SPORTING NEWS PICKS PITT TO WIN THE BIG EAST

In its recently released annual college football yearbook, Sporting News has picked Pitt to win the Big East Conference and go BCS bowling in 2009.

“Dave Wannstedt has the personnel in place,” writes Sporting News, which predicts the Panthers will earn a visit to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl.

Four Pitt players were named to its All-Big East team, including junior offensive tackle Jason Pinkston, senior tight end Nate Byham, junior defensive end Greg Romeus and senior cornerback Aaron Berry. Additionally, tailback Dion Lewis was rated the Big East’s “Top Impact Freshman.”

In breaking down Pitt’s 2009 schedule, Sporting News highlighted the annual November clash with West Virginia as the “Game to Watch.”

“The conference title could be decided under a national spotlight the day after Thanksgiving,” wrote SN. “The Panthers have won two straight low-scoring affairs.”