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South Florida Downs Pitt 48-37 in Big East Matchup

By BILL ALBRIGHT

PITTSBURGH – The University of South Florida football team proved to be "bullish" on the Pitt Panthers on senior day at Heinz Field.

On the strength of scoring 20 unanswered points to begin the second half, the Bulls pulled away for a 41-21 lead before settling for a 48-37 victory over the Panthers Saturday at Heinz Field.

"It's disappointing, especially with the way the game unfolded," said a disappointed Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt. "I really thought we were focused to start the game and at halftime. And then we went out there in the second half and gave up the one play on defense and offensively, we just came totally unglued."

Following a pair of punts, the Panthers drew first blood when LeSean McCoy went in from one yard out for the game's first score. Conor Lee's PAT made it 7-0 Panthers 10 minutes into the game.

The Bulls came right back to answer the Pitt score when they marched 59 yards on nine plays, freshman Mike Ford carrying the mail for the score from 15 yards out.

A big play on the drive came when Sam Miller was the recipient of a direct snap before he rumbled 29 yards for a first down at the Panther 17.

Delbert Alvarado's PAT tied the score at 7-all with 45 ticks of the clock left in the first period.

After a Pitt drive stalled inside the USF 5-yard line, the Panthers, despite three 10-yard holding infractions in four plays, overcame the adverse conditions to score the go-ahead touchdown with less than three minutes left in the first half.

The scoring play was a 37-yard scoring pass from quarterback Pat Bostick to Maurice Williams. Lee's PAT made it 14-7 Pitt.

Following the second Pitt score, USF put the 2-minute drill into operation and came up with a 31-yard field goal by Alvarado to end the half.

With Pitt holding the 4-point lead, Murphy's Law made an appearance on the field as anything could have gone wrong, did go wrong.

Turning things around following a touchback to begin the second half, quarterback Grothe got things going for the Bulls when he called his own number on the first play of the third quarter to go 80 yards untouched for the score. Alvarado made it 17-14 USF a mere13 seconds into the second half.

"If you look at the game, South Florida had the 80-yard run, a fake punt that led to a touchdown and three interceptions," noted Wannstedt. "We just didn't finish the game. I don't think anybody thought it was going to be easy. I thought our guys came out understanding that we were playing a talented football team. And then we turn around and make a couple of mental mistakes."

Despite making a lot of mistakes on offense, the Pitt defensive unit allowed the Panthers to hang around. One of those big mistakes soon made its appearance on the scene when Nate Allen stepped in front of a Bostick pass and returned the "pick" 37 yards to the house. Alvarado's PAT made it USF 27, Pitt 14.

"The interceptions -- a lot of them -- were due to inexperience," said Wannstedt. "You can't have those things happen because it will cost you the game."

Not to be outdone by Allen, Trae Williams gave the Bulls their second interception return for a touchdown when he picked Bostick's pocket for a 21-yard effort.

Alvarado's PAT attempt made it 34-14 USF, and it was all uphill for the Panthers for the final 10 minutes of the game.

Although the Panthers came out on the short end of the final score, Wannstedt found some positives in the game, especially the play of linebacker Scott McKillop.

"I thought for the most part our defense played about as well as anybody has played against them," he said. "We had some good individual performances. I thought Scott McKillop played well. The sad thing was giving up one long run on defense. Up to that point and for the remainder of the game, we allowed them about 300 yards and that is about what we give up a game."

Now 4-7 overall and 2-4 in the Big East, the Panthers close out their season Saturday when they travel to Morgantown, WV to battle the second-ranked Mountaineers in the Backyard Brawl.

Pitt Comes Back To Post 24-17 Win Over Previously Unbeaten Cincinnati

By BILL ALBRIGHT

Any way you look at it, it was a huge win for the Pitt Panthers Saturday afternoon when they defeated the nationally-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats 24-17 before a homecoming crowd at Heinz Field.

Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt had an accident during the week that had him hobbling into the media room. Much like his colleague JoePa at Penn State, Wannstedt spent Saturday afternoon coaching from the press box.

"I think it's obvious from watching it up above, it's an interesting perspective because you are not just watchin g the play of the defense," said Wannstedt. "You really get a feel for the sidelines, you are seeing the bench area and you are seeing the coaches make corrections."

As for how he felt physically, the win over Cincinnati following a devastating loss to Navy, the big win over the Bearcats eased his pain considerably.

"I felt worse last week," he said. "Trust me, I feel a lot better today even with a cut open Achilles and a cut open knee. "What a week!"

When asked what the key to the Panthers winning the game was, Wannstedt replied, "Our guys came out today and I am going to give the seniors because that is where I think it starts. They did everything they could do to try and win the football game. We tried to clear our minds a little bit and come out and play as good as we can play and the guys did a really great job. The coaches, I thought, did an outstanding job."

Here are a few tidbits that came out of the game that might not have shown up in the box score:

DOMINATION: Going into the game, the Bearcats had never beaten Pitt. The Panthers owned a 6-0 mark in a series that dates back to 1921. After Saturday's game, the Panthers remain perfect against the Bearcats as they came from behind to defeat Cincinnati 24-17. Since the resumption of the series in 2005, the teams have played for the "River City Rivalry" trophy claimed by each of the last three seasons.

