The date: Oct. 21, 2001.

The question to University of Pittsburgh football fans: What do you think of the Panthers’ bowl chances this season?

The response: @#$% (or something like that) you.

What a difference six weeks makes. Especially for that same 2001 Panther squad that was being cursed up and down the banks of all three major rivers flowing into and out of the Steel City. Pittsburgh, the team that entered its first season at Heinz Field with so much promise and a great deal of lofty expectations, won just one of its first six games. And the Panthers seemed destined for a forgettable season after a 45-7 defeat at Boston College on October 20. But a funny thing happened on the way to 3-8 or 4-7. The Panthers pulled together and decided losing wasn’t an alternative and, unlike so many teams who arrive at the same conclusion, they actually went out and ran the table.

Yep, that’s right, the same team that lost five in a row after an opening win over East Tennessee State rolled over Temple, Virginia Tech, Rutgers, West Virginia and UAB by an average score of 32-7 to earn a berth in the Tangerine Bowl. Pittsburgh then defeated North Carolina State, 34-19, its first postseason victory since 1989.

"We played five elimination games down the stretch of the regular season," Harris said. "Just one loss and we would stay home for the holidays. We all came together and that made the reward of winning the Tangerine Bowl all the sweeter. In 30 years of coaching, I have had the pleasure of working with some great teams and players. However, I don’t think I have ever been prouder of a group of young men than I was of last year’s team."

Pittsburgh hopes to build off of that momentum, but -- even with 17 starters returning -- it will not be easy. The passing game that has flourished under Harris will be put to the test after the departure of quarterback David Priestley and starting receivers Antonio Bryant and R.J. English.

"The two biggest areas we need to improve on in order to be as good as last year are quarterback and receiver," Harris said.

The Panthers have talent at those positions, but it is inexperienced. Junior Rod Rutherford should emerge as Priestley’s successor, but is unproven as a passer. Several new receivers, including freshman and junior college transfers, could wind up in the lineup, which is always an iffy proposition.

"Any time you’ve got the word freshman in the lineup, and that includes red-shirt freshman, that means you are going to be in for some ups and downs," Harris said.

The Panthers have used Rutherford in several capacities the last two seasons and are hoping he emerges as Priestley’s replacement this fall. Most expect him to be the starter, but he did not secure the position in spring drills and still has some things to prove to the coaching staff before getting the official nod.

Rutherford has completed just 30.6 percent (19-of-62) of the passes he has thrown in college with one touchdown and four interceptions. Harris does not want Rutherford to stop making plays with his legs, but he does need him to make some more with his arm to keep defenses honest.

Sophomore Pat Hoderny provides another option if Rutherford doesn’t pan out. Hoderny (6-6, 230) saw limited action as a red-shirt freshman in 2001, but has a strong arm and quick release to go along with his outstanding size.

Walk-on Nick Rizzo (6-0, 185), a red-shirt freshman who showed good instincts and athleticism directing the scout team in 2001, is also back.

Competition and depth will come from Tyler Palko and Luke Getsy , a pair of heralded incoming freshmen.

Palko (6-2, 210) was chosen Pennsylvania’s Big School Player of the Year by the Associated Press and rated the No. 9 recruit in the nation by Tom Lemming after leading West Allegheny High School of Imperial, Pa. to the state Class AAA title. He threw for 1,887 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior.

Getsy (6-2, 210) is the first quarterback to start for four years at Steel Valley (Munhall, Pa.) High School and was rated as the 24th best prospect in Pennsylvania by SuperPrep. Also a four-year starter in basketball and baseball in high school, Getsy finished his career with 59 touchdowns and 6,021 yards passing.

The Panthers were far from overpowering on the ground in 2001, but they weren’t bad when you consider they sent their top two rushers (Kevan Barlow and Nick Goings) to the NFL. The losses of Barlow and Goings also opened the door for Raymond Kirkley (5-10, 220) and Marcus Furman (5-8, 175) to make their marks as freshmen, but neither is guaranteed anything in the backfield this fall.

Kirkley is expected to be back at full strength after having wrist surgery and missing spring drills. But the emergence of Alabama transfer Brandon Miree and red-shirt freshman Tim Murphy in the spring prompted the Panthers to move Furman back to wide receiver, where he practiced last season before being shifted to tailback. Harris has also moved sophomores Mike Jemison and Malcolm Postell from running back to linebacker.

Kirkley became just the third freshman in Pittsburgh history to start the season opener at tailback last season. The ECAC Rookie of the Year ran for 645 yards, caught 19 passes and scored three touchdowns.

Both Miree and Murphy, who were honored as Pitt’s most improved offensive players at the close of spring drills, will also push for playing time. Miree (6-2, 235), a junior, was the top rusher in the spring game with 75 yards and two touchdowns. He ran for 426 yards and six touchdowns for Alabama in 2000. Murphy (5-10, 230), a speedster who once won three gold medals in his age group at the Junior Olympics in Belgium, is looking to contribute for the first time after red-shirting last season.

