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==Previous season==
==Previous season==
The Panthers finished with a disappointing 5-7 record in the [[2007 Pittsburgh Panthers football team|2007 season]]. Rarely though does a losing record leave fans filled with satisfaction and optimism, but that was the case in 2007. It was the third season under the direction of [[Head coach|Head Coach]] [[Dave Wannstedt]]. It was also the third consecutive season without a postseason [[bowl game]]. The Panthers schedule included six home games and six road games. The schedule was generally viewed as unappealing, lacking any marquee matchups at home.<ref>{{cite news |last=Anderson|first=Shelley|title=Merits of Pitt's football slate open to debate|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07046/762325-198.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=February 15, 2007|accessdate=August 14, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pitt Football 2007: The schedule|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07241/812804-233.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=August 29, 2007|accessdate=August 14, 2008}}</ref> The Panthers appeared on national television on a Wednesday night, October 10, with a 48-45 2OT loss to [[Navy Midshipmen football|Navy]] that ended when Pitt failed to convert on a [[two-point conversion]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Wannstedt’s gamble fails as Pitt falls to Navy|url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/21231694/site/21683474/|work=[[NBC Sports]]|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]|publisher=[[NBC Universal]]|date=October 11, 2007|accessdate=August 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307172347/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/21231694/site/21683474/|archive-date=March 7, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> For [[Homecoming]] 2007 Pitt hosted #23 [[Cincinnati Bearcats football|Cincinnati]], defeating the Bearcats 24-17.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272930221|title=McCoy rushes for 137 yards as Pitt tops Cincinnati|work=[[ESPN.com]]|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=October 20, 2007|accessdate=August 14, 2008}}</ref> The final game of the season on December 1 saw the Panthers visit #2 [[West Virginia Mountaineers football|West Virginia]]. In this game, the 100th edition of the [[Backyard Brawl]], the Panthers defeated the Mountaineers, 13-9, to gain their first road victory of the season and, more importantly, eliminate West Virginia from the [[2008 BCS National Championship Game|National Championship]] race in one of the most memorable games of the entire [[2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2007 college football season]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Dinich|first=Heather|title=Stanford's stunner at USC the most memorable game of 2007|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?id=3195919|work=[[ESPN]]|date=January 14, 2008|accessdate=August 14, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mandel|first=Stewart|authorlink=Stewart Mandel|title=A wild season|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/12/14/upsets/2.html|work=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=December 18, 2007|accessdate=August 14, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Gorman|first=Kevin|title=Pitt proves doubters wrong|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/search/s_540835.html|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]]|date=December 3, 2007|accessdate=August 14, 2008}}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=compoundinterest>{{cite news |last=Smizik|first=Bob|authorlink=Bob Smizik|title=Pitt collects compound interest|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08020/850700-194.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=January 20, 2008|accessdate=August 20, 2008}}</ref>
The Panthers finished with a disappointing 5-7 record in the [[2007 Pittsburgh Panthers football team|2007 season]]. Rarely though does a losing record leave fans filled with satisfaction and optimism, but that was the case in 2007. It was the third season under the direction of [[Head coach|Head Coach]] [[Dave Wannstedt]]. It was also the third consecutive season without a postseason [[bowl game]]. The Panthers schedule included six home games and six road games. The schedule was generally viewed as unappealing, lacking any marquee matchups at home.<ref>{{cite news |last=Anderson|first=Shelley|title=Merits of Pitt's football slate open to debate|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07046/762325-198.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=February 15, 2007|access-date=August 14, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pitt Football 2007: The schedule|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07241/812804-233.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=August 29, 2007|access-date=August 14, 2008}}</ref> The Panthers appeared on national television on a Wednesday night, October 10, with a 48-45 2OT loss to [[Navy Midshipmen football|Navy]] that ended when Pitt failed to convert on a [[two-point conversion]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Wannstedt’s gamble fails as Pitt falls to Navy|url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/21231694/site/21683474/|work=[[NBC Sports]]|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]|publisher=[[NBC Universal]]|date=October 11, 2007|access-date=August 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307172347/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/21231694/site/21683474/|archive-date=March 7, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> For [[Homecoming]] 2007 Pitt hosted #23 [[Cincinnati Bearcats football|Cincinnati]], defeating the Bearcats 24-17.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272930221|title=McCoy rushes for 137 yards as Pitt tops Cincinnati|work=[[ESPN.com]]|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=October 20, 2007|access-date=August 14, 2008}}</ref> The final game of the season on December 1 saw the Panthers visit #2 [[West Virginia Mountaineers football|West Virginia]]. In this game, the 100th edition of the [[Backyard Brawl]], the Panthers defeated the Mountaineers, 13-9, to gain their first road victory of the season and, more importantly, eliminate West Virginia from the [[2008 BCS National Championship Game|National Championship]] race in one of the most memorable games of the entire [[2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2007 college football season]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Dinich|first=Heather|title=Stanford's stunner at USC the most memorable game of 2007|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?id=3195919|work=[[ESPN]]|date=January 14, 2008|access-date=August 14, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mandel|first=Stewart|author-link=Stewart Mandel|title=A wild season|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/12/14/upsets/2.html|work=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=December 18, 2007|access-date=August 14, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Gorman|first=Kevin|title=Pitt proves doubters wrong|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/search/s_540835.html|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]]|date=December 3, 2007|access-date=August 14, 2008}}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=compoundinterest>{{cite news |last=Smizik|first=Bob|author-link=Bob Smizik|title=Pitt collects compound interest|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08020/850700-194.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=January 20, 2008|access-date=August 20, 2008}}</ref>


==Preseason==
==Preseason==
===Recruits===
===Recruits===
Head Coach Dave Wannstedt signed the top [[Recruiting (college athletics)|recruiting class]] in the [[Big East Conference (1979–2013)|Big East]], his 3rd consecutive top-25 recruiting class, to kick off the 2008 football year.<ref name=espn-recruiting>{{cite news |last=Haubert|first=Craig|title=Class of 2008 Big East recruiting overview|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/columns/story?columnist=haubert_craig&id=3202495|work=[[ESPN]]|date=January 18, 2008|accessdate=August 20, 2008}}</ref> Although Wannstedt had been recruiting well since the beginning of his tenure at Pitt some of that 2008 recruiting power has been attributed to the Panthers' season finale win over West Virginia.<ref name=compoundinterest/><ref name=unexpected>{{cite news |last=Farrell|first=Mike|title=Pitt gaining commitments it hadn't been expecting|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/recruiting/football/atlantic/2008-01-25-atlantic.htm|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=January 27, 2008|accessdate=August 20, 2008}}</ref> The highlights of the class are projected to be WR Jon Baldwin, RB Chris Burns, OT Lucas Nix, LB Shayne Hale, and athlete Cameron Saddler.<ref name=espn-recruiting/><ref name=unexpected/>
Head Coach Dave Wannstedt signed the top [[Recruiting (college athletics)|recruiting class]] in the [[Big East Conference (1979–2013)|Big East]], his 3rd consecutive top-25 recruiting class, to kick off the 2008 football year.<ref name=espn-recruiting>{{cite news |last=Haubert|first=Craig|title=Class of 2008 Big East recruiting overview|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/columns/story?columnist=haubert_craig&id=3202495|work=[[ESPN]]|date=January 18, 2008|access-date=August 20, 2008}}</ref> Although Wannstedt had been recruiting well since the beginning of his tenure at Pitt some of that 2008 recruiting power has been attributed to the Panthers' season finale win over West Virginia.<ref name=compoundinterest/><ref name=unexpected>{{cite news |last=Farrell|first=Mike|title=Pitt gaining commitments it hadn't been expecting|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/recruiting/football/atlantic/2008-01-25-atlantic.htm|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=January 27, 2008|access-date=August 20, 2008}}</ref> The highlights of the class are projected to be WR Jon Baldwin, RB Chris Burns, OT Lucas Nix, LB Shayne Hale, and athlete Cameron Saddler.<ref name=espn-recruiting/><ref name=unexpected/>


{{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=yes|collapse=yes|year=2008}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=yes|collapse=yes|year=2008}}
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===Spring practices===
===Spring practices===
Throughout spring practices the [[American football#Defense|defense]] dominated the [[American football#Offense|offense]], but in the annual Blue-Gold Game on April 19 at Heinz Field, the offense got the better of the defense, winning 60-25 under a modified scoring system that favored the offense.<ref name=kdka-spring>{{cite news|url=http://kdka.com/local/Pitt.Blue.Gold.2.704204.html|title=Offense Dominates In Pitt Spring Game|work=[[KDKA-TV|KDKA.com]]|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]|publisher=[[CBS Broadcasting]]|date=April 20, 2008|accessdate=August 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421165211/http://kdka.com/local/Pitt.Blue.Gold.2.704204.html|archive-date=April 21, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=USAToday-teamreport>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/bigeast/pitt.htm|title=Pittsburgh: Team Report|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|accessdate=August 20, 2008}}</ref> The rising stars of the spring practices were [[defensive tackle]] Mick Williams, [[wide receiver]] Cedric McGee, and newly converted [[tight end]] [[Dorin Dickerson]], who all earned the Ed Conway Award given to Pitt's most improved players at spring practices. Other important spring performances included [[Bill Stull]], who re-established himself as the team's top [[quarterback]], and John Malecki, a two-time [[Letterman (sports)|letterman]] on defense at [[nose tackle]] who earned a starting spot on the offensive line at [[Guard (American football)|guard]].<ref name=USAToday-teamreport/> The Blue-Gold Game was simulcast live locally in Pittsburgh on [[WPCW]] and nationally on the [[NFL Network]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/041008aaa.html|title=Pitt Spring Game to Air on NFL Network, Pittsburgh's CW|date=April 10, 2008|publisher=PittsburghPanthers.com|accessdate=May 2, 2010}}</ref>
Throughout spring practices the [[American football#Defense|defense]] dominated the [[American football#Offense|offense]], but in the annual Blue-Gold Game on April 19 at Heinz Field, the offense got the better of the defense, winning 60-25 under a modified scoring system that favored the offense.<ref name=kdka-spring>{{cite news|url=http://kdka.com/local/Pitt.Blue.Gold.2.704204.html|title=Offense Dominates In Pitt Spring Game|work=[[KDKA-TV|KDKA.com]]|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]|publisher=[[CBS Broadcasting]]|date=April 20, 2008|access-date=August 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421165211/http://kdka.com/local/Pitt.Blue.Gold.2.704204.html|archive-date=April 21, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=USAToday-teamreport>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/bigeast/pitt.htm|title=Pittsburgh: Team Report|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|access-date=August 20, 2008}}</ref> The rising stars of the spring practices were [[defensive tackle]] Mick Williams, [[wide receiver]] Cedric McGee, and newly converted [[tight end]] [[Dorin Dickerson]], who all earned the Ed Conway Award given to Pitt's most improved players at spring practices. Other important spring performances included [[Bill Stull]], who re-established himself as the team's top [[quarterback]], and John Malecki, a two-time [[Letterman (sports)|letterman]] on defense at [[nose tackle]] who earned a starting spot on the offensive line at [[Guard (American football)|guard]].<ref name=USAToday-teamreport/> The Blue-Gold Game was simulcast live locally in Pittsburgh on [[WPCW]] and nationally on the [[NFL Network]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/041008aaa.html|title=Pitt Spring Game to Air on NFL Network, Pittsburgh's CW|date=April 10, 2008|publisher=PittsburghPanthers.com|access-date=May 2, 2010}}</ref>


