2010 NCAA Football Preview: Pittsburgh
When you think football and Pittsburgh, you typically think running game. The Steelers have had some of the best carry the ball in Jerome Bettis and Franco Harris and more recently Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall. At the University of Pittsburgh there have been some great ones as well including Marshall Goldberg, Tony Dorsett, Curtis Martin, and now Dion Lewis.
Lewis has made a name for himself rather quickly. In his freshman campaign he ran for close to 1800 yards and 17 touchdowns; at times his name was even batted around as a Heisman contender. With the recent streak of sophomore Heisman winners it would not be surprising to see him be a frontrunner for the award this season.
It’s taken coach Dave Wannstedt a few seasons to get it together, but it appears like it might finally be working. After three lackluster seasons and three top notch recruiting classes, the Pitt Panthers finally saw some success under Wannstedt, finishing 9-4 after losing the Sun Bowl to Oregon. The team rebounded from the bowl loss thanks to the power running of Lewis to win 10 games in 2009, the Meineke Car Care Bowl, and an end of season ranking in the top 20.
After tasting success and with Lewis ready to run through the competition, Pitt looks to be even tougher in 2010.
Offence
With a player like Dion Lewis coming back the Pitt offense will not be half bad even if they fail to find adequate replacements for the six departed starters. Anyone that averages 14 yards a carry over the course of a season like he did in high school is bound to be one of the greats or a huge flop.
If his first season as a Panther is any indication than Lewis is destined for greatness. Although he didn't maintain the lofty average he had in high school he would rush for over five yards a carry in the regular season. He ended up rushing for 1799 yards easily eclipsing the previous freshman high set by former college and NFL great Tony Dorsett.
Although mentioned in Heisman talks last season, he may find the road a little bit tougher to travel in 2010. He only has two of his linemen returning from 2009, both tackles. Senior Jason Pinkston was an all-conference selection and will look to lead the retooled line that includes junior tackle Lucas Nix on the other side.
Lewis will likely have a lot thrust on him early in the season as Wanndstedt will be working in a new quarterback as well.
Defence
Wannstedt made his name in the NFL as a defensive coordinator and he still has the ability to craft a tough defense. Last year’s unit ranked 23rd in the nation in overall defense.
The team was especially adept at stopping the run and ranked 17th in the nation at doing so. Two of the starters on the frontline return including all-conference selection senior defensive end Greg Romeus. Romeus has been fairly consistent throughout three years of play with 135 tackles, two forced fumbles, and an interception. His sack production has gone up each year going from four to seven to eight. Joining him at the other end will be another senior, Jabaal Sheard. With 86 tackles and 10 interceptions his production has been fairly consistent as well.
Back to lead the secondary will be another all-conference selection, senior strong safety Dom DeCicco. Since becoming a starter in 2008 his production has increased each year; in 2008 he had 56 tackles with another 88 in 2009. He’ll be joined by Jarred Holley at free safety, a young talented player that will just be a sophomore. Looking to start at cornerback will be Antwuan Reed and Ricky Gary.
Wannstedt has been given the time to develop his team and recruit players, but if he does not do something it would not be surprising to see the school look elsewhere. With running back Dion Lewis ready to carry the ball as much as the team needs Wannstedt should have the time he needs to get the new starters up to speed.
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