2008 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

American college football season August 2023 February 2026 2008 Pittsburgh Panthers football Big East Conference Big East 9–4 5–2 Dave Wannstedt 4th Matt Cavanaugh 4th Pro-style Phil Bennett 1st 4–3 Heinz Field Sun Bowl L 0–3 vs. Oregon State The 2008 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The season was the fourth under head coach Dave Wannstedt. The 2008 season marked the team's eighth at Heinz Field and the program's 119th season. The Panthers started the 2008 season with new defensive coordinator Phil Bennett. Ranked in the top 25 for the second time under Wannstedt's leadership, Pitt suffered an early and surprising setback in the opening game against Bowling Green. Pitt rebounded to defeat Buffalo and then Iowa by a score of 21–20. The winning continued when the Panthers upset undefeated and tenth ranked South Florida in a game nationally televised by ESPN. A win at Navy preceded a home upset to Rutgers, Pitt's fourth consecutive loss to the Scarlet Knights. However, Pitt rebounded the following week at Notre Dame with a 36–33 four-overtime victory over the Irish, the longest game ever for both Notre Dame and Pittsburgh. After a 41–7 rout of visiting Louisville, the Panthers improved to 7–2, were bowl-bound for the first time under Wannstedt, and were in contention for a Big East Championship and a BCS bowl bid. However, a loss at Cincinnati in the River City Rivalry eliminated the Panthers from championship contention. Pitt rallied to defeat archrival West Virginia 19–15 on the Friday after Thanksgiving in a nationally televised game on ABC for its second consecutive win in the Backyard Brawl. The following week the Panthers won at UConn to improve to 9–3 and clinched a bid to the Sun Bowl, the first bowl bid under Wannstedt. Pitt lost 3–0 to Oregon State, a team that had previously defeated USC. It was the first time Pitt was held scoreless in twelve years. Schedule 2008 AP Eastern August 30 12:00 p.m. l y 25 Bowling Green Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ESPNU 17–27 45,063 September 6 6:00 p.m. w y Buffalo Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ESPN GamePlan 27–16 42,494 September 20 12:00 p.m. w y Iowa Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ESPN2 21–20 50,321 September 27 12:00 p.m. w y Syracuse Carrier Dome Syracuse, NY rivalry ESPN Plus 34–24 27,549 October 2 7:30 p.m. w y South Florida 10 Raymond James Stadium Tampa, FL ESPN 26–21 50,307 October 18 3:30 p.m. w y y 23 Navy Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium Annapolis, MD CBSCS 42–21 37,970 October 25 3:30 p.m. l y 17 Rutgers Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ESPN360 34–54 51,161 November 1 2:30 p.m. w y y Notre Dame Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 36–33 4OT 80,795 November 8 12:00 p.m. w 25 Louisville Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ESPN Plus 41–7 44,055 November 22 7:15 p.m. l y 20 Cincinnati 19 Nippert Stadium Cincinnati, OH ESPN2 21–28 35,098 November 28 12:00 p.m. w West Virginia Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA Backyard Brawl ABC 19–15 63,019 December 6 12:00 p.m. w y 23 Connecticut Rentschler Field East Hartford, CT ESPN 34–10 39,535 December 31 2:00 p.m. l y y 18 Oregon State 24 Sun Bowl El Paso, TX Sun Bowl CBS 0–3 49,037 Rankings 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings Pitt began the season ranked at No. 25 in the AP poll. It was the Panthers first appearance in any major polling service since 2005 and first preseason ranking since 2003.Fittipaldo Ray WVU, Penn State, Pitt ranked in AP poll http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08229/904917-100.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20080819211702/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08229/904917-100.stm dead August 19, 2008 August 16, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 22, 2008 16 25 NR NR NR NR NR 24 23 17 RV 25 21 20 RV 23 18 RV RV NR NR NR NR NR RV RV 20 RV RV 21 19 RV 23 21 RV 5 NR RV 25 18 RV RV 21 19 25 23 19 8 17 NR NR 21 20 25 23 20 Preseason Recruits Head coach Dave Wannstedt signed the top recruiting class in the Big East Conference, his third consecutive top-25 recruiting class, to kick off the 2008 football year.Haubert Craig Class of 2008 Big East recruiting overview https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/columns/story?columnist=haubert_craig&id=3202495 ESPN January 18, 2008 August 20, 2008 Although Wannstedt had been recruiting well since the beginning of his tenure at Pitt, some of that 2008 recruiting power was attributed to the Panthers' season finale win over West Virginia.Smizik Bob Bob Smizik Pitt collects compound interest http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08020/850700-194.