PITTSBURGH (AP) — The quarterback is new. So are the two cornerbacks, two offensive guards and the center. Both interior defensive linemen are first-time starters.
With so much inexperience at key positions, this would seem to be a season in which Pitt might start slowly. The Panthers, coming off a 10-win season, understand they can’t afford to do that with potential Top 25 non-conference opponents Utah, Miami and Notre Dame awaiting in their first five games.
Instead, this is the most anticipated of coach Dave Wannstedt’s six seasons at his alma mater, mostly because of the Panthers’ depth and the abundance of star-caliber players.
Running back Dion Lewis was a second team All-American as a freshman. Jonathan Baldwin is one of the Big East’s best wide receivers. Defensive end Greg Romeus could be a first-round draft pick.
