Q: Do you think this is finally the year the Panthers will finally rank #1 in the nation? The Tarheels don't show any sign of slowing down, but due to some of their injuries games may start getting tougher sooner than expected.

Tim, Shaler

FITTIPALDO: It's going to be difficult, Tim. As I wrote in the Post-Gazette today, Pitt does have the advantage of not playing a ranked team until early January. But the two teams in front of the Panthers -- Connecticut and North Carolina -- look very strong. The best bet is for North Carolina to be upset tomorrow night by Michigan State. Then Connecticut would have to lose to Gonzaga on Dec. 20. If those two things happened and Pitt won their next five games, including a Dec. 21 game at Florida State, the Panthers likely would ascend to No. 1. It's a long shot, but it's something that's fun to talk about because Pitt has never been ranked No. 1.