2009 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

American college football season August 2012 February 2026 2009 Pittsburgh Panthers football Big East Conference Big East 15 15 10–3 5–2 Dave Wannstedt 5th Frank Cignetti Jr. 1st Pro-style Phil Bennett 2nd 4–3 Heinz Field Meineke Car Care Bowl champion Meineke Car Care Bowl W 19–17 vs. North Carolina The 2009 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The season was the fifth under head coach Dave Wannstedt. The 2009 season marked the team ninth at Heinz Field and the program's 120th season overall. The 2009 season saw the introduction of a new offensive coordinator, Frank Cignetti, Jr. Pitt got off to a 9–1 start with impressive wins over Navy, Notre Dame for the second consecutive year, and Rutgers for the first time since 2004. Pitt was ranked number 9 in the AP and BCS polls and was off to its best start since 1982. However, Pitt lost the final two regular season games, including a last second loss by a field goal at West Virginia and a one-point loss at home for the Big East championship to undefeated Cincinnati, to finish the regular season at 9–3 (5–2 Big East) for the second consecutive year. The Panthers rebounded by winning the Meineke Car Care Bowl over North Carolina, 19–17, to achieve its first ten-win season since 1981. Pitt ranked number 15 in the final 2009 AP rankings with a 10–3 record. In addition, Pitt players garnered many post-season accolades in 2009, including Big East Offensive Player and Rookie of the Year in Dion Lewis, and Big East Co-defensive Players of the Year in Mick Williams and Greg Romeus. Schedule The official Big East schedule was released on March 6,March 6, 2009 Big East Announces 2009 Football Schedule Providence, Rhode Island Big East Conference http://www.bigeast.org/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=92485&SPID=11215&DB_OEM_ID=19400&ATCLID=3685672 March 6, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090802020755/http://www.bigeast.org/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=92485&SPID=11215&DB_OEM_ID=19400&ATCLID=3685672 August 2, 2009 dead and the Panthers' schedule includes five nationally televised games.Kevin Gorman Pitt's football schedule includes five national TV games http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_614851.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review March 6, 2009 March 6, 2009 https://archive.today/20120909102632/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_614851.html September 9, 2012 dead mdy-all The times of the two weeknight games on the schedule, at Louisville and at Rutgers, were announced with the initial release schedule.Pitt announces kickoff times for first three games http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09188/982308-100.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette July 7, 2009 July 8, 2009 https://archive.today/20130131152737/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09188/982308-100.stm January 31, 2013 dead mdy The Panthers' home intraconference games include Cincinnati, Connecticut, South Florida, and Syracuse; the away games include West Virginia, Louisville, and Rutgers. The Panthers nonconference games had been scheduled well in advance of the 2009 season,Future Football Schedules http://pittsburgh.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=996&CID=29964 Rivals.com September 3, 2008 February 5, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20081013000751/http://pittsburgh.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=996&CID=29964 October 13, 2008 dead but the conference games took longer to schedule due to the difficulty some Big East teams had when trying to schedule their own nonconference opponents.Brian Bennett Early 2009 schedule analysis: Pittsburgh http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-143/Early-2009-schedule-analysis--Pittsburgh.html ESPN.com February 2, 2009 February 5, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090213150703/http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-143/Early-2009-schedule-analysis--Pittsburgh.html February 13, 2009 dead mdy-all The scheduled times for Pitt's first three games of the season were announced on July 7.Dale Grdnic Three Pitt Kickoff Times Announced http://pittsburgh.scout.com/2/877568.html Scout.com July 7, 2009 July 7, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110716021535/http://pittsburgh.scout.com/2/877568.html July 16, 2011 dead A month later, on August 7, it was announced that the game against NC State was scheduled for 3:30 pm and to be broadcast nationally by ESPNU.Pitt-NC State to be Nationally Televised by ESPNU http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080709aab.html PittsburghPanthers.com CBS Interactive August 7, 2009 August 7, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110726022315/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080709aab.html July 26, 2011 dead mdy Pitt-N.C. State set for 3:30 p.m. kickoff, ESPNU telecast http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_637257.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review August 7, 2009 August 7, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090809130855/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_637257.html August 9, 2009 dead mdy-all Ken Tysiac N.C. State-Pitt gets 3:30 p.m. start http://blogs.newsobserver.com/accnow/nc-state-pitt-gets-330-pm-start The News & Observer August 7, 2009 August 7, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090810170159/http://blogs.newsobserver.com/accnow/nc-state-pitt-gets-330-pm-start August 10, 2009 dead mdy-all On October 26, the Syracuse game was announced as a noon kickoff for ESPNU,Brian Bennett Kickoff times, TV info for Nov. 7 games https://www.espn.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/4393/kickoff-times-tv-info-for-nov-7-games ESPN October 26, 2009 October 26, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091030100101/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/4393/kickoff-times-tv-info-for-nov-7-games October 30, 2009 live and on November 2, the Notre Dame game was announced as an 8:00 p.m. prime time telecast on ABC.http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09306/1010238-142.stm Pitt-Notre Dame game set for prime time Ray Fittipaldo Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pittsburgh, PA November 2, 2009 November 3, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091106133808/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09306/1010238-142.stm November 6, 2009 dead 2009 AP Eastern September 5 1:00 p.m. w y 2009 Youngstown State Penguins Youngstown State Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA 38–3 48,497 September 12 12:00 p.m. w y y Buffalo University at Buffalo Stadium Amherst, NY ESPN PlusBaltimore, MD (MASN; Tape-delayed to Sunday, September 13 at 11:30 p.m.); Buffalo, NY (WNYO); Chicago (WPWR); Cincinnati (WKRC-DT2); Cleveland (WEWS); Columbus, OH (WWHO); Dayton, OH (WKEF); Detroit (WDIV); Flint-Saginaw, MI (WSMH); Grand Rapids, MI (WZZM); Harrisburg, PA (WHP); Indianapolis (WTTV); Kansas City, MO (Metro Sports); La Crosse-Eau Claire, WI and La Crescent, MN (KQEG); Lansing, MI (WHTV); Madison, WI (WISC-DT); Milwaukee (WMLW-CA); New Orleans (Cox Sports); New York City (SportsNet New York); Philadelphia (WPHL); Pittsburgh (WTAE); Providence, RI and New Bedford, CT (Cox Sports); Roanoke, VA (WDRL-TV); Rockford, IL (WTVO-DT2); Tampa/St. Pete, FL (Bright House); Toledo, OH (WTVG); Wheeling, WV (WTOV-DT); Youngstown, OH (WYTV).Pittsburgh at Buffalo: Clearance List as of September 8, 2009 http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pitt/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/Pitt-UBTVClearances.pdf University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics September 8, 2009 September 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20121112083805/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pitt/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/Pitt-UBTVClearances.pdf November 12, 2012 live mdy TV 54–27 21,870 September 19 6:00 p.m. w y Navy Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ESPN360 27–14 55,064 September 26 3:30 p.m. l y y NC State Carter–Finley Stadium Raleigh, NC ESPNU 31–38 57,583 October 2 8:00 p.m. w y Louisville Papa John's Cardinal Stadium Louisville, KY ESPN2 35–10 39,948 October 10 3:30 p.m. w Connecticut Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ABC/ESPNThe Pitt–UConn game was carried as a split-national broadcast by ESPN in the majority of the United States to the east of the Mississippi River as well as parts of Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas. The game was not carried by ESPN in the home territories of both Pitt and Connecticut – covering parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts – but was alternately carried on ABC. The ABC affiliates that broadcast the game locally were: Altoona, PA (WATM); Clarksburg, WV (WBOY); Erie, PA (WJET); New Haven, CT (WTNH); Oak Hill, WV (WOAY); Pittsburgh (WTAE); Providence, RI (WLNE); and Springfield, MA (WGGB).ESPN/ABC / UConn Game Coverage Map http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pitt/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/UConngamecoveragemap.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20121112084525/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pitt/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/UConngamecoveragemap.pdf dead November 12, 2012 University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics 2 October 8, 2009 October 12, 2009 TV 24–21 44,839 October 16 8:00 p.m. w y Rutgers Rutgers Stadium Piscataway, NJ ESPN 24–17 50,296 October 24 12:00 p.m. w y 20 South Florida Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ESPN PlusBoston (WCVB); Charleston-Huntington, WV (WCHS); Chicago (WCIU-DT4, Tape-delayed to Sunday, October 25 at 7:30 a.m.); Cincinnati (WKRC); Clarksburg, WV (WVFX); Dayton, OH (WBDT and WRGT); Denver (Altitude); Harrisburg, PA (WLYH-TV); New Haven/Hartford, CT (WCTX); Huntsville-Decatur, AL (WHNT); Kansas City, MO (Metro Sports); La Crosse-Eau Claire, WI and La Crescent, MN (KQEG); Lexington, KY (WTVQ); Louisville, KY (WHAS); Madison, WI (WMSN); Milwaukee (WMLW-CA); New York City (SportsNet New York); New Orleans (Cox Sports); Oak Hill/Beckley/Bluefield, WV (WOAY); Parkersburg, WV (WTAP); Philadelphia (WPVI); Pittsburgh (WTAE); South Bend, IN (WCWW); Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL (WFTS); Toledo, OH (WTVG); Wheeling, WV (WTOV); Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA (WSWB); Youngstown, OH (WYTV); Cox Sports in Providence, RI and New Bedford, CT; Mid-Atlantic Sports Network in Baltimore and Washington, D.C.; and throughout New York on Time Warner Cable SportsNet in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Elmira, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Watertown.Preliminary clearances for 10-24 and 10-31.xls http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pitt/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/PittUSFTVClearances.