2000 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

American college football season August 2023 February 2026 2000 Pittsburgh Panthers football Big East Conference Big East 7–5 4–3 Walt Harris 4th J. D. Brookhart 1st West Coast Paul Rhoads 1st Multiple 4–3 Three Rivers Stadium Insight.com Bowl L 29–37 vs. Iowa State The 2000 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh as a member of the Big East Conference during the 2000 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by fourth-year head coach Walt Harris, the Panthers compiled an overall record of 7–5 with a mark of 4–3 in conference play, tying for third place in the Big East. Pittsburgh was invited to the Insight.com Bowl, where the Panthers lost to Iowa State. The team played home games at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. Schedule 2000 AP Eastern September 2 3:30 p.m. w y Kent State Three Rivers Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 30–7 31,089 September 9 12:00 p.m. w y y Bowling Green Doyt Perry Stadium Bowling Green, OH ESPN Plus 34–16 11,533 September 16 3:30 p.m. w y y Penn State Three Rivers Stadium Pittsburgh, PA rivalry CBS 12–0 61,211 September 23 3:30 p.m. w Rutgers Three Rivers Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 29–17 30,890 October 7 4:30 p.m. l y Syracuse Carrier Dome Syracuse, NY rivalry ESPN2 17–24 2OT 40,699 October 21 12:00 p.m. w Boston College Three Rivers Stadium Pittsburgh, PA ESPN Plus 42–26 31,567 October 28 3:30 p.m. l y Virginia Tech 2 Lane Stadium Blacksburg, VA CBS 34–37 56,272 November 4 6:30 p.m. l y North Carolina Three Rivers Stadium Pittsburgh, PA ESPN2 17–20 43,872 November 11 12:00 p.m. l y Miami (FL) 2 Miami Orange Bowl Miami, FL ESPN2 7–35 47,520 November 18 12:00 p.m. w y Temple Veterans Stadium Philadelphia, PA ESPN Plus 7–0 12,842 November 24 2:30 p.m. w West Virginia Three Rivers Stadium Pittsburgh, PA Backyard Brawl CBS 38–28 46,569 December 28 7:30 p.m. l y y Iowa State Bank One Ballpark Phoenix, AZ ESPN Insight.com Bowl 29–37 41,813 Regular season The previous season saw Pitt miss the post season by finishing 5–6. For 2000, Pitt looked to find a replacement at defensive back for NFL drafted Hank Poteat. The season started out with a 30–7 win over Kent State.Robinson Allan Football Defeats Kent State, 30-7 http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090200aaa.html University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics September 2, 2000 October 5, 2010 March 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120325091927/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090200aaa.html dead The Panthers then travelled to Bowling Green, winning there 34 – 16 and improving to 2-0 for the first time since 1995.Panthers Cruise Past Bowling Green 34-16 http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090900aaa.html University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics September 9, 2000 October 5, 2010 March 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120325091930/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090900aaa.html dead Pitt then hosted Penn State for the two teams last scheduled meeting, which Pitt won 12–0. This was Pitt's first win against Penn State in 8 games and improved Pitt to 3–0, their best start since 1991.Spangler Todd Football Squad Shuts Out Penn State, 12-0 http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091600aaa.html University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics September 16, 2000 October 5, 2010 March 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120325091936/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091600aaa.html dead Pitt continued their winning ways with a 29–17 win over Rutgers, despite seven turnovers by the Panthers.Football Drops Rutgers, 29-17 http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092300aaa.html University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics September 23, 2000 October 5, 2010 March 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120325091945/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092300aaa.html dead Pittsburgh's winning streak would come to an end at Syracuse in double overtime fashion, 17–24.Kekis John Panthers Battle, Fall Short In OT Loss To Syracuse http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100700aaa.html University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics October 7, 2000 October 5, 2010 March 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120325091956/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100700aaa.html dead Pitt would come back two weeks later with an impressive win over Boston College. BC came into the game with the second ranked passing defence in the country, but not after Pitt quarterback John Turman threw for 332 yards and five touchdown passes. Running back Kevan Barlow also contributed, running for 209 yards on 25 carries including a 45-yard touchdown run, in the 42-26 Pitt victory.Robinson Alan Football Knocks Off Boston College For The First Time Since 1996, 42-26 http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/102100aaa.html University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics October 21, 2000 October 5, 2010 March 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120325092040/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/102100aaa.html dead The following game required a road trip to, then ranked second in the nation, Virginia Tech. Pitt led Tech 34–27 going into the fourth quarter, due mostly to their passing attack. John Turman threw for 311 yards and 4 touchdown passes in the game. Without starting quarterback Michael Vick, Virginia Tech came back in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 points, to win the game 34–37. Pittsburgh only gained 24 yards on the ground and the defence gave up 477 yards.Kurz Hank Jr. Football Falls Short To No.2 Virginia Tech, 37-34 http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/102800aaa.html University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics October 28, 2000 October 5, 2010 March 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120325092045/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/102800aaa.html dead Pittsburgh would then host North Carolina, who would upset the Panthers 17–20 despite holding a 407–293 disadvantage in total offense.Robinson Alan Pittsburgh Loses Close Call To Tar Heels, 20-17 http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110400aaa.html