===Award watchlists===
===Award watchlists===
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{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
{{col-3}}
'''[[Walter Camp Award]]:'''<ref>{{cite press release|title=Walter Camp Football Foundation Announces 2008 Player of the Year Watch List|publisher=Walter Camp Football Foundation, Inc|date=August 18, 2008|url=http://waltercamp.org/index.php/news/walter_camp_football_foundation_announces_2008_player_of_the_year_watch_lis/|accessdate=August 20, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920105330/http://waltercamp.org/index.php/news/walter_camp_football_foundation_announces_2008_player_of_the_year_watch_lis/|archivedate=September 20, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
'''[[Walter Camp Award]]:'''<ref>{{cite press release|title=Walter Camp Football Foundation Announces 2008 Player of the Year Watch List|publisher=Walter Camp Football Foundation, Inc|date=August 18, 2008|url=http://waltercamp.org/index.php/news/walter_camp_football_foundation_announces_2008_player_of_the_year_watch_lis/|access-date=August 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920105330/http://waltercamp.org/index.php/news/walter_camp_football_foundation_announces_2008_player_of_the_year_watch_lis/|archive-date=September 20, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
** LeSean McCoy, RB, Sophomore
** LeSean McCoy, RB, Sophomore
** Scott McKillop, LB, Senior
** Scott McKillop, LB, Senior
'''[[Outland Trophy]]:'''<ref>{{cite press release | title=2008 Outland Trophy Watch List Announced|publisher=Football Writers Association of America|date=April 18, 2008|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/news/2008/outland080418.html|accessdate=August 20, 2008}}</ref>
'''[[Outland Trophy]]:'''<ref>{{cite press release | title=2008 Outland Trophy Watch List Announced|publisher=Football Writers Association of America|date=April 18, 2008|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/news/2008/outland080418.html|access-date=August 20, 2008}}</ref>
** Gus Mustakas, DT, Senior
** Gus Mustakas, DT, Senior
'''[[John Mackey Award]]:'''<ref>{{cite press release |title=2008 John Mackey Award Watch List Release|publisher=Nassau County Sports Commission|date=July 31, 2008|url=http://www.nassausports.org/mackey/2008%20John%20Mackey%20Award%20Watch%20List.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=August 20, 2008}}</ref>
'''[[John Mackey Award]]:'''<ref>{{cite press release |title=2008 John Mackey Award Watch List Release|publisher=Nassau County Sports Commission|date=July 31, 2008|url=http://www.nassausports.org/mackey/2008%20John%20Mackey%20Award%20Watch%20List.pdf|format=PDF|access-date=August 20, 2008}}</ref>
**Nate Byham, Junior
**Nate Byham, Junior
{{col-3}}
{{col-3}}
'''[[Bronko Nagurski Trophy]]:'''<ref>{{cite press release|title=2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List Announced |publisher=The Touchdown Club |date=May 12, 2008 |url=http://www.touchdownclub.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=show_page&page_id=5 |accessdate=August 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205010320/http://www.touchdownclub.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=show_page&page_id=5 |archivedate=December 5, 2008 }}</ref>
'''[[Bronko Nagurski Trophy]]:'''<ref>{{cite press release|title=2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List Announced |publisher=The Touchdown Club |date=May 12, 2008 |url=http://www.touchdownclub.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=show_page&page_id=5 |access-date=August 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205010320/http://www.touchdownclub.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=show_page&page_id=5 |archive-date=December 5, 2008 }}</ref>
**Scott McKillop, LB, Senior
**Scott McKillop, LB, Senior
'''[[Lombardi Award]]:'''<ref>{{cite press release|title=The Rotary Lombardi Award Website: 2008 Contenders |publisher=Rotary Lombardi Award |url=http://www.rotarylombardiaward.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=95&Itemid=56 |accessdate=August 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071002153544/http://www.rotarylombardiaward.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=95&Itemid=56 |archivedate=October 2, 2007 }}</ref>
'''[[Lombardi Award]]:'''<ref>{{cite press release|title=The Rotary Lombardi Award Website: 2008 Contenders |publisher=Rotary Lombardi Award |url=http://www.rotarylombardiaward.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=95&Itemid=56 |access-date=August 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071002153544/http://www.rotarylombardiaward.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=95&Itemid=56 |archive-date=October 2, 2007 }}</ref>
**Scott McKillop, LB, Senior
**Scott McKillop, LB, Senior
'''[[Dick Butkus Award]]:'''<ref>{{cite press release |title=The Butkus Award 2008 Collegiate Watchlist|publisher=The Butkus Award|url=http://www.thebutkusaward.com/watchlist/view.aspx?t=c|accessdate=August 20, 2008}}</ref>
'''[[Dick Butkus Award]]:'''<ref>{{cite press release |title=The Butkus Award 2008 Collegiate Watchlist|publisher=The Butkus Award|url=http://www.thebutkusaward.com/watchlist/view.aspx?t=c|access-date=August 20, 2008}}</ref>
**Scott McKillop, LB, Senior
**Scott McKillop, LB, Senior
{{col-3}}
{{col-3}}
'''[[Maxwell Award]]:'''<ref name=maxwellfootballclub>{{cite press release |title=College Player Watch List|publisher=Maxwell Football Club|url=http://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/content/awards/watch_list_full.htm|accessdate=August 20, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828171839/http://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/content/awards/watch_list_full.htm|archivedate=August 28, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
'''[[Maxwell Award]]:'''<ref name=maxwellfootballclub>{{cite press release |title=College Player Watch List|publisher=Maxwell Football Club|url=http://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/content/awards/watch_list_full.htm|access-date=August 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828171839/http://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/content/awards/watch_list_full.htm|archive-date=August 28, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
** Derek Kinder, WR, Senior
** Derek Kinder, WR, Senior
** LeSean McCoy, RB, Sophomore
** LeSean McCoy, RB, Sophomore
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<span style="font-family:monospace;">14</span> Greg Cross &ndash; ''Jr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">14</span> Greg Cross &ndash; ''Jr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">16</span> [[Tino Sunseri]] &ndash; ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Current Redshirt]] Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">16</span> [[Tino Sunseri]] &ndash; ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Current Redshirt]] Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">19</span> [[Pat Bostick]] &ndash; ''So'' <ref name="bostick-plays">{{cite news |last=Zeise|first=Paul|authorlink=Paul Zeise|title=Pitt Notebook: Decision to play Bostick in final minutes questioned|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08293/921175-233.stm|date=October 19, 2008|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|location=[[Annapolis, Maryland|Annapolis]]|accessdate=October 21, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022054427/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08293/921175-233.stm|archivedate=October 22, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">19</span> [[Pat Bostick]] &ndash; ''So'' <ref name="bostick-plays">{{cite news |last=Zeise|first=Paul|author-link=Paul Zeise|title=Pitt Notebook: Decision to play Bostick in final minutes questioned|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08293/921175-233.stm|date=October 19, 2008|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|location=[[Annapolis, Maryland|Annapolis]]|access-date=October 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022054427/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08293/921175-233.stm|archive-date=October 22, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


'''Tailbacks:'''<br>
'''Tailbacks:'''<br>
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<span style="font-family:monospace;">&nbsp;1</span> [[Cedric McGee]] &ndash; ''RS Jr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">&nbsp;1</span> [[Cedric McGee]] &ndash; ''RS Jr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">&nbsp;3</span> Aaron Smith &ndash; ''RS Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">&nbsp;3</span> Aaron Smith &ndash; ''RS Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">&nbsp;5</span> [[File:Injury icon.svg|10px|Injured]] Cameron Saddler &ndash; ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Current Redshirt]] Fr'' <ref>{{cite news |first=Paul|last=Zeise|authorlink=Paul Zeise|title=Pitt receiver Cameron Saddler out for season with injury | url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08227/904311-100.stm|date=August 14, 2008|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|accessdate=October 16, 2008}}</ref><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">&nbsp;5</span> [[File:Injury icon.svg|10px|Injured]] Cameron Saddler &ndash; ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Current Redshirt]] Fr'' <ref>{{cite news |first=Paul|last=Zeise|author-link=Paul Zeise|title=Pitt receiver Cameron Saddler out for season with injury | url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08227/904311-100.stm|date=August 14, 2008|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|access-date=October 16, 2008}}</ref><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">&nbsp;9</span> Tamarcus "T.J." Porter &ndash; ''Jr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">&nbsp;9</span> Tamarcus "T.J." Porter &ndash; ''Jr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">10</span> Aundre Wright &ndash; ''RS Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">10</span> Aundre Wright &ndash; ''RS Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">81</span> [[Derek Kinder]] &ndash; ''RS Sr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">81</span> [[Derek Kinder]] &ndash; ''RS Sr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">82</span> [[Jon Baldwin]] &ndash; ''Fr''<ref name="three-freshman">{{cite news |last=Zeise|first=Paul|authorlink=Paul Zeise|title=Wannstedt's recruiting efforts ready to pay off|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08242/907920-13.stm|date=August 29, 2008|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|accessdate=October 7, 2008}}</ref><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">82</span> [[Jon Baldwin]] &ndash; ''Fr''<ref name="three-freshman">{{cite news |last=Zeise|first=Paul|author-link=Paul Zeise|title=Wannstedt's recruiting efforts ready to pay off|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08242/907920-13.stm|date=August 29, 2008|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|access-date=October 7, 2008}}</ref><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">85</span> Francis Johns &ndash; ''RS So''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">85</span> Francis Johns &ndash; ''RS So''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">85</span> Samson Horne &ndash; ''RS So''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">85</span> Samson Horne &ndash; ''RS So''<br>
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| style="font-size: 95%;" |
| style="font-size: 95%;" |