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20121112085152/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pitt/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/PittUSFTVClearances.pdf dead November 12, 2012 University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics October 19, 2009 October 20, 2009 TV 41–14 50,019 November 7 12:00 p.m. w 14 Syracuse Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA rivalry ESPNU 37–10 46,885 November 14 8:00 p.m. w y 8 Notre Dame Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA rivalry ABCThe game against Notre Dame was broadcast to a majority-national audience on ABC – 83 percent of television sets – but was available on ESPN Gameplan in the central United States, where Texas Tech–Oklahoma State was aired on ABCJay Huerbin Football: Pitt-Notre Dame matchup slated for primetime http://www.pittnews.com/article/2009/11/02/football-pitt-notre-dame-matchup-slated-primtime The Pitt News November 2, 2009 November 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091107223814/http://www.pittnews.com/article/2009/11/02/football-pitt-notre-dame-matchup-slated-primtime November 7, 2009 live in lieu of Pitt–Notre Dame.Paul Zeise Pitt's Top Ten Wins Since 2002 - Plus an ABC coverage map for Pitt-Notre Dame game http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/collegesports/archive/2009/11/13/pitt-s-top-ten-wins-since-2002-plus-an-abc-coverage-map-for-pitt-notre-dame-game.aspx Pittsburgh Post-Gazette November 13, 2009 November 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091117171200/http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/collegesports/archive/2009/11/13/pitt-s-top-ten-wins-since-2002-plus-an-abc-coverage-map-for-pitt-notre-dame-game.aspx November 17, 2009 dead mdy-allABC College Football: Saturday, November 14, 2009 8:00 PM ET https://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2009/1111/091114_8pm_2.jpg JPEG ESPN November 11, 2009 November 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091117020842/http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2009/1111/091114_8pm_2.jpg November 17, 2009 liveSaturday Night Football Presented by Southwest Airlines https://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2009/1111/091114_8pm.jpg JPEG ESPN November 11, 2009 December 1, 2009 TV 27–22 65,374 November 27 7:00 p.m. l y 8 West Virginia Milan Puskar Stadium Morgantown, WV Backyard Brawl ESPN2 16–19 56,123 December 5 12:00 p.m. l 14 Cincinnati 5 Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ABC 44–45 63,387 December 26 4:30 p.m. w y y 17 North Carolina Bank of America Stadium Charlotte, NC Meineke Car Care Bowl ESPN 19–17 50,389 Television broadcast notes "TV" Rankings 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings The official preseason rankings are normally released in August of the same season, but various publications annually release early projections throughout the spring and summer. The Panthers have received mixed reviews from such publications. Phil Steele ranked the Panthers at #23.Brian Bennett Pitt is 23rd in Phil Steele rankings http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-5-2/Pitt-is-23rd-in-Phil-Steele-rankings.html ESPN.com June 1, 2009 June 2, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20120330204959/http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-5-2/Pitt-is-23rd-in-Phil-Steele-rankings.html March 30, 2012 dead mdy-all The Top 40 http://www.philsteele.com/ Phil Steele's Publications June 2, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20100114165420/http://philsteele.com/ January 14, 2010 dead mdy The Sporting News picked the Panthers to win the conference, but Athlon Sports, who left the Panthers out of their early rankings, project them to finish in fourth place.Brian Bennett Sporting News picks Pitt, Athlon likes Cincinnati http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-4-341/Sporting-News-picks-Pitt--Athlon-likes-Cincinnati.html May 29, 2009 ESPN.com June 2, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090601204128/http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-4-341/Sporting-News-picks-Pitt--Athlon-likes-Cincinnati.html June 1, 2009 dead mdy-all The Congrove Computer Rankings, a computer program that determines a team's ranking based upon projected regular season results, ranked the Panthers at #12 and predicted an 11–1 regular season record.College Football Preseason Rankings http://www.collegefootballpoll.com/pre_season_congrove_rankings.html CollegeFootballPoll.com July 18, 2009 August 7, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090708061708/http://www.collegefootballpoll.com/pre_season_congrove_rankings.html July 8, 2009 live mdy The Panthers began the season unranked and just outside the Top 25 in both the AP PollRay Fittipaldo AP Poll: Florida easily No. 1 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09235/992696-233.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette August 23, 2009 August 26, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090827001948/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09235/992696-233.stm August 27, 2009 dead mdy 2009 NCAA Football Rankings - Preseason: AP Top 25 https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?pollId=1 ESPN.com August 26, 2009 and Coaches Poll.2009 NCAA Football Rankings - Preseason: USA Today Coaches' Poll https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?pollId=2 ESPN.com August 26, 2009Brian Bennett Big east absent from AP Top 25, too https://www.espn.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/1828/big-east-absent-from-ap-top-25-too ESPN.com August 22, 2009 August 26, 2009 The Panthers found themselves in the "others receiving votes" category of the major polls throughout the first half of the season, and they officially moved into the Top 25 rankings in all four of the major polls following their October 16 victory at Rutgers.Paul Zeise No. 20 Pitt breaks into national rankings http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09292/1006612-142.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20121018200404/http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/pitt-big-east/no-20-pitt-breaks-into-national-rankings-362635/ dead October 18, 2012 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 19, 2009 October 26, 2009Football Surges into Top 25 Rankings http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101809aaa.html PittsburghPanthers.com October 18, 2009 October 26, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091022130225/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101809aaa.html October 22, 2009 dead Pitt, WVU find way into national rankings http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_648687.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review October 19, 2009 October 26, 2009 https://archive.today/20120907215246/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_648687.html September 7, 2012 dead mdy-all The Panthers climbed several move positions in each poll the following week as a result of their victory over South Florida.Colin Dunlap Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia jump in AP poll http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09298/1008322-100.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 25, 2009 October 26, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091027234219/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09298/1008322-100.stm October 27, 2009 dead 15 RV RV RV RV NR RV RV 20 16 14 8 8 8 14 17 15 RV RV RV RV NR RV RV 19 17 14 9 9 9 15 16 15 4 RV RV RV 20 17 15 9 9 9 15 16 7 20 15 13 12 9 9 15 17 Preseason On February 5, 2009, the day after National Signing Day, it was made public that offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh would be leaving the Panthers to again pursue a career in the NFL.Paul Zeise Paul Zeise Cavanaugh expected to resign http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09036/947056-233.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette February 5, 2009 February 5, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090208074041/http://post-gazette.com/pg/09036/947056-233.stm February 8, 2009 deadBrian Costello Rex's staff complete? http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/jets/archives/2009/02/rexs_staff_comp.html The New York Post February 5, 2009 February 9, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090208160028/http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/jets/archives/2009/02/rexs_staff_comp.html February 8, 2009 dead mdy-all Cavanaugh's move to the Jets to become their new quarterbacks coach was not officially announced until February 9.Moves for Giants and Jets https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/sports/football/10sportsbriefs-BENWASFINETO_BRF.html Reuters The New York Times B14 February 10, 2009 February 10, 2009Kevin Gorman Cavanaugh officially leaves Pitt for Jets http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/pitt/s_610962.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review February 10, 2009 February 10, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090213051756/http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/pitt/s_610962.html February 13, 2009 dead The Panthers took only two weeks to find their new offensive coordinator, Frank Cignetti, Jr.Pittsburgh hires Cal's Cignetti as offensive coordinator http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/02/18/cignetti.pitt.ap/index.html Associated Press Sports Illustrated February 18, 2009 February 19, 2009September 2024 medicmedic Cignetti took a pay cut by accepting the offer from Pitt, but he cited the local cost of living and proximity to his own and his wife's families as major reasons for leaving California for Pitt.Jonathan Okanes Cal losing offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti http://www.insidebayarea.com/sports/ci_11734633 InsideBayArea.com Bay Area News Group February 18, 2009 February 19, 2009Kevin Gorman Pitt position a dream job for Cignetti http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_612401.