2008 Pittsburgh NCAA Football Betting Preview

[Qbins Missile Crisis]

College Football Preview – Pitt Panthers

On paper, it looks like the Pittsburgh Panthers whole season is summed up in one highlight: ruining West Virginia’s season.



In all honesty, had they not won that game, Dave Wannstedt might be looking for work right now and the Panthers might be rebuilding. Instead, the Panthers return 14 starters and might be a sleeper in the Big East that is looking to build on a key win.

Offense

Many people forget that Pittsburgh lost their losing quarterback, Bill Stull, to a season-ending injury in the first game of the year. He’s not exactly a proven commodity but having him healthy should by default mean the Panthers passing game will improve over last year. There should also be some positive competition at the position with Pat Bostick pushing Stull for the job. Juco transfer Greg Cross could be a real sleeper here.

The Panthers have an excellent stable of running backs led by standout LeSean McCoy, who had a phenomenal freshman season. LaRod Stephens-Howling previously led the Panthers in rushing prior to McCoy, so he’s still around for depth.

The offensive line, which has been a consistent weakness, again figures to be an issue. Two tackles are gone including first-round pick, Jeff Otah.

The Panthers should be a good team simply based around a strong defense and an effective running game but if the offensive line gels and the passing game can keep the offense balanced, Pitt could win the Big East.

Defense

The Panthers had a very good unit last year and seven starters return from it. The linebacking corps is very deep, led by Scott McKillop, who led the nation in tackles a season ago.

The only real concern on defense is the secondary, where the Panthers are trying to find a replacement at strong safety.

But the secondary will get plenty of help from what could be a terrorizing front four. Mick Williams and Rashaad Duncan are a handful inside. They will have to replace two starting defensive ends but Greg Romeus, a Freshman All-American is around. If this was the MAC, I’d be a little more concerned about the pass rush.

The defense is the strength of the team and should put them in position to compete if the offense can hold its weight.

Outlook

The Pitt Panthers believe that they are going to be among Big East favorites. If they get steady quarterbacking, that will likely be the case.

The Panthers had one of the best recruiting classes this offseason, so more talent is on the way. And last year they lost four games by seven points or less, which they feel they can turn around.

The Panthers have a relatively light schedule to start the year so look for them to build some confidence and stay in the Big East race the whole way.

BetUS sportsbook already has tons of college football Futures betting available for those of us who can't wait. Bet on the Heisman winner, Conference and Divisional winners and, of course, the 2009 BCS National Championship winner.