What Is 2007 Pitt Panthers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2007 Pitt Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh during the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with a 6–6 record under head coach Dave Wannstedt and playing in the Big East Conference.

Key Facts

The 2007 Pitt Panthers finished the season with a 6–6 overall record
Head coach Dave Wannstedt was in his second season leading the team
Pitt played its home games at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The team competed in the Big East Conference and went 3–4 in conference play
Pitt did not qualify for a bowl game due to its 6–6 record

Overview

The 2007 Pitt Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh during the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by head coach Dave Wannstedt in his second year, the team competed in the Big East Conference and aimed to build on a 5–7 record from the previous season. Despite some improvement, the Panthers ended the year with a 6–6 record and did not qualify for a postseason bowl game.

Pitt struggled with consistency throughout the season, showing flashes of strong defensive play but faltering in key matchups. The team played its home games at Heinz Field, the shared stadium of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. Although they were close to bowl eligibility, a late-season loss prevented them from reaching a 7-win threshold.

Record: The Panthers finished the 2007 season with a 6–6 overall record, showing modest improvement from their 5–7 mark in 2006.
Conference: Competing in the Big East, Pitt posted a 3–4 conference record, placing them in the middle of the league standings.
Head Coach: Dave Wannstedt, a former NFL head coach, led the team in his second season and emphasized defensive discipline and physical play.
Home Stadium: The Panthers played all home games at Heinz Field, a 68,400-seat venue located in downtown Pittsburgh.
Bowl Eligibility: Pitt fell just short of postseason play, as a 6–6 record did not guarantee bowl selection due to NCAA tiebreaker rules at the time.

Season Performance

The 2007 campaign featured a mix of competitive losses and narrow wins, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges. The Panthers opened the season with a win over Youngstown State but faced a tough schedule that included ranked opponents.

September 8, 2007: Pitt lost 38–31 to No. 3 LSU in a hard-fought game that showcased their defensive resilience despite the defeat.
October 6, 2007: The team secured a 28–27 victory over South Florida, a ranked opponent at the time, marking a key highlight of the season.
November 10, 2007: A 31–10 loss to West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl ended hopes for a winning season and intensified rivalry tensions.
Defensive Stats: The Panthers ranked 34th nationally in total defense, allowing 331.2 yards per game, a testament to Wannstedt’s coaching background.
Offensive Struggles: Pitt averaged only 22.8 points per game, ranking 87th in the nation, due in part to inconsistent quarterback play.
Key Player: Running back LaRod Stephens-Howling led the team with 758 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 149 carries.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2007 Pitt Panthers with the previous and following seasons reveals trends in performance and development.

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Bowl Game	Head Coach
2006	5–7	2–5	No	Dave Wannstedt (1st year)
2007	6–6	3–4	No	Dave Wannstedt (2nd year)
2008	9–4	5–2	Yes (Sun Bowl)	Dave Wannstedt (3rd year)
2005	5–6	3–4	No	Walt Harris
2009	10–3	5–2	Yes (Meineke Car Care Bowl)	Dave Wannstedt (5th year)

The table illustrates a gradual upward trajectory under Wannstedt, with 2007 serving as a transitional year between losing records and future success. Though the team missed a bowl in 2007, the foundation was set for stronger performances in 2008 and 2009, including a 10-win season.

Why It Matters

The 2007 season was a pivotal chapter in Pitt’s football resurgence under Dave Wannstedt, setting the stage for future competitiveness. While not a standout year in terms of wins, it provided valuable experience and roster development.

Development Year: The 2007 season allowed younger players to gain experience, contributing to Pitt’s improved record in subsequent years.
Coaching Stability: Wannstedt’s second season demonstrated program stability after a coaching change, helping retain recruits.
Rivalry Impact: The loss to West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl intensified one of college football’s most heated in-state rivalries.
Recruiting Momentum: Competitive performances against ranked teams like LSU and South Florida helped boost recruiting efforts.
Defensive Identity: The team’s strong defensive ranking reinforced Pitt’s tradition of tough, physical football.
Foundation for Success: The progress seen in 2007 directly contributed to Pitt’s 9–4 record and Sun Bowl appearance in 2008.

Though the 2007 Pitt Panthers did not achieve postseason play, their season played a crucial role in rebuilding the program’s competitiveness. It marked a step forward in a larger turnaround that would peak in the following years.