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review February 19, 2009 February 19, 2009 https://archive.today/20130131140601/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_612401.html January 31, 2013 dead mdy-all Cignetti has a reputation for developing quarterbacks and will be expected to do the same at Pitt where senior Bill Stull, Pitt's returning starter, and the passing game increasingly struggled down the stretch last season.Matt Kawahara Cignetti Accepts Job as Offensive Coordinator at Pitt http://www.dailycal.org/article/104410/cignetti_accepts_job_as_offensive_coordinator_at_p The Daily Californian Berkeley, California Independent Berkeley Students Publishing Company, Inc. February 18, 2009 February 19, 2009 The other primary candidates for the Panthers' offensive coordinator position were former Panthers head coach Walt Harris and New York Jets wide receivers coach Noel Mazzone. Linebacker Adam Gunn was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA and will play in 2009, medical clearance pending.Chris Peak Pitt's Gunn gets sixth year of eligibility http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=920597 Rivals.com March 5, 2009 March 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20120215005105/http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=920597 February 15, 2012 live mdy He was injured in the 3rd quarter of the 2008 season opener against Bowling Green when he collided with fellow linebacker Scott McKillop.Kevin Gorman 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 Shane Murray, who was injured during the preseason in August 2008 and started at linebacker along with Gunn in 2007,Pitt LB Murray done for year due to knee surgery https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3645593 Associated Press ESPN.com October 15, 2008 March 11, 2009 will also be back with the Panthers in 2009. The returns of Gunn and Murray from injuries and Greg Williams, who started in place of Gunn in 2008, give the Panthers a stable of experienced linebackers headed into the 2009 season. The NCAA released the 2009 Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores, which measure "a school's ability to retain its athletes and keep them eligible from semester to semester," on May 7.Brian Bennett APR for the Big East: No penalties, Rutgers leads http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-4-247/APR-for-the-Big-East--No-penalties--Rutgers-leads.html ESPN.com May 6, 2009 May 7, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090511004355/http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-4-247/APR-for-the-Big-East--No-penalties--Rutgers-leads.html May 11, 2009 dead mdy-all The 2009 scores are data from the 2004–05 to 2007–08 academic years. The Panthers football team finished with the fifth best APR scores in the 8-team Big East, with a score of 944 out of a possible 1,000.NCAA Division I 2007 - 2008 Academic Progress Rate http://web1.ncaa.org/app_data/apr2008/545_2008_apr.pdf May 1, 2009 National Collegiate Athletic Association 3 May 7, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110807174857/http://web1.ncaa.org/app_data/apr2008/545_2008_apr.pdf August 7, 2011 live mdy Recruiting All players who signed with Pitt had verbally committed to the University within the year prior to signing a binding National Letter of Intent on national signing day. The Panthers also added one player who is not designated as a recruit, tight end Andrew Devlin, who transferred to Pitt in May and had been recruited by Coaches Wannstedt and Gattuso two years earlier in 2007 when had initially decided to play for the Virginia Cavaliers.Ray Fittipaldo PG South: Mt. Lebanon grad Devlin transfers to Pitt to finish his college career http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09148/973075-142.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette May 28, 2009 May 28, 2009 https://archive.today/20120906084754/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09148/973075-142.stm September 6, 2012 dead mdy He chose to transfer to Pitt after a change in offensive scheme would have forced him to change position to defensive with the Cavaliers. Half of the Panthers new signees played high school football in Pennsylvania, and nine of those ten players were first-team all-state selections in 2008.Kevin Gorman Pitt may face offensive overhaul http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_610316.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review February 5, 2009 February 5, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090207160636/http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_610316.html February 7, 2009 dead The Panthers were expected to bring in players to add depth to the team – not necessarily an instant impact in 2009 – because the Panthers are no longer a struggling team in need of immediate performers.Brian Bennett Pittsburgh recruiting needs http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-104/Pittsburgh-recruiting-needs.html ESPN.com January 22, 2009 February 5, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090123134711/http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-104/Pittsburgh-recruiting-needs.html January 23, 2009 dead mdy-all After signing day this class was not rated as a star-studded class that would be expected to provide an instant impact, but many of the players are viewed as players able to significantly contribute in the future.Pitt gets depth in recruiting class http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=514224 Associated Press The Sporting News February 4, 2009 February 5, 2009 September 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes Paul Zeise Paul Zeise Panthers' class small but not without stars http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09036/947055-233.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette February 5, 2009 February 5, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090208074036/http://post-gazette.com/pg/09036/947055-233.stm February 8, 2009 dead The players most expected to make an impact in the future are wide receiver Todd Thomas, tight end Brock DeCicco, running back Raymond Graham and linebackers Shane Gordon and Dan Mason.Brian Bennett Pitt announces signing class of 20 http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-158/Pitt-announces-signing-class-of-20.html ESPN.com February 4, 2009 February 5, 2009 September 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes As of February 5, the 2009 recruiting class was ranked as the 47th best class nationally by Rivals.com – much lower than previous Wannstedt recruiting classes – and 28th best by Scout.com. Dave Wannstedt dismissed the criticism of his recruiting class as the low reviews of his class were a result of the low number of scholarships that the Panthers were able to offer due to the low number of graduating Pitt seniors in 2008 as well as a down year for high school seniors in western Pennsylvania. yes yes 2009 Cory King OG Stoneboro, Pennsylvania Lakeview HS 6 5 308 n/a 4 Jun 2008 3 3 67 Dion Lewis RB Blairstown, New Jersey Blair Academy 5 7+1/4 180 4.43 17 Jun 2008 3 3 75 Juantez Hollins OG Aliquippa, Pennsylvania Aliquippa HS 6 4 265 n/a 24 Jun 2008 3 3 77 Jack Lippert DE Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Central Dauphin HS 6 3+1/2 244 4.65 27 Jun 2008 3 4 78 Devin Street WR Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Liberty HS 6 3+3/4 178 4.59 29 Jun 2008 3 2 40 Fernando Diaz OG Bronx, New York Cardinal Hayes HS 6 2 277+1/2 5.19 21 Jul 2008 2 2 40 Kevin Adams RB Montvale, New Jersey Saint Joseph Regional HS 6 0 208 4.66 1 Aug 2008 3 2 74 Carl Fleming S Reisterstown, Maryland Franklin HS 6 1 195+1/2 4.47 8 Aug 2008 3 2 40 Tyrone Ezell DT Homestead, Pennsylvania Steel Valley HS 6 4+1/2 251+1/2 4.75 9 Aug 2008 4 3 77 Raymond Graham RB Elizabeth, New Jersey Elizabeth HS 5 9+1/2 176 4.5 16 Aug 2008 3 4 77 Brock DeCicco TE Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania Thomas Jefferson HS 6 5 223+1/2 4.69 12 Oct 2008 4 3 78 Todd Thomas WR Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania Beaver Falls HS 6 2+1/2 201 4.55 17 Oct 2008 4 4 80 Jason Douglas RB Weston, Florida Cypress Bay HS 5 6+1/2 164+1/2 4.44 10 Nov 2008 2 3 78 Ed Tinker WR Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania North Carolina Tech Prep 6 2+1/2 215 4.5 17 Dec 2008 3 2 77 Jason Hendricks RB Jersey City, New Jersey Hudson Catholic Regional HS 5 11+1/2 173+1/2 4.5 11 Jan 2009 2 2 75 Kolby Gray QB Houston, Texas Cypress Falls HS 6 2 187+1/2 4.53 11 Jan 2009 3 3 76 Bernard Nunez DE Hoboken, New Jersey Hoboken HS 6 3 233+1/2 4.78 20 Jan 2009 3 3 78 Dan Mason MLB Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Penn Hills HS 6 0 219 4.70 22 Jan 2009 4 4 76 Ryan Schlieper OT Wexford, Pennsylvania North Allegheny SHS 6 5+1/2 278 5.00 2 Feb 2009 3 3 72 yes 2009 Pittsburgh 2009 Football Commitments Scout.com Football Recruiting: Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Panthers Football Recruiting 2009 pittsburgh 141 221 yes Spring practices Spring camp opened for the Panthers on March 19. Coach Wannstedt outlined his priorities heading into camp as determining the starters at running back and quarterback as well as the lineup at the various linebacker positions, most importantly in the middle.Robert Dvorchak Wannstedt looking for MLB, RB, expects 3-way QB battle http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09076/956166-142.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette March 17, 2009 March 17, 2009 https://archive.today/20130131142126/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09076/956166-142.stm January 31, 2013 dead mdy The annual Blue-Gold game, the final scrimmage of spring camp, was played at Heinz Field on April 11. The University wanted to make it into a more appealing event for families and casual fans.Paul Zeise Pitt Football: Spring outing with fan appeal http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09098/961247-233.