College Football Predictions Pittsburgh Panthers Big East Conference 2008: When head coach Dave Wannstedt left the NFL Miami Dolphins, and headed north to Pittsburgh, this is not what he had in-mind. BetUS.com has the Pittsburgh Panther’s College Football Predictions Betting odds of winning the BCS Championship game in 2009 at +8000.  

It has now been 3 years with Dave Wannstedt at the helm of Pitt, and thus far, 0 Bowl games. However, for Dave Wannstedt, the 4th time might just be the charm. The Pittsburgh Panthers’ betting odds to win the Big East Conference in 2008 are +500.  

In this upcoming 2008 season, many Big East teams are undergoing some transformations; this might be the perfect opportunity for Pitt to finally reach a BCS Bowl.

After finishing 5-7 (3-4), and without playing in a Bowl game, things are becoming a bit uncomfortable in Pittsburgh and the coaching staff.

Even though defensive coordinator, Phil Bennett, finds himself with the task of replacing DE Joe Clermond, CB Kennard Cox, and S Mike Phillips, Pitts "D" will still be very good this year in the Big East.

Dave Wannstedt has always been a defensive minded head coach, and last season his team responded. Last season the Pitt Defense played extremely well, thus, ranking 3rd in the nation (1st in the Big East) in pass defense (167.25), and 5th in the country in total defense (also 1st in the conference) allowing just 297 yards per game.

In 2008, they have the luxury of having 4 key returning defensive players: LB Scott McKillop (151 tackles in ’07), DTs John Malecki and Greg Romeus (each with 4 sacks), and CB Aaron Berry (2 INT).   

---