What are the odds: Making a comeback after losses in Ohio State vs. TCU game
By Colin Martin, Blogger
September 21, 2018
Filed under Blogs, Sports, Sports Columns
In this week's "What are the odds" blog, blogger Colin Martin examines his losses and how he can make a comeback in the upcoming games. He offers an analysis of each game in college football, providing spreads, over/under numbers and bet suggestion.
Column: Pitt is a volleyball school now
By Stephen Thompson, For the Pitt News
September 19, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Sports, Sports Columns
The Pitt volleyball team is driven, experienced and talented — and they deserve all the support our Panther community can give them.
Take 5: Patriots, pass-rush, Patrick Mahomes
By The Pitt News Staff
September 19, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
In a week with an abundance of compelling NFL storylines, The Pitt News staff provides some insight on the top talking points.
Hardy, Orton embody “Hell in a Cell”
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
September 16, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
WWE superstars Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy provided one of the greatest Hell in a Cell moments in the history of the sport on Sunday night.
Weekly Waiver Wire
By Adin Link, Staff Writer
September 14, 2018
Filed under Blogs, Sports, Sports Columns
With the popularity of fantasy football and the constant weekly changes, it can be difficult for participants to keep up with what is happening. Now, fans have to look no further than this brief list of weekly wire additions to keep an eye on.
What are the odds: Best bets around college football
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
September 14, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
In May, the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, leaving the legalization of sports gambling up to individual states. The betting is legal in Pennsylvania and is actually a popular past-time. The Pitt News examines the best college games this weekend to put your money on.
Column: Universities should recognize student athletes as employees
By Brian Gentry, Contributing Editor
September 13, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
It's time for Universities to recognize athletes as student employees and mitigate the exploitation of players under demanding sports programs.
Take 5: Cy Young, NFL youth
By The Pitt News Staff
September 12, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
From the first week of NFL action to the dog days of professional baseball, The Pitt News staff gives its takes on five hot topics in the world of sports.
Op-ed: ’87 alumnus, former TPN editor says Pitt football is here to stay
By James S. Urban
September 11, 2018
Filed under Football, Letters to the Editor, Opinions, Sports, Sports Columns
In a rebuttal to former TPN editor and New York Times writer Murray Chass' op-ed, Pitt alumnus and former TPN editor says Pitt football is just a small, but important, part of the school's success.
Column: There’s more to blame for Pitt’s loss than sloppy conditions
By Griffin Floyd, For the Pitt News
September 11, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
The rivalry game that occurred on Saturday had many takeaways for the Panthers. Not only were the conditions bad for playing, but the offensive and defensive lines both fell short. With this culmination of mistakes, the Panthers have a lot to learn from and will need to improve if they look to have a successful season.
Steelers start off sluggish in stormy stalemate against Browns
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
September 11, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
On top of Pitt getting pummeled by Penn State on Saturday, the Steelers also struggled to successful begin their season. Playing against the Brown's, the game ended in a 21-21 tie . Although there were several good plays, the Steelers still have much to improve on in order to have a successful season.
Op-ed: Pitt alumnus, former New York Times sports writer says time’s up for Pitt football
By Murray Chass
September 9, 2018
Filed under Letters to the Editor, Opinions, Sports, Sports Columns
Former Pitt News editor Murray Chass — also known for contributing to The New York Times and Associated Press — doubles down on his 60-year old stance regarding Pitt football.
Rivalry week: Examining the shaky future of Pitt vs. Penn State
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
September 6, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
In 2016, the Pitt-Penn State rivalry was rebooted after a 16 year hiatus. Although only playing for the last two seasons, it seems as if the rivalry may reach an expiration date soon - which could actually benefit Pitt. Working hard to schedule the rivalry game every year doesn't seem like a worthy investment for Pitt.
Take 5: Mack, Miami, and Minnesota
By The Pitt News Staff
September 5, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
From Khalil Mack's move to the downfall of the U, The Pitt News staff gives its takes on some of the storylines that emerged from football's first week.
Watson’s west coast approach works for the Panthers
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 4, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
The real MVP of Saturday's game was offensive coordinator Shawn Watson, who brought balance and consistency to the Pitt offense.