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette April 8, 2009 May 1, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090411101936/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09098/961247-233.stm April 11, 2009 dead mdy As a result, they created various programs at the game, which was titled the "Pitt Spring Football Festival" in order to emphasize the various activities, which included a series of 20-minute "chalk talks" with coaches Wannstedt, Cignetti, and Bennett; an autograph session with former Panthers who went on to the NFL; and on-field drills with current players. Total attendance for the event was announced at 6,160.Kevin Gorman Defense clocks offense in Blue-Gold Game http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_620284.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review April 12, 2009 May 1, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090417054055/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_620284.html April 17, 2009 dead mdy-all “The defense has a lot of depth. One thing we learned today is our defensive line is a little ahead of our offensive line." Dave Wannstedt, following the spring blue-gold game 350px right As expected, the defense controlled most of the play throughout, defeating the offense 54–23, using a modified scoring system.Paul Zeise Pitt Football Blue-Gold Game: Offensive struggles continue for Panthers http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09102/962305-233.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette April 12, 2009 May 1, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090415144104/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09102/962305-233.stm April 15, 2009 deadBrian Bennett Defense wins day at Pitt spring game http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-4-155/defense-wins-day-at-Pitt-spring-game.html ESPN.com April 13, 2009 May 1, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090416170233/http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-4-155/defense-wins-day-at-Pitt-spring-game.html April 16, 2009 dead mdy-all The offense scored only one touchdown, a 54-yard, play-action pass from Bill Stull to Jon Baldwin. Bill Stull was the most effective of all the quarterbacks, going 12 of 17 for 132 yards with the touchdown and an interception. Freshman Dion Lewis, who enrolled early in January 2009, led the offense on the ground with thirty-four yards on twelve attempts. The defense, after allowing a touchdown and a field goal on the offense's first and second possessions, respectively, finished with three interceptions and six sacks the rest of the way and didn't allow the offense to score again. The defense held the offense to a net of sixteen rushing yards on thirty-seven carries. The game was broadcast live locally on WPCW in Pittsburghhttp://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/040609aaa.html Pitt Spring Game To Be Televised By Pittsburgh's WPCW PittsburghPanthers.com April 6, 2009 May 2, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120310142130/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/040609aaa.html March 10, 2012 dead and was replayed nationally on April 18 on the NFL Network.http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/041509aab.html Pitt Spring Game To Air On the NFL Network April 15, 2009 PittsburghPanthers.com May 2, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120310142338/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/041509aab.html March 10, 2012 dead The Ed Conway Award, which is given to the most improved players of the spring, was co-awarded to quarterback Pat Bostick and linebacker Max Gruder prior to the Blue-Gold Game. Off-field issues Seniors T.J. Porter, a wide receiver, and Tommie Duhart, a defensive lineman, officially left Pitt's football team at the end of the spring semester; both had been suspended from spring practices and did not participate.WR Porter, DL Duhart leaving Pitt http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/04/30/pitt-transfers.ap/index.html Associated Press Sports Illustrated April 30, 2009 May 1, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090504110635/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/04/30/pitt-transfers.ap/index.html May 4, 2009 deadKevin Gorman Pitt dismisses seniors Porter and Duhart http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_623078.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review May 1, 2009 May 7, 2009 https://archive.today/20120910220453/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_623078.html September 10, 2012 dead mdy-all Duhart, along with senior cornerback Aaron Berry and sophomore offensive lineman Wayne Jones, was suspended on April 7 from the remainder of spring practices as well as the Blue-Gold game due to an unspecified "violation of team policy".Brian Bennett Pitt suspends three players for rest of spring http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-4-137/Pitt-suspends-three-players-for-rest-of-spring.html ESPN.com April 7, 2009 May 21, 2009 September 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes Porter had been suspended from the team indefinitely after being cited for driving on a suspended driver's license and driving while intoxicated, his second DWI in under ten months.Paul Zeise DUI arrest leads to WR's suspension http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09078/956764-233.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20090325024903/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09078/956764-233.stm dead March 25, 2009 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette March 19, 2009 May 21, 2009 According to a statement issued by coach Wannstedt, both Porter and Duhart plan to transfer elsewhere. “I won't tolerate anything like that. I believe we have some great kids who made some mistakes, but they’ll be dealt with accordingly. And we’ll move forward."Despite Fast Start, Wannstedt Is Losing a Backyard Recruiting Brawl to Paterno https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/sports/ncaafootball/28pitt.html June 28, 2009 The New York Times Associated Press SP3 July 16, 2009 Dave Wannstedt, speaking about the variousoff-field incidents in Spring 2009 325px left A criminal complaint was filed against sophomore wide receiver and Aliquippa native Jon Baldwin on April 19, a day after the incident, in which Baldwin was charged with "indecent assault, harassment and disorderly conduct" following an incident with a female on a university-owned bus. Later in a non-jury trial in January, 2010, Baldwin was found not guilty on all charges.http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/washington/s_661731.html Pitt's Baldwin cleared of charges Bobby Kerlik Pittsburgh Tribune-Review January 12, 2010 May 2, 2010May 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes Sixth year senior Adam Gunn, who only weeks earlier had been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, was arrested in an incident that also involved former Panther Austin Ransom following an incident outside of a Pittsburgh night club.Pitt LB Gunn indefinitely suspended http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/05/14/pitt.gunn.suspended.ap/index.html Associated Press Sports Illustrated May 14, 2009 May 21, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090518043408/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/05/14/pitt.gunn.suspended.ap/index.html May 18, 2009 dead As a result of the charges against him – "misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and failure to disperse, as well as summary offenses of disorderly conduct and public drunkenness" – Gunn was suspended from the team indefinitely pending the result of his hearing.Kevin Gorman Pitt suspends LB Gunn following arrest http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_625010.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review May 13, 2009 May 21, 2009 May 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes All charges against Gunn were withdrawn at his preliminary hearing on June 16.Paul Zeise Charges dropped against Pitt LB Gunn http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09169/978194-142.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette June 18, 2009 2009-07-08 https://archive.today/20120907044335/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09169/978194-142.stm September 7, 2012 dead mdy Kevin Gorman Charges against Pitt linebacker Gunn dropped http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_629971.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2009-06-18 July 8, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090623140503/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_629971.html June 23, 2009 dead mdy-all According to Gunn's attorney, all charges were withdrawn due to the fact that "he employed no weapons, assaulted nobody and simply attempted to flee the scene". Fall practice The first official fall practice will open on Tuesday, August 11.Brian Bennett Big East fall practice start dates http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-6-42/Big-East-fall-practice-start-dates.html ESPN.com July 15, 2009 July 16, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090718151915/http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-6-42/Big-East-fall-practice-start-dates.html July 18, 2009 dead mdy-all Award watchlists Lombardi Award:Three 2008 Semi-Finalists Top 2009 Preliminary Watch List Rotary Club of Houston March 3, 2009 http://www.rotarylombardiaward.org/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=131 PDF March 3, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090311001135/http://www.rotarylombardiaward.org/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=131 March 11, 2009 dead Nate Byham, TE, Senior Mackey Award:Bryan Revello 2009 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List Released http://www.nassausports.org/downloads/2009_John_Mackey_Award_Watch_List.pdf JohnMackeyAward.org The Nassau County Sports Commission Manhasset, New York July 29, 2009 July 30, 2009 https://www.webcitation.org/5ipqPgruw?url=http://www.nassausports.org/downloads/2009_John_Mackey_Award_Watch_List.pdf August 6, 2009 live mdy Nate Byham, Senior Jim Thorpe Award:Jim Thorpe Awards Names 2009 Pre-Season "Watch List" http://www.jimthorpeassoc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=193:2009-watch-list&catid=5:news&Itemid=4 Oklahoma City Jim Thorpe Association August 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20120219183540/http://www.jimthorpeassoc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=193:2009-watch-list&catid=5:news&Itemid=4 February 19, 2012 dead mdy-all Aaron Berry, Senior Game summaries Youngstown State Penguins 0 3 0 0 Panthers 7 14 10 7 September 5, 2009 Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1:05 p.m. EST 2:48 48,497 Sunny; 79 F; Wind 4 mph on NE Pat Garvey yes Q1 7:31 Pitt Lewis 16-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 7–0 Q2 14:04 YSU Blose 48-yd FG Pitt 7–3 Q2 11:23 Pitt Lewis 1-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 14–3 Q2 1:05 Pitt Lewis 3-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 21–3 Q3 3:42 Pitt Hutchins 26-yd FG Pitt 24–3 Q3 0:24 Pitt Dickerson 13-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 31–3 Q4 12:05 Pitt Wright 6-yd pass from Sunseri (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 38–3 yes The 2009 season opener against Youngstown State was the Penguins' first trip to Pittsburgh since 2005, when they were defeated by the Panthers by a score of 41–0 in the first-ever meeting between the schools.Alan Robinson Pittsburgh 41, Youngstown State 0 https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200509240012 Rivals.com Yahoo! Sports Associated Press September 24, 2009 September 4, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20121007171452/http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200509240012 October 7, 2012 live mdy In this, the second matchup between the schools, the Panthers again won handily, this time by a score of 38–3.Paul Zeise Pitt Football: Freshman Dion Lewis rushes for 129 yards, scores 3 TDS http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09249/996008-233.