Well, at least new/old AD Pederson recognizes that getting fans into Heinz Field is a priority. Frankly, we can bitch about the pricing plans and all the gimmicks, but fans will show when they believe in the team and/or the team is winning. It’s the simple answer. They can offer promotions. Make prices better. Cut the costs for the parking lots. It doesn’t matter if the fans don’t think the team has a chance in the games.

Personally, I find SI.com’s Stewart Mandel’s singling out Pitt as a potential surprise team for next year, a bit of a scary thing.

As for the Kansas comparison … take your pick. The Jayhawks went 7-5 and 6-6 the two seasons prior to this one. Next year’s Kansas could be South Carolina (8-5 and 6-6). Or Oklahoma State (7-6 and 6-6). Or any number of other middle-of-the-pack teams. I think if I had to put money on somebody, however, it would be … Pittsburgh. Obviously, as evidenced against West Virginia, the Panthers were a much better team by the end of the year than their 5-7 record indicated (they also beat top-20 Cincinnati). They finished with the No. 7 defense in the country, they’ve got a heck of a budding star in tailback LeSean McCoy, while Dave Wannstedt has recruited extremely well since he’s been there. His three-year record so far: 16-19. Mangino’s record the three years before this one: 17-18.

Other than those nagging questions at O-line and QB sure.

Yeah, getting Josh Jenkins would be nice on the O-line. I’m not sure the WV psyche could take losing a Parkersburg native and one of the few quality players in-state to Pitt. If they attacked Kicker Pat McAfee’s car and started conspiracy theories about Rodriguez throwing the Pitt game (or at least already mulling an offer), well Jenkins and his family may have to move out of state if he goes to Pitt.

Now, it’s hard for many to root for the Cleveland Browns to make the playoffs, but maybe just a little hope since Darnell Dinkins is still on the team.

Highest draft potential listing I’ve seen for Jeff Otah as the 19th best player in the draft?