Former Panthers poised for success this NFL season
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
August 31, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The SEC isn't the only institution that produces notable football players -- the ACC does as well. As the NFL is underway, the Pitt News reviews major former Panther's that can positively impact their respective teams.
Take 5: Bell, Beadle and Basketball
By The Pitt News Staff
August 30, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
From catsuits to contract holdouts, The Pitt News staff takes a look at the spiciest storylines from the past week.
New Coaches allow Pitt fans to dream big
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
August 27, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
During her first year as athletic director, Heather Lyke hired seven coaches. Because of these additions, Pitt fans can optimistically look forward to the next season.
Capel’s first year means improvement, not victory
By Cale Berger, Staff Writer
August 26, 2018
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns
Pitt's hiring of Jeff Capel brought excitement and hope to the men's basketball program — but fans should temper expectations in year one.
Capel’s first year means improvement, not victory
By Cale Berger, Staff Writer
August 20, 2018
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns, Welcome Back 2018
Jeff Capel's impact on the men's basketball program is notable — but the Pitt community shouldn't expect his first team to take the college basketball world by storm.
WWE women’s ‘Money in the Bank’ results in another generic outcome
By Alexa Marzina | Staff Writer
June 20, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
This year, I spent my Father’s Day the way anybody who feels awkward during family gatherings should — drinking a beer and watching eight beautiful women beat each other up with ladders. Though WWE’s 2018 Money in the Bank pay-per-view Sunday featured results I was in favor of, the show lacke...
Column: Hosting World Cup in Russia is dangerous for LGBTQ+ fans
By Hannah Schneider, Sports Editor
June 13, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Professional sports environments aren’t traditionally safe spaces for LGBTQ+ athletes and fans — especially in Russia, where policies outlawing “gay propaganda” have been condemned by the European Court of Human Rights as “discriminatory.” With the 2018 World Cup games quickly approachin...
Column: Mainstream sports rhetoric limits female athletes
By Joanna Li | Senior Staff Writer
June 13, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
“You play ball like a girl,” said “Ham” from “The Sandlot,” settling an intense roast battle against the baseball uniform-wearing rich kids with what seems to be the greatest insult one could possibly say to someone in 1962. But the insult is two-fold. Female athletes face a deep...
Column: Group by Group World Cup Preview
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
June 6, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The 2018 World Cup isn’t a priority for most Americans since the United States failed to qualify for the competition, but this year’s games have the potential to be one of the most entertaining tournaments in years. The tournament — hosted in Russia this year — kicks off June 14 at 11 a.m. with t...
Column: LeBron James stands no chance against the Warriors
By Trent Leonard | Senior Staff Writer
June 6, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The Golden State Warriors followed up their thrilling overtime victory in game one of the NBA Finals with a more dominant result in game two Sunday night, trouncing the Cleveland Cavaliers 122-103 with help from a record-setting performance by two-time MVP point guard Stephen Curry. The basket se...
Column: Lyke is what Pitt Athletics needs for steady success
By Colin Martin | Staff Writer
May 30, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The best way to build a strong athletic program involves consistency and a direction. It’s very difficult for schools to form their own identity with constantly changing leadership as Pitt has experienced over the past decade with seven different head football coaches. But Pitt now officially has...
Column: Women’s sports need female leaders
By Jordan Mondell | Senior Staff Writer
May 23, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
Pitt’s new women’s basketball head coach Lance White — who was hired April 18 to replace former coach Suzie McConnell-Serio — seems like a great snag for the program. The former Florida State assistant has it going on — a 350-145 overall record, 12 seasons with 20 or more wins with the Se...
Take 5: Stakes Races, Shaq and Southgate
By The Pitt News Staff
May 23, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Though Pitt's campus has mostly emptied out, The Pitt News sports staff is still full of hot takes. They're back to round up some of the best — and unexpected — stories of the week. Patience for Pirates Fans The Pittsburgh Pirates finally got a glimpse of their future when centerfielder A...
Take 5: Kiper, Cavs and Kardashians
By The Pitt News Staff
April 20, 2018
Filed under Sports Columns
With finals week quickly approaching, you may have been too busy studying to keep up with the world of sports. No worries — The Pitt News staff has you covered with the most savvy, significant and scandalous sports stories from this week. Keeping up with Khloe and Tristan The Cleveland Cavali...