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 6, 2009 September 8, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090909090519/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09249/996008-233.stm September 9, 2009 dead mdy John Grupp Pitt, freshman Lewis bury Youngstown State 38-3 http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_641835.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review September 6, 2009 September 8, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090916051911/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_641835.html September 16, 2009 dead mdy-all Lewis' fast start powers Pitt past Youngstown http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292480221 https://web.archive.org/web/20090923205815/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292480221 dead September 23, 2009 Associated Press ESPN.com September 5, 2009 September 8, 2009 The Panthers were led by true freshman running back Dion Lewis, who had fifteen carries for 132 yards in the first half.Paul Zeise Pitt-Youngstown State - First Half Impressions http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/collegesports/archive/2009/09/05/pitt-youngstown-state-first-half-impressions.aspx Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 5, 2009 September 9, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20120419064043/http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/collegesports/archive/2009/09/05/pitt-youngstown-state-first-half-impressions.aspx April 19, 2012 dead mdy-all Their Panthers played both of their top two quarterbacks. Bill Stull, a fifth‑year senior and the returning starter, played for the entire first half and a portion of the third quarter and was booed by the home fans on several occasions, likely because of his on‑field struggles dating back to the previous season.Brian Bennett To boo or not to boo https://www.espn.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/2367/to-boo-or-not-to-boo ESPN.com September 9, 2009 September 9, 2009Ron Cook Pitt's Stull gets rude reception http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09249/996004-233.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 6, 2009 September 22, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090909162919/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09249/996004-233.stm September 9, 2009 dead mdy Redshirt freshman Tino Sunseri played the remainder of the game. The Panthers outgained the Penguins 390–159 on the day. Buffalo Panthers 20 14 6 14 Bulls 7 13 0 7 September 12, 2009 UB Stadium, Amherst, New York 12:00 p.m. EST 3:14 21,870 Cloudy; 68 F; wind 9 mph on NNE Tom Tomczyk Jim Barbar and Doug Chapman ESPN networks yes Q1 10:06 Pitt Dickerson 10-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 7–0 Q1 9:54 Pitt Dickerson 23-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 14–0 Q1 5:55 Pitt Rack 24-yd pass from Maynard (Principe PAT) Pitt 14–7 Q1 0:21 UB Lewis 7-yd run (Hutchins PAT failed) Pitt 20–7 Q2 8:31 Pitt Dickerson 9-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 27–7 Q2 5:38 UB Roosevelt 54-yd pass from Maynard (Principe PAT) Pitt 27–14 Q2 1:09 Pitt Stull 3-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 34–14 Q2 0:33 UB Roosevelt 67-yd pass from Maynard (Principe PAT failed) Pitt 34–20 Q3 8:42 Pitt G. Williams 50-yd fumble recovery (Hutchins PAT failed) Pitt 40–20 Q4 11:32 UB Thermilus 12-yd pass from Maynard (Principe PAT) Pitt 40–27 Q4 4:44 Pitt Lewis 85-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 47–27 Q4 3:20 Pitt Graham 2-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 54–27 yes The Panthers traveled to Buffalo to take on the Bulls, who were coming off a 23–17 Week 1 win at UTEP,Buffalo 23, UTEP 17 http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292482638 https://web.archive.org/web/20090911085159/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292482638 dead September 11, 2009 ESPN.com Associated Press September 5, 2009 September 14, 2009 in a game that was both the Panthers' first-ever trip to Buffalo and first road game of the season. The Panthers defeated the Bulls 54–27 and took advantage of four Bulls turnovers, which led to 27 Panther points, with linebacker Greg Williams returning one fumble 50 yards for a touchdown.Pittsburgh blows out host Buffalo via pass, rush http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292552084 https://web.archive.org/web/20121103092906/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292552084 dead November 3, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press September 12, 2009 September 14, 2009Paul Zeise Pitt tramples Buffalo, 54-27 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 12, 2009Rodney McKissic UB thwarted by miscues in loss to Pitt http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/college/ub/story/793220.html The Buffalo News September 14, 2009 September 14, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090925060054/http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/college/ub/story/793220.html September 25, 2009 live mdy The Panther offense gained 381 yards and committed no turnovers. Dion Lewis had his second straight 100-yard rushing game, gaining 236 total yards and scoring two touchdowns, including an 85-yard touchdown run, and Dorin Dickerson finished with eight catches for 71 yards and three touchdowns.John Grupp Pitt's Dickerson emerging as go-to target http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_642972.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review September 14, 2009 September 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090916194927/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_642972.html September 16, 2009 dead mdy-all The Panthers' 54 points was the highest offensive output during Dave Wannstedt's tenure at Pitt, which began in 2005;Stewart Mandel College Football Overtime: Michigan's rapid improvement calls Pryor's college choice into question http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/stewart_mandel/09/13/CFB.overtime/1.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090923155840/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/stewart_mandel/09/13/CFB.overtime/1.html dead September 23, 2009 CNN Sports Illustrated 2 September 14, 2009 September 14, 2009 it was Pitt's highest output since scoring 55 points against Temple in 1999. However, the Bulls gained 500 yards of total offense on the day, and Buffalo quarterback Zach Maynard, who was making only his second career start, threw for 400 yards, a Buffalo record dating back to their re-ascension to Division I-A/FBS in 1999, and four touchdowns, which tied a Buffalo record during the same time, connecting with wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt on touchdowns of 67 and 54 yards.John Grupp Pitt defense shaky in victory over Buffalo http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_642900.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review September 13, 2009 September 14, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090915211717/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_642900.html September 15, 2009 dead mdy-all Pitt was penalized 11 times for 119 yards. Panthers starting free safety Andrew Taglianetti, who recovered a fumble in the first quarter, left the game with a torn ACL in his left knee and is taking a medical redshirt for the season.Paul Zeise Pitt safety out for the season http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09256/997817-100.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 13, 2009 September 14, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090924014136/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09256/997817-100.stm September 24, 2009 dead mdy Brian Bennett Pitt's Taglianetti out for year https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4470417 ESPN.com September 13, 2009 September 14, 2009 Navy Midshipmen 7 0 0 7 Panthers 7 14 3 3 September 19, 2009 Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 6:05 p.m. EST 2:55 55,064 Sunny w/ light clouds; 73 F; wind 5 mph on ENE Gary Patterson Drew Haddad and John Sanders ESPN360 yes Q1 8:31 Pitt Turner 6-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 7–0 Q1 0:19 Navy Dobbs 1-yd run (Buckley PAT) Tied 7–7 Q2 13:40 Pitt Graham 15-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 14–7 Q2 1:10 Pitt Lewis 6-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 21–7 Q3 3:22 Pitt Hutchins 29-yd FG Pitt 24–7 Q4 11:27 Navy Curry 4-yd run (Buckley PAT) Pitt 24–14 Q4 5:02 Pitt Hutchins 18-yd FG Pitt 27–14 yes The Panthers and Midshipmen face one another for the third consecutive season and have traded road victories over the previous two meetings, the Panthers winning 42–21 in Annapolis in 2008 and the Midshipmen winning 48–45 in overtime in Pittsburgh in 2007.John Grupp Pitt braces for diversified Navy attack http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_643543.