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Four games into the 2007 season, sitting at 2-2, the Pittsburgh Panthers find themselves at a crossroads.  The offense has struggled to gain rythm under an inexperienced quarterback, and the defense has looked shaky.  Head coach Dave Wannstedt has two options: Continue to play more experienced but less talented players, or play his freshman studs. 

After having a breakout game against undefeated Michigan State, carrying the ball 25 times for 172 yards, LeSean McCoy saw reduced carries against Uconn due to the return of LaRod Stephens-Howling, who can't seem to gain more that a yard on any carry.  Don't get me wrong, I love Stephens Howling, but with an inconsistent Offensive Line, a small finesse back like him will struggle.  McCoy however is a good combination of speed and power as well as a homerun threat and has shown he can be successful playing against Div. IA defenses.  If I am Wannstedt, I make sure I give McCoy the ball at least 25 times against Virginia, and use Stephens-Howling only as a change of pace or third down back.  McCoy has clearly shown he deserves to play, so GIVE HIM THE BALL!!!

Likewise, the quarterback position has been up for grabs since Bill Stull's Injury in week 1.  Redshirt Freshman Kevan Smith has struggled mightily in three starts and lacks confidence.  Highly recruited freshman Pat Bostick, who missed the first week of training camp, hasn't looked much better.  But the difference is Bostick's playing time has all come in mop-up duty, with the outcome of the game all but decided.  We honestly haven't seen enough of Bostick to know whether or not he can play at this level yet, but Smith has already shown he can't. Smith was 3 of 9 passing for 29 yards and one terrible interception against Connecticut before leaving with an injury.  It's time to give Bostick his chance to start.  At 2-2 with very little offense, it's time to make a change.  I hate to say Saturday's game against Virginia is a must win, but it is.  Virginia has lost to Wyoming and played close games against conference doormats Duke and North Carolina.  Pitt must win this game, and Pat Bostick gives them the best shot at winning. 

Wannstedt also needs to open up the offense and allow Bostick and Co. to air it out a little bit.  The Panthers offense has connsisted of all runs and short passes.  The running game has struggled at times because the defense can stack the box against the run.  This week, Dave Wannstedt and Matt Cavanaugh need to throw some deep balls.  Connecting on even one will cause the defense to move their safeties back and be aware of the long pass.  This will open up the running game, which will then set up an effective Play Action passing game.  This will also instill confidence into an offense that has lacked this quality.  Confidence can do wonders for an inexperienced team. 

For the Panthers to win on Saturday and get their season back on track, Pitt needs to play the young guys, Bostick and McCoy, and open up the playbook.  The Big East title is still up for grabs, but the turnaround has to start this Saturday.  I have not given up on this season yet, and neither should Dave Wannstedt and Co.