Column: Pirates’ season a pleasant surprise for fan
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
April 17, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
In one of Pittsburgh’s colder Aprils in recent memory, the Pittsburgh Pirates have remained hot, though it didn’t seem it would be that way just a few weeks ago. Despite trading two All-Stars — outfielder Andrew McCutchen and starting pitcher Gerrit Cole — in the offseason, the Pirates stand on top of the NL Central at 11-6 and are one of the top teams in MLB right now. The Pirates came into ...
Column: J.J. Redick is one for the NBA record books
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
April 17, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Every so often in professional sports, a special athlete comes along who is single-handedly able to elevate their team’s performance to elite ranks. These once-in-a-generation talents carry their teams to the playoffs year in and year out through sheer individual willpower and exceptional abilit...
Take 5: Spieth, Simmons, Stanley Cup
By The Pitt News Staff
April 12, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Is Jordan Spieth the new Tiger Woods? Who is and who isn’t a rookie? Will the Penguins win their third straight Stanley Cup? All of that and more — The Pitt News staff is back to round up the week’s best sports stories. Masterful performance Golf is fun. Golf is exciting. This past Sunday was ...
4 predictions for the NHL playoffs
By Max Sirianni | Staff Writer
April 12, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
After 82 games, the NHL regular season has officially ended, and the 16 teams that made the playoffs are ready to face off for the Stanley Cup. Playoff hockey is always full of surprises, so here are some attempts at predicting the madness in an intense playoff format that teaches us to expect the u...
Take 5: Pirates, playoffs, PGA tour
By The Pitt News Staff
April 6, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
There are just two weeks left in the semester and classes are winding down at Pitt. The same can’t be said for news in the sports world. The Pitt News staff is back with a weekly roundup of this week’s best. More of the same Are the Houston Rockets leading the West? Yes. Have the Cleveland Caval...
Staff picks: Pitt athletics Hall of Fame
By The Pitt News Staff
April 4, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Pitt Athletic Director Heather Lyke announced in January that Pitt will be implementing its own Hall of Fame, with the inaugural class to be inducted Sept. 7. We’ll have to wait a few months to find out who will make the first Hall of Fame class — in the meantime, The Pitt News sports staff has ...
Column: College sports deserve diverse leadership
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
April 1, 2018
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns
Not only is Pitt’s new men’s basketball head coach Jeff Capel a star recruiter and successful tournament coach, he brings something to Pitt that the program has never seen before. Diversity. Specifically, Capel — a black man — is the first-ever head coach of any minority status to oversee ...
Take 5: Harden, hot dogs, home runs
By The Pitt News Staff
March 29, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Oakland has been buzzing about the hiring of a new head basketball coach — our lord and savior Jeff Capel. But while the Pitt community has been busy celebrating the arrival of a new king, the rest of the sports world has continued to make headlines. The Pitt News staff is back to round up some of the...
European powers gear up for UCL quarterfinals
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
March 27, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
American soccer fans don’t have much to look forward to this summer, with the U.S. Men’s National Team failing to make this year’s World Cup in Russia. But for those still interested in gearing up for the tournament, the UEFA Champions League should provide great drama and competition. The C...
Column: Don’t cry for Dan Hurley
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
March 23, 2018
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
Heather Lyke pushed in all the chips — in excess of $3 million a year — to get Rhode Island’s Dan Hurley to be the new head coach of the Pitt men's basketball team. But Hurley chose to stay in New England, accepting Connecticut's offer, reported to be less than Pitt’s, Thursday. Both teams showed their hands, and the Huskies’ was better — there’s no shame in...
Take 5: Rookies, rejection, re-entry
By The Pitt News Staff
March 23, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
As professional sports seasons begin to wrap up, questions remain — who will win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award? How will the Golden Knights fare in the NHL postseason? Will Johnny Manziel get arrested again? The Pitt News sports staff is back with a weekly roundup of the best in sports ...
New MLB rules may go too far
By Max Sirianni | Staff Writer
March 22, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
We’ve all been at a baseball game that just never seems to end. There are nonstop pitching changes and tedious at-bats. By the seventh-inning stretch, everyone likely wants to go home. Major League Baseball has taken notice. The game times have slowly increased over the last two years after dropping...
