Oct. 8, 2008

PITTSBURGH--Pitt defensive coordinator Phil Bennett has been named the national "coordinator of the week" by Rivals.com following the Panthers' outstanding performance at USF last Thursday, a 26-21 victory that lifted Pitt back into the nation's Top 25.

Pitt's defense grounded one of the country's most productive offenses, limiting the Bulls to just 245 total yards and dangerous USF quarterback Matt Grothe to only 154 (129 passing and 25 rushing).

Prior to facing the Panthers, USF had been averaging 464.4 yards in total offense and 36.4 points per game. Pitt held the Bulls to 219 yards below their average and only two offensive touchdowns. The Panthers sacked Grothe four times and collected seven total tackles for loss.

This is the latest honor for the Panthers following the USF victory. In addition to Bennett, senior middle linebacker Scott McKillop was named the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski Player of the Week, Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week, Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week and Big East Defensive Player of the Week. Also, sophomore tailback LeSean McCoy was named the Big East Offensive Player of the Week.

On the strength of its four consecutive wins, Pitt (4-1, 2-0 Big East) surged back into the Associated Press Top 25 this week, placing No. 24. (The Panthers are receiving votes in the USA Today coaches poll, placing No. 33.)

Pitt has a bye this week and will be back in action on Oct. 18 when it plays at Navy (4-2). The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m., and be nationally televised by CBS College Sports Network.

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