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20081122131503/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08020/850700-194.stm dead November 22, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette January 20, 2008 August 20, 2008Farrell Mike Pitt gaining commitments it hadn't been expecting https://www.usatoday.com/sports/recruiting/football/atlantic/2008-01-25-atlantic.htm USA Today January 27, 2008 August 20, 2008 The highlights of the class were projected to be WR Jon Baldwin, RB Chris Burns, OT Lucas Nix, LB Shayne Hale, and athlete Cameron Saddler. yes yes 2008 Johnathan Baldwin WR Aliquippa, PA Aliquippa SHS 6 6 233 4.40 12/10/2007 5 5 83 Chris Burns RB New Wilmington, PA Wilmnington Area HS 5 10 185 4.44 4/02/2007 4 4 81 Greg Cross QB Fort Scott, KS Fort Scott CC 6 2 205 4.55 12/09/2007 4 3 n/a Mike Cruz TE Johnstown, PA Bishop McCort HS 6 4 245 4.85 1/04/2008 3 3 78 Shayne Hale LB Monroeville, PA Gateway SHS 6 3 235 4.6 1/05/2008 5 4 81 Kevin Harper K Mentor, OH Mentor HS 6 0 185 n/a 10/29/2007 3 3 40 Ronald Hobby WR Brandywine, MD Gwynn Park HS 5 10 170 4.45 7/27/2007 3 3 67 Jarred Holley DB Easton, PA Easton Area HS 5 9 170 4.50 1/16/2008 3 4 65 Robb Houser OL Oroville, CA Butte College 6 3 285 n/a 12/15/2007 3 3 n/a Lucas Nix OL Clairton, PA Thomas Jefferson HS 6 6 295 5.5 6/22/2007 4 4 81 Antwuan Reed DB Johnstown, PA Greater Johnstown SHS 5 9 175 4.40 11/26/2006 4 3 74 Cameron Saddler RB Monroeville, PA Gateway SHS 5 6 160 4.40 12/05/2007 4 4 78 Mike Shanahan WR North Huntingdon Township, PA Norwin SHS 6 4 195 4.65 12/09/2007 3 3 76 Tino Sunseri QB Pittsburgh, PA Central Catholic HS 6 2 200 4.60 12/10/2007 3 3 80 Andrew Taglianetti ATH Pittsburgh, PA Central Catholic HS 5 10 175 4.50 1/28/2008 2 2 40 Joe Trebitz LB Boca Raton, FL West Boca Raton HS 6 3 200 4.75 1/14/2008 2 2 72 Ryan Turnley OL Aliquippa, PA Hopewell SHS 6 6 300 n/a 6/24/2007 3 2 75 Justin Virbitsky TE Jermyn, PA Lakeland JSHS 6 5 250 5.0 1/13/2008 2 2 76 Manny Williams LB Clairton, PA Clairton HS 6 1 205 4.55 6/18/2007 3 3 75 yes 2008 Pittsburgh Commit List for 2008 Scout.com Football Recruiting: Pittsburgh RecruitTracker 2008: Pittsburgh 141 221 25 28 yes Spring practices Throughout spring practices the defense dominated the offense, but in the annual Blue-Gold Game on April 19 at Heinz Field, the offense got the better of the defense, winning 60-25 under a modified scoring system that favored the offense.http://kdka.com/local/Pitt.Blue.Gold.2.704204.html Offense Dominates In Pitt Spring Game KDKA.com Pittsburgh AP CBS Broadcasting April 20, 2008 August 20, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080421165211/http://kdka.com/local/Pitt.Blue.Gold.2.704204.html April 21, 2008 dead mdy-allhttps://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/bigeast/pitt.htm Pittsburgh: Team Report USA Today August 20, 2008 The rising stars of the spring practices were defensive tackle Mick Williams, wide receiver Cedric McGee, and newly converted tight end Dorin Dickerson, who all earned the Ed Conway Award given to Pitt's most improved players at spring practices. Other important spring performances included Bill Stull, who re-established himself as the team's top quarterback, and John Malecki, a two-time letterman on defense at nose tackle who earned a starting spot on the offensive line at guard. The Blue-Gold Game was simulcast live locally in Pittsburgh on WPCW and nationally on the NFL Network.http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/041008aaa.html Pitt Spring Game to Air on NFL Network, Pittsburgh's CW April 10, 2008 PittsburghPanthers.com May 2, 2010August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Award watchlists Several players on the Panthers were nominated to various award preseason watchlists. Walter Camp Award:Walter Camp Football Foundation Announces 2008 Player of the Year Watch List Walter Camp Football Foundation, Inc August 18, 2008 http://waltercamp.org/index.php/news/walter_camp_football_foundation_announces_2008_player_of_the_year_watch_lis/ August 20, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080920105330/http://waltercamp.org/index.php/news/walter_camp_football_foundation_announces_2008_player_of_the_year_watch_lis/ September 20, 2008 dead mdy-all LeSean McCoy, RB, sophomore Scott McKillop, LB, senior Outland Trophy:2008 Outland Trophy Watch List Announced Football Writers Association of America April 18, 2008 http://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/news/2008/outland080418.html August 20, 2008 Gus Mustakas, DT, senior John Mackey Award:2008 John Mackey Award Watch List Release Nassau County Sports Commission July 31, 2008 http://www.nassausports.org/mackey/2008%20John%20Mackey%20Award%20Watch%20List.pdf August 20, 2008 Nate Byham, junior Bronko Nagurski Trophy:2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List Announced The Touchdown Club May 12, 2008 http://www.touchdownclub.