Hear me out: The sexiest mascots in college sports
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
March 21, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
During the first media time-out of No. 2 seed Duke against No. 15 Iona in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament last week, the mascots from both teams hit the court for a dance-off. As I looked on in boredom, waiting for the game to resume again, my mind wandered, and I got to some serious thin...
Take 5: Tiger, Tournament, Tom Crean
By The Pitt News Staff
March 15, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
While Pitt may not have qualified for this year’s NCAA tournament … or the NIT … or the CBI, there are plenty of other things happening in the sports world Pitt fans can distract themselves with. The Pitt News sports staff is back with a weekly roundup of the best in sports this past week — an...
Column: When it comes to Stallings’ firing, the blame should be shared
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
March 14, 2018
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns
In a time of uncertainty for Pitt basketball, one thing is for sure — former head coach Kevin Stallings’ tenure will go down in Panther history as an unmitigated disaster. In two years, the widely criticized coach managed to win just four conference games, go winless in the ACC during the 20...
Column: Potential picks for Stallings’ successor
By Colin Martin | Staff Writer
March 14, 2018
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns
Pitt men’s basketball and the athletic administration are officially on the quest for a new head coach to replace Kevin Stallings. The mission is straightforward — find the perfect person to rejuvenate the program and return Pitt to its status as a basketball school. Just like any hiring proces...
Slept on: 4 tournament teams you shouldn’t count out
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
March 12, 2018
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns
Sleeper teams are the best part of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament. Some will destroy your bracket, but if you bet big on the right school you may end up celebrating as much as the eventual champions. If there is one thing guaranteed about the tournament, it’s that nothing abou...
Take Five: Pirates, Pacquette and Rick Pitino
By The Pitt News Staff
March 2, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Spring break is upon us but the non-stop news cycle of the sports world takes no breaks. The Pitt News staff is back to round up this week’s best stories. Click here to see last week's takes. Cheapskates The Major League Baseball Players Union filed grievances against the Oakland Athletics, Mi...
NCAA should leave the past alone
By Colin Martin | Staff Writer
February 23, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The last time the Louisville men’s basketball team won the NCAA tournament was 22 years ago — at least according to the NCAA. The NCAA vacated 123 wins from Louisville’s program — from between 2011 and 2015 — on Tuesday. The Cardinals will also be stripped of their 2013 NCAA championship win after bei...
Take Five: Mets, mock drafts, Mark Cuban
By The Pitt News Staff
February 22, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
With the NBA and NHL seasons passing their midway point and the MLB season on the brink, there are plenty of stories to sift through for fans of all interests. The Pitt News sports staff is here to round up the best ones of the week. Put Me in Coach Tim Tebow is a former professional quarterback with...
Point-Counterpoint: Pyeongchang brings the heat despite critiques
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
February 21, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
If you don’t know what’s been happening during this year’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, you’re sorely missing out. That shirtless Tongan flag bearer you fell in love with during the Rio Games made an appearance, an Austrian snowboarder finished a race after literally breaking his neck and all-American swee...
Point-Counterpoint: Winter Olympics leaves fans iced out
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
February 21, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
What’s the biggest story from the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics so far? It could be Adam Rippon’s spat with Vice President Mike Pence, or Pence and North Korean propaganda vice director Kim Yo Jong’s awkward non-interaction. Is the answer legendary snowboarder Shaun White’s third halfpipe Olympic gold win in dramatic fashion, or ...
The NBA’s injury problem is overblown
By Cale Berger | For the Pitt News
February 15, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Uncategorized
Celtics forward Gordon Hayward was set to make his team debut opening night of the 2017-18 NBA season. He had just signed a four-year, $128 million contract during the off-season, joining forces with Kyrie Irving and Al Horford in an attempt to dethrone the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference. ...
NHL needs to fix rules for goals
By Max Sirianni | For the Pitt News
February 13, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
It is not uncommon to hear boos raining down from the stands when an official makes a penalty call on the ice. Fans are usually just annoyed that someone on their favorite team is headed to the box. But the jeers are because of the controversy surrounding the NHL’s rule of goaltender interfer...
