University Of Pittsburgh
By Joe Bendel

A year ago, the Pitt football program was being trumpeted as a budding national contender.

My, how times have changed.

The Panthers failed to live up to preseason expectations in 2003, finishing unranked with an 8-5 record, and now, nobody knows what to expect.

Eight starters are gone on offense, including Heisman runner-up Larry Fitzgerald and All-Big East quarterback Rod Rutherford. Seven starters are back on defense, but that might not be a good thing, considering that unit had more leaks than a rickety roof. Walt Harris must find a way to re-invigorate a team that appears to be losing its identity.

"We have a challenge, but we like challenges," said Harris. "You go out, you work hard, and you find a way to get it done."

At quarterback, sophomores Luke Getsy and Tyler Palko have combined for five completions in their young careers. Harris said the two are the smartest he's coached, but it remains to be seen if they can lead a team for an entire season.

Palko might be the team's best option because his scrambling could be a must behind a precarious offensive line, but the Palko-Getsy derby could last throughout the season.

The hard part for the quarterbacks is that they're not walking into a ready-made offense full of returnees. In addition to losing Fitzgerald and Rutherford, the Panthers must replace a fullback, tight end, tailback and three offensive linemen. Six of those losses have moved on to the NFL.

The returnees are wideout Princell Brockenbrough, left tackle Rob Petitti and right guard John Simonitis.

"It's kind of like starting over," said Harris, who faces his biggest rebuilding project since arriving in 1997. "But we have some talented players around here who we think - and hope - will step into their roles."

Harris needs his revamped offensive line to open holes for junior tailbacks Jawan Walker and Ray Kirkley, a duo that has shown potential but often times is sporadic. Multi-dimensional Tim Murphy will lead the way for the tailbacks.

At wideout, Brockenbrough should get plenty of help from sophomore Greg Lee, who could be primed for a breakout year.

The skill players, though, will only be as good as the guys up front - and that's where things get iffy. After Petitti, everyone else is unproven.

Freshman Mike McGlynn or junior Dale Williams could start at right tackle, but neither owns a career start, and, if the left-handed Palko earns the No. 1 QB spot, they'd be protecting his blindside. Pitt struggled along the offensive line last season and, unless young players like center Chris Vangas and McGlynn emerge, it could be worse. Coaches are hoping big Charles Spencer, moved from nose tackle to offensive line, can make an impact.

On defense, Pitt's front seven got manhandled in 2003, allowing 402.6 yards per game. Four opponents amassed 500-plus yards.

Veteran starters Vince Crochunis and Dan Stephens must anchor the front, and ends Thomas Smith and Azzie Beagnyam must improve Pitt's non-existent pass-rush.

The linebacking corps is loaded with young athletic types, such as Clint Session, H.B. Blades and Brian Bennett, who amassed 118 tackles as a freshman. The coaching staff is hoping one of these players becomes dominant, the way Gerald Hayes was two years ago.

Ty Gilliard and Tez Morris are back at the safety spots and Josh Lay will handle right corner. Untested sophomore Reggie Carter and freshman Mike Phillips will attempt to replace corner Shawntae Spencer.

Some say Pitt underachieved in 2003. Perhaps the Panthers will overachieve in 2004.