Really, this just seems silly. No profanities were used, yet somehow the messages some members of the  WVU Band had on their instruments offended.

It wasn’t immediately clear what the messages said or how they were displayed, but Ms. Neil said they were derogatory. She did say, though, that no foul language was used.

Under the positive participation section of the band’s code of conduct, the students’ grades will drop two letters, she said.

Also, one of the band members will not be allowed to travel to the Jan. 2 Fiesta Bowl. Ms. Neil declined to reveal what that student did to receive the additional punishment, citing privacy issues.

Fans at the game, which WVU lost 13-9, had complained about the messages.

Who knew WVU fans were so easily offended? You would think this message from the band that night might be more bothersome in hindsight.

So, um, I’m guessing the recruiting weekend went rather well for Pitt.

Yesterday JUCO QB Greg Cross verballed to Pitt.

Today it is Tino Sunseri, Mike Shanahan and Jonathan Baldwin.

Baldwin was the headliner, as the blue-chipper of this group, but it seems there could be a few others coming soon.

“Pitt’s about to come back on the map,” said Baldwin, who has been selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl next month. “We’re about to explode. For the people talking bad about Pitt, they’re about to see us bust out.”

That’s the word going around the WPIAL, as seven of Pitt’s 13 recruits from the Class of 2008 are from Western Pennsylvania, and more could be on the way after Pitt’s upset victory at No. 2 West Virginia on Dec. 1. The Panthers could be close to adding Gateway All-America linebacker Shayne Hale and Central defensive end Dan Vaughan and cornerback Andrew Taglianetti.

This will be interesting to see how the roster shakes out. Pitt has 13 verbals at this point. Possibly 3 or more still to come.

According to the Pitt Media Guide roster, there are 12 seniors and fifth-year seniors. Derek Kinder will be back due to medical redshirt. So that’s 11 spots. Marcel Pestano was a redshirt junior, but won’t be back with the team (12). Redshirt freshman QB Dexter Davidson was medically ruled unable to play because of his knees (13). Freshman Kyle Hubbard backed out to play basketball instead (14). Kevin Hughes never got eligible so if they were holding a scholarship for hime (15). Greg Webster is still not medically cleared because of his treatment for Crohn’s Disease — but I don’t know if he’s been pulled from athletic scholarship.

Have to watch closely for gray-shirting and whether any of the present players decide to transfer. I know there have been some hints at that, but that’s something you can’t count on happening. Looks like it will be close.