26 days to Camp Rantoul
No. 26: Pitt
Why I like the Panthers: Coming off a 9-4 season, the Panthers might be the team to beat in the Big East. They have 14 starters back, including quarterback Bill Stull and four offensive linemen. The strength of the team is a defense that held Oregon State to three points in the Sun Bowl. Defensive end Greg Romeus is coming off a 7.5-sack season and will only get better. He's got help on the other side from Jabaal Sheard.
Why I don't: Sure, the Panthers held the Beavers to three points in the Sun Bowl. But they didn't score any. Though Stull is the returning starter, the job isn't guaranteed. Dave Wannstedt is the coach and his past doesn't indicate sustained success. Pitt lost its two best players: linebacker Scott McKillop and tailback LeSean McCoy. The schedule is tricky, with conference trips to Rutgers., West Virginia and Louisville and nonleague games at North Carolina State and Buffalo.
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