'''Offensive Line:'''<ref>{{cite news |last=Zeise|first=Paul|authorlink=Paul Zeise|title=Panthers have several options in trying to build offensive line|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08220/902495-233.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=August 7, 2008|accessdate=August 7, 2008}}</ref><br>
'''Offensive Line:'''<ref>{{cite news |last=Zeise|first=Paul|author-link=Paul Zeise|title=Panthers have several options in trying to build offensive line|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08220/902495-233.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=August 7, 2008|access-date=August 7, 2008}}</ref><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">52</span> [[Lucas Nix]] '''G''' &ndash; ''Fr'' <ref name="three-freshman"/><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">52</span> [[Lucas Nix]] '''G''' &ndash; ''Fr'' <ref name="three-freshman"/><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">53</span> Alex Karabin '''C''' &ndash; ''RS So''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">53</span> Alex Karabin '''C''' &ndash; ''RS So''<br>
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<span style="font-family:monospace;">62</span> John Bachman '''G''' &ndash; ''RS Jr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">62</span> John Bachman '''G''' &ndash; ''RS Jr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">63</span> Wayne Jones '''G/C''' &ndash; ''RS Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">63</span> Wayne Jones '''G/C''' &ndash; ''RS Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">64</span> [[File:Injury icon.svg|10px|Injured]] Robb Houser '''C''' &ndash; ''Jr'' <ref name=line-changes>{{cite news |last=Zeise|first=Paul|authorlink=Paul Zeise|title=Pitt Football: Changes expected in lineup|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08302/923397-233.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=October 28, 2008|accessdate=October 28, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031073158/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08302/923397-233.stm|archivedate=October 31, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">64</span> [[File:Injury icon.svg|10px|Injured]] Robb Houser '''C''' &ndash; ''Jr'' <ref name=line-changes>{{cite news |last=Zeise|first=Paul|author-link=Paul Zeise|title=Pitt Football: Changes expected in lineup|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08302/923397-233.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=October 28, 2008|access-date=October 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031073158/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08302/923397-233.stm|archive-date=October 31, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">66</span> Scott Corson '''G''' &ndash; ''RS So''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">66</span> Scott Corson '''G''' &ndash; ''RS So''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">67</span> Dan Matha '''T'''&ndash; ''RS Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">67</span> Dan Matha '''T'''&ndash; ''RS Fr''<br>
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| style="font-size: 95%;" |
| style="font-size: 95%;" |


'''Linebackers:'''<ref>{{cite news |last=Zeise|first=Paul|authorlink=Paul Zeise|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08260/912477-233.stm|title=Pitt's undersized line takes on powerful Hawkeyes|date=September 16, 2008|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|accessdate=September 17, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918134514/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08260/912477-233.stm|archivedate=September 18, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br>
'''Linebackers:'''<ref>{{cite news |last=Zeise|first=Paul|author-link=Paul Zeise|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08260/912477-233.stm|title=Pitt's undersized line takes on powerful Hawkeyes|date=September 16, 2008|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|access-date=September 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918134514/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08260/912477-233.stm|archive-date=September 18, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">&nbsp;6</span> Steve Dell '''MLB''' &ndash; ''RS Jr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">&nbsp;6</span> Steve Dell '''MLB''' &ndash; ''RS Jr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">&nbsp;8</span> [[File:Injury icon.svg|10px|Injured]] Adam Gunn '''OLB''' &ndash; ''RS Sr'' <ref>{{cite news|last=Gorman|first=Kevin|title=Gunn undergoes neck surgery|url=http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/sittingringside/show_comments.php?entry_id=3210|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]]|date=September 15, 2008|accessdate=October 16, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924201730/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/sittingringside/show_comments.php?entry_id=3210|archivedate=September 24, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">&nbsp;8</span> [[File:Injury icon.svg|10px|Injured]] Adam Gunn '''OLB''' &ndash; ''RS Sr'' <ref>{{cite news|last=Gorman|first=Kevin|title=Gunn undergoes neck surgery|url=http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/sittingringside/show_comments.php?entry_id=3210|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]]|date=September 15, 2008|access-date=October 16, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924201730/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/sittingringside/show_comments.php?entry_id=3210|archive-date=September 24, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">15</span> [[File:Injury icon.svg|10px|Injured]] Shane Murray '''OLB''' &ndash; ''RS Jr'' <ref>{{cite news |title=Pitt LB Murray done for year due to knee surgery|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3645593 |agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]|work=[[ESPN]]|location=[[Pittsburgh]]|date=October 15, 2008|accessdate=March 11, 2009}}</ref><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">15</span> [[File:Injury icon.svg|10px|Injured]] Shane Murray '''OLB''' &ndash; ''RS Jr'' <ref>{{cite news |title=Pitt LB Murray done for year due to knee surgery|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3645593 |agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]|work=[[ESPN]]|location=[[Pittsburgh]]|date=October 15, 2008|access-date=March 11, 2009}}</ref><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">16</span> Brian Kaiser '''OLB''' &ndash; ''RS Jr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">16</span> Brian Kaiser '''OLB''' &ndash; ''RS Jr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">32</span> Tristan Roberts '''OLB''' &ndash; ''RS Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">32</span> Tristan Roberts '''OLB''' &ndash; ''RS Fr''<br>
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<span style="font-family:monospace;">20</span> Irvan Brown '''FS''' &ndash; ''RS Jr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">20</span> Irvan Brown '''FS''' &ndash; ''RS Jr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">21</span> Buddy Jackson '''CB''' &ndash; ''RS Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">21</span> Buddy Jackson '''CB''' &ndash; ''RS Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">22</span> Antwuan Reed '''CB''' &ndash; ''Fr''<ref>{{cite news |last=Zeise|first=Paul|authorlink=Paul Zeise|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08281/917982-233.stm|title=Pitt Football Notebook: Winning has a way with recruits|date=October 7, 2008|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|accessdate=October 7, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007205115/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08281/917982-233.stm| archivedate= October 7, 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">22</span> Antwuan Reed '''CB''' &ndash; ''Fr''<ref>{{cite news |last=Zeise|first=Paul|author-link=Paul Zeise|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08281/917982-233.stm|title=Pitt Football Notebook: Winning has a way with recruits|date=October 7, 2008|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|access-date=October 7, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007205115/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08281/917982-233.stm| archive-date= October 7, 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref><br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">23</span> Ronald Hobby '''CB''' &ndash; ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Current Redshirt]] Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">23</span> Ronald Hobby '''CB''' &ndash; ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Current Redshirt]] Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">26</span> Ricky Gary '''CB''' &ndash; ''RS So''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">26</span> Ricky Gary '''CB''' &ndash; ''RS So''<br>
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<span style="font-family:monospace;">47</span> Kevin Harper &ndash; ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Current Redshirt]] Fr''<br>
<span style="font-family:monospace;">47</span> Kevin Harper &ndash; ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Current Redshirt]] Fr''<br>
|-
|-
| colspan=9 |'''Classes Key:'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pittsburgh.rivals.com/croster.asp?Team=PITTSBURGH&Sort=3|title=Football Roster: Pittsburgh Panthers|work=[[Rivals.com]]|date=August 4, 2008|accessdate=August 7, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407233001/http://pittsburgh.rivals.com/croster.asp?Team=PITTSBURGH&Sort=3|archive-date=April 7, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><br>
| colspan=9 |'''Classes Key:'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pittsburgh.rivals.com/croster.asp?Team=PITTSBURGH&Sort=3|title=Football Roster: Pittsburgh Panthers|work=[[Rivals.com]]|date=August 4, 2008|access-date=August 7, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407233001/http://pittsburgh.rivals.com/croster.asp?Team=PITTSBURGH&Sort=3|archive-date=April 7, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><br>
[[First year|''Fr'']] &ndash; Freshman; first year player.<br>
[[First year|''Fr'']] &ndash; Freshman; first year player.<br>
[[College sophomore|''So'']] &ndash; Sophomore; second year player.<br>
[[College sophomore|''So'']] &ndash; Sophomore; second year player.<br>
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==Rankings==
==Rankings==
{{see also|2008 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings}}
{{see also|2008 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings}}
Pitt began the season ranked at #25 in the [[AP Poll]]. It was the Panthers first appearance in any major polling service since 2005 and first preseason ranking since 2003.<ref name="all-3-local-ranked">{{cite news |last=Fittipaldo|first=Ray|title=WVU, Penn State, Pitt ranked in AP poll|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08229/904917-100.stm|date=August 16, 2008|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|accessdate=October 22, 2008}}</ref>
Pitt began the season ranked at #25 in the [[AP Poll]]. It was the Panthers first appearance in any major polling service since 2005 and first preseason ranking since 2003.<ref name="all-3-local-ranked">{{cite news |last=Fittipaldo|first=Ray|title=WVU, Penn State, Pitt ranked in AP poll|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08229/904917-100.stm|date=August 16, 2008|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|access-date=October 22, 2008}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="white-space:nowrap;"
{| class="wikitable" style="white-space:nowrap;"
|+ Ranking Movement<br><small>'''Legend:''' <span style="color:#D8FFEB;">██</span> Improvement in ranking. <span style="color:#FFE6E6;">██</span> Decrease in ranking. <span style="color:#FFFFE6;">██</span> Not ranked the previous week.</small><small> rv=Others receiving votes.</small><!-- | т | Tied with team above or below also with this symbol -->
|+ Ranking Movement<br><small>'''Legend:''' <span style="color:#D8FFEB;">██</span> Improvement in ranking. <span style="color:#FFE6E6;">██</span> Decrease in ranking. <span style="color:#FFFFE6;">██</span> Not ranked the previous week.</small><small> rv=Others receiving votes.</small><!-- | т | Tied with team above or below also with this symbol -->
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}}
}}
{{see also|2008 Bowling Green Falcons football team}}
{{see also|2008 Bowling Green Falcons football team}}
The Panthers entered the season in the preseason rankings for the first time since 2005,<ref name="all-3-local-ranked"/> but their stay didn't last long as they were upset at home by the [[Bowling Green Falcons football|Falcons]]. The Panthers, who outgained the Falcons 393-254 on the day, jumped out to an early 14-0 lead in the first half as they outgained Bowling Green 137-6 in the first quarter.<ref name="Sheehan-keeps-cool">{{cite news |title=Bowling Green QB keeps cool head to usher in triumph over Pitt|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282430221|date=August 30, 2008|work=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]|publisher=[[ESPN]]|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|accessdate=November 14, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012232354/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282430221|archivedate=October 12, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> After falling behind early the Falcons rallied and took advantage of four costly Pitt turnovers. The Falcons keyed on Panther tailback LeSean McCoy, who fumbled once and was held to 71 yards on 23 carries.<ref name="Sheehan-keeps-cool"/> The Panthers defense was repeatedly befuddled by some of the odd formations that the Falcons used on offense, such utilizing an imbalanced offensive line or lining up a wide receiver at the quarterback position.<ref name="Sheehan-keeps-cool"/> However, the following year, defensive coordinator Phil Bennett praised head coach Dave Wannstedt for the way he handled the defeat, saying, "I told many people this: I've seen a lot of head coaches where the whole thing would have toppled after a game like that. I thought the way he handled it &ndash; his demeanor not just with the players but with the coaches &ndash; was phenomenal."<ref>{{cite news |first=Joe |last=Starkey |title=Starkey: Pitt's record? 9-4 |url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_641312.html |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]] |date=September 3, 2009 |accessdate=September 4, 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906161640/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_641312.html |archivedate=September 6, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ([http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/game-01.html Game report])
The Panthers entered the season in the preseason rankings for the first time since 2005,<ref name="all-3-local-ranked"/> but their stay didn't last long as they were upset at home by the [[Bowling Green Falcons football|Falcons]]. The Panthers, who outgained the Falcons 393-254 on the day, jumped out to an early 14-0 lead in the first half as they outgained Bowling Green 137-6 in the first quarter.<ref name="Sheehan-keeps-cool">{{cite news |title=Bowling Green QB keeps cool head to usher in triumph over Pitt|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282430221|date=August 30, 2008|work=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]|publisher=[[ESPN]]|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|access-date=November 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012232354/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282430221|archive-date=October 12, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> After falling behind early the Falcons rallied and took advantage of four costly Pitt turnovers. The Falcons keyed on Panther tailback LeSean McCoy, who fumbled once and was held to 71 yards on 23 carries.<ref name="Sheehan-keeps-cool"/> The Panthers defense was repeatedly befuddled by some of the odd formations that the Falcons used on offense, such utilizing an imbalanced offensive line or lining up a wide receiver at the quarterback position.<ref name="Sheehan-keeps-cool"/> However, the following year, defensive coordinator Phil Bennett praised head coach Dave Wannstedt for the way he handled the defeat, saying, "I told many people this: I've seen a lot of head coaches where the whole thing would have toppled after a game like that. I thought the way he handled it &ndash; his demeanor not just with the players but with the coaches &ndash; was phenomenal."<ref>{{cite news |first=Joe |last=Starkey |title=Starkey: Pitt's record? 9-4 |url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_641312.html |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]] |date=September 3, 2009 |access-date=September 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906161640/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_641312.html |archive-date=September 6, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ([http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/game-01.html Game report])
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


