All of the adversity and negative energy that has worked against the Pitt Panthers the first few weeks of this season can be greatly alleviated by a big win Thursday night at home against a former conference rival.

The No. 19 Miami Hurricanes will blow into Heinz Field Thursday evening for a 7:30 kickoff before ESPN cameras against a perceived fragile Panthers outfit that has lost their All-American defensive end to injury and starting inside linebacker to off-field actions.

Pitt will face the Hurricanes without defensive Greg Romeus, who is recovering from back surgery and possibly sophomore linebacker Dan Mason. The Penn Hills native was demoted by coach Dave Wannstedt due to reports of poor classroom work and questionable actions off the field.

Adding to the load were the recent arrests of freshman running back Jason Douglas and offensive lineman Keith Coleman. Douglas faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol while Coleman allegedly assaulted a male student on campus.

“It does bother me,” said coach Wannstedt during a recent press conference. “There is nobody that is affected more than me when it comes to involving this football program. I like to believe that because of playing here, coaching here and everything that we have invested in the program, you look at these kids as your own. You care about these kids. That is why you do what you do in this profession. Otherwise you get out.”

But there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it comes in the form of another opportunity of smacking pads with a highly-regarded opponent at home.

Pitt has not played Miami since the Hurricanes left the Big East in 2004 for the Atlantic Coast Conference. Miami handled Pitt in late November 2003 at a chilly Heinz Field with the conference title on the line.

This is not a revenge game for Pitt, it is simply a chance for the Panthers to get a boost into Big East play and elevate their profile nationally in the process.

One of Miami’s biggest weapons is quarterback Jacory Harris. Though he tossed four interceptions in a Sept. 21 loss at Ohio State, the junior has the full attention of the Pitt coaching staff.

“As we evaluate quarterbacks every week, there will be about four or five of them that can make the big time throws and he is one of those guys,” said Wannstedt.

Wannstedt added the Panthers will have to deal with Miami’s legendary team speed.

“We’re going to need to make tackles in the open field and that may be oversimplifying it,” said the coach. “They have good athletes and they’ve got good blocking schemes. I’m not making light of that.”

Pitt and The Comcast Network are proud to announce the launch of Pitt Panthers Television, a breakthrough programming service that will annually present more than 500 additional hours of Pitt athletics coverage to area fans exclusively on The Comcast Network, including live broadcasts of men’s basketball games this season and football coach Dave Wannstedt’s weekly press conferences as well as re-airs of all home football games.

Pitt Panthers Television, which debuts Sept. 21, will also broadcast live football and men’s basketball pre- and postgame shows, women’s basketball games and women’s volleyball games as well as other Olympic sports and original programming. It will also bring rebroadcasts of football and basketball games to Comcast’s Xfinity On Demand platform, allowing Comcast digital customers to enjoy all the Panthers’ great moments whenever they want.

“Comcast is excited to make this exclusive programming available to our customers,” said Jerry Norris, Comcast Vice President of Marketing for the Keystone Region. “Just as Pitt is committed to athletic excellence, Comcast is committed to giving our customers more of the programming they want, and Pitt Panthers Television gives them more choice and – with its Xfinity On Demand content – more control.”

Comcast digital customers living in Western Pennsylvania and parts of Central Pennsylvania will see Pitt Panthers Television throughout the week on The Comcast Network (channel 188 or 210, see listing below), including eight consecutive hours every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those customers can also access Xfinity On Demand by selecting the Get Local, Sports and Pitt Panthers TV folders.

Pitt and Comcast’s joint efforts will offer the best Panthers coverage available. For the latest television schedules, visit Panthers On The Air at PittsburghPanthers.com.

“We are so pleased to team with Comcast to bring Panthers fans hundreds of new hours of Pitt programming,” Pitt Athletic Director Steve Pederson said. “We know from our current viewership numbers that the public wants as much Pitt sports programming as we can give them. This will also give us an opportunity to showcase our entire program in a way that has not been previously seen. With quality sports content being so important right now on television, this partnership with Comcast stands out in particular. We know that our fans will enjoy the launch of Pitt Panthers Television.”

