JR’s top 25 - #20 Pittsburgh

By J.R. Hopwood  |   Wednesday, August 03, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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New Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Dave Wannstedt comes back to the place he played and started his coaching career. He inherits a team coming off a BCS berth, although they did lose to BCS buster Utah. Walt Harris brought in some fabulous talent before taking off for the Stanford job, and that talent should shine in 2005.

Tyler Palko is a solid quarterback and proved it by throwing over 3000 yards and compiling a terrific ratio of 24 TDs to 7 INTs last year. Palko also became the first QB to throw 5 TD passes against Notre Dame in a great game at South Bend. Star wide receiver Greg Lee returns, hoping to match last year's numbers where he averaged a crazy 19.1 yards per catch. The rushing corps averaged only 97.8 yards per game last year but should be more experienced this season. The offensive line is my only concern here as they may have to start three underclassmen.

The defense returns seven starters from last year, including MLB H.B. Blades, who averaged 9 tackles per game last year. The top three tacklers return and the linebackers and secondary look fairly solid. The defensive line has a few losses and may have to start a true freshman. Overall, this year's defensive squad should improve overall, especially against the pass.

The Pittsburgh Panthers have a real shot at upsetting the Louisville Cardinals in November, but will have to play solid. With 16 total starters returning, this team has the talent to return to a BCS game, but they have a tough road ahead.
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