There are fairly high expectations for Pitt, both in the national media and by the fans this year. The ever meaningless pre-season USA Today/ESPN/Coaches poll puts Pitt at #11. (The only useful thing about being rannked in the pre-season poll, is that it’s easier to stay in the poll once the season starts then it is to crack in from the outside). Despite being considered as the 3rd best team in the Big East, Pitt is considered one of the sleeper teams to contend for the BCS; to be this year’s Ohio State.

The undercurrent to that, is the fact that based on the polls, the two top teams in the Big East — Miami and Virgina Tech — are bailing for the ACC next year. For the Big East to hope to survive as a football conference, Pitt has to step up this year to show that the teams still in the Big East can compete on a national level.

So, let’s be clear.

Anything less than winning the Big East will be a disappointment this year.