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}}
}}
{{see also|2008 Buffalo Bulls football team}}
{{see also|2008 Buffalo Bulls football team}}
The Panthers, facing a [[Mid-American Conference|MAC]] foe for the second straight game, withstood an early charge by the [[Buffalo Bulls football|Bulls]], taking the lead in the 2nd quarter and holding off Buffalo every time they made a move.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mike|last=Jafari|title=Bulls Fall to Pitt 27-16|url=http://www.wgr550.com/Bulls-Fall-to-Pitt-27-16/2920171|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|work=[[WGR]]|date=September 6, 2008|accessdate=November 14, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203184442/http://wgr550.com/Bulls-Fall-to-Pitt-27-16/2920171|archivedate=December 3, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> LeSean McCoy scored all three touchdowns for the Panthers, scoring on runs of three, one, and two yards.<ref>{{cite news | title=Pittsburgh uses second-half run to topple Buffalo|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282500221|date=September 6, 2008|work=[[ESPN.com]]|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]|publisher=[[ESPN]]|accessdate=November 14, 2008}}</ref> ([http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/game-02.html Game report]){{Clear}}
The Panthers, facing a [[Mid-American Conference|MAC]] foe for the second straight game, withstood an early charge by the [[Buffalo Bulls football|Bulls]], taking the lead in the 2nd quarter and holding off Buffalo every time they made a move.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mike|last=Jafari|title=Bulls Fall to Pitt 27-16|url=http://www.wgr550.com/Bulls-Fall-to-Pitt-27-16/2920171|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|work=[[WGR]]|date=September 6, 2008|access-date=November 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203184442/http://wgr550.com/Bulls-Fall-to-Pitt-27-16/2920171|archive-date=December 3, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> LeSean McCoy scored all three touchdowns for the Panthers, scoring on runs of three, one, and two yards.<ref>{{cite news | title=Pittsburgh uses second-half run to topple Buffalo|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282500221|date=September 6, 2008|work=[[ESPN.com]]|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=November 14, 2008}}</ref> ([http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/game-02.html Game report]){{Clear}}


===Iowa===
===Iowa===
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}}
}}
{{see also|2008 Iowa Hawkeyes football team}}
{{see also|2008 Iowa Hawkeyes football team}}
Pitt went into the Iowa game looking to make a positive statement for themselves against a quality program as well as wipe away some of the stigma attached to themselves due to their earlier loss to Bowling Green.<ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Zeise |authorlink=Paul Zeise |title=Pitt Football: Panthers want to make statement against Iowa |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08264/913649-233.stm |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |date=September 20, 2008 |accessdate=January 5, 2009}}</ref> The game was billed as a showdown of two top running backs, Pitt's LeSean McCoy and Iowa's [[Shonn Greene]].<ref name="si-iowa-recap"/> [[Pittsburgh Panthers men's basketball|Pitt men's basketball]] coach [[Jamie Dixon]] provided a motivational speech for the football team two days before the game against the Hawkeyes in which he described a potential win over Iowa as a "program-building" victory that could help put the Panthers back onto the national radar, propelling them to new heights of success.<ref name="si-iowa-recap">{{cite news |title=Pitt's McCoy punctuates triumph vs. Iowa with 27-yard run |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282640221 |agency=[[Associated Press|AP]] |work=[[ESPN]] |location=[[Pittsburgh]], [[Pennsylvania]] |date=September 20, 2008 |accessdate=January 5, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Iowa-big-lift">{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Zeise |authorlink=Paul Zeise |title=McCoy's cutback, 27-yard TD run gives Panthers' program big lift |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08265/913915-13.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=September 21, 2008|accessdate=January 5, 2009}}</ref> The Panthers jumped out to an early 14&ndash;3 lead when two Pitt quarterbacks, Bill Stull and Gregg Cross, each ran a called draw in for a touchdown in the first half.<ref name="si-iowa-recap"/> Greg Cross, an athletic, change-of-pace, junior college transfer quarterback, made his Panthers debut, scoring a touchdown on a 17-yard scramble in his first play as a Panther.<ref name="iowa-gambles"/> The Panthers offense struggled greatly after taking the lead in the second quarter.<ref name="Iowa-inconsistent"/> However, Pitt's defensive line dominated Iowa's offensive line in the fourth quarter as the well-conditioned yet undersized Panthers outlasted the Hawkeyes.<ref name="Iowa-big-lift"/><ref name="Iowa-stronger">{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Zeise |authorlink=Paul Zeise|title=Panthers come up stronger in the end|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08266/914018-233.stm |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=September 22, 2008|accessdate=January 5, 2009}}</ref> The Panthers' depth on the defensive line also played a role as they were able to rotate nine defensive linemen throughout the game.<ref name="Iowa-stronger"/> Coach Wannstedt and his staff were noticeably more aggressive in their play-calling; all three Panthers touchdowns resulted from an offensive drive that included a fourth-down conversion.<ref name="iowa-gambles">{{cite news |first=Paul|last=Zeise|authorlink=Paul Zeise |title=Gambles pay off for Pitt |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08265/913999-233.stm |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=September 21, 2008|accessdate=January 5, 2009}}</ref> Although the victory was a big one for the team, the offense still showed great inconsistency and need for improvement.<ref name="Iowa-inconsistent">{{cite news |first=Paul|last=Zeise|authorlink=Paul Zeise|title=Pitt Football: Inconsistent offense still a concern|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08267/914305-13.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=September 23, 2008|accessdate=January 5, 2009}}</ref> Punter Dave Brytus and linkbacker Scott McKillop were named the Big East Player of the Week for special teams and defense, respectively, following their performances against Iowa.<ref name="Iowa-POW">{{cite news |first=Colin|last=Dunlap|title=McKillop, Brytus get Big East awards|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08266/914184-100.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=September 22, 2008|accessdate=January 5, 2009}}</ref> Brytus punted eight times for an average of 47.8 yards, including a longest of sixty yards, one touchback, and one downed inside the twenty. McKillop, who broke his nose on a tackle of Shonn Greene when his nose was crushed by his own facemask,<ref>{{cite news |first=Joe |last=Starkey |title=McKillop leaves giant imprint |url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/mostread/s_604752.html |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]] |date=December 28, 2008 |accessdate=January 5, 2009 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> finished with ten tackles, including six solo tackles, two and a half tackles for a loss of nine yards, and one sack. ([http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/game-03.html Game report]){{Clear}}
Pitt went into the Iowa game looking to make a positive statement for themselves against a quality program as well as wipe away some of the stigma attached to themselves due to their earlier loss to Bowling Green.<ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Zeise |author-link=Paul Zeise |title=Pitt Football: Panthers want to make statement against Iowa |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08264/913649-233.stm |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |date=September 20, 2008 |access-date=January 5, 2009}}</ref> The game was billed as a showdown of two top running backs, Pitt's LeSean McCoy and Iowa's [[Shonn Greene]].<ref name="si-iowa-recap"/> [[Pittsburgh Panthers men's basketball|Pitt men's basketball]] coach [[Jamie Dixon]] provided a motivational speech for the football team two days before the game against the Hawkeyes in which he described a potential win over Iowa as a "program-building" victory that could help put the Panthers back onto the national radar, propelling them to new heights of success.<ref name="si-iowa-recap">{{cite news |title=Pitt's McCoy punctuates triumph vs. Iowa with 27-yard run |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282640221 |agency=[[Associated Press|AP]] |work=[[ESPN]] |location=[[Pittsburgh]], [[Pennsylvania]] |date=September 20, 2008 |access-date=January 5, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Iowa-big-lift">{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Zeise |author-link=Paul Zeise |title=McCoy's cutback, 27-yard TD run gives Panthers' program big lift |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08265/913915-13.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=September 21, 2008|access-date=January 5, 2009}}</ref> The Panthers jumped out to an early 14&ndash;3 lead when two Pitt quarterbacks, Bill Stull and Gregg Cross, each ran a called draw in for a touchdown in the first half.<ref name="si-iowa-recap"/> Greg Cross, an athletic, change-of-pace, junior college transfer quarterback, made his Panthers debut, scoring a touchdown on a 17-yard scramble in his first play as a Panther.<ref name="iowa-gambles"/> The Panthers offense struggled greatly after taking the lead in the second quarter.<ref name="Iowa-inconsistent"/> However, Pitt's defensive line dominated Iowa's offensive line in the fourth quarter as the well-conditioned yet undersized Panthers outlasted the Hawkeyes.<ref name="Iowa-big-lift"/><ref name="Iowa-stronger">{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Zeise |author-link=Paul Zeise|title=Panthers come up stronger in the end|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08266/914018-233.stm |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=September 22, 2008|access-date=January 5, 2009}}</ref> The Panthers' depth on the defensive line also played a role as they were able to rotate nine defensive linemen throughout the game.<ref name="Iowa-stronger"/> Coach Wannstedt and his staff were noticeably more aggressive in their play-calling; all three Panthers touchdowns resulted from an offensive drive that included a fourth-down conversion.<ref name="iowa-gambles">{{cite news |first=Paul|last=Zeise|author-link=Paul Zeise |title=Gambles pay off for Pitt |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08265/913999-233.stm |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=September 21, 2008|access-date=January 5, 2009}}</ref> Although the victory was a big one for the team, the offense still showed great inconsistency and need for improvement.<ref name="Iowa-inconsistent">{{cite news |first=Paul|last=Zeise|author-link=Paul Zeise|title=Pitt Football: Inconsistent offense still a concern|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08267/914305-13.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=September 23, 2008|access-date=January 5, 2009}}</ref> Punter Dave Brytus and linkbacker Scott McKillop were named the Big East Player of the Week for special teams and defense, respectively, following their performances against Iowa.<ref name="Iowa-POW">{{cite news |first=Colin|last=Dunlap|title=McKillop, Brytus get Big East awards|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08266/914184-100.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=September 22, 2008|access-date=January 5, 2009}}</ref> Brytus punted eight times for an average of 47.8 yards, including a longest of sixty yards, one touchback, and one downed inside the twenty. McKillop, who broke his nose on a tackle of Shonn Greene when his nose was crushed by his own facemask,<ref>{{cite news |first=Joe |last=Starkey |title=McKillop leaves giant imprint |url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/mostread/s_604752.html |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]] |date=December 28, 2008 |access-date=January 5, 2009 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> finished with ten tackles, including six solo tackles, two and a half tackles for a loss of nine yards, and one sack. ([http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/game-03.html Game report]){{Clear}}