Junior Lousaka Polite (6-0, 245) is a steady two-year starter at fullback who won’t put up a lot of big numbers (77 rushes on 22 carries in 2001) but is a natural leader who was selected to be an offensive captain by his teammates as a sophomore. Sophomore Dustin Picciotti , who red-shirted after suffering a concussion in the preseason last year, is also expected back.

Many considered Picciotti (6-3, 255), who never lost a game in three seasons at Central Bucks West (Chalfont, Pa.), the top fullback in the country when he came out of high school. He could be a key contributor if he recovers from his injury and adjusts to the speed of the college game.

The Panthers must replace standouts Bryant and English. Bryant, who was taken by Dallas in the second round of April’s NFL draft, won the Biletnikoff Award as the top receiver in the country as a sophomore and struggled through an injury-plagued junior year before opting to forego his final season of eligibility.

Senior Lamar Slade (6-4, 205) is the logical candidate to step into a starting role. A big target with soft hands, he finished third on the team with 27 catches last season.

Junior Yogi Roth (5-9, 170) and sophomore Roosevelt Bynes (6-1, 170) made limited contributions last season and will be called upon to step up. Senior Jay Junko (6-4, 220), sophomore Donny Patrick (6-2, 205) and red-shirt freshman Joe Stephens (6-0, 175) could also work their way into the mix.

The Panthers were so short-handed during the spring that kicker J.B. Gibboney spent the final practice sessions working out with the receivers. While Furman is expected to stay with the receivers, Gibboney should return to his natural spot. Regardless, Harris wants to see improvement in route running and pass catching this fall.

Freshmen Larry Fitzgerald (6-3, 210), Billy Gaines (5-7, 170) and junior Princell Brockenbrough (6-3, 200) certainly fall into that category.

Pittsburgh is solid at tight end with junior Kris Wilson (6-3, 240) returning as the starter. He finished fourth on the team with 19 catches for 272 yards and should continue to play a larger role in the offense.

Red-shirt freshman Erik Gill (6-5, 245) could also be a solid contributor. A highly regarded recruit in 2001, he led the Panthers with five catches for 82 yards in the spring game. Juniors Chris Curd (6-3, 230) and Matt Mefford (6-3, 280) provide veteran depth.

Eight letter winners, including all five starters, return, giving the Panthers a very solid foundation to build around.

"The greatest strength we have on the offensive line is that all five starters return," Harris said. "I don’t know if we have any pro prospects up there, but we have more experience than we’ve had on the line since my first year here."

Senior Chad Reed (6-3, 290) has been a solid contributor since his freshman season and begins his second season as the starting center. He is backed up by sophomores Justin Belarski (6-3, 280) and Darryl Weston (6-4, 270).

Senior Bryan Anderson (6-5, 310) plays with a bit of a mean streak and has 34 career starts to his credit as he enters his fourth season at right guard. Junior Dan LaCarte (6-4, 285) made the move from defense to offense after the 2000 season and has been entrenched at left guard after taking over as the starter five games into last season.

Sophomore Rob Petitti (6-6, 330) could be an emerging star after earning the starting left tackle spot in camp last season and receiving national All-Freshman honors from The Sporting News and Football News. Petitti showcased his abilities in his fifth game, holding Syracuse star Dwight Freeney without a sack for the first time in 15 games.

Junior Matt Morgan (6-7, 295) has made 15 career starts and seems settled at right tackle after starting the final eight games of 2002.

Juniors Jon Schall (6-4, 295), who started at left guard as a true freshman in 2000 and for the first four games of last season, and Penny Semaia (6-5, 315), another convert from the defense, provide quality depth at guard.

Nick Lotz departs after a four-year tenure that saw him accumulate 214 points, good for fourth place on the school’s all-time list. Gibboney (5-9, 165), a sophomore, and red-shirt freshman Mike Rava (5-9, 170), both walk-ons, competed throughout the spring, and will battle highly touted incoming freshman David Abdul for the job when fall camp opens.

Abdul (5-10, 175), rated the nation’s No. 2 specialist by PrepStar, finished his career at Massillon Washington High School as the leading kick scorer in Ohio history (191 points).

Improved play on defense was one of the biggest keys to the Panthers’ success down the stretch and much of that came from the men up front. Pitt finished with 38 sacks last season, its most since 1987. And 25 of the sacks came in the last five games. The Panthers were also able to shut down the run, allowing only 118.8 yards per game, which helped them finish seventh nationally in total defense.

More of the same can be expected this season, although Pitt must replace sack leader Bryan Knight (8.5 sacks) at end and steady Joe Conlin at tackle. Junior Claude Harriott (6-4, 245) is the likely successor to Knight and seniors Brian Guzek (6-2, 255) and Ryan Smith (6-4, 255), co-starters last year, should hold down the other end spot. Red-shirt freshmen Kevin Harris (6-5, 245) and Thomas Smith (6-4, 245) showed promise in scout scrimmages last season and could contribute.

