2007 Pittsburgh Panthers Football Preview

2007 Pittsburgh Panthers season preview from Maddux Sports. Below you can find our official Pittsburgh Panthers football preview as well as the 2007 Pittsburgh Panthers Football Schedule. Dont miss Maddux's winning NCAA picks against the weekly college betting lines from the best college sports handicapper.

Coach: Dave Wannstedt (3rd year at Pittsburgh)
Team Name: Panthers
2006 Overall Record: 6-6
Returning Starters: 14

In 2006, the Pittsburgh Panthers (6- 6 overall, 2- 5 Big East) finished 6th in their conference, missing any chance at a bowl bid. The Panthers were in a string of bowl games from 2000 through 2004. It's been two years since they've been to the post-season. In 2007, it could go either way.

The Panthers had a decent air game but a tedious ground attack in 2007. Returning junior TB LaRod Stephens-Howling (178 CAR, 893 YDs, 9 TDs) is poised to transform his running game in what should be a 1,000-plus-yard season. Three players will compete for the starting quarterback spot. Whoever gets it will have the comfort of working with an all-veteran receiving and running corps. Senior Derek Kinder (57 REC, 847 YDs, 6 TDs) was a first-team All-Big East receiver in 2006. Overall, the frontline looks solid with four starters returning and fine talent to fill the center spot.

The Pitt defense gave up 22.8 PPG, which was too many points for a team looking to have a quality season. The line-backing squad is new but faster than last year's. Despite the speed, there is concern over the inexperience that defines the unit. The secondary includes hard-hitting FS Eric Thatcher and senior CB Kennard Cox (51 tackles, 31 solo). The club has two players returning with 5.5 sacks each. The frontline is made up of two juniors and two seniors; they should have more success versus the run this season.

Four wins look certain and four others are possible in swing contests versus Michigan State, Virginia, Navy and Cincinnati. Pitt could also surprise everyone and defeat a visiting South Florida club. Consistency in play and the ability to stop the run will be essential for the Panthers to have a successful season.

Pittsburgh Panthers Football Schedule

Date	Opponent	Home/Away
Sep 1	E Michigan	Home
Sep 8	Grambling St	Home
Sep 15	Michigan St	Away
Sep 22	Connecticut	Home
Sep 29	Virginia	Away
Oct 10	Navy	Home
Oct 20	Cincinnati	Home
Oct 27	Louisville	Away
Nov 3	Syracuse	Home
Nov 17	Rutgers	Away
Nov 24	USF	Home
Dec 1	West Virginia	Away

 

For more info on the 2007 Pittsburgh Panthers football program, view the Panthers football site or you can read about other Big East teams below.