===Syracuse===
===Syracuse===
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}}
}}
{{see also|2008 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team}}
{{see also|2008 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team}}
The Panthers came away with a 36-33, four-overtime victory after falling behind [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish football|Notre Dame]] by two touchdowns, 17-3, at halftime.<ref>{{cite news | title=Panthers Top Fighting Irish in 4 Overtime Thriller | url=http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110108aaa.html | work=PittsburghPanthers.com | location=[[South Bend, Indiana|South Bend]], [[Indiana]] | agency=[[Associated Press|AP]] | publisher=[[CBS College Sports]] | date=November 1, 2008 | accessdate=7 November 2008}}</ref> Conor Lee made the game-winning field goal, one of four overtime fields goals, during his perfect, 5-for-5 day to help lead the Panthers. His five field goals and 18 points are both Pitt records for a kicker; he also extended his school record of consecutive extra points without a miss to 100.<ref name=criticism-incentive/> LeSean McCoy lead the way on offense with 32 rushing attempts for 169 yards, his 5th straight 100-yard game, and one touchdown as he surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the season; he also had two catches for 23 yards. The Panthers fell behind in the first half when Notre Dame controlled the clock and took advantage of poor play by Pitt on offense. Quarterbacks [[Kevan Smith (baseball)|Kevan Smith]] and Pat Bostick, who were playing in place of the injured started Bill Stull, who suffered a concussion in the previous game, were ineffective in the first half, and the running game couldn't get going as McCoy had only 5 yards on 3 carries. In total, the offense only had 71 yards and five first downs in the entire first half.<ref name=Bostick-proves-winner>{{cite news | last=Zeise | first=Paul | authorlink=Paul Zeise | title=Pitt Football: Bostick proves he's a winner; Beating Irish his third upset | url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08308/924948-233.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|location=[[Notre Dame, Indiana|Notre Dame]], [[Indiana]]|date=November 3, 2008|accessdate=November 7, 2008| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081206124744/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08308/924948-233.stm| archivedate= December 6, 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref> The offense got back on track in the 2nd half as the Panthers scored 10 straight points to tie the game at 17. The Panthers first possession of the 3rd quarter went eight plays and 71 yards, including a converted fourth-and-one pass that Oderick Turner turned into a 37-yard gain. The Panthers next touchdown came on a 15-play, 70-yard drive that used 8:28 of time during the end of the 3rd and beginning of the 4th quarters. Pat Bostick, although he was intercepted three times in the game, persevered and stepped up his play in the second half, leading the Panthers on three critical scoring drives.<ref name=Bostick-proves-winner/> After the game Bostick, speaking of his own performance, said, ""I came out and made some mistakes out there, forced a couple of things, made a couple of plays. We made enough plays to win though and this was a total team win... But the bottom line is we are here to win a football game and when you throw picks, it is not about you, you can't say 'Woe is me.' It is all about, 'What do I have to do on the next drive to take this team down the field to win the game?'"<ref name=Bostick-proves-winner/> The Panthers defense, led again by linebacker Scott McKillop with 15 tackles, played significantly better than in the week before, allowing only one big play versus the Irish's offense, a 47-yard pass from [[Jimmy Clausen]] to [[Golden Tate III|Golden Tate]].<ref name=criticism-incentive>{{cite news |last=Zeise|first=Paul|authorlink=Paul Zeise|title=Pitt Notebook: Week of criticism good incentive|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08307/924850-233.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|location=[[Notre Dame, Indiana|Notre Dame]], [[Indiana]]|date=November 2, 2008|accessdate=November 7, 2008}}</ref> They also held Notre Dame to only 146 yards in the second half and all four overtimes,<ref name=criticism-incentive/> including just seven yards on three three-and-out possessions in the third quarter.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rothstein|first=Michael|title=Irish search for ways to close out foes|url=http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081107/SPORTS0302/811070334|location=[[South Bend, Indiana|South Bend]], [[Indiana]]|newspaper=[[The Journal Gazette]]|date=November 7, 2008|accessdate=November 7, 2008}}</ref> ([http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/game-08.html Game report])
The Panthers came away with a 36-33, four-overtime victory after falling behind [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish football|Notre Dame]] by two touchdowns, 17-3, at halftime.<ref>{{cite news | title=Panthers Top Fighting Irish in 4 Overtime Thriller | url=http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110108aaa.html | work=PittsburghPanthers.com | location=[[South Bend, Indiana|South Bend]], [[Indiana]] | agency=[[Associated Press|AP]] | publisher=[[CBS College Sports]] | date=November 1, 2008 | access-date=7 November 2008}}</ref> Conor Lee made the game-winning field goal, one of four overtime fields goals, during his perfect, 5-for-5 day to help lead the Panthers. His five field goals and 18 points are both Pitt records for a kicker; he also extended his school record of consecutive extra points without a miss to 100.<ref name=criticism-incentive/> LeSean McCoy lead the way on offense with 32 rushing attempts for 169 yards, his 5th straight 100-yard game, and one touchdown as he surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the season; he also had two catches for 23 yards. The Panthers fell behind in the first half when Notre Dame controlled the clock and took advantage of poor play by Pitt on offense. Quarterbacks [[Kevan Smith (baseball)|Kevan Smith]] and Pat Bostick, who were playing in place of the injured started Bill Stull, who suffered a concussion in the previous game, were ineffective in the first half, and the running game couldn't get going as McCoy had only 5 yards on 3 carries. In total, the offense only had 71 yards and five first downs in the entire first half.<ref name=Bostick-proves-winner>{{cite news | last=Zeise | first=Paul | author-link=Paul Zeise | title=Pitt Football: Bostick proves he's a winner; Beating Irish his third upset | url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08308/924948-233.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|location=[[Notre Dame, Indiana|Notre Dame]], [[Indiana]]|date=November 3, 2008|access-date=November 7, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081206124744/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08308/924948-233.stm| archive-date= December 6, 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref> The offense got back on track in the 2nd half as the Panthers scored 10 straight points to tie the game at 17. The Panthers first possession of the 3rd quarter went eight plays and 71 yards, including a converted fourth-and-one pass that Oderick Turner turned into a 37-yard gain. The Panthers next touchdown came on a 15-play, 70-yard drive that used 8:28 of time during the end of the 3rd and beginning of the 4th quarters. Pat Bostick, although he was intercepted three times in the game, persevered and stepped up his play in the second half, leading the Panthers on three critical scoring drives.<ref name=Bostick-proves-winner/> After the game Bostick, speaking of his own performance, said, ""I came out and made some mistakes out there, forced a couple of things, made a couple of plays. We made enough plays to win though and this was a total team win... But the bottom line is we are here to win a football game and when you throw picks, it is not about you, you can't say 'Woe is me.' It is all about, 'What do I have to do on the next drive to take this team down the field to win the game?'"<ref name=Bostick-proves-winner/> The Panthers defense, led again by linebacker Scott McKillop with 15 tackles, played significantly better than in the week before, allowing only one big play versus the Irish's offense, a 47-yard pass from [[Jimmy Clausen]] to [[Golden Tate III|Golden Tate]].<ref name=criticism-incentive>{{cite news |last=Zeise|first=Paul|author-link=Paul Zeise|title=Pitt Notebook: Week of criticism good incentive|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08307/924850-233.stm|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|location=[[Notre Dame, Indiana|Notre Dame]], [[Indiana]]|date=November 2, 2008|access-date=November 7, 2008}}</ref> They also held Notre Dame to only 146 yards in the second half and all four overtimes,<ref name=criticism-incentive/> including just seven yards on three three-and-out possessions in the third quarter.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rothstein|first=Michael|title=Irish search for ways to close out foes|url=http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081107/SPORTS0302/811070334|location=[[South Bend, Indiana|South Bend]], [[Indiana]]|newspaper=[[The Journal Gazette]]|date=November 7, 2008|access-date=November 7, 2008}}</ref> ([http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/game-08.html Game report])
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


