University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Panthers Ranked No. 15 in Preseason AP Poll
8/21/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 21, 2010
PITTSBURGH—The Pitt football team placed No. 15 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll released today, its highest preseason AP rank in seven years.
Earlier this month the Panthers also earned a No. 15 ranking in the USA Today coaches poll. The preseason poll listings are Pitt's highest since 2003, when the Panthers were ranked No. 10 by the AP and No. 11 by the coaches.
Pitt returns 13 starters from its 2009 team, which finished 10-3 (winningest season since 1981) and ranked No. 15 in both final polls (highest final rank since 1982).
The Panthers will play a highly anticipated season opener at Utah on Sept. 2. The game will be a national telecast on Versus. In addition to the Panthers' lofty rankings, the Utes are rated No. 24 (tied) in the coaches poll.
It is the first time Pitt will play a season opener featuring two Top 25 teams on the road since its 1976 national championship year, when the preseason No. 9 Panthers played at No. 11 Notre Dame. Pitt rolled past the host Irish, 31-10, en route to a 12-0 record and the unanimous national title.
Season-ticket packages for Pitt home games are currently on sale for as low as $87 and can be purchased online (PittsburghPanthers.com), by phone (800/643-PITT) or in person at the Petersen Events Center ticket office.
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