Season filled with questions, but reason for excitement remains

We’re all getting ready to resume classes here at Pitt, and every year, the start of classes… We’re all getting ready to resume classes here at Pitt, and every year, the start of classes also marks the beginning of something much more exciting: football season.Unlike last season, this year’s team is filled with question marks, not prospects. The team only has three starters returning offensively, and head coach Walt Harris has yet to name a starting quarterback — and I haven’t even gotten to the bad news yet.

Sophomore wide receiver Terrell Allen was expected to be a contributor in this year’s receiving corps, but after suffering a ligament tear in his left wrist; Allen will likely be sidelined for the season.

Also sidelined for the season is senior wide out Princell Brockenbrough with a knee injury. He was supposed to be the lone veteran among receivers,

And, oh yeah, both tailback Jawan Walker and cornerback Bernard “Josh” Lay are, at the present time, academically ineligible, and Harris refused to comment on when or if either player would return.

So yes, there is trouble in paradise, but this dark cloud could have a silver lining.

There are a ton of players on this Pitt team who are poised and enthusiastic to step into prominent roles.

Coaches are excited about Mike McGlynn, a 6-foot-5-inch sophomore guard who could secure a starting job after having an impressive spring.

And although Harris says he wishes he could name a starter sooner rather than later, the delay has not bothered players. They all seem to have full confidence that either Tyler Palko or Luke Getsy will be able to step in and lead the offense.

Coaches are also hoping that a simplified defensive scheme will help cure some of the problems that the defense had a year ago.

So am I being clear enough for you?

Of course not.

But that’s because this team is full of question marks right now. And although things don’t look good on paper, that doesn’t mean that this team won’t come out and surprise you.

2004 Football Schedule Date Opponent Time Televised? 9/6 @ South Florida 4:30 p.m. ESPN 9/11 Ohio 7 p.m. 9/18 Nebraska 12 p.m. ABC 9/25 Furman 1 p.m. 9/30 @ UConn ** 7 p.m. ESPN 2 10/9 @ Temple ** TBA 10/16 Boston College ** TBA ESPN or ABC 10/23 Rutgers ** # TBA 11/6 @ Syracuse ** TBA 11/13 @ Notre Dame 2:30 p.m. NBC 11/25 West Virginia ** 8 p.m. ESPN ** Denotes Big East Conference Game

# Homecoming

Virginia Tech and Miami are long gone. The road to a Big East title is now far less difficult, but the Panthers will need to have players step up in a number of key areas for the 2004 campaign to be a success.

The offensive line will have to come together and provide adequate running lanes and pass protection. Whoever takes over as starting tailback, most likely Kirkley, will have to run hard and be physically capable of carrying the ball 20 plus times per game.

One of these days, we will know who the next starting quarterback will be. And when that time comes, either Palko or Getsy will have to make good decisions and protect the football.

No one knows who will be out there catching the ball. But this is “Receiver U.” Someone will have to step up.

And then there’s the defense, where the secondary seems to be the biggest area of concern. Look for Kennard Cox, cousin of former Pitt standout Torrie Cox, to step up and make some plays this year.

So what’s my prediction?

Despite all of the negatives and reasons not to think highly of this team, I predict Pitt will win at least eight games.

Ryan Walker is the sports editor of The Pitt News and wants to know how many games you think the Panthers will win this year. Email him at rpw973@yahoo.com.