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review September 17, 2009 September 17, 2009 https://archive.today/20130131185150/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_643543.html January 31, 2013 dead mdy-all The 2009 meeting was much lower scoring, the Panthers coming out on top 27–14.Pitt takes advantage of failed punt, sinks Navy http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292620221 https://web.archive.org/web/20090930122932/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292620221 dead September 30, 2009 ESPN.com Associated Press September 19, 2009 September 29, 2009John Grupp Pitt's 3-0 start is its first in nine years http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_644128.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review September 20, 2009 September 29, 2009 https://archive.today/20130131155335/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_644128.html January 31, 2013 dead mdy-all The win saw the Panthers improve their record to 3–0, the team's best start since 2000. The Midshipmen were expected to pass the ball with greater effectiveness under new quarterback Ricky Dobbs, but Navy was held to 89 passing yards. Navy led the nation in rushing yards per game during the previous four seasons as well as through the first three weeks of 2009, but were held to only 129 rushing yards against the Panthers, significantly lower than their 240-yard average coming into the game. The Pitt offense was much more effective than the Midshipmen, outgaining them 369–218. Bill Stull, who saw limited action in the second half, finished the day 17-for-24 with 245 yards through the air, including 20 to himself when he caught his own tipped pass out of the air and scrambled downfield, almost scoring a touchdown; he almost scored a touchdown on the play but turned the ball over when he fumbled and Navy recovered at their own one yard line. Stull was 12-for-14 with 189 yards and one touchdown in the first half. Dion Lewis didn't quite have the same strong statistical performance, compiling 79 yards and one touchdown on the ground, but Navy linebacker Ross Pospisil complimented Lewis after the game, saying that he "thought Dion Lewis was almost as a good as McCoy", referring to LeSean McCoy's 156-yard, three-touchdown game against Navy in 2008. True freshman middle linebacker Dan Mason made his first start and made 11 tackles, including two sacks, which earned him Big East Defensive Player of the Week honors.Brian Bennett Linebackers Gunn, Mason create good problem for Pitt https://www.espn.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/2865/linebackers-gunn-mason-create-good-problem-for-pitt ESPN.com September 21, 2009 September 29, 2009Ray Fittipaldo Pitt freshman wins Big East honor http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09264/999677-100.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20090925010657/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09264/999677-100.stm dead September 25, 2009 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 21, 2009 September 29, 2009Syracuse Duo Joins Pittsburgh Linebacker As BIG EAST Weekly Honorees Big East Conference September 21, 2009 http://www.bigeast.org/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=92485&SPID=11215&DB_OEM_ID=19400&ATCLID=204798408 September 29, 2009 https://archive.today/20090927054322/http://www.bigeast.org/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=92485&SPID=11215&DB_OEM_ID=19400&ATCLID=204798408 September 27, 2009 dead mdy-all NC State Panthers 10 7 14 0 Wolfpack 7 3 14 14 September 26, 2009 Carter–Finley Stadium, Raleigh, North Carolina 3:30 p.m. EST 3:13 57,583 Dank and dreary, rain; 67 F; wind 8 mph on ENE John McDaid Todd Harris and Charles Arbuckle ESPNU yes 1Q 13:02 Pitt Lewis 6-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 7–0 1Q 9:08 Pitt Hutchins 35-yd FG Pitt 10–0 1Q 2:39 NCS Gentry 23-yd pass from Wilson (Czajkowski PAT) Pitt 10–7 2Q 12:11 Pitt Lewis 7-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 17–7 2Q 0:00 NCS Czajkowski 25-yd FG Pitt 17–10 3Q 12:36 NCS Baker 38-yd pass from Wilson (Czajkowski PAT) Tied 17–17 3Q 10:03 Pitt Saddler 13-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 24–17 3Q 4:15 Pitt Baldwin 79-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 31–17 3Q 2:44 NCS Williams 33-yd pass from Wilson (Czajkowski PAT) Pitt 31–24 4Q 12:26 NCS Bryan 7-yd pass from Wilson (Czajkowski PAT) Tied 31–31 4Q 6:28 NCS Baker 2-yd run (Czajkowski PAT) NCS 38–31 yes Pitt's trip to NC State was the Panthers' first trip to Raleigh since 1988 when the Panthers lost to the Wolfpack, 14–3, and the first overall matchup between the schools since the 2001 Tangerine Bowl, where the Panthers defeated the Wolfpack 34–19.Pittsburgh Wins Tangerine Bowl https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/21/sports/plus-college-football-pittsburgh-wins-tangerine-bowl.html The New York Times December 21, 2001 S–7 November 3, 2009Shelley Anderson Classic Finish: Bryant, Priestley have big games to give Harris first bowl victory https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=io4NAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MnADAAAAIBAJ&pg=3471,143480&dq=pitt+wolfpack+tangerine&hl=en https://archive.today/20120713083634/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=io4NAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MnADAAAAIBAJ&pg=3471,143480&dq=pitt+wolfpack+tangerine&hl=en dead July 13, 2012 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette B–1 December 21, 2001 November 3, 2009Football Makes First Visit to NC State since 1988 http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092109aab.html PittsburghPanthers.com CBS Interactive September 21, 2009 October 13, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110726022509/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092109aab.html July 26, 2011 dead Coming into the game, Pitt held a 5–2–1 advantage over NC State, dating back to the schools' first matchup in 1952. The Panthers seized an early advantage in the game, jumping out to a 10–0 lead within the first six minutes of the game. The Panthers received the opening kickoff and were set up just across midfield after a Cameron Saddler return; the Panthers then scored the opening touchdown after only a four-play drive that was aided by a 15-yard personal foul penalty against NC State.Complete Play-by-Play https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=292690152&period=0 ESPN.com September 26, 2009 October 13, 2009 The Wolfpack went three-and-out, and the Panthers second possession ended with a 35-yard field goal by Dan Hutchins. Going forward through the third quarter, both teams moved the ball on offense with relative ease and at which point the Panthers offense would fail to continue to produce. The teams ultimately combined for 830 total yards by the end of the game.NC State rallies, then hangs on to defeat Pitt http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292690152 ESPN.com Associated Press September 26, 2009 October 13, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091002172423/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292690152 October 2, 2009 dead NC State's Russell Wilson led the way, throwing for 322 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing for 91 yards.Heather Dinich ACC's players of the week https://www.espn.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/4259/accs-players-of-the-week ESPN.com September 28, 2009 November 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091003035459/http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/4259/accs-players-of-the-week October 3, 2009 live Wilson came into the game holding the NCAA record for pass attempts without an interception,Wilson tosses 326th pass without an INT https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4487872 ESPN.com Associated Press September 19, 2009 November 17, 2009Wilson Sets NCAA Passing Mark https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/09/19/sports/AP-FBC-NC-State-Wilson-Record.html The New York Times September 19, 2009 November 17, 2009 August 2010 RjwilmsiBot and he increased his record by not throwing an interception against the Panthers.Paul Zeise Pitt: Crushing defeat for Panthers http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09270/1001214-233.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20100104175518/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09270/1001214-233.stm dead January 4, 2010 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 27, 2009 November 17, 2009 The Panthers had built a 14-point lead near the end of the third quarter after Bill Stull connected with Jon Baldwin for a 79-yard pass, but the Panthers never scored again as NC State scored three consecutive touchdowns for the 38–31 win.Paul Zeise Pitt loses to N.C. State http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09269/1001098-100.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20090929102810/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09269/1001098-100.stm dead September 29, 2009 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 26, 2009 November 17, 2009 The Wolfpack's come-from-behind scores came on drives of 45, 83, and 71 yards. Louisville Panthers 7 0 14 14 Cardinals 7 3 0 0 October 10, 2009 Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky 8:00 p.m. EST 3:07 39,948 Partly Cloudy; 62 F; wind 10 mph on SW G. McGinn Joe Tessitore and Rod Gilmore ESPN2 yes 1Q 7:15 UL Tronzo 1-yd run (Payne PAT) UL 7–0 1Q 3:48 Pitt Dickerson 5-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Tied 7–7 2Q 0:03 UL Payne 32-yd kick UL 10–7 3Q 10:57 Pitt Dickerson 37-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 14–10 3Q 6:35 Pitt Baldwin 71-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 21–10 4Q 8:47 Pitt Graham 5-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 28–10 4Q 3:17 Pitt Hynoski 3-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 35–10 yes Connecticut Huskies 0 7 14 0 Panthers 3 0 10 11 October 10, 2009 Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 3:30 p.m. EST 3:01 44,893 Partly Sunny; 57.3 F; wind 5 mph on WNW Dennis Hennigan Mike Patrick and Craig James ABC/ESPN yes 1Q 4:00 Pitt Hutchins 42-yd FG Pitt 3–0 2Q 2:46 Conn Easley 79-yd pass from Endres (Teggart PAT) Conn 7–3 3Q 11:22 Conn Vaughn 20-yd INT return (Teggart PAT) Conn 14–3 3Q 7:49 Pitt Hutchins 19-yd FG Conn 14–6 3Q 3:56 Conn Dixon 2-yd run (Teggart PAT) Conn 21–6 3Q 0:12 Pitt Baldwin 27-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Conn 21–13 4Q 7:35 Pitt Dickerson 27-yd pass from Stull (McGee 2-pt pass from Stull) Tied 21–21 4Q 0:00 Pitt Hutchins 18-yd FG Pitt 24–21 yes Rutgers Panthers 7 10 7 0 Scarlet Knights 