2008 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

NCAATeamSeason
Year = 2008
Prev year = 2007
Next year =
Team = Pittsburgh Panthers
Mode = football


ImageSize = 150px
Conference = Big East Conference
ShortConference = Big East
Division =
CoachRank =
APRank = 24
BCSRank =
TSNRank = 26
Record = 4-1
ConfRecord = 2-0
HeadCoach = Dave Wannstedt
OffCoach = Matt Cavanaugh
DefCoach = Phil Bennett
OScheme =
DScheme =
StadiumArena = Heinz Field
Champion =
BowlTourney =
BowlTourneyResult =

The 2008 Pittsburgh Panthers football team will represent the University of Pittsburgh in the 2008 college football season. The season will be the fourth under head coach Dave Wannstedt, who is looking to achieve his first winning season with the Panthers. The 2008 season will mark the team's eighth at Heinz Field and the University's 120th season.

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. [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 | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date=2007-02-15 | accessdate=2008-08-14] [cite news | title=Pitt Football 2007: The schedule | url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07241/812804-233.stm | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date=2007-08-29 | accessdate=2008-08-14] 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. [cite news | title=Wannstedt’s gamble fails as Pitt falls to Navy | url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/21231694/site/21683474/ | work=NBC Sports | publisher=Associated Press | date=2007-10-11 | accessdate=2008-08-14] For Homecoming 2007 Pitt hosted #23 Cincinnati, defeating the Bearcats 24-17. [cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272930221 | title=McCoy rushes for 137 yards as Pitt tops Cincinnati | work=ESPN | publisher=Associated Press | date=2007-10-20 | accessdate=2008-08-14] 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. [cite web | 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=2008-01-14 | accessdate=2008-08-14] [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=2007-12-18 | accessdate=2008-08-14] [cite news | last=Gorman | first=Kevin | title=Pitt proves doubters wrong | url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/search/s_540835.html | work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review | date=2007-12-03 | accessdate=2008-08-14] 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 | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date=2008-01-20 | accessdate=2008-08-20]

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.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=2008-01-18 | accessdate=2008-08-20] 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.cite news | last=Farrell | first=Mike | title=Pitt gaining commitments it hadn't been expecting | url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/recruiting/football/atlantic/2008-01-25-atlantic.htm | work=USA Today | date=2008-01-27 | accessdate=2008-08-20] The highlights of the class are projected to be WR Jonathan Baldwin, RB Chris Burns, OT Lucas Nix, LB Shayne Hale, and athlete Cameron Saddler.

College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Johnathan Baldwin
position = WR
hometown = Aliquippa, PA
highschool = Aliquippa SHS
feet = 6
inches = 6
weight = 233
40 = 4.40
commitdate = 12/10/2007
scout stars = 5
rivals stars = 5
espn grade = 83College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Chris Burns
position = RB
hometown = New Wilmington, PA
highschool = Wilmnington Area HS
feet = 5
inches = 10
weight = 185
40 = 4.44
commitdate = 4/02/2007
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = 81College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Greg Cross
position = QB
hometown = Fort Scott, KS
highschool = Fort Scott CC
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 205
40 = 4.55
commitdate = 12/09/2007
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 3
espn grade =College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Mike Cruz
position = TE
hometown = Johnstown, PA
highschool = Bishop McCort HS
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 245
40 = 4.85
commitdate = 1/04/2008
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade =College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Shayne Hale
position = LB
hometown = Monroeville, PA
highschool = Gateway SHS
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 235
40 = 4.6
commitdate = 1/05/2008
scout stars = 5
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = 81College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Kevin Harper
position = K
hometown = Mentor, OH
highschool = Mentor HS
feet = 6
inches = 0
weight = 185
40 = n/a
commitdate = 10/29/2007
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 40College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Ronald Hobby
position = WR
hometown = Brandywine, MD
highschool = Gwynn Park HS
feet = 5
inches = 10
weight = 170
40 = 4.45
commitdate = 7/27/2007
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 67College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Jarred Holley
position = DB
hometown = Easton, PA
highschool = Easton Area HS
feet = 5
inches = 9
weight = 170
40 = 4.50
commitdate = 1/16/2008
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = 65College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Robb Houser
position = OL
hometown = Oroville, CA
highschool = Butte College
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 285
40 = n/a
commitdate = 12/15/2007
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade =College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Lucas Nix
position = OL
hometown = Clairton, PA
highschool = Thomas Jefferson HS
feet = 6
inches = 6
weight = 295
40 = 5.5
commitdate = 6/22/2007
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = 81College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Antwuan Reed
position = DB
hometown = Johnstown, PA
highschool = Greater Johnstown SHS
feet = 5
inches = 9
weight = 175
40 = 4.40
commitdate = 11/26/2006
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 74College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Cameron Saddler
position = RB
hometown = Monroeville, PA
highschool = Gateway SHS
feet = 5
inches = 6
weight = 160
40 = 4.40
commitdate = 12/05/2007
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4
espn grade = 78College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Mike Shanahan
position = WR
hometown = North Huntingdon Township, PA
highschool = Norwin SHS
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 195
40 = 4.65
commitdate = 12/09/2007
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 76College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Tino Sunseri
position = QB
hometown = Pittsburgh, PA
highschool = Central Catholic HS
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 200
40 = 4.60
commitdate = 12/10/2007
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 80College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Andrew Taglianetti
position = ATH
hometown = Pittsburgh, PA
highschool = Central Catholic HS
feet = 5
inches = 10
weight = 175
40 = 4.50
commitdate = 1/28/2008
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 40College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Joe Trebitz
position = LB
hometown = Boca Raton, FL
highschool = West Boca Raton HS
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 200
40 = 4.75
commitdate = 1/14/2008
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 72College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Ryan Turnley
position = OL
hometown = Aliquippa, PA
highschool = Hopewell SHS
feet = 6
inches = 6
weight = 300
40 = n/a
commitdate = 6/24/2007
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 75College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Justin Virbitsky
position = TE
hometown = Jermyn, PA
highschool = Lakeland JSHS
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 250
40 = 5.0
commitdate = 1/13/2008
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 76College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Manny Williams
position = LB
hometown = Clairton, PA
highschool = Clairton HS
feet = 6
inches = 1
weight = 205
40 = 4.55
commitdate = 6/18/2007
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 75College Athlete Recruit End
40 = yes
year = 2008
rivals ref title = Pittsburgh Commit List for 2008
scout ref title = Scout.com Football Recruiting: Pittsburgh
espn ref title = RecruitTracker 2008: Pittsburgh
rivals school =
scout s = 141
espn schoolid = 221
scout overall = 25
rivals overall = 28
accessdate =
collapse = yes

