Football: Panthers not ranked, but not yet deserving

“Others receiving votes” is often a dubious distinction to have as a college football team. It denotes that the team is almost relevant, marginally important and one step out of the national spotlight.

Right now, the Pitt Panthers lurk in the shadows of both the Associated Press and USA Today national rankings. They were there in the beginning of the season and remain there, despite an undefeated record.

The AP Poll ranks 10 one-loss teams within the Top 25, while the USA Today Poll includes nine teams who have suffered a defeat. Meanwhile, Cincinnati remains the only Big East team included in either poll.

Some fans might scratch their head to see Florida State (2-1), who struggled against Jacksonville State, or Nebraska (2-1), a team with zero “significant” victories, listed in front of the Panthers.

Yet, the lack of recognition might be a blessing for a Pitt team that has previously wilted after receiving early-season accolades. Last year’s squad responded to inclusion in preseason polls by promptly self-destructing against Bowling Green.

If anything, Pitt should be gun-shy of the polls and the type of expectations and self-indulging that accompanies them. Being under the radar can be rather advantageous — it keeps players hungry and places a chip on their shoulders.

It appears that the Panthers will need to fight for every bit of national attention they receive this season — especially considering the recent belittling of the Big East by talking heads and columnists.

At the same time, Pitt’s placement outside of the Top 25 adequately describes a team that still has several questions to answer. Most of the questions are a result of the three teams the Panthers have beaten.

A win against against Youngstown State was a foregone conclusion. Beating Buffalo on the road was a necessity for any team at the top of a BCS conference. Controlling Navy was reassuring, yet predictable considering the gap in athletic talent when playing a service academy.

Now, North Carolina State appears on the horizon, and the stakes are raised once more. Each week, Pitt’s schedule contains an incremental increase in difficulty, a stairway of challenging games culminating in a showdown against Cincinnati to end the regular season.

The goal then is to advance one step at a time and improve as the season progresses.

Sure, notoriety would be nice for those Pitt fans who disgustedly glance at No. 5 Penn State’s ranking after playing host to juggernauts like Temple and Akron. But the Panthers will need to earn the attention gradually.

Certain things still need to be sorted out before Pitt’s status as a contender is fully realized.

The defensive secondary needs to show that it can stop an intermediate passing attack that focuses on throwing the ball before Pitt’s front four can generate any pressure. The offensive line, which has played admirably, needs to continue to improve as the level of competition vastly increases.

In a way, the polls are doing Pitt a favor by withholding approval until it is undeniably deserved.

One man who certainly isn’t upset with the rankings is Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt, who said the polls aren’t a big topic around the locker room.

“We’re comfortable just doing what we’re doing. We’re just trying to win one more game and keep moving. The polls at this point mean nothing,” Wannstedt said.

Wannstedt is right, and it’s an important thing to keep in mind when looking at the Top 25. Unquestionably, the rankings don’t even begin to matter until the season is drawing to a close.

More importantly, Pitt’s performance on the field this Saturday will matter infinitely more than their performance in the polls on Monday.