I checked out the roster for this year, and it looks like Pitt is up to 15 OL players. That's better than where they were last year from a pure numbers standpoint. I averaged all the players for weight and they average about 305 lbs. For clarity, I counted 8 true freshmen or RS freshmen which I believe makes the 305 lb average weight temporarily low. Here is who I believe will be the starting 5 on opening day:

RT: Adam Bisnowaty 6-6/300
LT: Juantez Hollins 6-5/330
RG: Matt Rotheram 6-6/340
C: Ryan Schlieper 6-5/310
LG: Cory King 6-6/325

Average Ht will be 6-6 and average starting weight will be 321 lbs. It's possible that TJ Clemmings takes one of the tackle spots. He's 6-6, 305 lbs. Bottom line is that Pitt will be bringing another BIG OL into the season. Last year, Pitt lost LT Hollins to suspension and they did not have a true T on the line, which made them very susceptible to the edge rushers. This year, a combination of Hollins, Bisnowaty and Clemmings will give Pitt significantly more athleticism on the line. I predict the OL will play significantly better than last year, but I don't think the OL will be playing at the level that Chryst and Heuber want or expect.

I predict a heavy dose of running between the tackles plus 2 TE, TE/H-back sets to add more beef to the LOS. Pitt will have a good to great TE this season in J.P. Holtz, but not sure how the rest will do. Pitt has question marks at WR, LB and DL. The DL and LB positions will be good but are thin. WR will be a true question mark. QB will be better than last year due to the "loss" of Sunseri alone.

I think this season is going to be a real bear for us. I just have a feeling we're about to be whipped on national TV against FSU on Labor Day.

There's just nothing about this team that makes me think they're a winner. Unfortunately size alone doesn't make a line because that's a nice sized line. Otherwise, I just don't see that much talent in the upper classes on this roster.

I'm with you, lutzy. I think Pitt is going to struggle this season and next season as well. In 2015, we'll begin to find out of the Chryst regime is working.

For the record, Pitt hoops is going to be mediocre too this year. However, they should be back to competing for conference titles by next season.

I like the direction Chryst is taking Pitt football. He is taking advantage of the natural recruiting advantages you have. I'd like to see VT do something similar after Beamer retires.

It's a definite transition year. I'm not expecting much. I wouldn't be surprised if Dorian Johnson gets a chance to start a some point in the season. Definitely sucks that Ronald Jones has been suspended for the season. Seems like Manassah Garner will probably get a long look at the other WR spot opposite Street. There's some talent at WR but it's very green. And as much as people expect Boyd to be some stud Day 1, I don't see that happening.

Could realistically go anywhere between 5-7 and 8-4. Anything above 7 wins is really icing on the cake.

Pitt's OL looked dominant in the one game I saw them play last year.

(08-06-2013 12:10 AM)ClairtonPanther Wrote:  It's a definite transition year. I'm not expecting much. I wouldn't be surprised if Dorian Johnson gets a chance to start a some point in the season. Definitely sucks that Ronald Jones has been suspended for the season. Seems like Manassah Garner will probably get a long look at the other WR spot opposite Street. There's some talent at WR but it's very green. And as much as people expect Boyd to be some stud Day 1, I don't see that happening.

Could realistically go anywhere between 5-7 and 8-4. Anything above 7 wins is really icing on the cake.

I tend to be the optimist about Pitt FB - maybe a little too pollyanna. I do think it's unclear as to how good or bad Pitt will be this season. I strongly believe that they will be better than last year, but with a new step up in competition it will be hard to determine if the team's growth is greater than the improved level of competition, the same or still not up to standards. I think Pitt loses against FSU and ND. Pitt SHOULD win against ODU, New Mexico, Duke and Navy will be wins and the rest will be tossups.