Column: Men’s basketball season one for the record books
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
February 8, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Let’s party like it’s 1993. Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and Meat Loaf top the Billboard Hot 100 nationwide. Michael Jordan is striking out in minor league baseball for the Birmingham Barons after his first three-peat and subsequent retirement from the NBA. Bill Clinton is named the 42nd pre...
Take five: Trades, tanks and take-backs
By The Pitt News Staff
February 8, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Remember in elementary school when you would beg your friends to trade what with was in your lunchbox? We can all identify, and apparently so can every coach, owner and player in professional sports this week. Between hour-long hires and trading between sports, The Pitt News has you covered in thi...
QBs don’t need to be elite
By Colin Martin | Staff Writer
February 7, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Baltimore Ravens long-snapper Morgan Cox ordered a bundle of 15 shirts for Ravens players to wear in August of 2016. On each shirt was the face of their quarterback, Joe Flacco, and a single word — “elite.” The shirts were a half-serious answer to the ongoing question of whether Flacco is an ...
Take Five: Fuller, Federer, Free agents
By The Pitt News Staff
February 2, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The Super Bowl may be the biggest event happening in sports this week, but it’s not the only thing going on. The Pitt News sports staff is back with a weekly roundup of this week’s sports headlines … OK, and one Super Bowl take. Click here for last week's takes. Show Me the Money Pitchers and catchers report for spring training in two weeks, and ther...
Michigan State just part of the problem
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
February 1, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
In a courtroom in Lansing, Michigan, Wednesday, Jan. 24, a small amount of justice was served. The unfortunate truth of justice is that it’s often preceded by a great deal of pain. In this case, it took the courage of more than 150 women who suffered before the decision was made to sentence former Mic...
Column: Hating on the Super Bowl is so last year
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
January 31, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The biggest mistake I continually make, over and over, is logging onto Facebook during a huge sporting event. This year, I’ll probably slip up again with the 2018 Super Bowl. It isn’t memes about Tom Brady’s bizarre-looking — but also somehow handsome — face or general trash talk from eith...
Take Five: Fouls, Fans, Hall of Fame
By The Pitt News Staff
January 25, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Another week, another glut of sports headlines to keep up with. The Pitt News sports staff is back to keep you up to date on everything happening across the sports landscape. Click here to see last week's five takes. Why Eagles Why? After the Eagles' 38-7 victory over the Vikings last week, it ...
Take Five: London, Luther, lazy reporting
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
January 12, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
In the age of media saturation, a lot happens in the sports world in a short amount of time. At the Pitt News, we’re embarking on a journey to pick the five most enticing sports headlines each week. This week, staff writer Brandon Glass shares a few of the highlights and lowlights, from Pittsburgh to...
Stallings needs to keep comments off court
By Colin Martin | For The Pitt News
January 9, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Yelling at opposing players, coaches and fans from the stands is common practice during college sporting events. But not as common is for players and coaches to yell back — unless you’re Pitt head coach Kevin Stallings, who did just that to a fan in the stands toward the end of last week’s game ...
College athletes shouldn’t get a free pass for sexual assault
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
January 8, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
When Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback Jameis Winston takes the field, the crowd is focused on one thing — the game. Winston, at only 24 years old, is one of the best in the league. A former Florida State Seminole, he has had a stellar professional career so far — 12,149 all-purpose ya...
3 times Pitt beat the clock
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
December 11, 2017
Filed under Football, Men's Basketball, Sports Columns
It’s those last-minute moments, when the game is close and time is expiring, that make a game exciting for fans to watch. Whether it’s basketball, soccer or football, buzzer-beating scores can turn a game around. Pitt has played in many incredible last-minute games over the years, but there are...
Column: Tarps a temporary cover for Pitt’s attendance problem
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
November 15, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns
As the game clock at Heinz Field ticked down on the Panthers Thursday night, the already prevalent splotches of bright yellow seats grew as the paltry crowd dispersed. The team’s chances to beat a 1-6 North Carolina team were beginning to dwindle, and so was their present fan base. The idea to work on...
Column | Bye-bye, Barstool: Sexist site does not deserve a serious platform
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
October 25, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
If you’re a sports fan who appreciates quality writing, in-depth coverage and analysis, you may follow ESPN, Sports Illustrated and FiveThirtyEight. If you’re a sports fan who loves lukewarm memes, ridiculous hot takes and articles and photos that degrade women, you might follow Barstool Sports....