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==Award winners==
==Award winners==
*[[Aaron Berry]] &ndash; Second team All-Big East<ref name="big-east-team">{{cite web |url=http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121008aaa.html|title=Scott McKillop Named Big East Defensive Player of the Year|publisher=[[University of Pittsburgh]]|date=December 10, 2008|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|accessdate=December 13, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216042735/http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121008aaa.html|archivedate=December 16, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>
*[[Aaron Berry]] &ndash; Second team All-Big East<ref name="big-east-team">{{cite web |url=http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121008aaa.html|title=Scott McKillop Named Big East Defensive Player of the Year|publisher=[[University of Pittsburgh]]|date=December 10, 2008|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|access-date=December 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216042735/http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121008aaa.html|archive-date=December 16, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>
*[[Nate Byham]] &ndash; First team All-Big East<ref name="big-east-team"/>
*[[Nate Byham]] &ndash; First team All-Big East<ref name="big-east-team"/>
*[[C. J. Davis]] &ndash; First team All-Big East<ref name="big-east-team"/>
*[[C. J. Davis]] &ndash; First team All-Big East<ref name="big-east-team"/>
*Connor Lee &ndash; First team All-Big East,<ref name="big-east-team"/> Big East football Scholar-Athlete of the Year<ref>{{cite news|first=Kevin|last=Gorman|title=Pitt's Lee wins scholar-athlete award|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_610490.html|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]]|date=February 6, 2009|accessdate=February 9, 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907190904/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_610490.html|archive-date=September 7, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
*Connor Lee &ndash; First team All-Big East,<ref name="big-east-team"/> Big East football Scholar-Athlete of the Year<ref>{{cite news|first=Kevin|last=Gorman|title=Pitt's Lee wins scholar-athlete award|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_610490.html|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]]|date=February 6, 2009|access-date=February 9, 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907190904/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_610490.html|archive-date=September 7, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
*[[LeSean McCoy]] &ndash; First team All-Big East<ref name="big-east-team"/>
*[[LeSean McCoy]] &ndash; First team All-Big East<ref name="big-east-team"/>
*[[Scott McKillop]] &ndash; [[2008 College Football All-America Team|First team All-American]],<ref name="mckillop-all-american">{{cite web |url=http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121308aaa.html|title=Scott McKillop Continues Pitt's All-America Tradition|publisher=[[University of Pittsburgh]]|date=December 13, 2008|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|accessdate=December 13, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216042740/http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121308aaa.html|archivedate=December 16, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> Big East Defensive Player of the Year,<ref name="big-east-team"/> first team All-Big East<ref name="big-east-team"/>
*[[Scott McKillop]] &ndash; [[2008 College Football All-America Team|First team All-American]],<ref name="mckillop-all-american">{{cite web |url=http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121308aaa.html|title=Scott McKillop Continues Pitt's All-America Tradition|publisher=[[University of Pittsburgh]]|date=December 13, 2008|location=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]|access-date=December 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216042740/http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121308aaa.html|archive-date=December 16, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> Big East Defensive Player of the Year,<ref name="big-east-team"/> first team All-Big East<ref name="big-east-team"/>
*[[Greg Romeus]] &ndash; Second team All-Big East<ref name="big-east-team"/>
*[[Greg Romeus]] &ndash; Second team All-Big East<ref name="big-east-team"/>


Revision as of 00:35, 3 January 2021

2008 Pittsburgh Panthers football
Sun Bowl, L 0–3 vs. Oregon State
ConferenceBig East Conference
Record9–4 (5–2 Big East)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorMatt Cavanaugh (4th season)
Offensive schemePro-style
Defensive coordinatorPhil Bennett (1st season)
Base defense4–3
Home stadiumHeinz Field
(Capacity: 65,050)
Seasons
← 2007
2009 →
2008 Big East Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
No. 17 Cincinnati $   6 – 1     11 – 3  
Pittsburgh   5 – 2     9 – 4  
No. 23 West Virginia   5 – 2     9 – 4  
Rutgers   5 – 2     8 – 5  
Connecticut   3 – 4     8 – 5  
South Florida   2 – 5     8 – 5  
Louisville   1 – 6     5 – 7  
Syracuse   1 – 6     3 – 9  
  • $ – BCS representative as conference champion
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2008 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The season was the fourth under head coach Dave Wannstedt. The 2008 season marked the team's eighth at Heinz Field and the program's 119th season.

The Panthers started the 2008 season with new defensive coordinator Phil Bennett. Ranked in the top 25 for the second time under Wannstedt's leadership, Pitt suffered an early and surprising setback in the opening game against Bowling Green. Pitt rebounded to defeat Buffalo and then Iowa by a score of 21–20. The winning continued when the Panthers upset undefeated and tenth ranked South Florida in a game nationally televised by ESPN. A win at Navy preceded a home upset to Rutgers, Pitt's fourth consecutive loss to the Scarlet Knights. However, Pitt rebounded the following week at Notre Dame with a 36-33 four-overtime victory over the Irish, the longest game ever for both Notre Dame and Pittsburgh. After a 41–7 rout of visiting Louisville, the Panthers improved to 7–2, were bowl-bound for the first time under Wannstedt, and were in contention for a Big East Championship and a BCS bowl bid. However, a loss at Cincinnati in the River City Rivalry eliminated the Panthers from championship contention. Pitt rallied to defeat archrival West Virginia 19-15 on the Friday after Thanksgiving in a nationally televised game on ABC for its second consecutive win in the Backyard Brawl. The following week the Panthers won at UConn to improve to 9-3 and clinched a bid to the Sun Bowl, the first bowl bid under Wannstedt. Pitt lost 3-0 to Oregon State, a team that had previously defeated USC. It was the first time Pitt was held scoreless in twelve years.

Previous season

The Panthers finished with a disappointing 5-7 record in the 2007 season. Rarely though does a losing record leave fans filled with satisfaction and optimism, but that was the case in 2007. It was the third season under the direction of Head Coach Dave Wannstedt. It was also the third consecutive season without a postseason bowl game. The Panthers schedule included six home games and six road games. The schedule was generally viewed as unappealing, lacking any marquee matchups at home.[1][2] The Panthers appeared on national television on a Wednesday night, October 10, with a 48-45 2OT loss to Navy that ended when Pitt failed to convert on a two-point conversion.[3] For Homecoming 2007 Pitt hosted #23 Cincinnati, defeating the Bearcats 24-17.[4] The final game of the season on December 1 saw the Panthers visit #2 West Virginia. In this game, the 100th edition of the Backyard Brawl, the Panthers defeated the Mountaineers, 13-9, to gain their first road victory of the season and, more importantly, eliminate West Virginia from the National Championship race in one of the most memorable games of the entire 2007 college football season.[5][6][7][8]

Preseason

Recruits

Head Coach Dave Wannstedt signed the top recruiting class in the Big East, his 3rd consecutive top-25 recruiting class, to kick off the 2008 football year.[9] Although Wannstedt had been recruiting well since the beginning of his tenure at Pitt some of that 2008 recruiting power has been attributed to the Panthers' season finale win over West Virginia.[8][10] The highlights of the class are projected to be WR Jon Baldwin, RB Chris Burns, OT Lucas Nix, LB Shayne Hale, and athlete Cameron Saddler.[9][10]

College recruiting information (2008)
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40‡ Commit date
Johnathan Baldwin
WR 		Aliquippa, PA Aliquippa SHS 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 233 lb (106 kg) 4.40 Dec 10, 2007 
Star ratings: Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:5/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 83
Chris Burns
RB 		New Wilmington, PA Wilmnington Area HS 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 4.44 Apr 2, 2007 
Star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 81
Greg Cross
QB 		Fort Scott, KS Fort Scott CC 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 4.55 Dec 9, 2007 
Star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: n/a
Mike Cruz
TE 		Johnstown, PA Bishop McCort HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 245 lb (111 kg) 4.85 Jan 4, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Shayne Hale
LB 		Monroeville, PA Gateway SHS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 235 lb (107 kg) 4.6 Jan 5, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 81
Kevin Harper
K 		Mentor, OH Mentor HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) n/a Oct 29, 2007 
Star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 40
Ronald Hobby
WR 		Brandywine, MD Gwynn Park HS 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 4.45 Jul 27, 2007 
Star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 67
Jarred Holley
DB 		Easton, PA Easton Area HS 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 4.50 Jan 16, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 65
Robb Houser
OL 		Oroville, CA Butte College 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 285 lb (129 kg) n/a Dec 15, 2007 
Star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: n/a
Lucas Nix
OL 		Clairton, PA Thomas Jefferson HS 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 295 lb (134 kg) 5.5 Jun 22, 2007 
Star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 81
Antwuan Reed
DB 		Johnstown, PA Greater Johnstown SHS 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 4.40 Nov 26, 2006 
Star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 74
Cameron Saddler
RB 		Monroeville, PA Gateway SHS 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) 160 lb (73 kg) 4.40 Dec 5, 2007 
Star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Mike Shanahan
WR 		North Huntingdon Township, PA Norwin SHS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 4.65 Dec 9, 2007 
Star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
Tino Sunseri
QB 		Pittsburgh, PA Central Catholic HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 4.60 Dec 10, 2007 
Star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 80
Andrew Taglianetti
ATH 		Pittsburgh, PA Central Catholic HS 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 4.50 Jan 28, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 40
Joe Trebitz
LB 		Boca Raton, FL West Boca Raton HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 4.75 Jan 14, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 72
Ryan Turnley
OL 		Aliquippa, PA Hopewell SHS 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 300 lb (140 kg) n/a Jun 24, 2007 
Star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Justin Virbitsky
TE 		Jermyn, PA Lakeland JSHS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 250 lb (110 kg) 5.0 Jan 13, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
Manny Williams
LB 		Clairton, PA Clairton HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 4.55 Jun 18, 2007 
Star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 25   Rivals: 28
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Scout.com Football Recruiting: Pittsburgh". Scout.com.
  • "RecruitTracker 2008: Pittsburgh". ESPN.com.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com.
  • "2008 Team Ranking". Rivals.com.

Spring practices

Throughout spring practices the defense dominated the offense, but in the annual Blue-Gold Game on April 19 at Heinz Field, the offense got the better of the defense, winning 60-25 under a modified scoring system that favored the offense.[11][12] The rising stars of the spring practices were defensive tackle Mick Williams, wide receiver Cedric McGee, and newly converted tight end Dorin Dickerson, who all earned the Ed Conway Award given to Pitt's most improved players at spring practices. Other important spring performances included Bill Stull, who re-established himself as the team's top quarterback, and John Malecki, a two-time letterman on defense at nose tackle who earned a starting spot on the offensive line at guard.[12] The Blue-Gold Game was simulcast live locally in Pittsburgh on WPCW and nationally on the NFL Network.[13]

Award watchlists

Several players on the Panthers have been nominated to various award preseason watchlists.