PLEASING THE ALUMS: Since 1970, the Panthers are 26-11-1 in homecoming games. Maybe it was the uniforms or maybe it was just a hunger for a win. Wearing the all-blue uniforms was the first since time since 2003 the Panthers took on that appearance and they also won that game, a 31-28 decision over Virginia Tech at Heinz Field.

DOUBLE TROUBLE: Not only did the Panthers have one running back eclipse the century mark in net rushing yards, they featured two backs in that category. Sean McCoy led the duo with 137 yards, while L. Stephens-Howling finished right at the century mark. With his 137 yards, his fourth of the season as a freshman, McCoy surpassed Demetrius Harris (675 yards) for third on the list for single season rushing yards by a "puppy". McCoy now has 805 yards for the season with four games left to play. The two backs going over the century mark is the first time since Darnell Dickerson (108) and Curvin "swervin" Richardson (202) turned the feat against Rutgers in the 1988 campaign.

ANOTHER PERSONAL BEST: Sophomore wide receiver T. J. Porter set career highs in both receptions and receiving yards. He finished with 85 yards on seven balls.

SEASON HIGH: In a less than spectacular season to date, the Panther defensive unit pounced on a pair of Cincinnati fumbles and came up with a key interception late in the fourth quarter to seal the deal. The three takeaways are a season-high for Pitt.

THE DROUGHT IS OVER: Going into the game with the Bearcats, the Panthers were struggling through a 4-game losing streak. Not only did it snap the current losing skid, but it also brought to an end a losing slide against ranked teams. The Panther victory Pitt's first over a nationally-ranked opponent since they upset West Virginia on November 25, 2004. The Mountaineers were ranked 21st at the time.

STILL STREAKING: Redshirt junior placekicker Conor Lee extended his consecutive PAT mark to 66. He was 1-for-1 in the win over the Bearcats.

HOW IT HAPPENED: Pittsburgh 24, Cincinnati 17

FIRST QUARTER
Cincinnati -- Ben Mauk 1 run. (Jake Rogers kick), 7 plays, 82 yards, 9:27 remaining (0-7)
Key Plays: Mauk 55 yard run on first play of game.

Cincinnati -- Rogers 36 yard field goal, 4 plays, 9 yards, 6:55 remaining (0-10)
Key Play: Kennard Cox 14 yard run

Pittsburgh -- Conor Lee 41 yard field goal, 9 plays, 60 yards, 3:50 remaining (3-10)
Key Plays: LaRod Stephens-Howling 14 yard run; Pat Bostick to Oderick Turner, 18 yard pass, T. J. Porter 11 yard run.

SECOND QUARTER
Pittsburgh -- Darrell Strong 4 yard pass from Bostick. 6 plays, 67 yards, 7:46 remaining (10-10)
Key Plays: LeSean McCoy 21 yard run, LaRod Stephens-Howling 11 yard run.

Cincinnati -- Doug Jones 3 yard run (Rogers kick), 10 plays, 79 yards, 3:18 remaining (10-17)
Key Plays: Mauk to Butler Benton 29 yard pass, Benton 14 yard run, Mauk to Marcus Barnett 19 yard pass.

THIRD QUARTER
Pittsburgh -- Lee 25 yard field goal, 10 plays, 74 yards, 8:01 remaining (13-17)
Key Play: Bostick to T. J. Porter pass for 34 yards.

FOURTH QUARTER
Pittsburgh -- Lee 37 yard field goal, 4 plays, 2 yards, 11:10 remaining (16-17)
Key Play: Fumble Recovery by Tommie Duhart.

Pittsburgh -- LaRod Stephens-Dowling 7 yard run (Oderick Turner pass from Bostick), 10 plays, 61 yards, 5:03 remaining ((24-17)
Key Plays: Bostick to Stephens-Howling for 10 yards, Bostick pass to Porter for 15 yards, Stephens-Dowling run for 13 yards.

Pitt Players Address Media Following Win over Cincinnati

By BILL ALBRIGHT

Following Saturday's big win over Cincinnati, Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt made his way to the podium to address the media.

Obviously hurting from an injury suffered during the week, Wannstedt gave his brief views before telling the media members, "Ask the kids about the game. Let the players tell you about it."

Here is what evolved from the Panther players as the writers, broadcasters and others roamed around the interview room:

Offensive Lineman Mike McGlynn: "We knew we had a good challenge ahead of us today and we came out and played well. I think our conditioning really showed today, especially in the fourth quarter. This win feels great. When you lose four in a row and come back and beat the 23rd ranked team in the nation. It's great. We really needed it."

Linebacker Scott McKillop: "We made plays and capitalized today. It put our team in a good position to win and we did. We had to put pressure on their quarterback. Ben Mauk is a great quarterback and if you leave people open, he'll find them. I thought we did a good job of shutting him down today."

