary inside linebackers Senior Max Gruder, Senior Tristan Roberts, and redshirt sophmore Shane Gordon. Those three will have to get their act together if Pitt's defense is going to hold up against offenses such as West Virginia.






-Ray Graham has to live up to expectations. Todd Graham said it would not be a stretch of Ray Graham rushed for over 2,000 yards this year since the passing game could take longer to advance. Graham was a back up last year to Neon Dion Lewis but still managed to score 8 touchdowns and get close to 1,000 yards rushing (he finished with 922 yards). Wisconsin transfer RB Zach Brown is also a nice addition to the rushing game and he is expected to contribute right away so Pitt should have to problem moving the rock all over the field.

As much as this hurts me to admit but I think West Virgina (I did not spell that wrong, see WVU NIT champions) will win the Big Easy. My co-blogger James Dotson disagrees with me as he of course has Pitt winning the conference. If you think I am wrong please let me know. I really hope I am wrong because i love Pitt and i would love nothing more than to see them in a BCS game, unless they go up against a Florida or Alabama and lose 52-3. If thats the case then they can play in the scrapbook toilet paper bowl and i am completely okay with it. Enjoy the season everyone.