Pitt football season full of early questions

This Saturday marks the intriguing home opener for Pitt football against Virginia. Although… This Saturday marks the intriguing home opener for Pitt football against Virginia. Although not nearly as highly anticipated as last year’s opener against Notre Dame, the Virginia game might be even more important after last season’s end result.

Although a lot of speculation has occurred, nobody really knows what to expect from this Pitt team.

Right now, the only sure studs on the entire team are linebacker H.B. Blades and cornerback Darrelle Revis. Even though quarterback Tyler Palko is the face of Dave Wannstedt’s squad, even his leadership, poise and consistency have been under scrutiny.

There are many questions heading into the season, and some of them — well, many of them — don’t have concrete answers. But, I’m here all season to offer answers to the questions you have, so let’s get started.

Q: Who will replace Greg Lee at wide receiver this year?

A: Pitt has a huge pool of wide receivers to choose from, but with the exception of junior Derek Kinder, none are really game tested.

Kinder is the team’s leading returning pass-catcher from last year and has a stranglehold on one of the starting positions, while redshirt freshman Oderick Turner had a great training camp and has earned the other starting job.

Behind Kinder and Turner is a wealth of uncertainty. Redshirt freshman Cedric McGee and sophomore Marcel Pestano are talented but inconsistent, and junior Lowell Robinson’s last game was in junior college.

Senior Joe DelSardo is a two-year letter winner, but is suspended for violation of team policy and will miss the opener. He could factor into the equation later in the year, as could freshman T.J. Porter, who has also had off-the-field troubles.

Q: What if Tyler Palko is unable to play?

A: This is basically Pitt’s worst nightmare. Palko is the only experienced quarterback Pitt has, not to mention the entire team’s vocal leader. Save a blowout, if Palko were not to be on the field, the Panthers would be like an army without a general.

In the last two years, two Pitt quarterbacks have transferred — Luke Getsy to Akron in 2004 and Joe Flacco to Delaware in 2005. Both were back-ups to Palko, and wanted to have a chance to start elsewhere.

That left freshman Bill Stull as the lone replacement last season and the undisputed No. 2 this year. Stull is talented, no doubt, but he is inexperienced. He needs at least this season to learn before taking over the starting job.

Q: What freshmen, if any, will make an impact this year?

A: This year’s freshman class is the best of any in recent history, so there are plenty of playmakers who could contribute. However, a few names have consistently stood out.

On offense, Porter could see significant time at receiver if he gets his off-the-field issues straightened out. Running back Kevin Collier would be the starting running back right now if he were a year older, so he will definitely see minutes in Pitt’s “running back by committee.” Dorin Dickerson, who was recently moved to the position from receiver, will also have the ball in his hands numerous times per game. Both kids are electrifying.

Defensively, tackle John Malecki has the best chance to get on the field of anybody, and will most likely do so. Defensive end McKenzie Matthews also has that chance.

In the secondary, safety Elijah Fields will be given every chance to start during the season, and he certainly could be by the time conference play is in full swing. Also keep your eyes on cornerbacks Aaron Berry and Jovani Chappel.

Q: Will Pitt make a bowl game this year?

A: I think so. The main reason why is the fact that Pitt starts its season against Virginia. Virginia has been a very respectable program in the past couple of years, but it is hurting this year because of injuries and other player issues. I think Pitt beats Virginia, which gives them the confidence to go on the road and defeat Cincinnati the following week.

That means Pitt returns home 2-0 to face Michigan State, which if Pitt is 2-0 they could conceivably pull the upset, and then who knows what could happen from there.

Bottom line, I believe Pitt finishes the year 8-4, in which case it makes a bowl game.

Q: When, if ever, will Pitt be a national contender again?

A: Pitt will have its best chance to make a run at a Big East and possibly a national title two years from now.

By then, this year’s freshmen will be juniors, and barring any NFL coup, they will all still be here. That class has numerous future first-round draft picks and will be the one to return Pitt to glory. If it doesn’t, something is seriously wrong.

Q: What is Pitt’s kicking situation?

A: Let’s say this — Pitt better hope it doesn’t find itself down by two on its opponent’s 30-yardline with five seconds to play.

With Josh Cummings’ departure last season, David Abdul was the perceived successor. However, because of numerous unfortunate events off the field, Abdul is unable to kick in his last season with Pitt.

That leaves sophomore Connor Lee and walk-on Dan Hutchins to battle for the top spot. But at this point, it doesn’t seem like either of them wants it. Neither is game-ready or consistent enough to rely on, but senior punter Adam Graessle, who handles the team’s kickoffs, might even be an option at place kicker.

This is the first installment of the season-long Q’A. E-mail Pat your Pitt football questions at prm17@pitt.edu.