7 3 0 7 October 16, 2009 Rutgers Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey 8:00 p.m. EST 3:22 50,296 Overcast w/ showers; 45 F; wind 12 mph on NE Pat Garvey Joe Tessitore and Rod Gilmore ESPN yes 1Q 12:36 RU Sanu 11-yd run (Te PAT) RU 7–0 1Q 9:41 Pitt Dickerson 7-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Tied 7–7 2Q 11:29 Pitt Hutchins 19-yd FG Pitt 10–7 2Q 3:24 Pitt Lewis 1-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 17–7 2Q 0:00 RU Te 23-yd FG Pitt 17–10 3Q 5:19 Pitt Lewis 58-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 24–10 4Q 9:37 RU Brown 19-yd pass from Savage (Te PAT) Pitt 24–17 yes South Florida Bulls 0 7 0 7 No. 20 Panthers 7 24 3 7 October 24, 2009 Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 12:10 p.m. EST 3:03 50,019 Mostly Cloudy; 62 F; wind 9 mph on WSW Jeff Maconaghy Mike Gleason, John Congemi, and Quint Kessenich ESPN networks yes 1Q 4:30 Pitt Cruz 2-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 7–0 2Q 14:53 Pitt Baldwin 40-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 14–0 2Q 10:35 USF Ford 3-yd run (Schwartz PAT) Pitt 14–7 2Q 8:01 Pitt Lewis 1-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 21–7 2Q 2:53 Pitt Hutchins 36-yd FG Pitt 24–7 2Q 0:19 Pitt Lewis 1-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 31–7 3Q 1:24 Pitt Hutchins 32-yd FG Pitt 34–7 4Q 10:37 Pitt Dickerson 5-yd pass from Sunseri (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 41–7 4Q 0:10 USF Bogan 20-yd pass from Landi (Schwartz PAT) Pitt 41–14 yes The October 24 game against South Florida was Pitt's homecoming, and the Panthers were seeking their first 7–1 start since 1982. The game was expected to be close and competitive, but the Panthers dominated throughout, winning 41–14.Pitt scores on all 5 first-half possessions, stomps USF http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292970221 ESPN.com Associated Press October 24, 2009 October 27, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091028152310/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292970221 October 28, 2009 deadBrian Bennett Pitt turns in frightfully good performance over Bulls https://www.espn.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/4334/pitt-turns-in-frightfully-good-performance-over-bulls ESPN.com October 24, 2009 October 27, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091027030242/http://espn.go.com/blog/BigEast/post/_/id/4334/pitt-turns-in-frightfully-good-performance-over-bulls October 27, 2009 live Pitt jumped out to a 31–7 lead by the end of the first half, in which Pitt scored on all five of its offensive possessions – four touchdowns and one field goal. Bill Stull, who finished 18 of 25 for 245 yards and two touchdown passes, wasn't sacked on the day and completed his first 11 passes of the game. Following the game, Stull gave the credit for the team's success on offense to his teammates, citing their ability to both block Bulls defenders as well as get open for passes.Stull, Bill October 24, 2009 Video: Pittsburgh QB talks after big win https://www.espn.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/4337/video-pittsburgh-qb-talks-after-big-win Flash Interview ESPN October 27, 2009 0:08–0:45 Dion Lewis continued his strong freshman campaign by adding yards and two touchdowns, topping 1,000 for the season in the process.Brian Bennett Lewis goes over 1,000 as Pitt lowers the boom https://www.espn.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/4284/lewis-goes-over-1000-as-pitt-lowers-the-boom ESPN.com October 24, 2009 October 27, 2009 Syracuse Orange 3 0 0 7 No. 13 Panthers 3 10 14 10 November 7, 2009 Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 12:00 p.m. EST 3:09 46,885 Mostly sunny; 61 F; wind 12 mph on SSW John McDaid Clay Matvick and David Diaz-Infante ESPNU yes 1Q 12:21 SU Lichtenstein 29-yd FG SU 3–0 1Q 8:05 Pitt Hutchins 19-yd FG Tied 3–3 2Q 9:24 Pitt Hutchins 45-yd FG Pitt 6–3 2Q 1:20 Pitt G. Williams 51-yd INT (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 13–3 3Q 10:38 Pitt Lewis 1-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 20–3 3Q 6:37 Pitt Dickerson 14-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 27–3 4Q 11:03 Pitt Hutchins 33-yd FG Pitt 30–3 4Q 5:47 Pitt McGee 29-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 37–3 4Q 1:03 SU Collier 1-yd run (Lichtenstein PAT) Pitt 37–10 yes Notre Dame Fighting Irish 0 3 0 19 No. 12 Panthers 3 7 10 7 November 14, 2009 Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 8:00 p.m. EST 3:11 65,374 Mostly clear; 58 F; wind 3 mph on WSW Thomas Tomczyk Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit, and Lisa Salters ABC yes 1Q 9:40 Pitt Hutchins 34-yd FG Pitt 3–0 2Q 5:40 ND Ruffer 42-yd FG Tied 3–3 2Q 2:31 Pitt Baldwin 38-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 10–3 3Q 9:15 Pitt Hutchins 38-yd FG Pitt 13–3 3Q 6:36 Pitt Graham 2-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 20–3 4Q 14:56 ND Clausen 1-yd run (Ruffer PAT blocked) Pitt 20–9 4Q 12:44 Pitt Lewis 50-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 27–9 4Q 9:10 ND Tate 18-yd pass from Clausen (Ruffer PAT) Pitt 27–16 4Q 7:16 ND Tate 87-yd punt return (Clausen 2-point pass incomplete) Pitt 27–22 yes West Virginia Backyard Brawl No. 9 Panthers 0 3 3 10 Mountaineers 0 3 10 6 November 27, 2009 Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, West Virginia 7:05 p.m. EST 3:10 56,123 Cloudy; 36 F; wind 5 mph on WSW Dennis Hennigan Mark Jones, Bob Davie, and David Amber ESPN2 yes 2Q 3:21 Pitt Hutchins 37-yd FG Pitt 3–0 2Q 0:05 WVU Bitancurt 20-yd FG Tied 3–3 3Q 9:18 WVU Bitancurt 43-yd FG WVU 6–3 3Q 4:52 Pitt Hutchins 30-yd FG Tied 6–6 3Q 4:34 WVU Devine 88-yd run (Bitancurt PAT) WVU 13–6 4Q 10:05 WVU Bitancurt 39-yd FG WVU 16–6 4Q 7:37 Pitt Hutchins 36-yd FG WVU 16–9 4Q 2:54 Pitt Baldwin 50-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Tied 16–16 4Q 0:00 WVU Bitancurt 43-yd FG WVU 19–16 yes Cincinnati River City Rivalry No. 5 Bearcats 7 10 7 21 No. 15 Panthers 7 24 0 13 December 5, 2009 Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 12:00 p.m. EST 3:34 63,387 Cloudy w/ snow flurries; 30 F; wind 4 mph on NNE Gerard McGinn Sean McDonough, Matt Millen, and Holly Rowe ABC yes 1Q 7:27 Pitt Lewis 4-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 7–0 1Q 5:17 UC Ramsey 2-yd run (Rogers PAT) Tied 7–7 2Q 14:13 Pitt Baldwin 22-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 14–7 2Q 11:12 UC Rogers 20-yd FG Pitt 14–10 2Q 10:28 Pitt Baldwin 40-yd pass from Stull (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 21–10 2Q 4:53 Pitt Hutchins 33-yd FG Pitt 24–10 2Q 1:26 Pitt Stull 3-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 31–10 2Q 1:10 UC Gilyard 99-yd kickoff return (Rogers PAT) Pitt 31–17 3Q 8:12 UC Gilyard 68-yd pass from Pike (Rogers PAT) Pitt 31–24 4Q 12:26 Pitt Lewis 15-yd run (Hutchins PAT) Pitt 38–24 4Q 11:09 UC Woods 8-yd pass from Pike (Rogers PAT failed) Pitt 38–30 4Q 5:46 UC Pead 1-yd run (Gilyard 2-pt pass from Pike) Tied 38–38 4Q 1:36 Pitt Lewis 5-yd run (Janocko 2-pt rush failed) Pitt 44–38 4Q 0:33 UC Binns 29-yd pass from Pike (Rogers PAT) UC 45–44 yes The winner of the 2009 River City Rivalry, the Cincinnati Bearcats won the Big East Conference and earned the conference berth in the Bowl Championship Series, while Pitt's loss dropped the team to tie third in the conference with West Virginia after West Virginia defeated Rutgers that same day. After the loss, Pitt lead the all-time series against Cincinnati, 7–2, with the Bearcats winning the previous year. North Carolina thumb|200px|left|Dave Wannstedt addresses the crowd during the trophy presentation following the 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl, in which Pitt defeated North Carolina 19-17 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl Tar Heels 7 3 7 0 No. 17 Panthers 0 13 3 3 December 26, 2009 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina 4:35 p.m. EST 3:07 50,389 Overcast; 47 F; wind WSW 5 mph on RG Detillier (C-USA) Bob Wischusen, Bob Griese, Chris Spielman, and Quint Kessenich/Alan York and Sonny Randle ESPN/ISP Sports Personnel Coaching staff 2009 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff Coaching staff Dave Wannstedt – Head coach Greg Gattuso – Assistant head coach/defensive line Frank Cignetti, Jr. – 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 assistant Rod Rutherford – Defensive assistant   Strength and conditioning staff Buddy Morris – Strength and conditioning coach James Smith – Assistant strength and conditioning coach Chad Lee – Assistant strength and conditioning coach Roster 2009 Pittsburgh Panthers roster Quarterbacks  4 Andrew Janocko, RS So 11 Bill Stull, RS Sr 12 Tino Sunseri, RS Fr 14 Greg Cross, 10px|Current Redshirt Sr 16 10px|Injured Kolby Gray, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 19 Pat Bostick, 10px|Current Redshirt Jr Tailbacks  9 Jason Douglas, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 24 Kevin Collier, RS Jr 28 Dion Lewis, Fr 29 Chris Burns, RS Fr 34 Ray Graham, Fr 43 Shariff Harris, RS So Fullbacks 27 Henry Hynoski, RS So 37 Joe Capp, RS Jr Wide receivers  1 Cedric McGee, RS Sr  5 Cameron Saddler, RS Fr 10 Aundre Wright, RS So 35 Caleb Wilson, RS Fr 82 Jon Baldwin, So 84 Ed Tinker, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 86 Devin Street, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 87 Mike Shanahan, RS Fr 88 Oderick Turner, RS Sr Tight ends  2 Dorin Dickerson, Sr 80 Nate Byham, Sr 81 Brock DeCicco, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 85 Mike Cruz, RS Fr 92 Justin Virbitsky, RS Fr Offensive linemen 52 Lucas Nix, So 54 Chris Jacobson, RS So 56 Joe Thomas, Sr 59 Keith Coleman, RS Fr 60 Greg Gaskins, RS So 61 Alex Karabin, RS Jr 62 Fernando Diaz, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 63 Wayne Jones, RS So 64 Robb Houser, Sr 66 Josh Novotny, RS Sr 67 Dan Matha, RS So 68 Jordan Gibbs, RS So 69 Jared Martin, RS Jr 70 Juantez Hollins, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 71 John Fieger, RS So 74 John Malecki, Sr 75 Ryan Turnley, RS Fr 76 Ryan Schlieper, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 77 Jason Pinkston, RS Jr 78 Cory King, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr Defensive linemen 44 Nate Nix, RS Jr 45 Tyler Tkach, RS Jr 50 Tyrone Ezell, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 51 Bernardo Nunez, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 57 Craig Bokor, RS Sr 72 Jack Lippert, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 91 Greg Romeus, RS Jr 93 Gus Mustakas, RS Sr 94 Myles Caragein, RS So 95 Mick Williams, RS Sr 96 Justin Hargrove, RS So 97 Jabaal Sheard, Jr 98 Chas Alecxih, RS So Linebackers  6 Steve Dell, RS Sr  8 Adam Gunn, RS Sr † 15 Shane Murray, RS Sr 30 Carl Fleming, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 32 Tristan Roberts, RS So 35 Brandon Lindsey, RS So 36 Manny Williams, RS Fr 38 Greg Williams, RS So 40 Dan Mason, Fr 43 Jon Taglianetti, RS Fr 46 Shayne Hale, RS Fr 49 Nick Tate, RS Fr 53 Joe Trebitz, RS Fr 55 Max Gruder, RS So 58 Shane Gordon, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr Defensive backs  1 Jeremiah Davis, RS Fr  3 Aaron Smith, RS So  4 Elijah Fields, RS Jr  5 Dan Cafaro, RS Sr  7 Jovani Chappel, Sr 14 Marco Pecora, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 17 Aaron Berry, Sr 18 Jarred Holley, RS Fr 20 Irvan Brown, RS Sr 21 Buddy Jackson, RS So 22 Antwuan Reed, So 23 Kevin Adams, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 25 Jason Hendricks, 10px|Current Redshirt Fr 26 Ricky Gary, RS Jr 31 Dom DeCicco, Jr 41 10px|Injured Andrew Taglianetti, 10px|Current Redshirt So Special teams 24 Luke Briggs PK, RS Jr 26 Aaron Hassett P, RS Fr 30 Dan Hutchins PK, RS Jr 38 Pat Costello P, RS Fr 39 Kevin Harper PK, RS Fr Classes Key: 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. 