Narduzzi’s quarterback shuffle costs Panthers
By Adin Link | For The Pitt News
October 15, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns
This season’s Panther football team has certainly not been afraid to make unconventional choices in their game plan, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. Pat Narduzzi has used two different quarterbacks in every game this season and in Saturday’s 35-17 loss to NC State, he did no...
Pitt offense bolstered Browne in matchup against Rice
By Abbot Zuk | Staff Writer
October 1, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns
It took until the last day of September for the Pitt Panthers to finally shake their losing streak and defeat the Rice Owls. This was only their second win of the season and their first since Sept. 2. Many marquee players did their part in the Panthers’ success Saturday afternoon — particularly re...
Pat Narduzzi’s football radio show review
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
September 28, 2017
Filed under Sports Columns
It’s easy to wonder if Pitt’s administration has to ask Bill Hillgrove his opinion before they hire a coach, because more times than not they’re also hiring his cohost. Hillgrove, the play-by-play man for the Pitt men’s basketball and football teams, has hosted radio programs with former P...
Column: NCAA transfer rules unfair to student athletes
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
September 27, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Nick Saban, head coach of Alabama football and four-time national championship winner, is poised to be paid an astounding $11 million this year and has an eight-year deal that will pay him $65 million through 2025. These lucrative contracts are highly desired by all college coaches, and you can’t b...
Column: Watching sports forges connections, unites in history
By Abbot Zuk | For The Pitt News
September 20, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Whether it was my mother or father taking me to a ball game, or everyone in Catholic grade school sporting Steelers jerseys on Fridays before pivotal games — sports have been ingrained in me since the start. Like most decisions made at a young age, my sports-rooting interests were predetermined by...
Cowboys’ combo more threatening than PSU
By Abbot Zuk | For The Pitt News
September 14, 2017
Filed under Sports Columns
Trace McSorley’s aerial attack and Saquon Barkley’s electrifying footwork from Saturday’s football game against Penn State will look like child’s play compared to what senior quarterback Mason Rudolph and senior wide receiver James Washington of Oklahoma State have in store for the Panthers....
Column: How former Panthers fared week one of the NFL
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
September 13, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
The NFL regular season started last Thursday, and while some familiar Pitt alumni took to the field once again, some new Panthers joined them in the hopes of making it to the Super Bowl. Pitt is known for producing all-pros — a distinction the Associated Press gives to players who are considered...
Panthers need press: Narduzzi’s blackout is unnecessary and limits coverage
By Ryan Zimba | Sports Editor
September 8, 2017
Filed under GameDay, Sports Columns, Top Stories
Two weeks ago, the alteration of Pitt football’s biggest tradition — singing “Sweet Caroline” at the end of the third quarter — left the program searching for a new tradition to take its place. Thanks to Head Coach Pat Narduzzi, they may have found it. Narduzzi and the Pitt football pr...
Pitt defense demands new approach
By Kevin Bertha | Staff Writer
September 8, 2017
Filed under GameDay, Sports Columns
With victories over the national champions Clemson and Big Ten champions Penn State, the 2016 Pitt football team racked up some of the program’s biggest accomplishments in recent memory. But to continue the success in 2017, head coach Pat Narduzzi will have to find different ways to win games — s...
Pitt vs. Penn State: Unrequited rivalry
By Mackenzie Rodrigues | Assistant Sports Editor
September 6, 2017
Filed under Sports Columns
When you’re in the stands at a Pitt football game, there are a handful of cheers you’re bound to hear: “Hail to Pitt,” “P-I-T-T: Let’s Go Pitt,” and the infamous anti-Penn State chant. Regardless of whether or not Penn State is the opponent on the field, that chant will echo throughout th...
Max Browne buckles in Panthers debut
By David Leftwich / Staff Writer
September 4, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns
As redshirt senior quarterback Max Browne hit wide receiver Jester Weah for the game-winning touchdown this Saturday against Youngstown State, Panther fans saw a flash of what made Browne a five-star recruit coming out of high school. But that wasn’t an accurate representation of Browne’s Panth...
