2006 Pittsburgh Panthers Football Preview

Welcome to Maddux's 2006 Pittsburgh Panthers season preview. As usual we have taken the time to break down the team, while providing information about the university, and the 2006 Pittsburgh Panthers Football Schedule. If you are wagering on college football this season consider using Maddux Sports' College football picks for the added edge over the sportsbooks in 2006. In addition be sure to bookmark our free college football odds line service for the upcoming season.

Coach: Dave Wannstedt (2nd year at Pittsburgh)
Team Name: Panthers
2005 Overall Record: 5-6
2005 Big East Conference Record 4-3
Returning Starters: 12

Talented senior QB Tyler Palko (193 COMP, 341 ATT, 2,392 YDS, 17 TDs, 9 INTS), who did not have a good year in 2005, will lead the Panthers again. The good thing is that Palko immediately re-committed himself to the team. He looks ready to go.

It’s a given that he’ll be connecting with receiver Derek Kinder (37 REC, 374 YDS, 3 TDs). After that, there’s hope that some freshmen and sophomores can step up. Tailback will be handled by the unspectacular sophomore LaRod Stephens (96 CARR, 434 YDS, 0 TDs).

Although much of the offensive line returns intact, it’s clear that Palko will have to redouble his efforts to make this offense function.

Last season, the Panthers finished number 2 nationally against the pass, but at 94 against the rush. There are two returning players to the line and one at linebacker. Pitts’ linemen are small and last season were easily handled, while MLB H.B. Blades (121 tackles) constantly pulled rushers down. In the secondary, junior cornerback Darrelle Revis (4 INTS) will be constantly in the play.

Pittsburgh’s seen a lot of turnover since last season when they were 5 – 6. This season, the Panthers could go up, down or stay the same. Games that can go either way include Michigan State, Toledo, UCF, Rutgers and South Florida. On field leadership will be essential.

Pittsburgh Panthers 2006 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Home/Road
Sep 2	Virginia	Home
Sep 8	Cincinnati	Road
Sep 16	Michigan State	Home
Sep 23	The Citadel	Home
Sep 30	Toledo	Home
Oct 7	Syracuse	Road
Oct 14	Central Florida	Road
Oct 21	Rutgers	Home
Nov 4	South Florida	Road
Nov 11	Connecticut	Road
Nov 16	West Virginia	Home
Nov 25	Louisville	Home

 

For more data on the 2006 Pittsburgh football program, view the Panthers team website or scroll down below to read up on the rest of the Big East competition.