10px|Current Redshirt – Redshirt during 2009 season. 10px|Injured – Injured for entire or majority of season000and is eligible for a medical redshirt. † – 6th year of eligibility Roster Awards Several Panthers earned accolades following the close of the regular season with ten players earning first- or second-team honors in the Big East Conference. Additionally, tight end Dorin Dickerson was one of three finalists for the Mackey Award, which was won by Aaron Hernandez of Florida.Jay Drew BYU football notes: Pitta edged out for Mackey Award http://www.sltrib.com/byucougars/ci_13972606 The Salt Lake Tribune December 11, 2009 December 14, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091217140924/http://www.sltrib.com/byucougars/ci_13972606 December 17, 2009 dead Offensive line coach Tony Wise was also named the Offensive Line Coach of the Year by FootballScoop.com.Ralph N Paulk Pitt RB Lewis continues to pile up honors http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_658551.html Pittsburgh Tribune-Review December 19, 2009 December 22, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091224024323/http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_658551.html December 24, 2009 dead mdy-all All-Americans Dickerson was also named as a first team 2009 College Football All-American by the Football Writers Association of AmericaPaul Zeise Pitt Football: Panthers' TE All-America pick by FWA http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09347/1020582-233.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20121019082746/http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/pitt-football/pitt-football-panthers-te-all-america-pick-by-fwa-371282/ dead October 19, 2012 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette December 13, 2009 December 14, 2009Brian Bennett Pitt's Dickerson an FWAA All-American https://www.espn.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/6310/pitts-dickerson-an-fwaa-all-american ESPN.com December 14, 2009 December 14, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091227052413/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/6310/pitts-dickerson-an-fwaa-all-american December 27, 2009 live and CBS Sports.CBSSports.com 2009 All-America Team http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/12633439 CBSSports.com December 8, 2009 December 14, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121011135736/http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/12633439 October 11, 2012 Dickerson was the third All-American from Pitt in four seasons and the first All-American tight end from Pitt since Mike Ditka in 1960. CBS Sports also named Dion Lewis as their Freshman of the Year and a second-team All-American. Dickerson and several other teammates were also named to various other All-America teams. Athlete Position All-American accolades Jon Baldwin Wide receiver Third team: Rivals.comHonorable mention: Sports Illustrated Dorin Dickerson Tight end First team: FWAA, CBS SportsSecond team: Sporting News,http://www.sportingnews.com/college-football/article/2009-12-15/2009-sporting-news-college-football-all-american-second-team 2009 Sporting News college football All-American second team The Sporting News December 15, 2009 December 16, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091216160701/http://www.sportingnews.com/college-football/article/2009-12-15/2009-sporting-news-college-football-all-american-second-team December 16, 2009 live Walter CampWalter Camp Football Foundation December 10, 2009 Walter Camp Football Foundation Announces 2009 All-America Team http://waltercamp.org/images/uploads/pdfs/09WCFFAll-AmericaTeam.pdf December 14, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091222022055/http://waltercamp.org/images/uploads/pdfs/09WCFFAll-AmericaTeam.pdf December 22, 2009 dead mdy-all Third team: Associated PressHonorable mention: Sports Illustratedhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/12/15/all-america/index.html SI.com's 2009 All-Americas December 15, 2009 Sports Illustrated December 16, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20100108015810/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/12/15/all-america/index.html January 8, 2010 dead Dion Lewis Running back Second team: Associated Press,Ingram, McClain lead 6 Alabama AP All-Americans http://www.sportingnews.com/college-football/article/2009-12-15/ingram-mcclain-lead-6-alabama-ap-all-americans The Sporting News Associated Press December 15, 2009 December 16, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091218051320/http://www.sportingnews.com/college-football/article/2009-12-15/ingram-mcclain-lead-6-alabama-ap-all-americans December 18, 2009 dead mdy-all CBS Sports, Rivals.com,http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1028724 Rivals.com 2009 All-America Teams Rivals.com December 15, 2009 December 16, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20100103093204/http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1028724 January 3, 2010 dead Scout.com,http://www.scout.com/2/928745.html Scout.com All-America team Scout.com December 14, 2009 December 16, 2009 Sporting News, Sports Illustrated Jason Pinkston Offensive tackle Second team: Rivals.com, Sports Illustrated Greg Romeus Defensive end Third team: Rivals.com, Sporting Newshttp://www.sportingnews.com/college-football/article/2009-12-15/2009-sporting-news-college-football-all-american-third-team 2009 Sporting News college football All-American third team The Sporting News December 15, 2009 December 16, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091216160706/http://www.sportingnews.com/college-football/article/2009-12-15/2009-sporting-news-college-football-all-american-third-team December 16, 2009 liveHonorable mention: Sports Illustrated Big East Conference awards The Big East Conference awards were awarded by vote among conference coaches and were announced on December 9.BIG EAST Announces 2009 Postseason Football Honors Big East Conference December 9, 2009 http://www.bigeast.org/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=92485&SPID=11215&DB_OEM_ID=19400&ATCLID=204846445 December 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091213101741/http://www.bigeast.org/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=92485&SPID=11215&DB_OEM_ID=19400&ATCLID=204846445 December 13, 2009 deadBrian Bennett Big East announces postseason awards https://www.espn.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/6237/big-east-announces-postseason-awards ESPN.com December 9, 2009 December 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091214105848/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/6237/big-east-announces-postseason-awards December 14, 2009 livePaul Zeise Pitt's Lewis, Romeus, Williams on top http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09344/1019817-233.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20121019082324/http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/pitt-football/pitts-lewis-romeus-williams-on-top-370850/ dead October 19, 2012 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette December 10, 2009 December 11, 2009Jay Huerbin Football: Lewis, Romeus and Williams earn Big East Player of the Year honors http://www.pittnews.com/article/2009/12/09/football-lewis-romeus-and-williams-earn-big-east-player-year-honors The Pitt News December 9, 2009 December 11, 2009 True freshman Dion Lewis won two major conference awards, Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, the first player to win two Big East awards since Michael Vick of Virginia Tech in 1999. Additionally, voting for the conference's Defensive Player of the Year award finished in a tie between the Panther duo of Mick Williams and Greg Romeus, who shared the award. The Panthers on the all-Big East first and second teams are: First team Second team QB – Bill Stull (tied with Tony Pike) RB – Dion Lewis † TE – Dorin Dickerson WR – Jon Baldwin OT – Jason Pinkston OG – John Malecki DE – Greg Romeus † DT – Mick Williams LB – Adam Gunn CB – Aaron Berry TE – Nate Byham OT – Gus Mustakas FS – Dom DeCicco PK – Dan Hutchins † – indicates a unanimous selection. Team players drafted into the NFL Player Position Round Pick NFL club Nate Byham Tight end 6 182 San Francisco 49ers Dorin Dickerson Wide receiver 7 227 Houston Texans https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2010.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100919160306/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2010.htm 2010-09-19 2010 NFL Draft Listing Pro-Football-Reference.com Pro-Football-Reference.com References General E.J. Borghetti Pitt 2009 Spring Prospectus http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pitt/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/SpringGuide2009.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20120905203749/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pitt/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/SpringGuide2009.pdf dead September 5, 2012 University of Pittsburgh 68 March 18, 2009 April 13, 2009 Citations Pittsburgh Category:Pittsburgh Panthers football seasons Category:Duke's Mayo Bowl champion seasons Pittsburgh Panthers football