Pitt Loses Ray Graham, Two Other Starters To Season-Ending Injuries

The Pittsburgh Panthers announced Thursday that all-world junior running back Ray Graham, along with redshirt freshman offensive lineman Matt Rotheram and junior wide receiver Cameron Saddler, is done for the season. Graham suffered a knee injury against the Connecticut Huskies Wednesday night.

Pitt coach Todd Graham commented on the losses:

We are incredibly disappointed for these three young men. They have put so much work into our program and it's heartbreaking to see their seasons end prematurely. Even from the sidelines, I know they are going to remain important leaders who will continue to make an impact as we strive to reach our goal of a Big East championship. 

I know each will attack their rehabilitation programs with incredible commitment and be back better than ever for next season. That's the type of people and competitors they are and we're proud that they are Panthers.    

While all three are significant setbacks, it's Graham's loss that will do the most to change the course of the Panthers season. He's the team's clear offensive force, producing 1,164 of Pitt's 2,924 yards so far this year.

Saddler has produced 217 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown, including a 74-yard performance in a win against USF, while Rotheram has seen time in every game this season, making two starts in a row before his injury.

For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit Pittsburgh blog Cardiac Hill, plus SB Nation Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Panthers lost star running back Ray Graham to a knee injury Wednesday night against the Connecticut Huskies. Graham ranks fifth in the nation in yards from scrimmage with 145.5 per game and fourth in total rushing yards. That's about 80 yards per game more than Pitt's second most productive offensive player.

To say his loss changes Pitt's offense is an understatement. The good news is he hasn't been ruled out for the rest of the season yet. From Pitt blog Cardiac Hill:

There's no way to sugarcoat this and while the team needed the win, this hurts. I've theorized where this offense might be without Graham in the past, and it looks like we might find out soon.

If you're looking for a positive to take away from the injury, Graham appeared upbeat on the sidelines after his return, often seen smiling. That could be anything, but I'll choose to think it means he could come back this year. In his absence, the running was, as expected, down.

The other good news for Pitt fans is the Panthers won the game, meaning a hoped-for Graham return could contribute to a BCS game run.

For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit Pittsburgh blog Cardiac Hill.