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Q: Outside of Notre Dame, West Virginia and possibly Iowa, I don't see any reason Pitt shouldn't be favored and win every other game on its schedule. What are your thoughts?

T.J. Mikeska, Pittsburgh

ZEISE: Well, I don't think they'd be favored to win at South Florida, which is a team that some will pick to win the Big East. And regardless of what you might think about Connecticut, Pitt is 1-3 against the Huskies in the past four years and the Panthers have never won at Rentschler Field. So there are two games right now I don't think Pitt will be favored to win - though that doesn't mean they can't win them. Pitt has also somehow lost three games in a row to Rutgers, though with that game being at Heinz Field and Ray Rice no longer powering the Scarlet Knights, one would think Pitt will be favored. In short, I agree Pitt's schedule looks favorable for a big season but we've learned in the past three years that no game can be taken for granted.

Q: With the introduction of Jonathan Baldwin, Lucas Nix, and Shayne Hale from the excellent recruiting class, who do you think will get the most time?

Ron Mahaligan, Cranberry

ZEISE: The recruits who will get the most playing time/have the most impact? The obvious answer is the two junior college transfers, quarterback Greg Cross and center Robb Houser, because both were brought in to fill specific needs and both will play big roles for this team. As for the true freshmen - here is the best sign of progress for the Pitt program - outside of tackle Lucas Nix, who plays a position of extreme need, there isn't one who is being counted on to come in and make an impact this year. That speaks well of the depth on this team and any of the freshmen who want playing time this year will have to get it the old fashioned way - by beating out the guys ahead of him.

Q: If Pitt wins seven games this year will we have a new coach next year?

Paul Lochrane, Tarentum

ZEISE: I don't have a crystal ball and I don't think this is ever a black and white issue - but based on some conversations I've had, if I were betting man I'd say a trip to a bowl will be enough to keep the coaching staff intact for at least one more season.

Q: Pitt has several years of good recruiting class and built decent depth on both offense and defense. However, I still think Pitt is several steps away from being a consistent top 25. If something such as injuries or unfortunate off-field accidents happens, which positions will be most vulnerable and what would be impact on the team's performance this year?

Jun Mumpser, Durham, N.C.

ZEISE: Clearly Pitt can't afford to lose any offensive linemen. That is the first spot. I'd say with Sherod Murdock getting himself suspended, the safety depth is very dicey now as well. But other than that - and perhaps Scott McKillop at middle linebacker - there is at least enough depth that a few injuries aren't going to sink the entire season.

Q: Gus Mustakas was off to a great start last year before the injury. How is the rehab process going? Will he be ready for the opener?

Luke Turko, Moon

ZEISE: He's fine and coaches are being smart in how much they let him do in the spring. He'll be ready to go by training camp.