Defensive End Tommie Duhart: "We came together tonight and worked our tails off. Every day in practice we worked on forcing turnovers. What we did in practice showed out there today."

Quarterback Pat Bostick: I thought the entire defense played phenomenal. They made a couple of really big plays and put us in a position to win. This was a great performance by the entire team. I think it's natural with time, to be more confident."

Running back LeSean McCoy: "It's big to have two runners over 100 yards. LaRod (Stephens-Howling)motivates me all the time. I know how good he is. When he gets the ball, he knows what to do. The line did a great job today. We had a great week of preparation for this game. We came out today and just executed. We want to come out every week, execute, limit the turnovers and limit the mistakes and just play well. This win is big. Everybody came together as a team. We're going to keep stepping it up every week and go from there."

Running Back LaRod Stephens-Howling: "The touchdown felt great to be able to run up the middle and break some tackles. I knew I could do it all along and I'm glad they had the confidence in me to do it. Today was just a good example of a team win. Both sides of the ball came out and did what they needed to do. It feels great just to know that the coaches have the confidence in me. I work hard every day in practice and I'm glad they had the confidence in me to do my job. The offensive line was definitely working today. You could see their (Cincinnati's) defense getting tired and we just fed on that."

Pitt’s Derek Kinder Named Semifinalist For 2006 Biletnikoff Award

October 27, 2006

PITTSBURGH, PA - Pitt junior wide receiver Derek Kinder has been named a semifinalist for the 2006 Biletnikoff Award, annually presented to the nation’s top wideout.

The announcement was made last night on ESPN. Kinder (Albion, N.Y./Albion) is one of 14 candidates up for the prestigious honor that was previously won by former Pitt standouts Larry Fitzgerald (2003) and Antonio Bryant (2000).

Through eight games Kinder has 33 receptions for 596 yards (18.1 avg.) and six touchdowns. He tops all Big East receivers in total receiving yards, receiving yards per game (74.5 avg.) and touchdown catches. Among the nation’s leaders Kinder ranks 18th in total receiving yards and 28th in receiving yards per game. His six TD catches are the sixth highest total nationally.

In Pitt’s 33-15 victory at Cincinnati Sept. 8, Kinder compiled a Big East season-best 172 receiving yards on just three catches – an impressive average of 57.3 yards per catch – and had touchdowns of 80 and 55 yards. Kinder also has the two longest receptions by a Big East wideout this year, including his 80-yarder at Cincinnati and his 78-yard TD against Virginia.

Kinder is the latest Pitt player to be named a candidate for a national award. Senior linebacker H.B. Blades was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award (top linebacker) and Chuck Bednarik Award (top defensive player) and additionally was selected a quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy (top defensive player).

Senior quarterback Tyler Palko is a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, annually presented to the nation’s outstanding player. Additionally, Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt is a semifinalist for the George Munger Award, which is presented to the collegiate coach of the year.

The Panthers are idle this week before playing at South Florida for a key Big East matchup on November 4 at noon. The game will be televised by ESPN Regional as part of its Big East Game of the Week package and shown locally on WTAE-TV, channel 4.

Courtesy of Assistant Athletic Director/Media Relations E.J. Borghetti.

H.B. Blades Named “Midseason All-American” By COLLEGEFOOTBALLNEWS.COM

October 16, 2006

PITTSBURGH, PA - University of Pittsburgh senior linebacker H.B. Blades has been named a “Midseason All-American” by CollegeFootballNews.com. It is the second such honor for Blades, who last week was named a Midseason All-American by CBS Sportsline.

Blades continues to rank among the most productive defenders in the country. Through seven games, he is sixth nationally and first in the Big East with 11.14 tackles per game. He is 12th nationally (first in the Big East) with 6.14 solo stops per game.

With Blades (Plantation, Fla./Plantation) setting the pace, Pitt is surrendering just 13.29 points per game to rank 11th in the country in scoring defense. As a team the Panthers boast a 6-1 record, their best start since the 1982 season.

Blades has a team-high 78 tackles this season and continues to climb Pitt’s all-time tackles list. With 364 career stops, he ranks eighth all-time at Pitt and is on pace to crack the top three by season’s end.

Blades has been named to four major award watch lists, including the Butkus Award (top linebacker), Rotary Lombardi Award (top lineman/linebacker), Bronko Nagurski Trophy (top defensive player) and the Lott Trophy (top defensive player).

The Panthers (6-1, 2-0 Big East) will host the undefeated Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-0, 1-0) this Saturday, Oct. 21, at Heinz Field. The game, which will be a national ESPN2 telecast, will kick off at 5:45 p.m.

For ticket information, call (800) 643-PITT or log on to www.PittsburghPanthers.com.

Courtesy of Sports Information Director EJ Borghetti.

H.B. Blades Named “Halfway All-American” By CBS SPORTSLINE.COM

October 11, 2006

PITTSBURGH, PA - University of Pittsburgh senior linebacker H.B. Blades, who ranks among the country’s most productive defenders, has been named to the CBS SportsLine.com “Halfway All-America Team.”

