2008 Pittsburgh Panthers football | |
Sun Bowl, Loss, 0-3, Oregon State Beavers | |
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Conference | Big East Conference (1979–2013) |
2008 record | 9-4 (5-2 Big East) |
Head coach | Dave Wannstedt (4th season) |
Offensive coordinator | Matt Cavanaugh (4th season) |
Offensive scheme | Pro Style |
Defensive coordinator | Phil Bennett (1st season) |
Base defense | 4-3 |
Home stadium | Heinz Field (Capacity: 65,050) |
Seasons |
2008 Big East football standings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Conf | Overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Team | W | L | W | L | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#17 Cincinnati † | 6 | – | 1 | 11 | – | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pittsburgh | 5 | – | 2 | 9 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#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 champion Rankings from AP Poll |
The 2008 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 2008 college football season. The season was the fourth under head coach Dave Wannstedt, who was looking to achieve his first winning season with the Panthers. The 2008 season marked the team's eighth at Heinz Field and the University'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 Jonathan Baldwin, RB Chris Burns, OT Lucas Nix, LB Shayne Hale, and athlete Cameron Saddler.[9][10]
2008 Recruits | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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.
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Roster[]
2008 Pittsburgh Panthers Roster | ||||||||
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Quarterbacks: Tailbacks: Fullbacks: Wide Receivers: Tight Ends: |
Offensive Line:[24] Defensive Line: |
Linebackers:[26] Defensive Backs: Punters: Kickers: | ||||||
Classes Key:[30] Fr – Freshman; first year player. | ||||||||
University of Pittsburgh Official Athletic Site: 2008 Roster |
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]
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[]
Date | Time | Opponent# | Rank# | Site | TV | Result | Attendance | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sat. Aug. 30* | 12:00 p.m. | Bowling Green | #25 | Heinz Field • Pittsburgh, PA | ESPNU | L 17–27 | 45,063 | |
Sat. Sep. 6* | 6:00 p.m. | Buffalo | Heinz Field • Pittsburgh, PA | ESPN GamePlan | W 26–17 | 42,494 | ||
Sat. Sep. 20* | 12:00 p.m. | Iowa | Heinz Field • Pittsburgh, PA | ESPN2 | W 21–20 | 50,321 | ||
Sat. Sep. 27 | 12:00 p.m. | at Syracuse | Carrier Dome • Syracuse, NY | ESPN+ | W 34–24 | 27,549 | ||
Thu. Oct. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | at #10 South Florida | Raymond James Stadium • Tampa, FL | ESPN | W 26–21 | 50,307 | ||
Sat. Oct. 18* | 3:30 p.m. | at Navy | #23 | Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium • Annapolis, MD | CBSCS | W 42–21 | 37,970 | |
Sat. Oct. 25† | 3:30 p.m. | Rutgers | #17 | Heinz Field • Pittsburgh, PA | ESPN360 | L 34–54 | 51,161 | |
Sat. Nov. 1* | 2:30 p.m. | at Notre Dame | Notre Dame Stadium • South Bend, IN | NBC | W 36–33 4OT | 80,795 | ||
Sat. Nov. 8 | 12:00 p.m. | Louisville | #25 | Heinz Field • Pittsburgh, PA | ESPN+ | W 41–7 | 44,055 | |
Sat. Nov. 22 | 7:15 p.m. | at #19 Cincinnati | #20 | Nippert Stadium • Cincinnati, OH (River City Rivalry) | ESPN2 | L 21–28 | 35,098 | |
Fri. Nov. 28 | 12:00 p.m. | West Virginia | Heinz Field • Pittsburgh, PA (Backyard Brawl) | ABC | W 19–15 | 63,019 | ||
Sat. Dec. 6 | 12:00 p.m. | at Connecticut | #23 | Rentschler Field • East Hartford, CT | ESPN | W 34–10 | 39,535[32] | |
Wed. Dec. 31* | 2:00 p.m. | vs. #24 Oregon State | #18 | Sun Bowl Stadium • El Paso, TX (Sun Bowl) | CBS | L 0–3 | 49,037 | |
*Non-Conference Game. †Homecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time. |
Game notes[]
Bowling Green[]
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Falcons | 0 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 27 |
Panthers | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
The Panthers entered the season in the preseason rankings for the first time since 2003,[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 | OT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bulls | 6 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 16 |
Panthers | 0 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 27 |
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 | OT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hawkeyes | 3 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 20 |
Panthers | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
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 | OT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Panthers | 3 | 10 | 3 | 18 | 34 |
Orange | 14 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 24 |
USF[]
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Panthers | 7 | 10 | 0 | 9 | 26 |
Bulls | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
[]
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Panthers | 21 | 14 | 0 | 7 | 42 |
Midshipmen | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
Rutgers[]
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scarlet Knights | 14 | 20 | 14 | 6 | 54 |
Panthers | 7 | 17 | 7 | 3 | 34 |
Notre Dame[]
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Panthers | 3 | 0 | 7 | 14 | 36 |
Fighting Irish | 3 | 14 | 0 | 7 | 33 |
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 | OT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cardinals | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
Panthers | 10 | 7 | 3 | 21 | 41 |
Cincinnati[]
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Panthers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 21 |
Bearcats | 0 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
West Virginia[]
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mountaineers | 0 | 3 | 9 | 3 | 15 |
Panthers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 19 |
Connecticut[]
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Panthers | 0 | 3 | 24 | 7 | 34 |
Huskies | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
Oregon State (2008 Sun Bowl)[]
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beavers | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Panthers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Coaching staff[]
2008 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff | |||||||||
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Coaching Staff
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Support Staff
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Strength and Conditioning Staff
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Team players drafted into in 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 |
Statistics[]
Regular season totals [1]
Team[]
|
Scores by quarter[]
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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[]
- Aaron Berry – Second team All-Big East[50]
- Nate Byham – First team All-Big East[50]
- C. J. Davis – First team All-Big East[50]
- Connor Lee – First team All-Big East,[50] Big East football Scholar-Athlete of the Year[51]
- LeSean McCoy – First team All-Big East[50]
- Scott McKillop – First team All-American,[52] Big East Defensive Player of the Year,[50] first team All-Big East[50]
- Greg Romeus – Second team All-Big East[50]
References[]
- ↑ Anderson, Shelley (February 15, 2007). "Merits of Pitt's football slate open to debate". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07046/762325-198.stm. Retrieved August 14, 2008.
