Fox previews future MSU opponent Pittsburgh
With home games against Idaho and Eastern Michigan to open the season, many fans consider the road trip to Pittsburgh on September 16th to be Michigan State’s first true test of the season. Most fans believe it’s a game that MSU could win but it’s a tough environment to play in and Head coach Dave Wannstedt is due eventually, right? Pete Fiutak of Collegefootballnews.com (via Fox Sports) previews this year’s Pittsburgh Panthers team.
Pittsburgh is a pro town that has a Super Bowl champion football team again. The city isn’t going to look too kindly on another losing season from its main college team.
Head coach Dave Wannstedt is a pro coach who realizes when a talent level isn’t quite where it’s supposed to be. He knows his team has to be faster on defense, stronger against the run, more efficient in the passing game, and far more effective running the ball. In other words, the Panthers have to become the Steelers.
While winning a world championship isn’t likely to happen any time soon, being more of a player in the Big East race would do for now. While all the attention will be paid to Louisville and West Virginia and their national title hopes, the road to the Big East championship and the BCS will literally go through Heinz Field.
Fiutak also previews the Pittsburgh offense…
What you need to know … Running game, running game, running game. Head coach Dave Wannstedt wants to move the ball on the ground more, but he might not have the horses to do it effectively at a high level. The line has the experience with four returning starters, and now it has to push someone around. LaRod Stephens-Howling is a small, quick back who’ll need help to stay fresh and healthy. The receiving corps loses top target Greg Lee and now needs Derek Kinder to grow into a number one star and several true freshmen to play like seasoned veterans. QB Tyler Palko has to be a consistent leader who takes the next step up in his production and becomes the type of player who makes everyone around him better.
…as well as the Pittsburgh defense.
What you need to know … The secondary should be among the Big East’s most productive thanks to the return of All-America caliber corner Darrelle Revis and Mike Phillips is coming back from an ankle injury. A second corner is needed along with far more production from the front seven against the run. The linebacking corps should do its part with H.B. Blades sure to be one of the nation’s top tacklers in the middle and Clint Session and Brian Bennett returning healthy to the outside spots. The line isn’t all that big and could be a big problem early on until several sophomores start to play like veterans. More of a pass rush is needed from ends Chris McKillop and Charles Sallet.