Senser, you're turning into Blitz with this 3 times in the past 30 years gimmick. The truth is Wannstedt has 2 of those 9 win seasons, in the past two years. We're not saying that Pitt is going to come in and be Ohio State, but this team is on an upswing on both the field and in recruiting.
Wannstedt has a style he wants to play, why can't you accept that Walt Harris's was different? Harris could get 7-8 consistently with an above average Quarterback and Wide Receivers, no Offensive Line, and no Defense in the Big East. Wannstedt is trying to create a balanced team, and while the only thing holding him back is his questionable play calling, Pitt has more talent on the field than most Big 10 teams any given season.
Teams ranked higher than Pitt in recruiting:
2010 Recruiting Rankings: Penn State, Michigan
2009 Recruiting Rankings: Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan
2008 Recruiting Rankings: Ohio State, Michigan, Illinois
2007 Recruiting Rankings: None
-Scout
Another note, Pitt has a different OC as well as DC, as well as Wide Receivers, O-Line, and D-Line coaches from the 3 disastrous seasons you're talking about.