Pitt guard Arthur Doakes suspended for BBVA Compass Bowl game

Pitt's already-thin offensive line just got a bit thinner. Yesterday, it was announced that guard Arthur Doakes would be suspended for the Panthers' BBVA Compass Bowl game this weekend against Ole Miss.

Doakes was already a replacement and the team's depth on the line just took another hit. Doakes initially replaced lineman Ryan Schlieper, who was injured earlier this season. While a replacement hasn't been officially announced just yet by head coach Paul Chryst, Shane Johnson is next up according to the depth chart and could be the choice.

Doakes' absence certainly hurts Pitt's chances to win. The weakened line could not only affect quarterback Tino Sunseri and the passing game, but also the Panthers' rushing attack. What's worse is that according to the Post-Gazette's Sam Werner, there's a chance that the suspension could last longer than this game. That would be particularly bad news for the Panthers who are already heading into next season with a questionable line.