Although undersized at 6-0 and 250 pounds, sophomore Tyre Young made too many plays to be kept off the field and started the final seven games of last season after being moved from linebacker. Junior Darrell McMurray (6-4, 295) backed up Conlin last season and should push for the starting spot.

Sophomores Vince Crochunis (6-4, 280), who showed great improvement in the spring, Jake Holthaus (6-1, 280) and Dan Stephens (6-2, 285) lettered as red-shirt freshmen last season, and Troy Banner (6-3, 285) played six games as a freshman. Red-shirt freshman Charles Spencer (6-5, 295), who has great size and athletic ability, and incoming freshman Erik Fritz (6-3, 295) could also work their way into the rotation.

This unit, spearheaded by senior Gerald Hayes , could be one of the best in the country.

Hayes (6-3, 245) mans the middle as well as anyone and could contend for the Butkus Award. He has amassed 104 tackles each of the last two seasons, including 6.5 sacks and 15 tackles for losses, while earning first-team All-Big East accolades in 2001. He is a classic playmaker who always seems to find the ball.

"He’s really a good football player," Harris said. "He makes tackles all over the field."

Junior Lewis Moore (6-3, 245) grew into his starting role on the strong side last season, making 67 tackles and earning defensive MVP honors after making seven tackles and a critical sack that resulted in the clinching touchdown in the Tangerine Bowl.

Senior Brian Beinecke (6-1, 225) shared the starting job with the departed Brandon Williams on the weak side during the last two seasons and is ready to take over himself this season.

No team in the Big East has more answers at cornerback and questions at safety Pittsburgh does.

Senior Torrie Cox (5-10, 185), a two-time MVP on special teams, enters his second season as a starter. He is a strong cover corner -- he broke up 11 passes in 2001 -- and solid tackler. Shawntae Spencer (6-2, 175) enters his junior season with plenty of momentum to build upon. He started the final six games last season and led the Big East with 18 passes defended, including a 68-yard interception return for a touchdown against Virginia Tech.

Senior Shawn Robinson (6-1, 190) and junior William "Tutu" Ferguson (5-10, 185) are returning letter winners with plenty of starting experience. Robinson started 10 games in 2000, intercepting six passes and breaking up 18. Ferguson started four games last season before an ankle injury forced him out of the lineup in late October. He could also see time at safety.

Additional depth could come from senior Taron Gay (5-11, 190), a three-year letter winner, and freshman Josh Lay (6-2, 190), a mid-year enrollee from Valley Forge Military Academy.

As if losing Ponko and Bryant wasn’t bad enough, Corey Humphries (6-2, 205) and Gary Urschler (5-10, 195), the favorites to replace them, both suffered ACL tears on the same day of spring ball and will miss at least some time this fall.

Sophomore Tyrone Gilliard (5-11, 185) contributed on special teams last season and could move into a starting role.

Junior Andy Lee (6-2, 205) enters his second full season as the starter after averaging 41.1 yards per kick in 2001. Lee won the job late in his true freshman season and has continued to improve, as evidenced by his 11 boots of 50 yards or more and 44.2 average in the Tangerine Bowl.

The kickoff return game is in solid hands with Cox (24.0), who ranked third in the Big East last season, and Spencer. The punt return game struggled a bit last season, even with the explosive Bryant on the field. Roth, his primary backup, will likely step into the starting role. Junior Kurt Johnson (6-1, 260) enters his third season as the team’s long snapper.

The Panthers addressed several immediate needs in a 24-player class Harris termed "solid, balanced and full of potential."

While his impact on the field may not be felt for another season or two, the signing of Palko adds star power to the class. A USA Today All-American, he appears to be the Panthers’ quarterback of the future but, as with all young quarterbacks, patience should be preached.

Abdul could mean as much as any recruit to the program this season. The Panthers need a kicker and his credentials are as impressive as anyone in the country.

The arrival of Brockenbrough, Fitzgerald and Gaines brings immediate help to the receiving corps and Steve Buches (6-3, 215) was the top pass-catching tight end in western Pennsylvania the last two seasons.

Capizzi and Fritz bring size and talent to both lines and Jawan Walker , who rushed for 2,430 yards as a senior, is a solid addition to the running back stable. Lay could also help fill needs in the secondary right away.

New stadium, new practice facilities, a legion of loyal and knowledgeable fans, an eager and enthusiastic coaching staff and several years of quality recruiting classes. Add all of these things together and you’ve got the Pittsburgh football program.

Harris has done a great deal of building in his first four seasons and it should continue this year. The Panthers have just enough talent and just enough inexperience at key positions to make you wonder about them. Could they make a run for the top? Will they have their hands full finishing in the top half of the Big East? The easy answers are yes and yes, although it will take time to determine which, if either, are correct.

The Panthers are destined for both good and bad games this fall, but there are enough positives in place to make a seven- or eight-win season realistic.