A two-time first-team All-Big East selection, Blades is eyeing national accolades this year. Through six games, he ranks sixth nationally and first in the Big East with 11.33 tackles per game.

Blades (Plantation, Fla./Plantation) has a team-high 68 total stops this season and continues to climb Pitt’s all-time tackles list. With 354 career stops, he ranks eighth all-time at Pitt and is on pace to crack the top three by season’s end.

The 6-foot, 240-pound middle linebacker is at the heart of a Pitt defensive unit that ranks fifth nationally in turnovers gained (16) and in the Top 25 of four additional categories, including pass efficiency defense (19th, 103.2 rating), scoring defense (20th, 14.3 ppg), total defense (24th, 283.17 yards/game) and pass defense (24th, 168.0 yards/game).

The Panthers (5-1, 2-0 Big East) will play a nationally televised ESPN game this Friday, Oct. 13, at Central Florida (2-3) in Orlando. A victory over UCF would give the Panthers a 6-1 mark, their best start to a season since 1982.

Courtesy of Sports Information Director EJ Borghetti.

Pitt’s Larod Stephens-Howling And Chris Mckillop Earn Big East’s Weekly Awards

October 9, 2006

PITTSBURGH, PA University of Pittsburgh sophomore tailback LaRod Stephens-Howling and junior defensive end Chris McKillop have been honored by the Big East for their performances in the Panthers’ 21-11 victory at Syracuse this past Saturday.

Stephens-Howling (Johnstown, Pa./Greater Johnstown) was named the Big East Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 221 yards on 27 carries (8.2 avg.) and a 70-yard touchdown. McKillop (Export, Pa./Kiski Area) earned the league’s Defensive Player of the Week award by being in on three quarterback sacks, forcing two fumbles and also recovering another fumble.

Stephens-Howling’s rushing performance is the best in the Big East this season and ranks fifth nationally on the NCAA Division I-A level. He became Pitt’s first 200-yard rusher since Nov. 24, 2000, when Kevan Barlow rushed for 272 against West Virginia in a 38-28 victory at Three Rivers Stadium.

Stephens-Howling was not tackled for a loss the entire game at Syracuse. His 70-yard jaunt marked Pitt’s longest rush since quarterback David Priestley had an 85-yard TD run on Sept. 1, 2001 in the inaugural game at Heinz Field (a 31-0 victory over East Tennessee).

McKillop’s sacks went for 20 yards in losses. He helped turn back a Syracuse scoring threat in the fourth quarter with a sack and forced fumble that Pitt recovered at its own 14-yard line. McKillop’s fumble recovery also thwarted an Orange drive at the Pitt 34 in the opening quarter.

McKillop leads Pitt with 4.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. He ranks second with 6.5 tackles for losses. McKillop ranks sixth nationally in forced fumbles per game (.50 avg.).

Pitt now has five players who have received the Big East’s weekly awards. Previously, quarterback Tyler Palko (Sept. 25) and linebackers H.B. Blades (Sept. 11) and Clint Session (Sept. 4) were honored by the league.

Courtesy of Assistant Athletic Director/Media Relations E.J. Borghetti.

Pitt Hosts Tough Competitor in Toledo

September 28, 2006

PITTSBURGH, PA - Pitt seeks its first 4-1 start since the 2002 season. The Panthers have twice this decade opened a season with four wins in their first five games, including the 2000 and 2002 campaigns. The Panthers own a 23-2 record against members of the Mid-American Conference. However, Pitt has lost two of its last three encounters with the MAC, including a 35-31 setback at Toledo in 2003. Pitt has never lost to a MAC team at home and defeated Toledo, 37- 19, at Heinz Field in 2002. The Panthers are 24-10 (.706) all-time at Heinz Field since the stadium's inaugural season in 2001.

BROADCAST INFORMATION
TELEVISION: The Pitt-Toledo game will be nationally televised by ESPNU. Dave Armstrong (play-by-play) and Mike Tomczak (color) form the broadcast crew.

PITT RADIO: FM NewsTalk 104.7 (WPGB-FM), Fox Sports Radio 970 (WBGG-AM) and the Pittsburgh ISP Sports Network. Bill Hillgrove calls the action, three-time Pitt All-American Bill Fralic provides color analysis and former Pitt offensive lineman Penny Semaia gives sideline reports.

SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO: Every Pitt football game is avail- able via SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The Pitt-Toledo game will be on Channel 107.

INTERNET: www.PittsburghPanthers.com

PITT-TOLEDO SERIES NOTES: Pitt and Toledo meet for the third time...in the last meeting, the Rockets defeated visiting Pitt, 35-31, during the 2003 season...Pitt won the year prior in Heinz Field, 37-19...the Rockets enter the 2006 campaign with a streak of 12 consecutive winning seasons...Toledo finished 9-3 last year, including a 45-13 triumph over UTEP in the GMAC Bowl...the Rockets placed just outside of the nation’s Top 25 last year, finishing No. 26 in the Associated Press poll and No. 29 in the USA Today coaches’ poll...Pitt is 23-2 all-time versus the Mid-American Conference with both losses occurring on the road, including the aforementioned Toledo defeat and a 2005 setback at Ohio, 16-10, in overtime.

