CBS Sports College Football Bowl Projections

The season's not even begun yet, but that isn't stopping media outlets from projecting bowl games. CBS Sports is the latest to do so and they've got Pitt heading to a game.

Pittsburgh (No. 56 overall): Pinstripe Bowl vs. Kansas State, Dec. 29

With a new coaching staff and questions on the defensive line, the Panthers ranking at No. 56 overall is reasonable. Pitt is ranked ahead of Cincinnati (No. 58) and above SEC newcomers Missouri (No. 63) and Texas A&M (No. 64). If the Panthers face the Wildcats in the Bronx, the defensive line could be in for a test. Kansas State is led by a quarterback in Collin Klein, who accounted for 40 touchdowns in 2011. Klein is arguably one of the most underrated players in FBS.

In all fairness, if Pitt is headed to the Pinstripe Bowl, they won't have had a great season. Many fans would probably be fine with that, but with the conference being so down, Pitt needs to set their sights higher. That would mean the BCS bid or the next best bowl, the Russell Athletic Bowl (formerly the champs Sports Bowl).

The bonus with the Pinstripe Bowl, though, (well, other than it not being a third straight BBVA Compass Bowl ... seriously, no offense to the good people of Birmingham, but enough is enough) is that in New York, it's a relatively short trip for fans. No, it's not exactly a warm destination spot, but Pitt fans could actually travel to that one.

Be sure to join Cardiac Hill's Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @PittPantherBlog for our regular updates on Pitt football and basketball.