Roster

2008 Pittsburgh Panthers Roster

Quarterbacks:
 4 Andrew Janocko – RS Fr
11 Bill Stull – RS Jr
12 Kevan Smith – RS Jr
14 Greg Cross – Jr
16 Tino Sunseri – Current Redshirt Fr
19 Pat Bostick – So [21]

Tailbacks:
24 Kevin Collier – RS So
25 LeSean McCoy – So
29 Chris Burns – Current Redshirt Fr
34 LaRod Stephens-Howling – Sr
43 Shariff Harris – RS Fr

Fullbacks:
 6 Chris Bova – RS Jr
27 Henry Hynoski – RS Fr
30 Conredge Collins – Sr

Wide Receivers:
 1 Cedric McGee – RS Jr
 3 Aaron Smith – RS Fr
 5 Injured Cameron Saddler – Current Redshirt Fr [22]
 9 Tamarcus "T.J." Porter – Jr
10 Aundre Wright – RS Fr
81 Derek Kinder – RS Sr
82 Jon Baldwin – Fr[23]
85 Francis Johns – RS So
85 Samson Horne – RS So
87 Mike Shanahan – Current Redshirt Fr
88 Oderick Turner – RS Jr

Tight Ends:
 2 Dorin Dickerson – Jr
80 Nate Byham – Jr
83 John Pelusi – RS Jr
85 Mike Cruz – Current Redshirt Fr
92 Justin Virbitsky – Current Redshirt Fr

 

Offensive Line:[24]
52 Lucas Nix G – Fr [23]
53 Alex Karabin C – RS So
54 Chris Jacobson G – RS Fr
55 C. J. Davis G/C – Sr[25]
56 Joe Thomas T – Jr
59 Mark Estermyer LS – RS Sr
60 Greg Gaskins T – RS Fr
62 John Bachman G – RS Jr
63 Wayne Jones G/C – RS Fr
64 Injured Robb Houser C – Jr [25]
66 Scott Corson G – RS So
67 Dan Matha T– RS Fr
68 Jordan Gibbs T – RS Fr
69 Jared Martin C – RS So
70 Dominic Williams G – RS Sr
71 John Fieger G – RS Fr
72 Chase Clowser T – RS Sr
74 John Malecki G – Jr
75 Ryan Turnley T – Current Redshirt Fr
76 Frank Kochin T – RS Sr
77 Jason Pinkston T – RS So
78 Josh Novotny – RS Jr

Defensive Line:
45 Tyler Tkach DE – RS So
48 Doug Fulmer DE – RS Jr
50 Rashaad Duncan DT – Sr
51 Tommie Duhart DT – Jr
57 Craig Bokor DT – RS Jr
90 Tony Jaye Tucker Jr. DE – RS Fr
91 Greg Romeus DE – RS So
93 Gus Mustakas DT – RS Jr
94 Myles Caragein DT – RS Fr
95 Mick Williams DT – RS Jr
95 Justin Hargrove DE – RS Fr
97 Jabaal Sheard DE – So
98 Chas Alecxih DT – RS Fr

 

Linebackers:[26]
 6 Steve Dell MLB – RS Jr
 8 Injured Adam Gunn OLB – RS Sr [27]
15 Injured Shane Murray OLB – RS Jr [28]
16 Brian Kaiser OLB – RS Jr
32 Tristan Roberts OLB – RS Fr
35 Brandon Lindsey MLB – RS Fr
38 Greg Williams OLB – RS Fr
40 Scott McKillop MLB – RS Sr
41 Manny Williams – Current Redshirt Fr
44 Nate Nix OLB – RS So
46 Shayne Hale – Current Redshirt Fr
49 Max Gruder OLB – RS Fr
53 Joe Trebitz – Current Redshirt Fr
86 Austin Ransom OLB – RS Sr

Defensive Backs:
 4 Elijah Fields SS – RS So
 5 Scott Shrake – Sr
 7 Jovani Chappel CB – Jr
11 Dan Cafaro – RS Jr
17 Aaron Berry CB – Jr
20 Irvan Brown FS – RS Jr
21 Buddy Jackson CB – RS Fr
22 Antwuan Reed CB – Fr[29]
23 Ronald Hobby CB – Current Redshirt Fr
26 Ricky Gary CB – RS So
28 Eric Thatcher FS – RS Sr
31 Dom DeCicco SS – So
36 Michael Toerper S – RS Jr
36 Andrew Taglianetti – Fr [23]
39 Jarred Holley CB – Current Redshirt Fr

Punters:
18 Dave Brytus – RS Sr

Kickers:
24 Luke Briggs – RS So
27 Cody Sawhill – Sr
31 Dan Hutchins – RS So
37 Conor Lee – RS Sr
47 Kevin Harper – Current Redshirt Fr

Classes Key:[30]

Fr – Freshman; first year player.
So – Sophomore; second year player.
Jr – Junior; third year player.
Sr – Senior; fourth year player.
RS – Previously used a redshirt season.
Current Redshirt – Redshirted during the 2008 season.

University of Pittsburgh Official Athletic Site: 2008 Roster

Rankings

See also: 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings

Pitt began the season ranked at #25 in the AP Poll. It was the Panthers first appearance in any major polling service since 2005 and first preseason ranking since 2003.[31]

Ranking Movement
Legend: ██ Improvement in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking. ██ Not ranked the previous week. rv=Others receiving votes.
Poll Pre Wk 1 Wk 2 Wk 3 Wk 4 Wk 5 Wk 6 Wk 7 Wk 8 Wk 9 Wk 10 Wk 11 Wk 12 Wk 13 Wk 14 Wk 15 Final
AP 25 -- -- -- -- -- 24 23 17 rv 25 21 20 rv 23 18 rv
Coaches rv -- -- -- -- -- rv rv 20 rv rv 21 19 rv 23 21 rv
Harris Not releasedA -- rv 25 18 rv rv 21 19 25 23 19 n/a
BCS Not releasedB 17 -- -- 21 20 25 23 20 n/a
Notes
  • A The first Harris Interactive Poll is released after the fifth week of games, and the final Harris Interactive Poll is released prior to bowl season at the conclusion of the regular season.
  • B The first BCS Ranking is released after the eighth week of games, and the final ranking is released prior to bowl season at the conclusion of the regular season. Only the rankings for the top 25 teams are released.

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
August 3012:00 p.m.Bowling Green*No. 25
ESPNUL 17–2745,063
September 66:00 p.m.Buffalo*
  • Heinz Field
  • Pittsburgh, PA
ESPN GamePlanW 26–1742,494
September 2012:00 p.m.Iowa*
  • Heinz Field
  • Pittsburgh, PA
ESPN2W 21–2050,321
September 2712:00 p.m.at Syracuse
ESPN+W 34–2427,549
October 27:30 p.m.at No. 10 South Florida
ESPNW 26–2150,307
October 183:30 p.m.at Navy*No. 23
CBSCSW 42–2137,970
October 253:30 p.m.RutgersdaggerNo. 17
  • Heinz Field
  • Pittsburgh, PA
ESPN360L 34–5451,161
November 12:30 p.m.at Notre Dame*
NBCW 36–33 4OT80,795
November 812:00 p.m.LouisvilleNo. 25
  • Heinz Field
  • Pittsburgh, PA
ESPN+W 41–744,055
November 227:15 p.m.at No. 19 CincinnatiNo. 20
ESPN2L 21–2835,098
November 2812:00 p.m.West Virginia
ABCW 19–1563,019
December 612:00 p.m.at ConnecticutNo. 23
ESPNW 34–1039,535[32]
December 312:00 p.m.vs. No. 24 Oregon State*No. 18
CBSL 0–349,037
  • *Non-conference game
  • daggerHomecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Eastern time

Game summaries

Bowling Green

1 2 3 4 Total
Falcons 0 14 6 7 27
No. 25 Panthers 7 10 0 0 17
See also: 2008 Bowling Green Falcons football team

The Panthers entered the season in the preseason rankings for the first time since 2005,[31] but their stay didn't last long as they were upset at home by the Falcons. The Panthers, who outgained the Falcons 393-254 on the day, jumped out to an early 14-0 lead in the first half as they outgained Bowling Green 137-6 in the first quarter.[33] After falling behind early the Falcons rallied and took advantage of four costly Pitt turnovers. The Falcons keyed on Panther tailback LeSean McCoy, who fumbled once and was held to 71 yards on 23 carries.[33] The Panthers defense was repeatedly befuddled by some of the odd formations that the Falcons used on offense, such utilizing an imbalanced offensive line or lining up a wide receiver at the quarterback position.[33] However, the following year, defensive coordinator Phil Bennett praised head coach Dave Wannstedt for the way he handled the defeat, saying, "I told many people this: I've seen a lot of head coaches where the whole thing would have toppled after a game like that. I thought the way he handled it – his demeanor not just with the players but with the coaches – was phenomenal."[34] (Game report)

Buffalo

1 2 3 4 Total
Bulls 6 3 7 0 16
Panthers 0 10 7 10 27
See also: 2008 Buffalo Bulls football team

The Panthers, facing a MAC foe for the second straight game, withstood an early charge by the Bulls, taking the lead in the 2nd quarter and holding off Buffalo every time they made a move.[35] LeSean McCoy scored all three touchdowns for the Panthers, scoring on runs of three, one, and two yards.[36] (Game report)

Iowa

1 2 3 4 Total
Hawkeyes 3 7 7 3 20
Panthers 7 7 0 7 21
See also: 2008 Iowa Hawkeyes football team

Pitt went into the Iowa game looking to make a positive statement for themselves against a quality program as well as wipe away some of the stigma attached to themselves due to their earlier loss to Bowling Green.[37] The game was billed as a showdown of two top running backs, Pitt's LeSean McCoy and Iowa's Shonn Greene.[38] Pitt men's basketball coach Jamie Dixon provided a motivational speech for the football team two days before the game against the Hawkeyes in which he described a potential win over Iowa as a "program-building" victory that could help put the Panthers back onto the national radar, propelling them to new heights of success.[38][39] The Panthers jumped out to an early 14–3 lead when two Pitt quarterbacks, Bill Stull and Gregg Cross, each ran a called draw in for a touchdown in the first half.[38] Greg Cross, an athletic, change-of-pace, junior college transfer quarterback, made his Panthers debut, scoring a touchdown on a 17-yard scramble in his first play as a Panther.[40] The Panthers offense struggled greatly after taking the lead in the second quarter.[41] However, Pitt's defensive line dominated Iowa's offensive line in the fourth quarter as the well-conditioned yet undersized Panthers outlasted the Hawkeyes.[39][42] The Panthers' depth on the defensive line also played a role as they were able to rotate nine defensive linemen throughout the game.[42] Coach Wannstedt and his staff were noticeably more aggressive in their play-calling; all three Panthers touchdowns resulted from an offensive drive that included a fourth-down conversion.[40] Although the victory was a big one for the team, the offense still showed great inconsistency and need for improvement.[41] Punter Dave Brytus and linkbacker Scott McKillop were named the Big East Player of the Week for special teams and defense, respectively, following their performances against Iowa.[43] Brytus punted eight times for an average of 47.8 yards, including a longest of sixty yards, one touchback, and one downed inside the twenty. McKillop, who broke his nose on a tackle of Shonn Greene when his nose was crushed by his own facemask,[44] finished with ten tackles, including six solo tackles, two and a half tackles for a loss of nine yards, and one sack. (Game report)

Syracuse

1 2 3 4 Total
Panthers 3 10 3 18 34
Orange 14 3 7 0 24
See also: 2008 Syracuse Orange football team