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=show_page&page_id=5 August 20, 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081205010320/http://www.touchdownclub.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=show_page&page_id=5 December 5, 2008 Scott McKillop, LB, senior Lombardi Award:The Rotary Lombardi Award Website: 2008 Contenders Rotary Lombardi Award http://www.rotarylombardiaward.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=95&Itemid=56 August 20, 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20071002153544/http://www.rotarylombardiaward.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=95&Itemid=56 October 2, 2007 Scott McKillop, LB, senior Dick Butkus Award:The Butkus Award 2008 Collegiate Watchlist The Butkus Award http://www.thebutkusaward.com/watchlist/view.aspx?t=c August 20, 2008 August 20, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100820080704/http://www.thebutkusaward.com/watchlist/view.aspx?t=c dead Scott McKillop, LB, senior Maxwell Award:College Player Watch List Maxwell Football Club http://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/content/awards/watch_list_full.htm August 20, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080828171839/http://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/content/awards/watch_list_full.htm August 28, 2008 dead Derek Kinder, WR, senior LeSean McCoy, RB, sophomore Chuck Bednarik Award: Scott McKillop, LB, senior Game summaries Bowling Green Falcons 0 14 6 7 No. 25 Panthers 7 10 0 0 2008 Bowling Green Falcons football team The Panthers entered the season in the preseason rankings for the first time since 2005, but their stay did not last long, as they were upset at home by the Falcons. The Panthers, who outgained the Falcons 393–254 on the day, jumped out to an early 14–0 lead in the first half as they outgained Bowling Green 137–6 in the first quarter.Bowling Green QB keeps cool head to usher in triumph over Pitt https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=282430221 August 30, 2008 ESPN.com AP ESPN Pittsburgh November 14, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081012232354/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282430221 October 12, 2008 dead After falling behind early the Falcons rallied and took advantage of four costly Pitt turnovers. The Falcons keyed on Panther tailback LeSean McCoy, who fumbled once and was held to 71 yards on 23 carries. The Panthers defense was repeatedly befuddled by some of the odd formations that the Falcons used on offense, such utilizing an imbalanced offensive line or lining up a wide receiver at the quarterback position. However, the following year, defensive coordinator Phil Bennett praised head coach Dave Wannstedt for the way he handled the defeat, saying, "I told many people this: I've seen a lot of head coaches where the whole thing would have toppled after a game like that. I thought the way he handled it – his demeanor not just with the players but with the coaches – was phenomenal."Joe Starkey Starkey: Pitt's record? 9-4 http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_641312.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review September 3, 2009 September 4, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20090906161640/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_641312.html September 6, 2009 dead mdy-all (Game report https://web.archive.org/web/20080912161932/http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/game-01.html September 12, 2008 ) Buffalo Bulls 6 3 7 0 Panthers 0 10 7 10 2008 Buffalo Bulls football team The Panthers, facing a MAC foe for the second straight game, withstood an early charge by the Bulls, taking the lead in the 2nd quarter and holding off Buffalo every time they made a move.Mike Jafari Bulls Fall to Pitt 27-16 http://www.wgr550.com/Bulls-Fall-to-Pitt-27-16/2920171 Pittsburgh WGR September 6, 2008 November 14, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081203184442/http://wgr550.com/Bulls-Fall-to-Pitt-27-16/2920171 December 3, 2008 dead mdy-all LeSean McCoy scored all three touchdowns for the Panthers, scoring on runs of three, one, and two yards.Pittsburgh uses second-half run to topple Buffalo https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=282500221 https://web.archive.org/web/20160915053213/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=282500221 dead September 15, 2016 September 6, 2008 ESPN.com Pittsburgh AP ESPN November 14, 2008 (Game report https://web.archive.org/web/20081028123152/http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/game-02.html October 28, 2008 ) Iowa Hawkeyes 3 7 7 3 Panthers 7 7 0 7 2008 Iowa Hawkeyes football team Pitt went into the Iowa game looking to make a positive statement for themselves against a quality program as well as wipe away some of the stigma attached to themselves due to their earlier loss to Bowling Green.Paul Zeise Paul Zeise Pitt Football: Panthers want to make statement against Iowa http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08264/913649-233.