BIG EAST FOOTBALL: Pittsburgh Panthers 2008 Season Predictions

The Dave Wannstedt era at Pitt has been filled with ups and downs.  Three years with no bowl appearances.  That should all come to an end this season.  In fact, if the Panthers have the season they are capable of, they could be looking at a BCS bowl berth.

Here are my season predictions for the 2008 Pitt Panthers.

8/30     BOWLING GREEN

The Falcons will contend for the MAC title this season, but they won't have enough to beat the Panthers.

Prediction:  Win (35-21)

9/06     BUFFALO

Pitt steamrolls the Bulls.

Prediction:  Win (45-10)

9/20     IOWA

The Hawkeyes defense will be on the field way to much.

Prediction:  Win (35-17)

9/27     at SYRACUSE

The Orange defense can't contain Heisman candidate LeSean McCoy.

Prediction:  Win (35-13)

10/02   at SOUTH FLORIDA

This may be the toughest test for the Panthers and their rebuilt offensive line.  George Selvie is a sack machine.

Prediction:  Win (27-24)

10/18   at NAVY

Paul Johnson may have gone to Georgia Tech, but the option offense will still be used by Navy's new head coach Ken Niumatalolo.  If the Panthers can solve this difficult offensive attack they will get the win.

Prediction:  Win (31-24)

10/25   RUTGERS

Mike Teel will have to win this one for the Scarlet Knights.

Prediction:  Win (23-20)

11/01   at NOTRE DAME

The Pitt offensive line had better be ready for John Tenuta's blitzing defense.

Prediction:  Win (28-20)

11/08   LOUISVILLE

LeSean McCoy will give Ron English's defense fits.

Prediction:  Win (34-28)

11/22   at CINCINNATI

The Bearcats are a tough test at Nippert Stadium, but the Panthers are having a dream season.

Prediction:  Win (31-27)

11/28   WEST VIRGINIA

The Mountaineers would like nothing better than to hand the Panthers their first loss of the season.

Prediction:  Loss (34-28)

12/06   at CONNECTICUT

The Husky defense will shut down LeSean McCoy and hand the Panthers their second consecutive loss.

Prediction:  Loss (28-24)

Final Record:  10-2.  The Panthers drop two heart-breakers to close the season, but the future is bright.  A bowl win and another good recruiting class and Pitt will be a Big East title contender for the next few seasons.