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July 30, 2008

Sporting News ranked Pitt #26 and has their preview (which is the same that appears in their print preview) and 4th overall in the Big East. UConn is listed as 3d in the print preview for the BE, but #50 overall for their online preview. Huh? USF is #21 and WVU is #8 (which matches the online and print).

In the three seasons since he returned to his alma mater as head coach, Dave Wannstedt has a losing record and no bowl games on his resume. But after producing a third straight consensus top-25 recruiting class — the only Big East school to appear in the 2008 rankings — Wannstedt’s stable of talent should be ready to blossom.

No shock that the area they note that needs to perform this year is the O-line.

Must step up: The offensive line. True, the O-line deserves some of the credit for McCoy’s success. But Pitt ranked next-to-last in Big East rushing as a team last season, and the line breaks in three new starters in 2008.

Now if you like your previews a little more upscale, The Quad from the NY Times reached Pitt a couple days ago and put them at #32. Sadly I didn’t even notice a bump in traffic or any hits from them despite the link at the bottom of the preview.

Credit, though, for having the temp set about right for Wannstedt with regards to the “hot seat.”

Calling 2008 a make-or-break season for Wannstedt may be extreme – barring a monumental collapse, he’ll return in 2009 – but the talent is there for the Panthers to win the Big East. Fans will not be happy with anything less than a bowl appearance. Seat temperature check: baking.

That seems about right. There are expectations. But even if Pitt underachieves Wanny won’t be going anywhere short of a 3-9 type season. Paul Myerberg is expecting 8-4 from Pitt.

Could Pittsburgh be better? Absolutely. There is a great amount of talent: on offense, Turner, Kinder and McCoy; on defense, McKillop, the heart and soul of the unit, is one of the best defensive players in the nation. So why fourth, especially when most publications have Pittsburgh as high as in the top 20 in the nation? For one, I have concerns about Pittsburgh’s schedule, which, while not too difficult out-of-conference, forces the Panthers to go to U.S.F. and Cincinnati, two of the top teams in the Big East. In addition, despite the depth at the position, the Panthers must get more consistent play at quarterback. Though Bostick and Smith showed promise, the pair combined to turn the ball over way too much, leaving their defense in precarious predicaments. However, Stull’s return may alleviate some of the concerns at quarterback. While I like Pittsburgh to take a step forward this season, I think they are a program on the rise for 2009, as the underclassmen who dot this fall’s roster continue to gain experience on the college level and in Wannstedt’s system.

In the famous alumni section they include Ron Paul. Sadly Dr. and Rep. Paul is only a Pittsburgh native. He went to Gettysburg College and Duke Medical.





From the Times article:
“former Bears and Dolphins head coach brought with him a sterling resume and a well-deserved reputation as one of the nation’s best recruiters.”

Lie much, New York Times? Last I recall, when he was hired, his resume was anything but sterling, and his reputation as a recruiter? He hadn’t been in college since Jimmy Johnson and the U! His reputation as a talent evaluator with the Bears and Dolphins SUCKED! This is just another in the line of kissing-ass articles for a coach with just ONE significant win to his record, and of course that was his last one. This team is one Bill Stull injury away from repeating last year’s debacle, and even then, I’m still cautious on the Stull bandwagon.

Always have been anti-Bumstedt, always will be. It’ll have to take a HUGE sea change for me to change.

Comment by Joshua 07.30.08 @ 11:37 pm

Here is video of McCoy’s appearance on ESPN yesterday:
link to sports.espn.go.com

Comment by matt 07.31.08 @ 12:18 am

He was also one key injury from being 10-2 last year, dickhead. If our QB doesn’t go down in the first game, maybe we’re BE champions, in a BCS bowl.

Lets see what happens after this year, then you can come out with your blind hatred or admit your ignorance.

Comment by Stuart 07.31.08 @ 4:21 am

The truth lies in between.

Comment by alcodan 07.31.08 @ 7:19 am

Go back to Duke.

Comment by ChrisA 07.31.08 @ 10:28 am

Who said Stull would have been anything special last year? I’m still waiting until he plays a team with a halfway-decent defense, as opposed to Eastern Michigan.

BTW, we Miami fans might be in the dumps right now, especially since our team will probably go 1-15 again, but we sure know when to laugh at someone who is deluded. Remember, this is Wanny’s team now, so no more blaming Walt.

Also, I notice how you didn’t refute my claims against the NYTimes.

Comment by Joshua 07.31.08 @ 11:51 am

To refute your claims: when it came to the college game, he did have a sterling reputation and a well-deserved reputation as one of the nations best recruiters. He coached on teams that won a NC, and those teams brought in some of the top recruits.

You can’t possibly attempt to mention his “NFL” experience in relation to “recruiting,” can you? Because, the NFL has a draft – you know this, right?

Seperate his college vs pro experience, as the NYT did, then you’ll understand what they’re saying.

Comment by Stuart 07.31.08 @ 2:19 pm

And i’m tired of people dogging Stull just because he hasn’t played yet. From that game and from the spring game, you can see the kid makes good decisions and puts the ball on target – and thats all you need.

I also want to point out that i’ve yet to see him throw an INT (including this years spring game). He’s 20/28, 2 TDs. I’m sorry that he got injured – i’m sure you’re not, you’d have no way to dog Wannsted this year.

How bout you come back in december and either gloat or apologize.

Comment by Stuart 07.31.08 @ 2:26 pm

Wanny was 11-5,11-5,9-7,10-6 his first four years in Miami. The Fins were at 1-8 when he was fired in ’04 after Williams quits on the eve of training camp.

Have the Dolphins become so much as division contenders since? Wanny’s fault?

Comment by Barry 07.31.08 @ 11:14 pm

how does this site and thread get some Miami dickhead who doesn’t know sic ’em from come’ere?
Message to disckhead: If you are unhappy with Miami’s fortunes go back and be a loser there. We don’t need you.

Comment by IronmanEE68 08.01.08 @ 1:00 am

Barry:
Fact: Not ONE draft pick from Wanny’s tenure as point man for the draft (that means 2000-2003) remains on the Dolphins roster, so yes, Wanny had a lot to do with last season’s 1-15 record. If this doesn’t speak to his expertise on evaluating talent, then you have to be so closed-minded that you won’t listen to anything of reason. Many other Miami fans are laughing at you already for your inflated sense of entitlement and ego, so shut up.

PS: I happen to be a Pitt grad student who was never happy that Pitt went with the nepotism route.

Comment by Joshua 08.02.08 @ 6:27 pm

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