Well Panther fans, that’s it for the 2009 Panthers Football team. The season is over, the National Champion has been crowned, and the final rankings are in (Pitt found themselves at 15th in both the AP Poll and the USA Today Poll). Now that the season is over and you’ve had some time to digest everything, we’re going to take a look back at 2009 and what a successful season it was for Pitt. We’re going to give our analysis and thoughts on the year and let you know how we felt about the year.

Dan_P:

Well we all know the season outcome. 10-3 with a bowl win over UNC. It was the Panthers best record since 1981 under Dan Marino. I don’t think any Panther fans are complaining about the results now that they’ve had some time to soak it in. Sure, we’re all a bit disappointed that we were 2 points away from a Big East title. Sure it sucks that we lost the Backyard Brawl to WVU. Of course we would’ve liked a better bowl game than the Meineke Car Care Bowl. But when it boils down to it, this season was a successful season that took the Panthers one step closer to greatness.

One of the most impressive things about this season was the dominance of the younger players. Nobody can complain about the caliber of play we saw from Dion Lewis, Mike Shanahan, and Ray Graham. These three freshman stepped up and showed Pitt fans (and Pitt foes) that Pitt has some talent that’s going to be around for a few years. The rest of the Big East has to be a little bit concerned with facing these guys for the next two to three years.

Another great story from this year was Bill Stull. The Panthers have had a question mark at the QB position since Tyler Palko. Bill Stull really stepped up this year and played like a true leader. He was one of the best quarterbacks in the Big East this year. Losing him after this year will be one of Pitt’s big concerns for 2010.

The defense was impressive due in part to the play of Greg Romeus and Mick Williams. Having Romeus return next year is a huge positive for the Panthers.

It would have been easy to lose faith in Pitt after the loss to NC State. But Pitt proved that they had the composure to bounce back from a bad loss and make a legitimate run at the Big East title and battle for a spot in the BCS. Even though the two losses late in the season knocked the Panthers back into 3rd place in the Big East, they were within 4 points of winning the Big East outright, and only 2 points from splitting the title with Cincinnati and taking the BCS bid.

Attendance was up this year at Heinz Field as well, which is a very welcomed change. It’s not quite where it needs to be just yet, but as long as it’s improving, you won’t hear any complaints from this season ticket holder. I can only imagine this 10 win season combined with the allure of a pretty good home schedule in 2010 will help sell a few more season ticket packages next season. I can truly say that this season had a few games, most notably Notre Dame and Cincinnati, that reminded me of the days of playing a top ranked Miami team a few years ago. I can honestly say that I haven’t seen an atmosphere like that since 2004.

So to sum it up, it was a great season full of thrilling highs and a few not-so-thrilling lows. It was a season that should leave Panthers fans salivating and waiting for more. Pitt football is looking great again. September can’t come soon enough.

Mike_B:

What a year for Panthers football? 10 wins for the first time since 1981, highest finish in the polls, 15, since the 80s. It seems like Dave Wannstedt is slowly rebuilding the Panthers to greatness. It’s not what we wanted, the lack of a Big East Championship and a BCS Bowl game, but looking back to where the Panthers were 5 years ago, it’s hard to say many bad things. To think Pitt was 11 points away from being undefeated, really makes you want next season to be here tomorrow. I want to give out a couple year end awards for my part of the post.

Offensive Player of the Year: Dion Lewis

Was there any doubt who would win this award? Lewis broke the freshman scoring record and freshman yard record. Going into the season everyone was asking who would replace Shady McCoy and how; by the end of the season, everyone was asking, “Shady Who?” We all know the stats, and we all cannot wait until next year to see what the sequel holds for this young man. He is already back in the gym getting stronger knowing everyone will be gunning for him.
Honorable Mentions: Jonathan Baldwin, Dorin Dickerson

Defensive Player of the Year: Greg Romeus

In one word, beast, that’s what you would use to describe this phenomenal talent. Listed as 6’6”, 270 pounds, he hits offensive linemen up for breakfast. With 8 sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss, this young man is still developing after only playing one year in high school. He will anchoring the defensive line next year with Jabaal Sheard. Look for a repeat for Big East Defensive Player of the Year next year. Romeus coming back is huge news for Pitt.
Honorable Mention: Mick Williams

Most Improved Player of the Year: Dorin Dickerson

What a journey for Dickerson his career at Pitt has been, coming in as a Running Back, being changed to a Wide Receiver, to a Line Backer, and then a Tight End. Dickerson finally found his spot and I believe will be drafted this year. Dickerson went to a no one thinking of him to being a main highlight in this offense. Nate Byham was supposed to be top dog and Dickerson snatched up the chance when he could. It was disappointing to see Dickerson disappear in the last 3 games of the year, as I believe it cost him the John Mackey award. A great year nonetheless for Dickerson though.
Honorable Mention:Bill Stull

2010 Breakout Player of the Year: Mike Shanahan

Ok, so more of a prediction award, but this one is pretty easy to give out. Shanahan looked great in the Meineke Car Care Bowl with 5 receptions for 83 yards. Look for Shanahan to get more involved in the offense with Byham and Dickerson gone and defenses to double team Jonathan Baldwin.
Honorable Mention: Brock DeCicco

Game of the Year: Cincinnati Game

A loss as game of the year? Yea, I’m going there, simply put this game left you wanting more. More of the two potent offensives, more of the snow and the cold, more football, and the 2010 season to be here. While Pitt blew a big lead and they broke our hearts, if left you sitting there wishing the season wouldn’t end. You wanted to be going to Heinz Field the next week for another game. It was a close game, and this game took all the emotions out of you, the joy of being up big, the sadness and anger of blowing that lead.
Honorable Mentions: UConn, WVU, Notre Dame

There are my awards for the year. Personally, I cannot wait for the 2010 season to begin. I can’t wait for the Blue-Gold game and for the end of August to be here to go back to Heinz Field. We have a lot to look forward to next year. You have to place Pitt at the top of the class for chances to win the Big East Championship. Sure Pitt has a couple question marks with their offense and defense, but I feel like Pitt will be able to answer these questions relatively easy just like they did this year. I feel like Tino Sunseri will be able to run the offense efficiently and maybe even open it up a bit more then Stull did. The defense should still be top notch and on the offense you still have Lewis and Baldwin. It’s going to be a fun year.

Hail To Pitt!

Well that’s it for 2009 Pitt football on The Pitt Blog. Our coverage of Pitt football will still continue in the offseason. We’ll keep you updated on recruiting, player development, and of course, spring camp when the time comes. Rest assured that any football developments will be posted here. Until then, enjoy our basketball coverage as the Panthers try to continue their surprisingly pleasant Big East run.