The Comcast Network is on channel 188 in the following systems:
CORAOPOLIS, BADEN, PITTSBURGH, DARLINGTON, GREENSBURG, ANCHOR, MCKEESPORT, RURALVALLEY, TARENTUM, KISKI, WASHINGTON, CANONSBURG, WAYNESBURG, BEAVER FALLS, MIDLAND, ROCHESTER AND PENN HILLS

The Comcast Network is on channel 210 in the following systems:
BETHEL PARK, UPPER ST. CLAIR, MCMURRAY, MT. LEBANON, MONROEVILLE, MURRYSVILLE, PLUM, NEW CASTLE , BLAIRSVILLE, INDIANA, LATROBE, ADAMS, ARMAGH, BEDFORD, CENTRAL CITY, CRESSON, PUNXSUTAWNEY, DUBOIS, RIDGWAY, AND SMETHPORT

ABOUT THE COMCAST NETWORK
The Comcast Network, managed by Comcast Sports Group, provides local public affairs, sports and community interest programming to 4 million viewers across the Mid-Atlantic region.

ABOUT COMCAST
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the nation’s leading providers of entertainment, information and communication products and services. With 23.2 million video customers, 16.4 million high-speed Internet customers, and 8.1 million Comcast Digital Voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.

Comcast’s Eastern Division serves approximately 5.7 million residential and business customers across Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, DC. The Eastern Division is based in Oaks, Pennsylvania and employs more than 20,000 people.

Pittpanthersgameday.com

Moving on from a tough loss can be a difficult task for any college football coach.

That is the task for Dave Wannstedt and his Pitt Panthers as they regroup for the home opener against FCS power New Hampshire Saturday at Heinz Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. The Panthers dropped out of the rankings following last Thursday’s heartbreaking 27-24 loss at Utah.

Pitt came from 11 points down in the fourth quarter to tie the Utes at 24 before falling to the hosts in overtime.

Though Pitt had difficulty getting Dion Lewis and the ground game going (25 carries for 75 yards and one score), the Panthers could take some solace that they went toe-to-toe with a squad who has not lost a home game since 2007 and has enjoyed immense success over the past decade.

Now it is on to New Hampshire, who is ranked no. 5 in the FCS polls.

“We all know that New Hampshire is in the FCS (formerly Division I-AA),” Wannstedt said. “They’re a top 10 team (in that classification) and they have stepped up to play FBS (formerly Division I-A) teams and had success.”

New Hampshire shredded Central Connecticut State in their opener last week 33-3. The Wildcats employ a spread offense that favors the running game. New Hampshire put up more than 300 yards on the ground in their win last week.

“Watching their game on Saturday, they run to the ball and tackle very well,” said Wannstedt. “They missed very few tackles. We will focus on correcting what we did not do well enough against Utah and now it is time to focus in on our next opponent and get ready for New Hampshire.

Sophomore running back Dontra Peters paced the Wildcats offense by rushing for 197 yards on 19 carries. He also added two scores. New Hampshire set the tone early last week when senior wide receiver Terrance Cox returned the opening kick for a touchdown.

New Hampshire’s defense was also strong, limiting Central Connecticut State to 220 total yards of offense and one field goal. Sophomore linebacker Matt Evans led the defensive effort with 14 tackles. The Wildcats also showed a strong pass rush by garnering three quarterback sacks.

“Right now, we have to get a win,” said Wannstedt. “We have to correct the things that we did not do well enough to win last week. All we need to do is watch the history of New Hampshire. They have several players from the area and that we’ve had in our camps that are playing for them.”

Notes: Several Wildcats will be returning home to Western Pennsylvania this weekend. They include freshman quarterback Alex Park (Upper St. Clair); freshman offensive lineman Tim Johnson (West Allegheny); freshman wide receiver Jimmy Giansante (Thomas Jefferson); junior tight end Chris Jeannot (Moon) and freshman defensive lineman Cory Rekasie (Chartiers Valley).

• Decorated defensive end Greg Romeus tweaked an ankle in practice on Saturday afternoon while reserve safety Andrew Taglianetti is still battling stiffness in his surgically repaired left knee. Coach Dave Wannstedt said he believes both should be back on the field in the very near future.

• Romeus along with running back Dion Lewis and receiver Jonathan Baldwin were all selected as preseason candidates for several prestigious awards.

• Romeus was named a candidate for the Chuck Bednarik Award which is given annually to the nation’s top defensive player. Both Lewis and Baldwin were named candidates for the Maxwell Award which honors the most outstanding overall player in college football.

• Safety Dom DeCicco also got into the act by being named to the Jim Thorpe Award preseason watch list. The award is given annually to the nation’s top defensive back.