Leave it to Lyke: Six months of progress
By Mackenzie Rodrigues | Assistant Sports Editor
August 31, 2017
Filed under Sports Columns
When Scott Barnes resigned as athletic director last December, the Pitt athletic department was left without a leader for the second time in two years. Over the next five months, three head coaches had either retired or been fired, and the basketball program was in shambles. Things were looking down...
Narduzzi’s disciplinary actions prove continuing commitment
By Ryan Zimba / Sports Editor
August 29, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns
With his disciplinary actions against four players at the start of training camp, Pitt football coach Pat Narduzzi proved something the past three head coaches weren’t able to. He’s committed to the program — for the long run. The Panthers have had four head coaches since 2010 who left th...
Column: ‘Sweet Caroline’ change not enough
By Ryan Zimba / Sports Editor
August 27, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
The Pitt football program’s decision to alter the “Sweet Caroline” tradition was a step in the right direction for the team’s Heinz Field experience, but it could’ve — and should’ve — gone further. The unoriginal tradition of singing Neil Diamond’s 1969 tune has been a trademark o...
Stallings needs time to execute plan
By Ryan Zimba / Sports Editor
August 21, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns
“No wonder the Bucs lost last night ... what a jackass.” “Tonight was probably the only setting in which [he] was not the most hated individual in the place.” “Maybe he will throw his back out and be done for the season.” This was the reaction on Twitter when Pitt men’s basketball ...
Pittsburgh pushes Panthers from spotlight
By Dominic Campbell / Staff Writer
August 21, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Walking around Pittsburgh, it’s hard to go too long without seeing someone wearing Steelers, Penguins or Pirates gear. The teams are some of the most decorated and storied franchises in American sports — especially in recent years, with the city taking home five championships since 2005 — and...
Top 5 ACC Kickoff takeaways
By Ryan Zimba | Sports Editor
July 18, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns
With less than two months until the start of the 2017 college football season, Pat Narduzzi and the Pitt football program are preparing for fall camp and the opening week game against the Youngstown State Penguins. This weekend, Narduzzi, senior cornerback Avonte Maddox and redshirt junior offensive...
Luther must manage unproven Panthers
By Wyatt Geller | For The Pitt News
July 11, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns
With the season just a few months away, the Pitt basketball team is in desperate need of a leader. But for second-year head coach Kevin Stallings, the options are scarce. The loss of seniors Michael Young, Jamel Artis, Sheldon Jeter and Chris Jones leaves the team with big shoes to fill. Ryan Lut...
Marc-Andre Fleury: great goalie, better person
By Ryan Zimba | Sports Editor
June 27, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
It’s hard to believe Marc-Andre Fleury — the Penguins’ backup goalie — could mean so much to a team and its city. But when veteran goaltender Fleury was taken by the newly formed Vegas Golden Knights in last week’s NHL Expansion Draft, there was an outpouring of support and gratitude from...
Weak division gives battling Bucs opportunity
By David Leftwich | Staff Writer
June 20, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Don’t look now, but two months into the season, the Pittsburgh Pirates are still hanging around in the National League Central. Heading into May, the team was in last place in the division and looked like a longshot for the playoffs. Now, thanks to a modest turnaround and a lackluster division, the team...
Column: Crosby and Malkin: from disappointment to dynasty
By Ryan Zimba | Sports Editor
June 13, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories, Uncategorized
Early in the 2015-16 season, the Crosby-Malkin era was considered a disappointment. Now, it’s the best in Penguins history. When Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin came to Pittsburgh in 2005 and 2006, respectively, it marked a turnaround for an organization which had missed the playoffs every season since 2...
Basketball overhaul: Pitt’s 2017 class
By Ryan Zimba | Sports Editor
May 31, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns
Coming off the program’s worst season since 2000, this offseason has signaled next year could be worse. The past few months have been some of the most tumultuous in the team’s history, with four seniors graduating and five others transferring elsewhere. As of now, the team only has two return...
Pitt’s ACC move fosters football, hurts basketball
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
May 29, 2017
Filed under Football, Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns
In the four years since Pitt moved to the Atlantic Coast Conference, the decision to leave the Big East has both haunted and helped the school’s biggest sports — football and men’s basketball. For the majority of the 2000s, the University of Pittsburgh was a basketball school. Coaches Ben Howl...