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20080921220237/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08264/913649-233.stm dead September 21, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 20, 2008 January 5, 2009 The game was billed as a showdown of two top running backs, Pitt's LeSean McCoy and Iowa's Shonn Greene. Pitt men's basketball coach Jamie Dixon provided a motivational speech for the football team two days before the game against the Hawkeyes in which he described a potential win over Iowa as a "program-building" victory that could help put the Panthers back onto the national radar, propelling them to new heights of success.Pitt's McCoy punctuates triumph vs. Iowa with 27-yard run https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=282640221 https://web.archive.org/web/20200509013836/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=282640221 dead May 9, 2020 AP ESPN Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania September 20, 2008 January 5, 2009Paul Zeise Paul Zeise McCoy's cutback, 27-yard TD run gives Panthers' program big lift http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08265/913915-13.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20121018155545/http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/pitt-football/mccoys-cutback-27-yard-td-run-gives-panthers-program-big-lift-411304/ dead October 18, 2012 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 21, 2008 January 5, 2009 The Panthers jumped out to an early 14–3 lead when two Pitt quarterbacks, Bill Stull and Gregg Cross, each ran a called draw in for a touchdown in the first half. Greg Cross, an athletic, change-of-pace, junior college transfer quarterback, made his Panthers debut, scoring a touchdown on a 17-yard scramble in his first play as a Panther. The Panthers offense struggled greatly after taking the lead in the second quarter. However, Pitt's defensive line dominated Iowa's offensive line in the fourth quarter as the well-conditioned yet undersized Panthers outlasted the Hawkeyes.Paul Zeise Paul Zeise Panthers come up stronger in the end http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08266/914018-233.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20080924230719/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08266/914018-233.stm dead September 24, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 22, 2008 January 5, 2009 The Panthers' depth on the defensive line also played a role as they were able to rotate nine defensive linemen throughout the game. Coach Wannstedt and his staff were noticeably more aggressive in their play-calling; all three Panthers touchdowns resulted from an offensive drive that included a fourth-down conversion.Paul Zeise Paul Zeise Gambles pay off for Pitt http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08265/913999-233.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20121018155553/http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/pitt-football/gambles-pay-off-for-pitt-411257/ dead October 18, 2012 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 21, 2008 January 5, 2009 Although the victory was a big one for the team, the offense still showed great inconsistency and need for improvement.Paul Zeise Paul Zeise Pitt Football: Inconsistent offense still a concern http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08267/914305-13.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20121018155603/http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/pitt-football/pitt-football-inconsistent-offense-still-a-concern-411547/ dead October 18, 2012 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 23, 2008 January 5, 2009 Punter Dave Brytus and linkbacker Scott McKillop were named the Big East Player of the Week for special teams and defense, respectively, following their performances against Iowa.Colin Dunlap McKillop, Brytus get Big East awards http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08266/914184-100.