Pitt Football Ranked?!

No, your eyes have not deceived you. Although it's true the Panthers didn't attend a bowl game for the third straight year this past season, they are already under consideration as one of the top teams heading in to next year. Pitt obviously was not anywhere near being ranked at any point this year, but that could change when the preseason polls come out in the summer of '08. ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach put together his top 25 for next season, and he has Pitt at #22. His description: "The Panthers have reason for optimism after upsetting West Virginia 13-9 in the regular-season finale, a loss that cost the Mountaineers a chance to play for the BCS championship. Dave Wannstedt failed to produce a winning record in his first three seasons as coach of his alma mater, but the Panthers seem ready to turn the corner in 2008. Pitt lost four games by seven points or fewer in 2007. Seven starters are expected back on both offense and defense. Tailback LeSean McCoy ran f...