Vidovich has Pitt primed for turnaround
By Ryan Zimba | Sports Editor
May 29, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Sports Columns
The Pitt men’s soccer team has been one of the school’s least competitive programs in recent years, but their fortunes could soon change as the group seems poised to move forward this fall. In its history, the squad — which started up in 1954 — has compiled a record of 398-449-100. It hasn...
Rotstein: Despite losses, football will improve
By Steve Rotstein | Senior Staff Writer
May 29, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns
As the Pitt men’s basketball team tries to recover from a mass exodus of graduating players, transfers and dismissals, the Pitt football team will be dealing with its own loss of talent next season. Just don’t confuse the two. While the Panthers’ hoops roster for next season looks like a barren...
COLUMN: Pens’ goalie selection backed by Fleury’s inconsistency
By David Leftwich | Staff Writer
May 23, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
After losing two of the first three games of the Eastern Conference Final, the Pittsburgh Penguins are back in the series thanks to a controversial decision by head coach Mike Sullivan. Through the first two rounds of the NHL playoffs, 32-year-old goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury seemingly solidified his star...
COLUMN: Two-team league makes NBA unwatchable
By Ryan Zimba | Sports Editor
May 23, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Over the last few years, the NBA has developed a clear hierarchy — and it’s badly hurting the league’s appeal. Heading into the 2016-17 regular season, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors were the two teams everybody expected in the NBA Finals. The Cavaliers were the reigning ...
Slow starts a troubling trend for Pirates
By Ryan Zimba | Sports Editor
May 17, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The Pittsburgh Pirates — one of the most unsuccessful teams in sports until recent years — are officially stuck in mediocrity. From 1993-2012, the Pirates suffered an unprecedented 20 consecutive losing seasons. The streak marked the longest of any professional team in the United States’ fo...
Panic at the Pete: Wise, Johnson’s transfers cause for alarm
By Steve Rotstein | Sports Editor
April 3, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns, Women's Basketball
It started with a harmless announcement March 13. That’s when sophomore guard Crisshawn Clark revealed his intention to transfer from the Pitt men’s basketball team after missing the entire 2016-17 season with a torn MCL and meniscus. Clark could have provided some useful depth for the Panthers if health...
Raiders relocate to plunder Vegas’ pockets
By Bayard Miller | Assistant Sports Editor
March 29, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
My dad became a Baltimore Colts fan when he was 5 years old because he liked the color blue. By the time he was in his 20s and living in Baltimore, he was a season ticket holder and a fanatic. But when the Colts left the city in 1984 — due to the State of Maryland refusing to pay for renovatio...
COLUMN: Pitt must attract local talent to excel
By Ryan Zimba | Staff Writer
February 1, 2017
Filed under Sports Columns
From 2011 to 2014, Pitt football muddled its way to four straight 6-6 regular seasons. In head coach Pat Narduzzi’s first two seasons, the Panthers have drastically improved and enjoyed back-to-back 8-4 campaigns. The program’s resurgence has been felt around the country this year, as the Panthers...
COLUMN: Like it or not, nobody beats Brady
By Bayard Miller | Assistant Sports Editor
January 27, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Hating Tom Brady and the New England Patriots has become a national sport. Since 2001, Brady and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick have been rewriting the record books. The duo has won 14 division titles, seven AFC championships and four Super Bowls. Brady has won the league’s Most Valuable Playe...
Keep Brown in Town: Steelers star well worth the trouble
By Steve Rotstein | Sports Editor
January 26, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Some players are so good, the baggage they’re bringing along is worth it. Antonio Brown is one of those players, so reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers may be open to trading the All-Pro wide receiver should make you scratch your head. Brown’s 17-minute Facebook Live video in the locker room after the Ste...
No Contest: Tomlin blunders another battle with Belichick
By Steve Rotstein | Sports Editor
January 24, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Sunday’s AFC Championship Game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots was a mismatch of epic proportions — not on the field, but on the sidelines. The talent level on the Steelers’ and Patriots’ 53-man rosters is virtually even. Both teams are stacked with future Hall of ...