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20121018155629/http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/breaking/mckillop-brytus-get-big-east-awards-411381/ dead October 18, 2012 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 22, 2008 January 5, 2009 Brytus punted eight times for an average of 47.8 yards, including a longest of sixty yards, one touchback, and one downed inside the twenty. McKillop, who broke his nose on a tackle of Shonn Greene when his nose was crushed by his own facemask,Joe Starkey McKillop leaves giant imprint http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/mostread/s_604752.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review December 28, 2008 January 5, 2009 April 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes finished with ten tackles, including six solo tackles, two and a half tackles for a loss of nine yards, and one sack. (Game report https://web.archive.org/web/20080924014609/http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/game-03.html September 24, 2008 ) Syracuse Panthers 3 10 3 18 Orange 14 3 7 0 2008 Syracuse Orange football team (Game reportAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot ) USF Panthers 7 10 0 9 No. 10 Bulls 7 0 7 7 2008 USF Bulls football team (Game reportAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot ) Navy No. 23 Panthers 21 14 0 7 Midshipmen 7 7 0 7 2008 Navy Midshipmen football team (Game reportAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot ) Rutgers Scarlet Knights 14 20 14 6 No. 17 Panthers 7 17 7 3 2008 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team (Game report https://web.archive.org/web/20081029153858/http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/game-07.html October 29, 2008 ) Notre Dame Panthers 3 0 7 14 3 3 3 3 Fighting Irish 3 14 0 7 3 3 3 0 2008 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team The Panthers came away with a 36–33, four-overtime victory after falling behind Notre Dame by two touchdowns, 17–3, at halftime.Panthers Top Fighting Irish in 4 Overtime Thriller http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110108aaa.html PittsburghPanthers.com South Bend, Indiana AP CBS College Sports November 1, 2008 7 November 2008 August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Conor Lee made the game-winning field goal, one of four overtime fields goals, during his perfect, 5-for-5 day to help lead the Panthers. His five field goals and 18 points are both Pitt records for a kicker; he also extended his school record of consecutive extra points without a miss to 100. LeSean McCoy led the way on offense with 32 rushing attempts for 169 yards, his 5th straight 100-yard game, and one touchdown as he surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the season; he also had two catches for 23 yards. The Panthers fell behind in the first half when Notre Dame controlled the clock and took advantage of poor play by Pitt on offense. Quarterbacks Kevan Smith and Pat Bostick, who were playing in place of the injured started Bill Stull, who suffered a concussion in the previous game, were ineffective in the first half, and the running game couldn't get going as McCoy had only 5 yards on 3 carries. In total, the offense only had 71 yards and five first downs in the entire first half.Zeise Paul Paul Zeise Pitt Football: Bostick proves he's a winner; Beating Irish his third upset http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08308/924948-233.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Notre Dame, Indiana November 3, 2008 November 7, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081206124744/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08308/924948-233.stm December 6, 2008 dead The offense got back on track in the 2nd half as the Panthers scored 10 straight points to tie the game at 17. The Panthers first possession of the 3rd quarter went eight plays and 71 yards, including a converted fourth-and-one pass that Oderick Turner turned into a 37-yard gain. The Panthers next touchdown came on a 15-play, 70-yard drive that used 8:28 of time during the end of the 3rd and beginning of the 4th quarters. Pat Bostick, although he was intercepted three times in the game, persevered and stepped up his play in the second half, leading the Panthers on three critical scoring drives. After the game Bostick, speaking of his own performance, said, "I came out and made some mistakes out there, forced a couple of things, made a couple of plays. We made enough plays to win though and this was a total team win... But the bottom line is we are here to win a football game and when you throw picks, it is not about you, you can't say 'Woe is me.' It is all about, 'What do I have to do on the next drive to take this team down the field to win the game?'" The Panthers defense, led again by linebacker Scott McKillop with 15 tackles, played significantly better than in the week before, allowing only one big play versus the Irish's offense, a 47-yard pass from Jimmy Clausen to Golden Tate.Zeise Paul Paul Zeise Pitt Notebook: Week of criticism good incentive http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08307/924850-233.