GAME-BY-GAME: Series Tied, 1-1
Sept. 28, 2002 37 19
Sept. 20, 2003 @ 31 35

NOTES & ANECDOTES
WASTING NO TIME: This season, Pitt has scored a touchdown on the first play of a drive five times, including twice vs. Virginia and twice at Cincinnati. Each of the 1-play drives were over 50 yards.

POCKET PROTECTOR: The Pitt offensive line is allowing just .75 sacks per game (three total), which is tied for first in the Big East and ranks seventh nationally. The protection is significantly improved from last year when after four contests Pitt had given up 14 sacks (3.5 per game).

PALKO OVER 300: Senior quarterback Tyler Palko has had his share of impressive passing performances during his career, including his 313-yard game vs. The Citadel on Sept. 23. It was the eighth time in his career he has thrown for more than 300 yards. The Big East record for career 300-yard passing games is 10, held by Rutgers' Ryan Hart (2002-05).

MAKING SOME NOISE: Receiver Derek Kinder and quarterback Tyler Palko have been making some noise around the country as they both hold the top spot in several NCAA statistical categories. Kinder paces the entire country in total receiving yards with 445. He has compiled that impressive total on 20 receptions, an average of 22.2 yards per catch. Kinder also ranks at the top nationally in receiving yards per game (111.3 avg.). The junior is coming off a four-catch, 75-yard performance vs. The Citadel with one touchdown on the day. Kinder has totalled two 100-yard games to date this season. Palko, who passed for 313 yards vs. The Citadel, leads the country in passing efficiency with a rating of 187.25 and is tied for the No. 1 spot with 12 touchdown passes on the year.

RIGHT ON THE MONEY: Tyler Palko completed 88.2% of his passes against The Citadel (15 of 17), the sixth highest single-game completion percentage in Big East history. Palko threw for 313 yards and four TDs in the 51-6 victory. As a team, Pitt completed 81.8% of its passes (18 of 22), which ranks fifth in Big East annals. Pitt owns three of the top five Big East team single-game completion percentages.

A GAME OF FIRSTS: In Pitt's 51-6 win over The Citadel, numerous players took advantage of their playing time, earning career milestones. Wide receiver Oderick Turner finished the game with a 52-yard touchdown and a career-best 130 receiving yards on five receptions (26.0 avg.). Tight end Darrell Strong threw his first career pass, which resulted in a 30-yard touchdown to LaRod Stephens-Howling, who had his first-ever TD reception. Conredge Collins, Kevin Collier and Marcel Pestano each scored their first career touchdowns in the game with Collins and Pestano receiving passes from Tyler Palko ( 36 and 22 yards, respectively) and Collier rushing for a one-yard TD. Defensively, senior cornerback Reggie Carter picked off his first interception, running it back 11 yards.

PALKO MOVING UP: Senior quarterback Tyler Palko continues to move his way up the Pitt record books as he has surpassed former Panther standout John Congemi (1983-86) in two career categories, including passing yards and total offense. Palko also passed up Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett (1973-76) in total offense to take over fourth place all-time.

PITT'S ALL-TIME CAREER PASSING LEADERS

Name Seasons Yards

1. Alex Van Pelt ............................1989-92.......................... 11,267

2. Dan Marino................................1979-82.............................8,597

3. Rod Rutherford..........................2000-03.............................6,724

4. Tyler Palko.................................2002-................................6,612

5. John Congemi............................1983-86.............................6,467

6. David Priestley..........................1999-2001........................4,533

7. John Ryan...................................1992-95.............................4,334

8. Rick Trocano.............................1977-80.............................4,219

9. John Turman..............................1999-2000........................3,783

10. Matt Lytle................................1994-98.............................3,738

PITT'S ALL-TIME CAREER TOTAL OFFENSE LEADERS

Name Seasons Rush Pass Total

1. Alex Van Pelt .........1988-92........ -119.........11,267.... 11,148

2. Dan Marino.............1979-82........ -277.........8,597.........8,320

3. Rod Rutherford.......2000-03........ 885...........6,724.........7,609

4. Tyler Palko............2002-............. 43.............6,612.........6,655

5. Tony Dorsett..........1973-76........ 6,526.......0.................6,526

6. John Congemi.........1983-86........ -116.........6,467.........6,351

7. Rick Trocano..........1977-80........ 673...........4,219.........4,892

8. David Priestley.......1999-2001.... -88............4,533.........4,445

9. John Ryan................1992-95........ -356.........4,336.........3,980

10. Pete Gonzalez.......1993-97........ 230...........3,704.........3,934

BLADES CUTS THEM DOWN: Senior linebacker H.B. Blades now ranks among the top 10 all-time tacklers at Pitt with 333 career stops.

