Pittsburgh Football Primer, Photo Edition

Get ready y'all, here comes a non-conference game with a familiar flair! Our opponent this week is the Pitt Panthers, a team that can claim the unique distinction of being both a former Big East and future ACC rival (HOORAY REALIGNMENT!). Regardless of conference affiliation, Pitt recently has been known as a coaching abyss. Going into the season, there seemed to be a good amount of optimism for the Panthers in what was considered a wide-open Big East race. Add that to the fact that an experienced quarterback (Tino Sunseri) was returning, and you have the makings of true darkhouse candidate. Unfortunately, the Panthers have stubled out of the gate, including losses to Cincinatti and Youngstown State (at home!) to open up the season. For all of the NFL talent that has recently come out the program - especially at the wide receiver position - Pitt only claims one BCS berth, the 2005 Fiesta Bowl. Unfortunately for the Panthers, head coach Walt Harris had already checked out (moving on to Stanford) and Urban Meyer and Alex Smith used the bowl to cash in on future successes (Meyer at Florida, Smith as the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft). Regardless, we love you Pittsburgh Panthers, each and every one of you. Any team that knocks West Virginia out of the national chmapionship hunt - as Pitt did during the 100th Backyard Brawl in 2007 - deserves recognition and praise. THANK YOU DAVE WANNSTEDT, THANK YOU SO MUCH. As always, keep calm and Hokie on.