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20121018155641/http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/pitt-football/pitt-notebook-week-of-criticism-good-incentive-619397/ dead October 18, 2012 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Notre Dame, Indiana November 2, 2008 November 7, 2008 They also held Notre Dame to only 146 yards in the second half and all four overtimes, including just seven yards on three three-and-out possessions in the third quarter.Rothstein Michael Irish search for ways to close out foes http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081107/SPORTS0302/811070334 South Bend, Indiana The Journal Gazette November 7, 2008 November 7, 2008 (Game reportAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot ) Louisville Cardinals 0 0 7 0 Panthers 10 7 3 21 2008 Louisville Cardinals football team (Game reportAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot ) Cincinnati No. 20 Panthers 7 0 0 14 No. 19 Bearcats 0 14 7 7 2008 Cincinnati Bearcats football team River City Rivalry (Game reportAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot ) West Virginia Mountaineers 0 3 9 3 No. 25 Panthers 7 0 0 12 2008 West Virginia Mountaineers football team Backyard Brawl (Game report https://web.archive.org/web/20081202023932/http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/game-11.html December 2, 2008 ) Connecticut No. 23 Panthers 0 3 24 7 Huskies 0 3 7 0 2008 Connecticut Huskies football team (Game reportAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot ) Oregon State (2008 Sun Bowl) Beavers 0 3 0 0 No. 20 Panthers 0 0 0 0 2008 Sun Bowl 2008 Oregon State Beavers football team (Game reportAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot ) Personnel Coaching staff 2008 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff Coaching staff Dave Wannstedt – Head coach Greg Gattuso – Assistant head coach/defensive line Matt Cavanaugh – Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks Phil Bennett – Defensive coordinator Brian Angelichio – Tight ends Bryan Bossard – Wide receivers Jeff Hafley – Secondary Joe Tumpkin – Linebackers David Walker – Running backs Tony Wise – Offensive line   Support staff Chris LaSala – Assistant athletic director/football operations Mike Antonoplos – Assistant director of football operations Bob Junko – Director of football operations and program enhancement Scott Turner – Offensive graduate assistant Greg Williams – Defensive graduate assistant   Strength and conditioning staff Buddy Morris – Strength and conditioning coach James Smith – Assistant coach of physical preparation Roster 2008 Pittsburgh Panthers rosterQuarterbacks:  4 Andrew Janocko – RS Fr 11 Bill Stull – RS Jr 12 Kevan Smith – RS Jr 14 Greg Cross – Jr 16 Tino Sunseri – 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 19 Pat Bostick – So Zeise Paul Paul Zeise Pitt Notebook: Decision to play Bostick in final minutes questioned http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08293/921175-233.stm October 19, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Annapolis October 21, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081022054427/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08293/921175-233.stm October 22, 2008 dead Tailbacks: 24 Kevin Collier – RS So 25 LeSean McCoy – So 29 Chris Burns – 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 34 LaRod Stephens-Howling – Sr 43 Shariff Harris – RS Fr Fullbacks:  6 Chris Bova – RS Jr 27 Henry Hynoski – RS Fr 30 Conredge Collins – Sr Wide receivers:  1 Cedric McGee – RS Jr  3 Aaron Smith – RS Fr  5 10px|Injured Cameron Saddler – 10px|Current Redshirt Fr Paul Zeise Paul Zeise Pitt receiver Cameron Saddler out for season with injury http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08227/904311-100.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20080816232506/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08227/904311-100.stm dead August 16, 2008 August 14, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 16, 2008  9 Tamarcus "T.J." Porter – Jr 10 Aundre Wright – RS Fr 81 Derek Kinder – RS Sr 82 Jon Baldwin – FrZeise Paul Paul Zeise Wannstedt's recruiting efforts ready to pay off http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08242/907920-13.