Pittsburgh Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

The Pittsburgh Panthers have some holes to replace entering the 2017 season, but recruiting may show signs of improvement.

The Pittsburgh Panthers may look like a new team in 2017, but that shouldn’t keep them from seeing success. The Panthers finished last season 8-5 in Pat Narduzzi’s second season as head coach.

Pittsburgh’s season ended a bit differently than expected but it was another success nonetheless. The team won three of its final four games, losing in the Pinstripe Bowl 31-24.. Starting quarterback Nathan Peterman went out with an injury in the game.

Peterman looked good in his second season as starter, completing 60.5 percent of his passes for 2,855 passing yards and 27 passing touchdowns. Now, the team looks to replace him as well as running back James Conner.

Conner returned in 2016 after missing all of the 2015 season battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After defeating the disease, he rushed for 1,092 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. He also had 302 receiving yards and four passing touchdowns.

There are defensive questions too

Replacing their contributions on offense is minimal compared to the losses on defense. The defense returns just four starters from a season ago. That may be a good thing, considering they allowed 35.2 points per game last season, ranked 106th in the FBS.

Their defensive line will feature all new faces as will the the linebacker position, in a way. Some position changes will be key in how improved the defense performs.

The Pittsburgh Panthers may have some starters to replace but they will still be a competitive team in 2017. Not to mention the recruiting classes Narduzzi has recruited in the past two cycles are beginning to show up on the depth chart.

Here’s a look at what to expect as the Panthers season is right around the corner.