NEWCOMERS OF INFLUENCE: Pitt signed one of its most highly regarded recruiting classes in recent memory this past year. To date, 11 members of that class have played, including nine true freshmen and two junior-college transfers. Contributing true frosh this year include cornerback Aaron Berry, tight end Nate Byham, cornerback Jovani Chappel, tailback Kevin Collier, safety Elijah Fields, defensive lineman John Malecki, defensive lineman McKenzie Mathews, receiver T.J. Porter and offensive lineman Joe Thomas. Both of Pitt's junior-college signees have also played, including Jeff Otah, who is the starting left offensive tackle, and receiver Lowell Robinson, who contributes on the kick return unit.

GOING DEEP: In Pitt's first two games of the season, the offense recorded three receptions of 70 yards or more, resulting in touchdowns. Last season, the Panthers had just one pass of more than 70 yards, which did not result in a score. In addition, Pitt has thrown five touchdown passes of more than 50 yards (52, 55, 72, 78, 80) this season. In 2005 the Panthers totaled just two.

AIR EFFICIENT: Under the direction of senior quarterback Tyler Palko, the Panthers’ passing game ranks first nationally in efficiency with a 188.2 rating. Pitt has thrown 13 touchdowns against three interceptions in four games. Moreover, the Pan- thers are completing 66.1% of their passes and averaging 297.0 yards per game through the air, which ranks eighth in the country and first in the Big East.

NO GOOSE EGGS: Pitt has scored in 117 consecutive games, the longest streak among Big East members. The last time Pitt was shut out was a 45-0 loss at Miami on Sept. 28, 1996.

IN THE RED ZONE: Pitt has scored 10-of-11 times (90.9%) it has penetrated the 20-yard line or "red zone" in 2006.

RECEIVING EXCELLENCE: Pitt has boasted the Big East's leader in receiving yards per game in eight of the last nine seasons. Additionally, Pitt has had the league leader in receptions per game four of the past seven years. After four games, junior Derek Kinder leads the entire country in receiving yards per game with 111.3. He also tops the Big East with 5.0 catches per contest.

OFFENSIVE DEFENSE: Pitt scored three defensive touchdowns in the first two games this year, all on interception returns. The Panthers returned two picks for scores in the opener against Virginia, including Darrelle Revis’ 19-yard return and Clint Session’s 78-yarder. The following week at Cincinnati, Revis closed out the game with a 57-yard return for a TD. Revis, incidentally, became the first player in Pitt history to return interceptions for scores in consecutive games.

CAT BURGLARS: Pitt ranks 12th nationally (tied) with six interceptions. Darrelle Revis paces Pitt with two picks, while H.B. Blades, Reggie Carter, Kennard Cox and Clint Session have one each.

HOLD THAT LINE: Against Cincinnati, the Pitt defense allowed just 35 yards on the ground. The total is the lowest allowed by the Panthers since an 8-yard rushing performance by Oregon State in the 2002 Insight Bowl. Three of Pitt's four opponents this season have been held to under 100 net yards rushing. In addition to Cincinnati, Virginia managed just 52, while The Citadel had 53.

PITT GRADUATES: Heading into the 2006 season, Pitt had four players who already earned their degrees, including Brian Bennett (administration of justice and legal studies), Vernon Botts (sociology), Steve Buches (communication and rhetoric) and Tyler Palko (communication and rhetoric). Former Panthers as Head Coach: Dave Wannstedt is the ninth former Pitt player to become head football coach at the University of Pittsburgh. An offensive lineman, Wannstedt lettered at Pitt from 1971-73 and captained the Panthers’ 1973 Fiesta Bowl team. He later served as an assistant coach at Pitt from 1975-78.

Courtesy of Assistant Athletic Director/Media Relations E.J. Borghetti.

Tyler Palko Named Big East Offensive Player Of The Week

September 25, 2005

PITTSBURGH, PA - University of Pittsburgh senior quarterback Tyler Palko, who leads the country in pass efficiency and touchdown passes, has been named the Big East Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Panthers’ 51-6 victory over The Citadel this past Saturday.

Palko (Imperial, Pa./West Allegheny) completed over 88% of his passes (15 of 17) for 313 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions against The Citadel. He hit his first nine passes of the game en route to an 88.2% completion percentage, the sixth highest single-game completion rate in Big East history. Palko’s TD passes went to four different receivers and covered 20, 36, 22 and 52 yards.

The nation’s leader in pass efficiency, Palko boasts a 187.25 rating and also is tied for the national lead with 12 touchdown passes. He ranks fourth nationally in total passing yards (1,140) and points responsible for (18.0 ppg.). He is sixth in total offense (293.5 yards/game).

Palko also reached a historic milestone Saturday, moving to fourth all-time at Pitt in both career passing yards (6,612) and total offense (6,655). He surpassed Hall of Fame tailback Tony Dorsett (6,526 total yards from 1973-76) and quarterback John Congemi (6,351 from 1983-86) in the latter category. Palko eclipsed Congemi’s 6,467 career yards on the passing list.

This is the third time this season a Pitt player has been honored by the Big East. Previously, linebackers H.B. Blades (Sept. 11) and Clint Session (Sept. 4) were honored by the league.