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20110522115902/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08242/907920-13.stm dead May 22, 2011 August 29, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 7, 2008 85 Francis Johns – RS So 85 Samson Horne – RS So 87 Mike Shanahan – 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 88 Oderick Turner – RS Jr Tight ends:  2 Dorin Dickerson – Jr 80 Nate Byham – Jr 83 John Pelusi – RS Jr 85 Mike Cruz – 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 92 Justin Virbitsky – 10px|Current Redshirt Fr Offensive line:Zeise Paul Paul Zeise Panthers have several options in trying to build offensive line http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08220/902495-233.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20110522115938/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08220/902495-233.stm dead May 22, 2011 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette August 7, 2008 August 7, 2008 52 Lucas Nix G – Fr 53 Alex Karabin C – RS So 54 Chris Jacobson G – RS Fr 55 C. J. Davis G/C – Sr 56 Joe Thomas T – Jr 59 Mark Estermyer LS – RS Sr 60 Greg Gaskins T – RS Fr 62 John Bachman G – RS Jr 63 Wayne Jones G/C – RS Fr 64 10px|Injured Robb Houser C – Jr Zeise Paul Paul Zeise Pitt Football: Changes expected in lineup http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08302/923397-233.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 28, 2008 October 28, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081031073158/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08302/923397-233.stm October 31, 2008 dead 66 Scott Corson G – RS So 67 Dan Matha T– RS Fr 68 Jordan Gibbs T – RS Fr 69 Jared Martin C – RS So 70 Dominic Williams G – RS Sr 71 John Fieger G – RS Fr 72 Chase Clowser T – RS Sr 74 John Malecki G – Jr 75 Ryan Turnley T – 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 76 Frank Kochin T – RS Sr 77 Jason Pinkston T – RS So 78 Josh Novotny – RS Jr Defensive line: 45 Tyler Tkach DE – RS So 48 Doug Fulmer DE – RS Jr 50 Rashaad Duncan DT – Sr 51 Tommie Duhart DT – Jr 57 Craig Bokor DT – RS Jr 90 Tony Jaye Tucker Jr. DE – RS Fr 91 Greg Romeus DE – RS So 93 Gus Mustakas DT – RS Jr 94 Myles Caragein DT – RS Fr 95 Mick Williams DT – RS Jr 95 Justin Hargrove DE – RS Fr 97 Jabaal Sheard DE – So 98 Chas Alecxih DT – RS Fr Linebackers:Zeise Paul Paul Zeise http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08260/912477-233.stm Pitt's undersized line takes on powerful Hawkeyes September 16, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 17, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080918134514/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08260/912477-233.stm September 18, 2008 dead  6 Steve Dell MLB – RS Jr  8 10px|Injured Adam Gunn OLB – RS Sr Gorman Kevin Gunn undergoes neck surgery http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/sittingringside/show_comments.php?entry_id=3210 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review September 15, 2008 October 16, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080924201730/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/sittingringside/show_comments.php?entry_id=3210 September 24, 2008 dead mdy-all 15 10px|Injured Shane Murray OLB – RS Jr Pitt LB Murray done for year due to knee surgery https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3645593 AP ESPN Pittsburgh October 15, 2008 March 11, 2009 16 Brian Kaiser OLB – RS Jr 32 Tristan Roberts OLB – RS Fr 35 Brandon Lindsey MLB – RS Fr 38 Greg Williams OLB – RS Fr 40 Scott McKillop MLB – RS Sr 41 Manny Williams – 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 44 Nate Nix OLB – RS So 46 Shayne Hale – 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 49 Max Gruder OLB – RS Fr 53 Joe Trebitz – 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 86 Austin Ransom OLB – RS Sr Defensive backs:  4 Elijah Fields SS – RS So  5 Scott Shrake – Sr  7 Jovani Chappel CB – Jr 11 Dan Cafaro – RS Jr 17 Aaron Berry CB – Jr 20 Irvan Brown FS – RS Jr 21 Buddy Jackson CB – RS Fr 22 Antwuan Reed CB – FrZeise Paul Paul Zeise http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08281/917982-233.stm Pitt Football Notebook: Winning has a way with recruits October 7, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 7, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081007205115/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08281/917982-233.stm October 7, 2008 dead 23 Ronald Hobby CB – 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 26 Ricky Gary CB – RS So 28 Eric Thatcher FS – RS Sr 31 Dom DeCicco SS – So 36 Michael Toerper S – RS Jr 36 Andrew Taglianetti – Fr 39 Jarred Holley CB – 10px|Current Redshirt