- ↑ "Pitt Football 2007: The schedule". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. August 29, 2007. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07241/812804-233.stm. Retrieved August 14, 2008.
- ↑ "Wannstedt’s gamble fails as Pitt falls to Navy". NBC Sports. AP (Pittsburgh: NBC Universal). October 11, 2007. http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/21231694/site/21683474/. Retrieved August 14, 2008.
- ↑ "McCoy rushes for 137 yards as Pitt tops Cincinnati". ESPN.com. AP (Pittsburgh: ESPN). October 20, 2007. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272930221. Retrieved August 14, 2008.
- ↑ Dinich, Heather (January 14, 2008). "Stanford's stunner at USC the most memorable game of 2007". ESPN. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?id=3195919. Retrieved August 14, 2008.
- ↑ Mandel, Stewart (December 18, 2007). "A wild season". Sports Illustrated. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/12/14/upsets/2.html. Retrieved August 14, 2008.
- ↑ Gorman, Kevin (December 3, 2007). "Pitt proves doubters wrong". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/search/s_540835.html. Retrieved August 14, 2008.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Smizik, Bob (January 20, 2008). "Pitt collects compound interest". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08020/850700-194.stm. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Haubert, Craig (January 18, 2008). "Class of 2008 Big East recruiting overview". ESPN. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/columns/story?columnist=haubert_craig&id=3202495. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Farrell, Mike (January 27, 2008). "Pitt gaining commitments it hadn't been expecting". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/recruiting/football/atlantic/2008-01-25-atlantic.htm. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ↑ "Offense Dominates In Pitt Spring Game". KDKA.com. AP (Pittsburgh: CBS Broadcasting). April 20, 2008. http://kdka.com/local/Pitt.Blue.Gold.2.704204.html. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Pittsburgh: Team Report". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/bigeast/pitt.htm. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ↑ "Pitt Spring Game to Air on NFL Network, Pittsburgh's CW". PittsburghPanthers.com. April 10, 2008. http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/041008aaa.html. Retrieved May 2, 2010.
- ↑ "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. http://waltercamp.org/index.php/news/walter_camp_football_foundation_announces_2008_player_of_the_year_watch_lis/. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ↑ "2008 Outland Trophy Watch List Announced" (Press release). Football Writers Association of America. April 18, 2008. http://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/news/2008/outland080418.html. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ↑ "2008 John Mackey Award Watch List Release" (PDF) (Press release). Nassau County Sports Commission. July 31, 2008. http://www.nassausports.org/mackey/2008%20John%20Mackey%20Award%20Watch%20List.pdf. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ↑ "2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List Announced" (Press release). The Touchdown Club. May 12, 2008. http://www.touchdownclub.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=show_page&page_id=5. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ↑ "The Rotary Lombardi Award Website: 2008 Contenders" (Press release). Rotary Lombardi Award. http://www.rotarylombardiaward.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=95&Itemid=56. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ↑ "The Butkus Award 2008 Collegiate Watchlist" (Press release). The Butkus Award. http://www.thebutkusaward.com/watchlist/view.aspx?t=c. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 "College Player Watch List" (Press release). Maxwell Football Club. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080828171839/http://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/content/awards/watch_list_full.htm. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ↑ 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. http://web.archive.org/web/20081022054427/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08293/921175-233.stm. Retrieved October 21, 2008.
- ↑ Zeise, Paul (August 14, 2008). "Pitt receiver Cameron Saddler out for season with injury". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08227/904311-100.stm. Retrieved October 16, 2008.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Zeise, Paul (August 29, 2008). "Wannstedt's recruiting efforts ready to pay off". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08242/907920-13.stm. Retrieved October 7, 2008.