The Panthers (3-1) will host the Toledo Rockets (2-2) this Saturday at Heinz Field. Kickoff is set for noon. For ticket information, log on to PittsburghPanthers.com or call (800) 643-PITT.

Courtesy of Assistant Athletic Director/Media Relations E.J. Borghetti.

PITT Crushes The Citadel, 51-6, Improves to 3-1

September 23, 2006

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Panthers improved to 3-1 on the season with a 51-6 victory at home versus The Citadel on Sept. 23.

Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko was nearly perfect, completing 15-of-17 passes (88.2 pct.) for 313 yards and four touchdowns. Each of his four scores went to a different receiver.

Palko surpassed Tony Dorsett (6,526) on Pittsburgh’s career offense list. Palko has 6,655 total yards in his career.

The Panthers scored touchdowns on five of their six first half possessions. Pittsburgh outgained the Bulldogs, 506-152.

Running back LaRod Stephens-Howling rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 38 yards and a score.

Wideout Oderick Turner posted his first career 100-yard receiving game, catching five passes for 130 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Derek Kinder – No. 2 nationally in receiving yards per game coming in (123.3) – had four catches for 75 yards and a score.

Linebacker Clint Session made eight tackles (7 solo), including one tackle for loss.

Pittsburgh will host Toledo on Sept. 30 (ESPNU).

Courtesy of The Big East Conference and Sports Information Director EJ Borghetti

Pittsburgh Hosts The Citadel For First-Ever Meeting

September 21, 2006

PITTSBURGH, PA - Pitt hosts The Citadel at Heinz Field in the first-ever meeting between the two schools. A victory over The Citadel would give Pitt a 3-1 start for the third time in the last five years. The Panthers also started the 2003 and 2002 campaigns with 3-1 records after four games. Pitt advanced to bowl games each of those years.

The Panthers will be meeting an NCAA I-AA foe in The Citadel. Per new NCAA rules, victories over I-AA opponents now can be used for bowl eligibility every year. Pitt has played five prior I-AA opponents and is 5-0 in those contests. The Panthers defeated I-AA Youngstown State, 41-0, last year.

BROADCAST INFORMATION
ESPN360: The Pitt-Citadel game can be viewed on ESPN360, a customized broadband service from ESPN that allows users complete access to live games. The game is available at www.ESPN360.com.

SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO: Every Pitt football game is avail- able via SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The Pitt-Citadel game will be on Channel 153.

SERIES NOTES: This will be the first-ever meeting between Pitt and The Citadel... The Citadel will play a Division I-A team for the 11th consecutive year...since the Division I-AA level was created in 1978, The Citadel has played 42 games against I-A foes and has a 7-35 mark in those contests...over the last 10 years, the Bulldogs’ I-A opponents have included Florida State, Auburn, Miami (Fla.), Florida, Louisiana State, Maryland, Clemson, Mississippi and Georgia Tech.

PITT-CITADEL CONNECTIONS: Although Pitt and The Citadel have never played before, there is some shared history...Charlie Taaffe, who joined Pitt as an offensive assistant in August, was the Bulldogs' head coach from 1987-95...Taaffe led The Citadel to three NCAA I-AA playoff berths during his tenure...Taaffe's 1992 squad went 11-2, defeated a pair of I-A foes on the road in Arkansas (10-3) and Army (15-14) and captured the Southern Conference title...another Pitt-Citadel connection includes former Panther radio color analyst John Sauer, who served alongside play-by- play man Bill Hillgrove for 18 years in three separate stints (1974-82, 1984-89 and 1991-93)...Sauer, who passed away in 1996, was the head coach at The Citadel in 1955 and 1956 and led the Bulldogs to an 8-9-1 mark...he was a member of Army's legendary 1945 team and played alongside All-Americans Glenn Davis and Doc Blanchard.

NOTES & ANECDOTES
LEADING THE PACK: Junior receiver Derek Kinder paces the entire country in total receiving yards with 370. He has compiled that impressive total on 16 receptions, an average of 23.1 yards per catch. Kinder ranks second nationally in receiving yards per game (123.3 avg.). Kinder is coming off a nine-catch, 121-yard effort against Michigan State. Included in that total was a 49-yard TD.

PALKO MOVING UP: Senior quarterback Tyler Palko is on the cusp of passing former Pitt standout John Congemi (1983-86) in two career categories, including all-time passing yards and total offense.

BLADES GETS IN ON ACTION: Senior linebacker H.B. Blades is also moving up a Pitt career list. Blades is knocking on the door of the top 10 in career tackles. He needs just one tackle to tie Ramon Walker for 10th all-time.

STILL PERFECT: Sophomore placekicker Conor Lee remains perfect through three games (11-11 PATs and 3-3 FGs). Lee, in his first year as Pitt's kicker, ranks second on the team with 20 points. Among Big East kickers, he ranks first in FG percentage (100%, 3-3), first in PAT percentage (tied at 100%, 11-11), second in kick scoring (6.7 pts./game) and third in field goals per game (1.0 FG/ game).