Fr Punters: 18 Dave Brytus – RS Sr Kickers: 24 Luke Briggs – RS So 27 Cody Sawhill – Sr 31 Dan Hutchins – RS So 37 Conor Lee – RS Sr 47 Kevin Harper – 10px|Current Redshirt FrClasses key:http://pittsburgh.rivals.com/croster.asp?Team=PITTSBURGH&Sort=3 Football Roster: Pittsburgh Panthers Rivals.com August 4, 2008 August 7, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080407233001/http://pittsburgh.rivals.com/croster.asp?Team=PITTSBURGH&Sort=3 April 7, 2008 dead Fr – Freshman; first year player So – Sophomore; second year player Jr – Junior; third year player Sr – Senior; fourth year player RS – Previously used a redshirt season 10px|Current Redshirt – Redshirted during the 2008 season Statistics Regular season totals Team Pitt Opp Scoring 352 276 Points/game 29.3 23.0 Total offense 4274 3850 Yards/game 356.2 320.8 Rushing attempts - yards 455 – 1719 421 - 1534 Passing attempts - yards 353 – 2555 353 - 2316 Fumbles - lost 21 - 12 17 – 7 Penalties - yards 55 – 425 66 - 576 Time of possession/game 31:32 28:28 3rd down conversions 61/166 (37%) 61/170 (36%) 4th down conversions 13/18 (72%) 7/18 (39%) Touchdowns, total 42 35 Touchdowns, rushing 29 14 Touchdowns, passing 10 19 Touchdowns, other 3 0 Punts - yards/punt 53 - 39.5 62 – 40.0 Field goals/attempts 20/23 12/18 PAT/attempts 38/38 30/34 Scores by quarter Pitt 79 88 51 122 12 Opponents 54 88 78 47 9 Individual Rushing Minimum five attempts or one touchdown Name GP Att Yds Avg TD Long Yds/gameMcCoy 12 284 1403 4.9 21 58 116.9Stephens-Howling 12 70 283 4.0 5 27 23.6Collins 12 21 85 4.0 0 25 7.1Wright 12 5 34 6.8 1 20 2.8Harris 12 12 21 1.8 0 4 1.8Cross 2 4 15 3.8 1 17 7.5Bostick 5 5 -27 -5.4 0 1 -5.4Stull 11 32 -122 -3.8 1 11 -11.1Total 12 455 1719 3.8 29 58 143.2Opponents 12 421 1534 3.6 14 57 127.8 Passing Name GP Rating Comp Att Int % Yds TD Long Yds/gameStull 11 126.22 181 306 9 59.2 2304 9 64 209.5Bostick 5 91.77 20 38 4 52.6 233 1 37 46.6Smith 1 44.53 65 3 0 33.3 4 0 4 4.0McCoy 12 108.80 1 2 0 50.0 14 0 14 1.2Janocko 12 0.00 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0Brytus 12 100.00 1 1 0 100.0 0 0 0 0.0Total 12 120.57 204 353 13 57.8 2555 10 64 212.9Opponents 12 119.90 194 353 14 55.0 2316 19 79 193.0 Receiving Name GP Catches Yds Avg TD Long Yds/gameKinder 12 35 410 11.7 3 61 34.2McCoy 12 31 299 9.6 0 34 24.9Porter 12 24 352 14.7 0 64 29.3McGee 12 22 190 8.6 0 17 15.8Turner 12 21 298 14.2 1 38 24.8Baldwin 12 18 404 22.4 3 60 33.7Byham 12 18 250 13.9 1 34 20.8Dickerson 12 11 137 12.5 2 41 11.4Stephens-Howling 12 10 101 10.1 0 16 8.4Collins 12 9 77 8.6 0 18 6.4Pelusi 12 5 37 7.4 0 15 3.1Total 12 204 2555 12.5 10 64 212.9Opponents 12 194 2316 11.9 19 79 193.0 Awards Aaron Berry – Second team All-Big Easthttp://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121008aaa.html Scott McKillop Named Big East Defensive Player of the Year University of Pittsburgh December 10, 2008 Pittsburgh December 13, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081216042735/http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121008aaa.html December 16, 2008 live Nate Byham – First team All-Big East C. J. Davis – First team All-Big East Connor Lee – First team All-Big East, Big East football Scholar-Athlete of the YearKevin Gorman Pitt's Lee wins scholar-athlete award http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_610490.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review February 6, 2009 February 9, 2009 https://archive.today/20120907190904/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_610490.html September 7, 2012 dead mdy-all LeSean McCoy – First team All-Big East Scott McKillop – First team All-American,http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121308aaa.html Scott McKillop Continues Pitt's All-America Tradition University of Pittsburgh December 13, 2008 Pittsburgh December 13, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081216042740/http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121308aaa.html December 16, 2008 live Big East Defensive Player of the Year, first team All-Big East Greg Romeus – Second team All-Big East Team players drafted into the NFL Player Position Round Pick NFL club LeSean McCoy Running back 2 53 Philadelphia Eagles Scott McKillop Linebacker 5 146 San Francisco 49ers LaRod Stephens-Howling Running back 7 240 Arizona Cardinals Derek Kinder Wide receiver 7 251 Chicago Bears2009 NFL Draft Listing https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2009.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090919093904/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2009.htm 2009-09-19 Pro-Football-Reference.com References Pittsburgh Category:Pittsburgh Panthers football seasons Pittsburgh Panthers football