The preseason ratings are compiled using four factors: prior performance, returning starters, recruiting rankings and coaching tenure.
Using those four factors, Pitt at #9 sort of hurts the ranking credibility. Apparently they think Dooz being there seven or eight years means he's a good coach but his prior performance has been average. He's about the best Pitt can expect since anyone else would leave at the first hint of real success. Dooz knows nobody is going to hire him away so he has to feel good about being average and having a secure job. I don't know about returning starters but I do know Pitt's recruiting isn't stellar which makes sense considering their coach is a dumbass.
I'm guessing more weight was given to prior performance which they define as only the past season. With Pickett gone, Dooz will have them returning to five-loss form in 2022.