Camp Opens: March 15
Spring Game: April 14
Another year, another head coach. Unlike their Pennsylvania rivals from State College, Pittsburgh has become all too familiar with finding a new head coach in the off-season over the last few years. This time though, hopefully, they got it right with former Wisconsin assistant Paul Chryst. On the field the Panthers have a number of questions they will attempt to answer starting this spring. Can the Panthers make one final push for a Big East title before taking down the flag and raising the ACC logo?
Stability Factor (1 = chaos; 5 = rock solid): 3.5
Pittsburgh has been a victim of instability the last couple of years, and the coaching changes continue heading in to the spring but the overall direction of the program seems to be pretty solid for the most part. It seems as though they found a head coach who is ready to get moving, but the instability on the roster holds Pittsburgh back for now.
Under the Microscope: Tino Sunseri, Quarterback
Tino Sunseri had some good moments in 2011, but they were really few and far between. He ended his season with ten touchdown passes and 11 interceptions, completing 64.2 percent of his pass attempts for 2,616 yards. If he could cut down on his interceptions by just a couple then Pitt’s offense will already be one step closer to improving. Sunseri will likely be the starter in 2012 but Chryst should have a short leash, but the backup options may not be ready for a starting job.
Locked and Loaded: Secondary
While Pittsburgh has some weak spots and position battles left and right it seems, the secondary should be the best-situated area of the team. Pittsburgh welcomes back safeties Jared Holley and Jason Hendricks back as well as cornerback K’Wuan Williams and introduces former Michigan cornerback Cullen Christian. The bad news is this is a secondary that ranked last in the Big East in interceptions (eight) and was sixth in opposing quarterback completion percentage (60.9).
Jockeying for Position: Offensive Line
Pittsburgh allowed 63 sacks last season, the most in the nation by far. While some of the blame will fall back on Sunseri, it is clear that the offensive line at Pittsburgh needs to get better in a hurry. Good luck Jim Hueber.
Name to Know: Deaysean Rippy, Linebacker
Pittsburgh is bringing in some good freshman this year, some which might get some early playing time, but linebacker Deaysean Rippy is one to keep an eye on at linebacker. Though recruited to play outside linebacker Rippy has the athletic skill that could allow him to be used in different positions, including secondary if needed.
Spring will be a success if…: The offense develops a scoring touch
Pittsburgh’s offense averaged 24.2 points last season (83rd in the nation), allowed a nation leading sack total and turned the ball over frequently. That needs to change in a hurry if Pittsburgh is going to be a contender in the Big East this fall.
Kevin McGuire is the host of the No 2-Minute Warning podcast and managing editor of Nittany Lion’s Den. Follow Kevin McGuire on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
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