What Is 2009 Pitt Panthers football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 Pitt Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 10–3 record under head coach Dave Wannstedt. They won the Big East Conference title and defeated Kentucky in the 2010 AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

Key Facts

10–3 final record in the 2009 season
Big East Conference champions in 2009
Defeated Kentucky 27–21 in the 2010 Liberty Bowl
Head coach Dave Wannstedt in his second season
Ranked as high as No. 11 in the AP Poll during the season

Overview

The 2009 Pitt Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Big East Conference, the team was led by head coach Dave Wannstedt in his second year at the helm and achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history.

Finishing with a 10–3 overall record, the Panthers claimed a share of the Big East title and earned a berth in the 2010 AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The season was marked by strong defensive performances and a balanced offense that propelled Pitt to national recognition, peaking at No. 11 in the AP Poll.

Defensive dominance: The Panthers ranked 12th nationally in total defense, allowing just 298.5 yards per game, a key factor in their success.
Big East champions: Pitt finished 6–1 in conference play, tying for first place with Cincinnati, but won the BCS berth via tiebreaker.
Liberty Bowl victory: On January 2, 2010, Pitt defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 27–21 in Memphis, securing their 10th win of the season.
Star quarterback: Senior Dion Lewis emerged as a breakout player, rushing for 1,702 yards—a Pitt single-season record—and earning Big East Rookie of the Year.
National ranking peak: The team reached No. 11 in the AP Poll in November, their highest ranking since 2003.

Season Performance

The 2009 campaign showcased a blend of disciplined coaching and emerging talent, particularly on offense. After a rocky 2008 season, Wannstedt’s second year brought significant improvement, highlighted by a powerful rushing attack and a resilient defense.

Defensive consistency: The Panthers allowed only 17.1 points per game, ranking 14th nationally and holding opponents under 20 points in nine contests.
Home dominance: Pitt went a perfect 7–0 at Heinz Field, including key wins over West Virginia and South Florida.
Turnover margin: The team finished with a +11 turnover margin, one of the best in the nation, thanks to strong ball security and defensive takeaways.
Dion Lewis’ impact: Lewis became the first freshman nationally to rush for over 1,500 yards before season’s end, finishing with 1,702 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Coaching turnaround: Wannstedt improved from a 5–7 record in 2008 to 10–3 in 2009, earning Big East Coach of the Year honors.
BCS consideration: Despite winning the Big East, Pitt did not receive a BCS bowl bid due to lower computer rankings, a point of controversy in college football circles.

Comparison at a Glance

Performance comparison between the 2009 Pitt Panthers and key conference rivals:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Bowl Result	Final AP Rank
Pittsburgh	10–3	6–1	W 27–21 (Liberty Bowl)	NR
Cincinnati	12–1	7–0	L 20–31 (Fiesta Bowl)	6
West Virginia	9–4	5–2	W 21–7 (Meineke Car Care Bowl)	NR
Rutgers	9–4	3–4	W 45–24 (International Bowl)	NR
South Florida	7–6	4–3	L 31–38 (Sun Bowl)	NR

Despite sharing the Big East title with Cincinnati, Pitt was passed over for a BCS bowl berth due to lower computer rankings and a loss to the Bearcats during the regular season. However, their 10-win season and Liberty Bowl victory solidified 2009 as one of the most successful in recent program history. The team’s performance underscored a resurgence under Wannstedt and set high expectations for future seasons.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season represented a turning point for Pitt football, restoring credibility and excitement to a program that had struggled in prior years. The success laid the foundation for future recruiting and national relevance.

Recruiting boost: The season elevated Pitt’s national profile, helping secure commitments from top regional and national prospects in the 2010 class.
Program momentum: The 10-win season was Pitt’s first since 1981, signaling a return to competitiveness in major college football.
Dion Lewis’ legacy: Lewis became the first Pitt freshman to earn All-American honors, setting a benchmark for future running backs.
Defensive identity: The unit’s national ranking reinforced Pitt’s tradition of strong defense, a hallmark of Wannstedt’s coaching philosophy.
BCS controversy: The snub highlighted flaws in the BCS selection process, fueling debates about conference equity and computer rankings.
Fan engagement: Attendance and merchandise sales increased, reflecting renewed enthusiasm among the Pitt fanbase.

The 2009 Pitt Panthers remain a celebrated team in university history, remembered for their resilience, breakout performances, and restoration of pride to the program.