In reviewing the Pittsburgh Panthers 2008 betting odds we already know they are going to be one of the best defenses in the Big East.  But how good will the offensive line be?  They have the talent on offense to compete for the Big East Title.

Last year Pittsburgh had to replace their quarterback Tyler Palko, he finished 2nd all-time Pittsburgh totals offense behind Dan Marino.  There starting quarterback last year was Bill Stull, he hit his first seven passes in the first game of the season against East Michigan, before he suffered a thumb injury in the 3rd quarter and was lost for the year.  Freshman Pat Bosstick became the QB.  They ran a conservative offense with Bostick.  Bostick is the future but struggled after Stull went down in the opener with a thumb injury.  They still don't know who will be the quarterback to start the season, but Stull has had a good spring so he might take it away from Bostick.  The Big East odds at Sportsbook.com currently have Pittsburgh 5/1 to win the Big East title.

Coach Dave Wannstedt is starting his fourth season with Pittsburgh. His career record as a head coach is 16-19.  He was asstant to Jimmy Johnson at Oklahoma St and Miami.  Wannstedt was a head coachwith the Chicago Bears from 1993-98, then head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2000-2004.  Wannstedt attended Pittsburgh and was the captain of the 1973 Fiesta Bowl team.  This should be the season when his recruiting powers finally pay off.  This team this season should get about 7 or 8 wins and be in a bowl game.  Pittsburgh hired Dave because of his record with recruiting and because he is an alum.  As far as coaching ability, he is very good on the defensive side. 

Pittsburgh defense should once again be one of the best in the Big East this season, the offense could be explosive, led by running back LeSean McCoy.  As a sophomore McCoy ran for 2,561 yards and 28 touchdowns.  McCoy, who rushed for 1,328 yards and 14 touchdowns and caught 33 passes for 244 yards and a score.  LeSean McCoy: "I'm quick and have great cutting ability.  I have good vision and I can just take over a game.  I'm like Barry Sanders because I'm a determined team player with great moves."  He will be a big part of the offense this season.  All of this offensive skills won't matter this season if the offensive line can't block anyone.  There big game will come on November 28th when they take on West Virginia, this game will be on a Friday night.  This will be the 101st edition of the ''Backyard Brawl'' , with Pittsburgh leading the series 60-37-3.  Pittsburgh spoiled West Virginia's national title hopes last season which has been called the biggest upset in Pittsburgh school history.  The Big East odds at Sportsbook.com currently LeSean McCoy 10/1 to win the 2008 Heisman Trophy.

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