Surpise to the upside?

[HopeandChangeforAntoons]

We all know Pitt fans have had a lifetime of brutal letdowns, missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises. Someday I hope that we have a magical NY6 type season that so many lesser programs - UCF, Kansas, Wake, GT, Cinci, freaking Hawaii - have managed.

But in the meantime, what rare examples can you think of where Pitt football surprised to the upside?

Mine:
Season - 1997 first year of Walt, beat UM, beat WVU and a bunch of seniors that put it together
Game - We have had a few, but got to go with Clemson 2016
Player - James Conner

 

[phxpanther]

You mean 1997

 

[HopeandChangeforAntoons]

You mean 1997

Yes, 1997 fixed it.

 

[Las Panteras]

Any discussion about surprises to the upside must include wannys 10 win season because


Because.......its pitt.....and it's a 10 win season.

 

[McKee Place]

The 2016 offense and specifically how it pounded PSU in the first half of that game was the biggest positive surprise I ever witnessed in 40ish years as a Pitt man. Unexpected, shocked, amazed.

Close 2nd was how the defense played in the 13-9 game. Same as above. Coming out of nowhere does not do it justice.

(I keep adding as they come to mind). The comeback winning drive vs VT in 2003. Gameday game. Pitt so rarely seizes the moment, and it did that drive.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

We all know Pitt fans have had a lifetime of brutal letdowns, missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises. Someday I hope that we have a magical NY6 type season that so many lesser programs - UCF, Kansas, Wake, GT, Cinci, freaking Hawaii - have managed.

But in the meantime, what rare examples can you think of where Pitt football surprised to the upside?

Mine:
Season - 1997 first year of Walt, beat UM, beat WVU and a bunch of seniors that put it together
Game - We have had a few, but got to go with Clemson 2016
Player - James Conner

Game--36-35 upset of WVU when Pitt came from being behind 35-8 at the half back in early 1970's just prior to the Majors I era.

 

[RoguePanther]

I love Pitt, but honestly I'm thoroughly surprised any time they win a game.

All kidding aside, I think McKee Place nailed it!

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

Any discussion about surprises to the upside must include wannys 10 win season because


Because.......its pitt.....and it's a 10 win season.

Nothing about that 09 season was a surprise. Even the game against Notre Dame because that was a bad ND team, think they finished 6 and 6.

I don’t think one team that year we played was ranked in top 25 besides Cincy.