SB Nation's own Big East Coast Bias took to ranking the various offensive units in the conference this week and for the most part, Pitt hovered right around the middle.
↵At quarterback, Tino Sunseri came in fourth behind Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater, Syracuse's Ryan Nassib, and South Florida's BJ Daniels. The Panthers' offensive line came in sixth and the wide receivers came in fourth.
↵Running back is the only area where Pitt excelled. The site says the Panthers' running attack is second to none in the conference behind star Ray Graham:
↵↵↵Ray Graham was leading the Big East Conference in rushing yards (958) last year when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in week eight. He still finished atop the yards-per-carry list with 5.8. Graham has not played since but is scheduled to be back at full health during training camp for his senior season. Zach Brown and Isaac Bennett finished the season with a combined 573 yards. Bennett returns but freshman sensation Rushel Shell will likely receive the most attention and carries behind Graham. If he stays healthy in head coach Paul Chryst’s run-first offense, Graham could contend for the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best running back.
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Graham and Pitt's running game ranking so high is welcome news, particularly when you consider what Paul Chryst was able to do with that position at Wisconsin as their offensive coordinator. But if the Panthers want to contend in the Big East this year, they'll need to get significant help on defense and from Tino Sunseri and the passing game. Pitt's running backs can take a lot of pressure off of the offensive, but they'll need help if the Panthers have any hopes of getting to the BCS.
↵For more on Pitt football, check out SB Nation's Pitt blog, Cardiac Hill.