University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics November 4, 2000 October 5, 2010 March 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120325092054/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110400aaa.html dead Pittsburgh would then have to visit another top ranked team on the road with a trip to, then ranked second in the nation, Miami. Pittsburgh would have its worst offensive performance of the season, gaining only 266 yards, in the 7–35 loss. The Panthers have now lost 3 straight and their record is 5–4.Long Mark Football Falls To No.2 Miami, 35-7 http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111100aaa.html University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics November 11, 2000 October 5, 2010 March 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120325092002/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111100aaa.html dead Pittsburgh clinched their first winning season since 1997 and recorded their second shutout, first time since 1987, with a 7–0 win at Temple despite 6 Panther turnovers. Wide receiver Antonio Bryant, who gained 81 yards on 6 receptions and recorded the game's only touchdown, broke the Big East record for most receiving yards in a season with 1,154 yards.Bryant Shines In Win Over Temple, 7-0 http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111800aaa.html University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics November 18, 2000 October 5, 2010 March 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120325092022/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111800aaa.html dead Pitt would end the season 7–4, their best since 1989, with a 38–28 win over West Virginia. Pitt running back Kevan Barlow, playing in his last home game as a Panther, rushed for a career-high 272 yards and 4 touchdowns, 1,053 yards for the season. Only Tony Dorsett had rushed for more yards in a single game. Barlow also broke a record for most yards gained against a West Virginia defence.Robinson Alan Football Knocks Off West Virginia, 38-28 http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112400aaa.html University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics November 24, 2000 October 5, 2010 March 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120325092028/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112400aaa.html dead Insight.com Bowl Pittsburgh accepted a bid to play in the Insight.com Bowl, Pittsburgh's second bowl game under Walt Harris, against Iowa State. The contest was the first football game played at the home field of Major League Baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks, Bank One Ballpark. Pitt scored on their first possession by way of a 72-yard Antonio Bryant touchdown reception from quarterback John Turman. Iowa State would then go on to score 27 unanswered points. Pitt would score twice unanswered to start the second half, a Rod Rutherford 2-yard touchdown run and an Antonio Bryant 44-yard touchdown reception. Pitt would miss the extra point to make the score 20–27. Pittsburgh would then give up a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown by Iowa State's JaMain Billups, 20–34. Next, Pitt's Nick Lotz would kick a 25-yard field goal to make it 23–34 with 11:08 left in the game. On Iowa State's ensuing possession, they fumbled on first play at their own 29. Kevan Barlow would score from 3 yards out with 9:45 left in the game. A failed 2-point conversion made the score 29–34. Iowa State would add a 41-yard field goal with 4:53 left, 29–37. Pitt's comeback drive would be ended by a Marc Timmons interception at Iowa State's 12-yard line. John Turman threw for a career-high 347 yards and two touchdowns, Antonio Bryant caught 5 passes for 155 yards and 2 touchdowns, and Kevan Barlow rushed for 114 yards and 1 touchdown. Ramon Walker had 15 tackles and 2 forced fumbles.Baum Bob Panthers Fall To Iowa State In Insight.com Bowl, 37-29 http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/122800aaa.html University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics December 28, 2000 October 5, 2010 March 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120325092058/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/122800aaa.html dead Personnel Coaching staff 2000 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff Coaching staff Walt Harris – Head coach Bob Junko – Assistant head coach/defensive tackles J.D. Brookhart – Offensive coordinator/Wide receivers Paul Rhoads – Defensive coordinator/secondary David Blackwell – Linebackers Curtis Bray – Defensive ends Kenny Carter – Running backs Bryan Deal – Recruiting coordinator/Specialists Tom Freeman – Offensive line/run game coordinator Bob Ligashesky – Tight ends/special teams   Support staff Chris LaSala – Director of football operations Sean McGowan – Graduate assistant Eric Sutulovich – Graduate assistant Mauro Monz – Graduate assistant   Strength and conditioning staff Buddy Morris – Strength and conditioning coach Chad Hutsko – Assistant strength and conditioning coach Roster 2000 Pittsburgh Panthers f 77 So Bryan Anderson Bryan Anderson (American football) OL y 43 Sr Kevan Barlow RB y 80 Jr Antonio Bryant WR y 84 Jr R. J. English WR 37 Sr Nick Goings RB y 83 Sr Latef Grim WR 32 Fr Lousaka Polite RB y 12 Fr Rod Rutherford QB y 10 Sr John Turman QB 83 Fr Kris Wilson Kris Wilson (American football) TE yes y 5 So Torrie Cox DB y 51 So Gerald Hayes LB y 57 Jr Bryan Knight DE y 25 So Ramon Walker DB y yes https://web.archive.org/web/20010224001746/http://pittsburghpanthers.fansonly.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/pitt-m-footbl-mtt-alph.html * Walt Harris 2001-02-24 Awards and honors Antonio Bryant, Fred Biletnikoff AwardInformation Please: Annual Awards http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0880481.html Pearson Education, Inc. September 28, 2010 Team players drafted in to the NFL Player Position Round Pick NFL club Kevan Barlow Running back 3 80 San Francisco 49ers https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2005.htm 2005 NFL Draft Listing | Pro-Football-Reference.com Pro-Football-Reference.com 2009-10-07 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100125053200/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2005.htm 2010-01-25 References Notes Bibliography "2000 Season In Review." University of Pittsburgh Football Media Guide [2001]: 155–61. Print. Pittsburgh Category:Pittsburgh Panthers football seasons Pittsburgh Panthers football