(Game report)

USF

1 2 3 4 Total
Panthers 7 10 0 9 26
No. 10 Bulls 7 0 7 7 21
See also: 2008 USF Bulls football team

(Game report)

1 2 3 4 Total
No. 23 Panthers 21 14 0 7 42
Midshipmen 7 7 0 7 21
See also: 2008 Navy Midshipmen football team

(Game report)

Rutgers

1 2 3 4 Total
Scarlet Knights 14 20 14 6 54
No. 17 Panthers 7 17 7 3 34
See also: 2008 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team

(Game report)

Notre Dame

1 2 3 4OT2OT3OT4OT Total
Panthers 3 0 7 143333 36
Fighting Irish 3 14 0 73330 33
See also: 2008 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team

The Panthers came away with a 36-33, four-overtime victory after falling behind Notre Dame by two touchdowns, 17-3, at halftime.[45] Conor Lee made the game-winning field goal, one of four overtime fields goals, during his perfect, 5-for-5 day to help lead the Panthers. His five field goals and 18 points are both Pitt records for a kicker; he also extended his school record of consecutive extra points without a miss to 100.[46] LeSean McCoy lead the way on offense with 32 rushing attempts for 169 yards, his 5th straight 100-yard game, and one touchdown as he surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the season; he also had two catches for 23 yards. The Panthers fell behind in the first half when Notre Dame controlled the clock and took advantage of poor play by Pitt on offense. Quarterbacks Kevan Smith and Pat Bostick, who were playing in place of the injured started Bill Stull, who suffered a concussion in the previous game, were ineffective in the first half, and the running game couldn't get going as McCoy had only 5 yards on 3 carries. In total, the offense only had 71 yards and five first downs in the entire first half.[47] The offense got back on track in the 2nd half as the Panthers scored 10 straight points to tie the game at 17. The Panthers first possession of the 3rd quarter went eight plays and 71 yards, including a converted fourth-and-one pass that Oderick Turner turned into a 37-yard gain. The Panthers next touchdown came on a 15-play, 70-yard drive that used 8:28 of time during the end of the 3rd and beginning of the 4th quarters. Pat Bostick, although he was intercepted three times in the game, persevered and stepped up his play in the second half, leading the Panthers on three critical scoring drives.[47] After the game Bostick, speaking of his own performance, said, ""I came out and made some mistakes out there, forced a couple of things, made a couple of plays. We made enough plays to win though and this was a total team win... But the bottom line is we are here to win a football game and when you throw picks, it is not about you, you can't say 'Woe is me.' It is all about, 'What do I have to do on the next drive to take this team down the field to win the game?'"[47] The Panthers defense, led again by linebacker Scott McKillop with 15 tackles, played significantly better than in the week before, allowing only one big play versus the Irish's offense, a 47-yard pass from Jimmy Clausen to Golden Tate.[46] They also held Notre Dame to only 146 yards in the second half and all four overtimes,[46] including just seven yards on three three-and-out possessions in the third quarter.[48] (Game report)

Louisville

1 2 3 4 Total
Cardinals 0 0 7 0 7
Panthers 10 7 3 21 41
See also: 2008 Louisville Cardinals football team

(Game report)

Cincinnati

1 2 3 4 Total
No. 20 Panthers 7 0 0 14 21
No. 19 Bearcats 0 14 7 7 28
See also: 2008 Cincinnati Bearcats football team and River City Rivalry

(Game report)

West Virginia

1 2 3 4 Total
Mountaineers 0 3 9 3 15
No. 25 Panthers 7 0 0 12 19
See also: 2008 West Virginia Mountaineers football team and Backyard Brawl

(Game report)

Connecticut

1 2 3 4 Total
No. 23 Panthers 0 3 24 7 34
Huskies 0 3 7 0 10
See also: 2008 Connecticut Huskies football team

(Game report)

Oregon State (2008 Sun Bowl)

1 2 3 4 Total
Beavers 0 3 0 0 3
No. 20 Panthers 0 0 0 0 0
Main article: 2008 Sun Bowl
See also: 2008 Oregon State Beavers football team

(Game report)

Coaching staff

2008 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff
Coaching Staff   Support Staff
  • Chris LaSala – Assistant Athletic Director/Football Operations
  • Mike Antonoplos – Assistant Director of Football Operations
  • Bob Junko – Director of Football Operations and Program Enhancement
  • Scott Turner – Offensive Graduate Assistant
  • Greg Williams – Defensive Graduate Assistant
   Strength and Conditioning Staff
  • Buddy Morris – Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • James Smith – Assistant Coach of Physical Preparation

Team players drafted into the NFL

Player Position Round Pick NFL Club
LeSean McCoy Running Back 2 53 Philadelphia Eagles
Scott McKillop Linebacker 5 146 San Francisco 49ers
LaRod Stephens-Howling Running Back 7 240 Arizona Cardinals
Derek Kinder Wide Receiver 7 251 Chicago Bears

[49]

Statistics

Regular season totals [1]

Team

Pitt Opp
Scoring 352 276
Points/game 29.3 23.0
Total offense 4274 3850
Yards/game 356.2 320.8
Rushing attempts - yards 455 - 1719 421 - 1534
Passing attempts - yards 353 - 2555 353 - 2316
Fumbles - lost 21 - 12 17 - 7
Penalties - yards 55 - 425 66 - 576
Time of possession/game 31:32 28:28
3rd down conversions 61/166 (37%) 61/170 (36%)
4th down conversions 13/18 (72%) 7/18 (39%)
Touchdowns, total 42 35
Touchdowns, rushing 29 14
Touchdowns, passing 10 19
Touchdowns, other 3 0
Punts - yards/punt 53 - 39.5 62 - 40.0
Field goals/attempts 20/23 12/18
PAT/attempts 38/38 30/34

Scores by quarter

1 2 3 4OT Total
Pitt 79 88 51 12212 352
Opponents 54 88 78 479 276

Individual

Rushing

Minimum five attempts or one touchdown

Name GP Att Yds Avg TD Long Yds/game
McCoy 12 284 1403 4.9 21 58 116.9
Stephens-Howling 12 70 283 4.0 5 27 23.6
Collins 12 21 85 4.0 0 25 7.1
Wright 12 5 34 6.8 1 20 2.8
Harris 12 12 21 1.8 0 4 1.8
Cross 2 4 15 3.8 1 17 7.5
Bostick 5 5 -27 -5.4 0 1 -5.4
Stull 11 32 -122 -3.8 1 11 -11.1
TOTAL 12 455 1719 3.8 29 58 143.2
OPPONENTS 12 421 1534 3.6 14 57 127.8

Passing

Name GP Rating Comp Att Int % Yds TD Long Yds/game
Stull 11 126.22 181 306 9 59.2 2304 9 64 209.5
Bostick 5 91.77 20 38 4 52.6 233 1 37 46.6
Smith 1 44.53 65 3 0 33.3 4 0 4 4.0
McCoy 12 108.80 1 2 0 50.0 14 0 14 1.2
Janocko 12 0.00 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0
Brytus 12 100.00 1 1 0 100.0 0 0 0 0.0
TOTAL 12 120.57 204 353 13 57.8 2555 10 64 212.9
OPPONENTS 12 119.90 194 353 14 55.0 2316 19 79 193.0

Receiving

Name GP Catches Yds Avg TD Long Yds/game
Kinder 12 35 410 11.7 3 61 34.2
McCoy 12 31 299 9.6 0 34 24.9
Porter 12 24 352 14.7 0 64 29.3
McGee 12 22 190 8.6 0 17 15.8
Turner 12 21 298 14.2 1 38 24.8
Baldwin 12 18 404 22.4 3 60 33.7
Byham 12 18 250 13.9 1 34 20.8
Dickerson 12 11 137 12.5 2 41 11.4
Stephens-Howling 12 10 101 10.1 0 16 8.4
Collins 12 9 77 8.6 0 18 6.4
Pelusi 12 5 37 7.4 0 15 3.1
TOTAL 12 204 2555 12.5 10 64 212.9
OPPONENTS 12 194 2316 11.9 19 79 193.0

Award winners

References

  1. ^ Anderson, Shelley (February 15, 2007). "Merits of Pitt's football slate open to debate". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved August 14, 2008.
  2. ^ "Pitt Football 2007: The schedule". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. August 29, 2007. Retrieved August 14, 2008.
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  4. ^ "McCoy rushes for 137 yards as Pitt tops Cincinnati". ESPN.com. Pittsburgh: ESPN. AP. October 20, 2007. Retrieved August 14, 2008.
  5. ^ Dinich, Heather (January 14, 2008). "Stanford's stunner at USC the most memorable game of 2007". ESPN. Retrieved August 14, 2008.
  6. ^ Mandel, Stewart (December 18, 2007). "A wild season". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 14, 2008.
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  8. ^ a b Smizik, Bob (January 20, 2008). "Pitt collects compound interest". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  9. ^ a b Haubert, Craig (January 18, 2008). "Class of 2008 Big East recruiting overview". ESPN. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  10. ^ a b Farrell, Mike (January 27, 2008). "Pitt gaining commitments it hadn't been expecting". USA Today. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  11. ^ "Offense Dominates In Pitt Spring Game". KDKA.com. Pittsburgh: CBS Broadcasting. AP. April 20, 2008. Archived from the original on April 21, 2008. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  12. ^ a b "Pittsburgh: Team Report". USA Today. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  13. ^ "Pitt Spring Game to Air on NFL Network, Pittsburgh's CW". PittsburghPanthers.com. April 10, 2008. Retrieved May 2, 2010.
  14. ^ "Walter Camp Football Foundation Announces 2008 Player of the Year Watch List" (Press release). Walter Camp Football Foundation, Inc. August 18, 2008. Archived from the original on September 20, 2008. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  15. ^ "2008 Outland Trophy Watch List Announced" (Press release). Football Writers Association of America. April 18, 2008. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  16. ^ "2008 John Mackey Award Watch List Release" (PDF) (Press release). Nassau County Sports Commission. July 31, 2008. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  17. ^ "2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List Announced" (Press release). The Touchdown Club. May 12, 2008. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  18. ^ "The Rotary Lombardi Award Website: 2008 Contenders" (Press release). Rotary Lombardi Award. Archived from the original on October 2, 2007. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  19. ^ "The Butkus Award 2008 Collegiate Watchlist" (Press release). The Butkus Award. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  20. ^ a b "College Player Watch List" (Press release). Maxwell Football Club. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  21. ^ Zeise, Paul (October 19, 2008). "Pitt Notebook: Decision to play Bostick in final minutes questioned". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Annapolis. Archived from the original on October 22, 2008. Retrieved October 21, 2008.
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