Pittsburgh Panthers Football Tickets

In wait Hams' final five years, they simply went to five consecutive bowls including the Fiesta Bowl as the Big East champion in 2004. Nine of the team's 13 losses from 2002-2004 were by 8 points or less. In their Fiesta Bowl year, Pitt was the least experienced team in the Big East with just 9 starters back and Harris was the Big East Coach of the Year. In 2004 Pitt was actually outgained by a Big East worst 57.5 ypg in conf play and benefited from +13 in turnovers. Harris took the Stanford job and Pitt excited the alumni by bringing in Dave Wannstedt. Unfortunately, Wannstedt was not only the first Pitt coach to lose his debut since 1986, but Pitt opened 0-3 for the first time since 1984. Wannstedt inherited 16 returning starters and 48 lettermen. Despite having QB Palko back, Pitt's offense struggled in the new system. Pitt was fortunate to come up with a 4-3 record in the Big East as they were outgained by 45.5 ypg. Pitt had two close defeats, losing to Ohio in OT and having a 46 yard FG blocked on the last play against Nebraska losing despite a 304-267 yd edge. Pitt's D showed improvement going from 395 ypg allowed to 338 but the Panthers suffered their first losing season since 1999. The Panthers have 12 starters back TY including QB Palko. They are in the second year of Wannstedt's systems but must play 4 Big East games on the road. Pitt has just 8 scholarship seniors (not incl K's). The offense, despite losing three of their top four rushers and two of their top three receivers, should easily top 2005's 24.3 ppg which was their worst since 1998. The Panthers' D only allowed 22.1 ppg last year and despite the loss of five starters, should be improved.

Pittsburgh Panthers Football 2006 Schedule