College Football
An Early Look At Fall 2003
By Tony Defazio

The Pitt Panthers continued their S-L-O-W climb under coach Walt Harris in 2002. While Harris' teams have improved every year since 1998, the natives are getting restless. He will face pressure to win nine or ten games next season.

Who will Pitt miss most next season?

Gerald Hayes was one of the best linebackers to play at Pitt, and his experience and leadership creates a huge hole in the middle of the defense. Ditto Torrie Cox in the defensive secondary.

Who will Pitt welcome with open arms in 2003?

H.B. Blades, a linebacker from Plantation, FL and son of former NFL and Miami star Bennie Blades, recently committed to the Panthers. Blades is 6-0, 230 pounds, and will have the chance to contribute right away at a position of need for the Panthers.

What will keep Pitt from a January 1, 2004 bowl game?

Turnovers. Quarterback Rod Rutherford was one of the most improved players in the nation in 2002. But his turnovers, especially the ones he committed against Notre Dame and WVU, will need to be reduced if the Panthers are to reach a New Year's bowl.

Why will Pitt appear in a January 1 bowl next year?

A more experienced Rutherford, Larry Fitzgerald, and Brandon Miree will compliment Pitt's always tough defense and give the Panther's a chance to make an impact nationally. A healthy Tyre Young on the defensive line (or perhaps at linebacker) will also make a big impact.

What unknown players on the current roster will be big contributors in 2003?

Juco receiver Princell Brockenbrough, who redshirted this fall, has impressed since his return from ACL surgery. Expect the Prince to pair with Larry Fitzgerald to form what could be the Big East's top receiving duo. Also, linebacker Joe Dipre and defensive end Monroe Weekley will try to return from suspensions.

The Penn State program got itself back on the map in 2002. Despite losing one of the nation's best players, the Lions aren't going away any time soon.

Who will Penn State miss most next season?

Two simple letters: LJ. Larry Johnson put the Lions on his shoulders the second half of this season. It is a shame he didn't win the Heisman. Without Johnson, the Lions are without a horse on the offensive side of the ball. Zack Mills is tested gunslinger, but every triggerman needs his horse. Mills will miss LJ.

Who will Penn State welcome with open arms in 2003?

Austin Scott—The freshman from Parkland High School should get a shot to replace Johnson in the Nits' backfield. The Allentown area prep star put on an impressive display of speed and power in leading his Parkland team to the PA State AAAA title.

What will keep Penn State from a January 1, 2004 bowl game?

LJ wasn't the only Lion to play better as the season went on—the PSU defensive line dominated opponents late in the year. Anthony Adams, Jimmy Kennedy, and Michael Haynes are all seniors, though. Without them in front, the linebackers and defensive backs are just mediocre.

Why will Penn State appear in a January 1 bowl next year?

Zack Mills makes plays, and he has plenty of playmakers at his disposal in Tony Johnson, Gerald Smith and Casey Williams. If the Lions can find a suitable replacement at tailback, this will be an exciting passing game to watch.

What unknown players on the current roster will be big contributors in 2003?

It's time for OL Tyler Reed and DL Charles Rush, two of Penn State's top recruits in 2001, to step up. DLs Levi Brown and Tamba Hali, both true freshman this season, should make runs at starting spots. WR Kinta Palmer has the potential to be a game-breaker.

After stumbling out the door with a 3-8 record in his first season in Morgantown, head coach Rich Rodriguez engineered one of the NCAA's most dramatic turnarounds in 2002, finishing second in the Big East and meeting Virginia in the Continental Tire Bowl.

Who will West Virginia miss most next season?

Avon Cobourne seems like the obvious answer. The biggest loss for West Virginia, though, is on the defensive line. The top four lineman, ends Kevin Freeman and David Upchurch and tackles Jason Davis and Tim Love, will be gone. Replacing an entire line isn't easy.

Who will West Virginia welcome with open arms in 2003?

Kay Jay Harris, a highly touted junior college tailback, arrives on the WVU campus in January. Harris, 6-0 and 240 pounds, played four years of minor league baseball and may challenge Quincy Wilson for the starting job.

What will keep West Virginia from a January 1, 2004 bowl game?

Besides Notre Dame? The major concern has to be the defensive line. Even if likely replacements Kelvin Dubouse, Ben Lynch, and Fred Blueford become an efficient unit, it may take some time. Lack of experience could hurt in the early going.

Why will West Virginia appear in a January 1 bowl next year?

Quarterback Rasheed Marshall used WVU's running game to make him the best QB he could be. With a slew of fullbacks, Wilson, and juco transfer Harris in his backfield, expect Marshall to again lean on the running game while continuing to sharpen his passing skills.

What unknown players on the current roster will be big contributors in 2003?

Plans are for redshirt freshman Josh Stewart to move into the left tackle spot this spring, a position formerly filled by All Big East performer Lance Nimmo. Receivers Aaron Neal and Dee Alston will also have a chance to break out. Keep an eye on defensive end Ernest Hunter.