LeSean McCoy

The Big East's version of Clemson, Pitt was great in the middle of the year, lost to a rival in late November, came painfully close to a league championship, and won a consolation prize December bowl game. In all, it meant progress for Dave Wannstedt, who has won 19 games over the last two seasons and clearly has the program headed in the right direction. After an early stumble to NC State, the Panthers reeled off six straight wins before dropping a nail-biter to West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl.  

Just some assorted things relating to football that I'll lump in a short link-dump. The rest of Coach Wannstedt's interview with ESPN.com's Brian Bennett . Kevin Harper will at least take over kick-off duties it seems.

C.J. couldn’t believe how simple it was when he had to first study the Carolina play schemes   -Robb Houser

 

With the players and owners in a bitter contract dispute, all rules are off for the 2010 NFL season. An uncapped season means teams can spend as much (or as little) as they want on free agents. Trades are more likely in the offseason and more veterans will be cut.  

Robb Houser returned to his parents' house in east Chico earlier this weekend, verification to locals that the young NFL prospect is indeed from here. His individual profile on the University of Pittsburgh's football Web site has always said so. "Hometown: Chico, Calif.," it reads, right before the part that says "High School: Durham" and "Last College: Butte College (Calif)."

I've been getting all sweaty in California   -Robb Houser

 

Pitt starts spring practice on March 18 . The Blue-Gold Scrimmage or whatever they are going to do to mark the end is set for April 17. I really wish they would have started at least a week later.  

The birth certificate says Bernard Clark is 43 years old. He still feels like a linebacker. "Every now and then, I'll put on the helmet and the shoulder pads, not to show my players that I'm better than them, but to show how I want things done," said Clark, the well-traveled coaching veteran, one of the all-time greats at Leto High and the University of Miami.