RETURN OF LAROD: Sophomore running back LaRod Stephens-Howling returned vs. Michigan State after suffering an ankle injury in the season opener vs. Virginia. Stephens-Howling picked up his first career rushing touchdown (an eight yarder) in the loss, while carrying eight times for 33 yards on the day.

NEWCOMERS OF INFLUENCE: Pitt signed one of its most highly regarded recruiting classes in recent memory this past year. To date, 10 members of that class have played, including eight true freshmen and two junior-college transfers. Contributing true frosh this year include tight end Nate Byham, receiver T.J. Porter, cornerback Jovani Chappel, tailback Kevin Collier, safety Elijah Fields, cornerback Aaron Berry, offensive lineman Joe Thomas and defensive lineman John Malecki. Both of Pitt's junior-college signees have also played, includ- ing Jeff Otah, who is the starting left offensive tackle, and receiver Lowell Robinson, who contributes on the kick return unit.

GOING DEEP: In Pitt's first two games of the season, the offense recorded three receptions of 70 yards or more, resulting in touchdowns. Last season, the Panthers had just one pass of more than 70 yards, which did not result in a score. In addition, Pitt threw four touchdown passes of more than 50 yards (55, 72, 78, 80) in the opening two games this season, while in 2005 the Panthers totaled just two. (Pitt's longest reception vs. Michigan State was a 49-yard TD.)

AIR EFFICIENT: Under the direction of senior quarterback Tyler Palko, the Panthers’ passing game ranks 15th nationally in efficiency with a 162.1 rating. Pitt has thrown eight touchdowns against three interceptions in three games. Moreover, the Panthers are completing 62.2% of their passes and averaging 275.7 yards per game through the air.

NO GOOSE EGGS: Pitt has scored in 116 consecutive games, the longest streak among Big East members. The last time Pitt was shut out was a 45-0 loss at Miami on Sept. 28, 1996.

IN THE RED ZONE: Pitt has scored 7-of-7 times (100.0%) it has penetrated the 20-yard line or "red zone" in 2006.

FIELD POSITION BATTLE: The following details Pitt's average field position game by game.

RECEIVING EXCELLENCE: Pitt has boasted the Big East's leader in receiving yards per game in eight of the last nine seasons. Additionally, Pitt has had the league leader in receptions per game four of the past seven years. After three games, junior Derek Kinder leads the league in receiving yards per game with 123.33. He also tops the Big East with 5.3 catches per contest.

CAT BURGLARS: Pitt ranks eighth nationally (tied) with five interceptions. Darrelle Revis paces Pitt with two picks, while H.B. Blades, Kennard Cox and Clint Session have one each. Revis’ average of .67 interceptions per game ranks tied for 13th nationally and second in the Big East.

FORMER PANTHERS AS HEAD COACH: Dave Wannstedt is the ninth former Pitt player to become head football coach at the University of Pittsburgh. An offensive lineman, Wannstedt lettered at Pitt from 1971-73 and captained the Panthers’ 1973 Fiesta Bowl team. He later served as an assistant coach at Pitt from 1975-78.

WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE: Coach Dave Wannstedt will conduct his weekly press conferences Mondays of game weeks, beginning at noon. The conferences will be held at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex. FSN Pittsburgh will replay the conference Tuesdays at 1 p.m. When obliged by the upcoming opponent, a 10-minute telephone hookup with the opposing coach will take place at 11:45 a.m. Transcripts as well as audio/video archives of Coach Wannstedt’s press conferences are available on www.PittsburghPanthers.com.

PITT ON THE WEB: All of the latest and most comprehensive news concerning Pitt football can be accessed on the University of Pittsburgh's official athletic Website, www.PittsburghPanthers.com. Statistics, breaking news, weekly game releases and press conference video, audio and transcripts are available. The game release will be posted on Mondays in Adobe PDF format.

"PANTHERS WEEKLY - THE DAVE WANNSTEDT SHOW" ON FSN: FSN Pittsburgh, the leader in all-sports programming throughout the tri-state area and beyond, will air "Panthers Weekly: The Dave Wannstedt Show" during the 2006 football season. Hosted by FSN anchor Rob King, the show will feature Coach Wannstedt’s insights on a weekly basis and provide an insider’s view on everything Pitt. The Dave Wannstedt Show will air Mondays at 7:30 p.m., with the following exception: Wed., Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m.

Courtesy of Assistant Athletic Director E.J. Borghetti.

Jan Wannstedt And The Pitt Athletic Department Present “Football University”

September 20, 2006

PITTSBURGH, PA - Jan Wannstedt and the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department will host “Football University,” a one-night introductory class on the game of football for women only on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Pitt’s Duratz Athletic Complex.

Football University will provide an overview of the basics of college football, from the “Xs and Os” to an understanding of the rules. Attendees will also get a behind-the-scenes look at Pitt’s state-of-the-art football training facility and meet a select group of Panthers players.

Registration starts at 5 p.m., and the class will begin at 6 p.m. Cost is $20 per person and includes hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, a playbook and a special gift.

Courtesy of Assistant Athletic Director E.J. Borghetti