- ↑ Zeise, Paul (August 7, 2008). "Panthers have several options in trying to build offensive line". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08220/902495-233.stm. Retrieved August 7, 2008.
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Zeise, Paul (October 28, 2008). "Pitt Football: Changes expected in lineup". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on October 31, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20081031073158/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08302/923397-233.stm. Retrieved October 28, 2008.
- ↑ Zeise, Paul (September 16, 2008). "Pitt's undersized line takes on powerful Hawkeyes". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080918134514/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08260/912477-233.stm. Retrieved September 17, 2008.
- ↑ Gorman, Kevin (September 15, 2008). "Gunn undergoes neck surgery". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Archived from the original on September 24, 2008. http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/sittingringside/show_comments.php?entry_id=3210. Retrieved October 16, 2008.
- ↑ "Pitt LB Murray done for year due to knee surgery". ESPN. AP (Pittsburgh). October 15, 2008. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3645593. Retrieved March 11, 2009.
- ↑ Zeise, Paul (October 7, 2008). "Pitt Football Notebook: Winning has a way with recruits". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on October 7, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20081007205115/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08281/917982-233.stm. Retrieved October 7, 2008.
- ↑ "Football Roster: Pittsburgh Panthers". Rivals.com. August 4, 2008. http://pittsburgh.rivals.com/croster.asp?Team=PITTSBURGH&Sort=3. Retrieved August 7, 2008.
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 Fittipaldo, Ray (August 16, 2008). "WVU, Penn State, Pitt ranked in AP poll". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08229/904917-100.stm. Retrieved October 22, 2008.
- ↑ http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/teamcume.html
- ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 "Bowling Green QB keeps cool head to usher in triumph over Pitt". ESPN.com. AP (Pittsburgh: ESPN). August 30, 2008. Archived from the original on October 12, 2008. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282430221. Retrieved November 14, 2008.
- ↑ Starkey, Joe (September 3, 2009). "Starkey: Pitt's record? 9-4". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Archived from the original on September 6, 2008. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_641312.html. Retrieved September 4, 2008.
- ↑ Jafari, Mike (September 6, 2008). "Bulls Fall to Pitt 27-16". WGR (Pittsburgh). Archived from the original on December 3, 2008. http://www.wgr550.com/Bulls-Fall-to-Pitt-27-16/2920171. Retrieved November 14, 2008.
- ↑ "Pittsburgh uses second-half run to topple Buffalo". ESPN.com. AP (Pittsburgh: ESPN). September 6, 2008. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282500221. Retrieved November 14, 2008.
- ↑ Zeise, Paul (September 20, 2008). "Pitt Football: Panthers want to make statement against Iowa". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08264/913649-233.stm. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 "Pitt's McCoy punctuates triumph vs. Iowa with 27-yard run". ESPN. AP (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania). September 20, 2008. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282640221. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 Zeise, Paul (September 21, 2008). "McCoy's cutback, 27-yard TD run gives Panthers' program big lift". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08265/913915-13.stm. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 Zeise, Paul (September 21, 2008). "Gambles pay off for Pitt". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08265/913999-233.stm. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 Zeise, Paul (September 23, 2008). "Pitt Football: Inconsistent offense still a concern". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08267/914305-13.stm. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 Zeise, Paul (September 22, 2008). "Panthers come up stronger in the end". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08266/914018-233.stm. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
- ↑ Dunlap, Colin (September 22, 2008). "McKillop, Brytus get Big East awards". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08266/914184-100.stm. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
- ↑ Starkey, Joe (December 28, 2008). "McKillop leaves giant imprint". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/mostread/s_604752.html. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
- ↑ "Panthers Top Fighting Irish in 4 Overtime Thriller". PittsburghPanthers.com. AP (South Bend, Indiana: CBS College Sports). November 1, 2008. http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110108aaa.html. Retrieved 7 November 2008.
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 Zeise, Paul (November 2, 2008). "Pitt Notebook: Week of criticism good incentive". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Notre Dame, Indiana). http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08307/924850-233.stm. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ↑ 47.0 47.1 47.2 Zeise, Paul (November 3, 2008). "Pitt Football: Bostick proves he's a winner; Beating Irish his third upset". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Notre Dame, Indiana). Archived from the original on December 6, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20081206124744/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08308/924948-233.stm. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ↑ Rothstein, Michael (November 7, 2008). "Irish search for ways to close out foes". The Journal Gazette (South Bend, Indiana). http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081107/SPORTS0302/811070334. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ↑ http://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2009.htm
- ↑ 50.0 50.1 50.2 50.3 50.4 50.5 50.6 50.7 "Scott McKillop Named Big East Defensive Player of the Year". Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh. December 10, 2008. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20081216042735/http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121008aaa.html. Retrieved December 13, 2008.
- ↑ Gorman, Kevin (February 6, 2009). "Pitt's Lee wins scholar-athlete award". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_610490.html. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
- ↑ "Scott McKillop Continues Pitt's All-America Tradition". Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh. December 13, 2008. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20081216042740/http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121308aaa.html. Retrieved December 13, 2008.
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