• Pitt was rated no. 15 in the USA Today coaches’ poll, one spot behind former rival Penn State and nine spots ahead of conference arch-rival West Virginia.

• According to Wannstedt, one of the early preseason surprises has been the play of freshman defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Though juniors Myles Caragein and Chas Alexcih are penciled in as the starters, Donald should help give the unit some depth in the middle while Brandon Lindsey is expected to do the same on the edge.

And now comes the hard part.

Not since the early 1980s have the Pitt Panthers entered a college football season with this level of anticipation and expectation. Coach Dave Wannstedt greeted the media Thursday to kickoff fall practice for a squad that was overwhelmingly picked by the media to win the Big East conference for the first time since 2004.

“I think it is great recognition for our team and players,” said the coach. “As a coach, you want people talking about this in December. The recognition is not going to win any games for us. Our focus is now on training camp and preparing ourselves to have the chance to receive such an accolade.”

The Panthers won 10 games last season, including a 19-16 win over North Carolina in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. But it could have been so much more. Pitt saw the Big East title slip from their grasp last December when Cincinnati came from behind and took the championship with a 45-44 win before a packed Heinz Field.

All off season, the Panthers stewed and prepared themselves for another run at the top spot in the conference and the prize it brings; a coveted BCS bowl berth and national recognition.

Now, this star-studded lineup that includes 2009 Big East offensive player of the year running back Dion Lewis, wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin and conference defensive player of the year defensive end Greg Romeus, is primed to take what eluded them last year.

“We have good guys that know what it takes to win and they don’t take anything for granted,” said Wannstedt. “It is a team game and we’re only as good as our team is.”

One of Pitt’s other key performers, starting defensive end Jabaal Sheard, did find himself in hot water as the off-season wound to c lose. Sheard was charged with assault along with other charges after he allegedly threw a man through a glass door during a fight on Pittsburgh’s South Side in late July. He was suspended indefinitely but reinstated after he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct.

Coach Wannstedt said the matter will now be handled internally.

“After gathering all the information and our legal system took its curse, we are very comfortable with the decision we have made concerning Jabaal,” said Wannstedt. “You all know that we have had players in the past, as every school does, whether they are reasons on or off the field where it has not worked out. However, my responsibility to this university and to these kids is to be consistent and fair with the facts and handle it accordingly.”

With the Sheard issue resolved, the Panthers staff now can focus on getting the squad ready, especially quarterback Tino Sunseri, who will take over for the graduated Bill Stull.

“This is Tino’s time,” said Wannstedt. “He has the arm to make all the throws that we need to make. He’s more athletic on his feet than what people give him credit for. He’s very intelligent. He understands the big picture of what we’re trying to do from an offensive standpoint and I think that is very important.”

Pitt officially opens fall practice Saturday August 7 at the UPMC South Side Complex.

The Pitt Panthers ended their spring football season with the annual Blue-Gold Game on a blustery Saturday afternoon before approximately 6,500 hearty souls at Heinz Field. Pitt’s defense, which comprised the Blue squad, had their way with the Gold side as they romped to a 62-24 win.

As was expected, the defense showed they were well ahead of the offense. But that is to be expected this time of the year, since the coaching staff did not install much of an offensive game plan for both quarterbacks Tino Sunseri and Pat Bostick.

Sunseri, a redshirt sophomore, appears to have a firm grip on the starting job heading into the fall. He finished the day with nine completions in 17 attempts for 82 yards and one rushing touchdown. The Pittsburgh Central Catholic product displayed a strong arm and escapability from the rush.

Bostick, a redshirt junior, completed six of 13 throws for 59 yards. He was sacked twice and threw one ugly interception to second team safety and former quarterback Kolby Gray. Bostick clearly is the team’s second option behind center but does have game experience with wins over West Virginia and Notre Dame in 2007 and 2008 respectively.

Jonathan Baldwin made one highlight reel catch, an 11-yard one-handed grab of a poorly thrown Susneri pass in the first quarter. He led all receivers with four catches for 37 yards. The junior also took advantage of some coaching from former Panther and current Pro Bowl receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who returned to Heinz Field to take in some of the action.

Fitzgerald was one of many former Panthers on hand Saturday afternoon. He stayed all day and chatted with several recruits in the hallway next to the Panthers locker room.