Spring Practices

Throughout spring practices the defense dominated the offense, but in the annual Blue-Gold game the offense got the better of the defense, winning 60-25 under a modified scoring system that favored the offense.cite news | url=http://kdka.com/local/Pitt.Blue.Gold.2.704204.html | title=Offense Dominates In Pitt Spring Game | work=KDKA-TV | publisher=Associated Press | date=2008-04-20 | accessdate=2008-08-20] cite news | url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/bigeast/pitt.htm | title=Pittsburgh: Team Report | work=USA Today | accessdate=2008-08-20] The rising stars of the spring practices were defensive tackle Mick Williams, wide receiver Cedric McGee, and newly-converted tight end Dorin Dickerson, who earned the Ed Conway Award, which is given to Pitt's most improved player 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.

Award Watchlists

Several players on the Panthers have been nominated to various award preseason watchlists.
Walter Camp Award: [cite press release | title=Walter Camp Football Foundation Announces 2008 Player of the Year Watch List | publisher=Walter Camp Football Foundation, Inc | date=2008-08-18 | url=http://waltercamp.org/index.php/news/walter_camp_football_foundation_announces_2008_player_of_the_year_watch_lis/ | accessdate=2008-08-20 | quote= ] :* LeSean McCoy, RB, Sophomore:* Scott McKillop, LB, SeniorOutland Trophy: [cite press release | title=2008 Outland Trophy Watch List Announced | publisher=Football Writers Association of America | date=2008-04-18 | url=http://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/news/2008/outland080418.html | accessdate=2008-08-20 | quote= ] :* Gus Mustakas, DT, SeniorJohn Mackey Award: [cite press release | title=2008 John Mackey Award Watch List Release | publisher=Nassau County Sports Commission | date=2008-07-31 | url=http://www.nassausports.org/mackey/2008%20John%20Mackey%20Award%20Watch%20List.pdf | format=PDF | accessdate=2008-08-20 | quote= ] :*Nate Byham, JuniorBronko Nagurski Trophy: [cite press release | title=2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List Announced | publisher=The Touchdown Club | date=2008-05-12 | url=http://www.touchdownclub.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=show_page&page_id=5 | accessdate=2008-08-20 | quote= ] :*Scott McKillop, LB, SeniorLombardi Award: [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=2008-08-20 | quote= ] :*Scott McKillop, LB, SeniorDick Butkus Award: [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=2008-08-20 | quote= ] :*Scott McKillop, LB, SeniorMaxwell Award:cite press release | title=College Player Watch List | publisher=Maxwell Football Club | date= | url=http://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/content/awards/watch_list_full.htm | accessdate=2008-08-20 | quote= ] :* Derek Kinder, WR, Senior:* LeSean McCoy, RB, SophomoreChuck Bednarik Award::* Scott McKillop, LB, Senior

