Pitt fans are getting active. They are showing up in all of the ESPN.com college football chats. Even the participants are noticing the increased activity.

Paul (Philly (Pitt grad)): Wannstedt has brought a TON of excitement to the Pitt program in the area. Do you thikn that will translate onto the field. Opening with ND and playing at Nebraska 2 weeks later seem a tough way to start, so what are your predictions for Pitt?

Todd McShay: Lot’s of Panther pride already today… You might be right, the excitement level does seem higher than normal for a Steeler-crazed town. Anyway, the non-conference schedule isn’t easy but it’s also not as daunting as it may seem. You get ND at home and early in the season, possibly before QB Brady Quinn starts to fire on all cylinders under Weis. While traveling to Neb. won’t be easy, that’s another traditional powerhouse that is vulnerable and will be breaking in a new starter (Zac Taylor) in Bill Callahan’s west coast scheme. If Pitt can even split those two games, it could run the table leading up to the showdown at Louisville. I think too many people are giving the conference away to Louisville right now. I understand why, but it will be interesting to see if the Cardinals can step up their level of competition and be able to consistently dominate.

McShay is one of Scouts, Inc./ESPNU college football people. Tom Luginbill, the national director for recruiting for Scouts/ESPN also took a question regarding Pitt.

Shawn (Pittsburgh): Hey Tom,Thanks for being with us, Dave Wandstett has got off to a good start at Pittsburgh, what do you think of his recruits so far?

Tom Luginbill: (4:07 PM ET ) So far they do have a rich in-state class with 12 verbals so far. 15 overall. Some highlights in this class are: DT Jason Pinkston from Wanstedt’s alma mater Baldwin. Nate Byham is an athletic TE with a ton of upside and WR Dorin Dickerson is the elite skill player of this class so far.

Finally, a doubter.

Robb (Durango, CO): Ivan, Why are people getting so excited about Pitt? Great quarterback, but what else?

Ivan Maisel: Not just the quarterback, but Greg Lee, H.B. Blades at linebacker, and Dave Wannstedt may be the Pete Carroll of the Iron City. That’s why.

Short answer, but a good one.