2016 season: 8-5, 5-3 in the ACC (2nd in the Coastal Division)
Head coach: Pat Narduzzi (3rd season)
A dynamic offense helped Pittsburgh pull off surprising upsets against Penn State and national champion Clemson last year, before the Panthers finished off their season with a disappointing 31-24 loss against Northwestern in the Pinstripe Bowl. Pittsburgh boasted the 10th-best scoring output in the nation, scoring fewer than 30 points just three times throughout the 2016season.
The Panthers lost their offensive coordinator Matt Canada, however, as well as starting quarterback and star running back James Conner to the NFL. And although they have solid replacements in USC transfer quarterback Max Browne and tailback Qadree Ollison, Pittsburgh will have to make major adjustments to produce the same results on offense. Browne will also have dynamic wideout Quadree Henderson—who doubles as an All-American return man—at his disposal.
Defensively, though, the Panthers were a nightmare last season, and it does not appear that their defense will improve much this year. Pittsburgh lost seven starters from a unit that surrendered 35.2 points per game last season, and is hoping that strong safety Jordan Whitehead’s return—he missed a portion of the season with a broken forearm—will help take the them a step forward.
The Panthers have a tough start to its season, playing the Nittany Lions on the road followed by a home contest against Oklahoma State. Then to end the regular season, the Panthers play North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Miami, in what should prove to be a challenge this season for Narduzzi, especially with so many pieces to replace on both sides of the ball.
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