Offensive tackle Jason Pinkston had a solid afternoon, walling off all-Big East defensive end Greg Romeus much of the day. Pinkston could take comfort in his performance, knowing if he could handle Romeus, he should overpower all other defensive ends he will face this year.

Pitt’s linebackers showed they have big play capability. Sophomores Manny Williams and Dan Mason were all over the field. Williams made five tackles and one interception while Mason spent much of the day in the offensive backfield.

Converted quarterback Greg Cross and tight end Mike Cruz showed they could add to the receiving weapons for Sunseri this season. Cross seems to have gained confidence playing the position as was evidenced by a nice 15-yard grab of a Bostick floater in the second period while Cruz hauled in a 20-yard bullet from Sunseri in the third.

Sophomore running back Dion Lewis broke off a 52-yard run in the first quarter, showing he is ready to make a run at 2,000 yards this season. He finished with 74 yards on five totes.

But the day belonged to the defense. Pitt’s defensive line garnered five sacks and controlled play all day, putting a large smile on defensive line coach Greg Gattuso’s face much of the afternoon.

Notes: Romeus was named to the watch list for the 2010 Lott Trophy, which is presented annually to the best defensive player in college football. Last season, he garnered 8 sacks and 43 tackles, 11.5 of which were for a loss. He was named Big East co-Defensive Player of the Year along with teammate Mick Williams.

Pitt’s season opening contest at Utah will take place at 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 2. It will be broadcast nationally on Versus.

November 1, 2008 | Pitt 36, Notre Dame 33

Pitt Panther Highlights throughout the years set to Rage Against the Machine’s “Renegades of Funk.”

10-3

Football Schedule

No, it wasn’t a win in a BCS bowl game, but the Pitt Panthers did indeed have their finest season since 1981.

Pitt’s hard-fought 19-17 win over North Carolina in the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte gave the Panthers a 10-3 record, their best since Ronald Regan was in the Oval Office. Although the elusive Big East championship slipped through their fingers in a heart-wrenching 45-44 loss at home against Cincinnati earlier this month, the season was saved but a gutsy effort against a game Tar Heels squad geared to play the same smash-mouth style of football Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt enjoys.

“We really got down to business,” said Wannstedt. “I don’t think people really understand what 10-3 says about a program, even though nine wins is outstanding. Ten wins separates you and I don’t think that these guys know what they have accomplished here tonight and probably won’t for a few weeks or a month or however long.”

The usual suspects were at work for the Panthers against the Tar Heels. Freshman Dion Lewis again showed the nation he will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Lewis gashed the nation’s No. 6 defense for 159 yards on 28 carries and one score. Wannstedt said he was surprised his prized running back did not get the ball even more.

“Compared to last time (a 47-carry, 194-yard performance against Cincinnati), he took the day off,” Wannstedt said jokingly. “He is clearly a difference maker.”

Pitt’s final drive was vintage smash-mouth football. The Panthers took nearly nine minutes to travel 79 yards. Of the drive’s 17 plays, Lewis carried the ball on 12 of them for 62 yards.

“That last series, there was no question that a lot of the yards he made were not easy,” said Wannstedt. “Every inch counts and that made the difference in the game today.”

Lewis, the game’s Most Valuable Player, said he was quite pleased with the coaching staff’s faith in him, even with a lost fumble in the first quarter.

“It’s great to know that the coaches trust me like that,” said Lewis. “They trust me in a tough situation to get me the ball. I just want to make them happy. My teammates trust me and everyone trusts me so I just have to go out there and go to work.”

Pitt’s defense, somewhat maligned after the loss to Cincinnati, stepped up large Saturday night.

The pass rush was consistent all night. Co-Defensive Big East Player of the Year Mick Williams notched two sacks. Defensive end Jabaal Sheard notched the team’s third of the night while his cohort Greg Romeus, the other half of the Big East Defensive Player of the Year tandem; was a disruptive force all night.

With the three sacks, Pitt notched 47 sacks for the season, good for No. 1 in the nation.

Freshman linebacker Dan Mason stopped one Tar Heels drive with an interception while Jarred Holley and Max Gruder teamed up for force another North Carolina turnover in the first quarter.

The formula Pitt used to win games this season, ball-control offense and opportunistic defense; was on display on Saturday night. It is a formula that has brought the Panthers back to prominence and will surely be used as a springboard for greater things in 2010.