Roster

Rankings

Schedule

CFB Schedule Start
time =
rank =
ranklink =
rankyear = 2008
tv =
attend = yesCFB Schedule Entry
date = 08/30/2008
time = 12:00 pm
w/l = l
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank = 25
opponent = cfb link|year=2008|team=Bowling Green Falcons|school=Bowling Green State University|title=Bowling Green
opprank =
site_stadium = Heinz Field
site_cityst = Pittsburgh, PA
gamename =
tv = ESPNU
score = 27-17
overtime =
attend = 45,063CFB Schedule Entry
date = 09/06/2008
time = 6:00 pm
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2008|team=Buffalo Bulls|school=University of Buffalo|title=Buffalo
opprank =
site_stadium = Heinz Field
site_cityst = Pittsburgh, PA
gamename =
tv = ESPN GamePlan, ESPN360
score = 26-17
overtime =
attend = 42,494CFB Schedule Entry
date = 09/20/2008
time = 12:00 pm
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2008|team=Iowa Hawkeyes|school=University of Iowa|title=Iowa
opprank =
site_stadium = Heinz Field
site_cityst = Pittsburgh, PA
gamename =
tv = ESPN2
score = 21-20
overtime =
attend = 50,321CFB Schedule Entry
date = 09/27/2008
time = 12:00 pm
w/l = w
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2008|team=Syracuse Orange|school=Syracuse University|title=Syracuse
opprank =
site_stadium = Carrier Dome
site_cityst = Syracuse, NY
gamename =
tv = ESPN Plus, ESPN GamePlan, ESPN360
score = 34-24
overtime =
attend = 27,549CFB Schedule Entry
date = 10/02/2008
time = 7:30 pm
w/l = w
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2008|team=USF Bulls|school=University of South Florida|title=USF
opprank = 10
site_stadium = Raymond James Stadium
site_cityst = Tampa, FL
gamename =
tv = ESPN, ESPN360
score = 26-21
overtime =
attend = 50,307CFB Schedule Entry
date = 10/18/2008
time = 3:30 pm
w/l =
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank = 24
opponent = cfb link|year=2008|team=Navy Midshipmen|school=United States Naval Academy|title=Navy
opprank =
site_stadium = Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
site_cityst = Annapolis, MD
gamename =
tv = CBS College Sports
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = 10/25/2008
time = TBA
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming = yes
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2008|team=Rutgers Scarlet Knights|school=Rutgers University|title=Rutgers
opprank =
site_stadium = Heinz Field
site_cityst = Pittsburgh, PA
gamename =
tv =
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = 11/01/2008
time = 2:30 pm
w/l =
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2008|team=Notre Dame Fighting Irish|school=University of Notre Dame|title=Notre Dame
opprank =
site_stadium = Notre Dame Stadium
site_cityst = South Bend, IN
gamename =
tv = NBC
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = 11/08/2008
time = TBA
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2008|team=Louisville Cardinals|school=University of Louisville|title=Louisville
opprank =
site_stadium = Heinz Field
site_cityst = Pittsburgh, PA
gamename =
tv =
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = 11/22/2008
time = TBA
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2008|team=Cincinnati Bearcats|school=University of Cincinnati|title=Cincinnati
opprank =
site_stadium = Nippert Stadium
site_cityst = Cincinnati, OH
gamename =
tv =
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = 11/28/2008
time = 12:00 PM
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2008|team=West Virginia Mountaineers|school=West Virginia University|title=West Virginia
opprank =
site_stadium = Heinz Field
site_cityst = Pittsburgh, PA
gamename = Backyard Brawl
tv = ABC
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = 12/06/2008
time = TBA
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2008|team=Connecticut Huskies|school=University of Connecticut|title=Connecticut
opprank =
site_stadium = Rentschler Field
site_cityst = East Hartford, CT
gamename =
tv = ESPN or ESPN2
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule End
rank =
poll = Associated Press
timezone = Eastern Time
ncg =
hc =

Game notes

Bowling Green

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Falcons
R1=0
R2=14
R3=6
R4=7
Home=Panthers
H1=7
H2=10
H3=0
H4=0

Buffalo

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Bulls
R1=6
R2= 3
R3=7
R4=0
Home=Panthers
H1=0
H2=10
H3=7
H4=10

Iowa

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Hawkeyes
R1=3
R2=7
R3=7
R4=3
Home=Panthers
H1=7
H2=7
H3=0
H4=7

yracuse

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Panthers
R1=3
R2=10
R3=3
R4=18
Home=Orange
H1=14
H2=3
H3=7
H4=0

USF

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Panthers
R1=7
R2=10
R3=0
R4=9
Home=Bulls
H1=7
H2=0
H3=7
H4=7

Navy

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Panthers
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
Home=Midshipmen
H1=
H2=
H3=
H4=

Rutgers

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Scarlet Knights
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
Home=Panthers
H1=
H2=
H3=
H4=

Notre Dame

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Panthers
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
Home=Fighting Irish
H1=
H2=
H3=
H4=

Louisville

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Cardinals
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
Home=Panthers
H1=
H2=
H3=
H4=

Cincinnati

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Panthers
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
Home=Bearcats
H1=
H2=
H3=
H4=

West Virginia

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Mountaineers
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
Home=Panthers
H1=
H2=
H3=
H4=

Connecticut

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Panthers
R1=
R2=
R3=
R4=
Home=Huskies
H1=
H2=
H3=
H4=

ee also

Pittsburgh Panthers football
2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season

External links

* [http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/pitt-m-footbl-body.html Pittsburgh Panthers football]
* [http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/pitt-m-footbl-sched.html 2008 Schedule]

References