Waiver Wire Weekly: Backups step up on splintered rosters
By Adin Link, Staff Writer
September 17, 2019
Hopefully, you heeded our advice last week and added some of our favorites like Jacoby Brissett, John Ross or Terry McLaurin. If not, don’t worry, you have a chance to redeem yourself. Waiver Wire Weekly is back for our second slate of players you should add for the coming week.
Take 5: Ohio State, Steelers, Scholarships
By TPN Staff
September 13, 2019
TPN sports staff tackles a variety of topics in this week’s Take 5, from the Steelers bounceback opportunity to Bianca Andreescu’s rise to tennis stardom.
Looking ahead to Week 2 in the NFL
By Nick Carlisano, Senior Staff Writer
September 13, 2019
There’s plenty excitement in store for NFL Week 2 now that the world has gotten a taste of how this season may pan out. What follows are some matchups to look forward to, as well as players and stories to keep an eye on for this weekend’s slate of games.
Agree to disagree: Should student athletes be paid?
By TPN Sports Staff
September 12, 2019
Should there be a system in place for college athletes to earn a salary? Are they already compensated fairly by athletic scholarships? Two TPN sports staff members weigh in.
Waiver Wire Weekly: Rookie receivers and runners will pay dividends down the road
By Adin Link, Staff Writer
September 10, 2019
After a long offseason, the NFL returned this week and with it the enigma that is fantasy football. Regardless of your record, the waiver wire during Week 1 is critically important. Getting an early start on claiming players after Week 1 will allow you to establish roster flexibility and gain some valuable depth on your bench.
Takeaways from Pitt football’s win over Ohio
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 9, 2019
Pitt’s win over Ohio saw some new team developments, including improved play from the tight end position and the emergence of a new presence in the backfield.
Antonio Brown’s ego will cost him his career
By Kyle Saxon, for The Pitt News
September 5, 2019
To put it frankly, it seems that Antonio Brown has lost his mind.
Take 5: Football Friday
By TPN Sports Staff
September 5, 2019
In this week’s Take 5 it’s all about football — of every variety. The NFL hierarchy gets shaken up, the Heisman Trophy race gains a new front runner and history was made while fighting for a spot in the 2020 FIFA World Cup.
A requiem for the Pitt-Penn State game
By Dominic Campbell, Senior Staff Writer
September 5, 2019
The Penn State game on Sept. 14 at Beaver Stadium will bring an end — for now — to the on-and-off historic rivalry between the Pitt Panthers and Penn State Nittany Lions.
Agree to disagree: Pitt football overreactions
By Sam Krimins and Sean Tierney, For the Pitt News
September 5, 2019
Should Kenny Pickett be benched? Should Pat Narduzzi be fired? We address these and more Pitt football overreactions in this column.
The beginner’s guide to 2019 fantasy football
By Michael Elesinmogun, for the Pitt News
August 29, 2019
As the NFL season gets ready to begin on Thursday, fans are starting to put their fantasy football teams together. It’s a challenging process that brings plenty of uncertainty, leaving you to make educated guesses as you draft. To help with this drafting process, here are five dos and don'ts that will help prepare you for draft day — along with the biggest sleeper at every position that you may want to keep your eyes on.
Debunking all the reasons Carli Lloyd can’t break the NFL’s oldest barrier
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
August 29, 2019
U.S. women’s soccer midfielder Carli Lloyd generated buzz on Aug. 20 when a video of her making a 55-yard field goal at a joint NFL practice between the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles started to circulate around the Internet.
Take 5: Colts, Contracts and Corruption
By The Pitt News Staff
August 28, 2019
With football season just around the corner, The Pitt News sports staff tackles everything from Andrew Luck’s retirement to the NCAA’s questionable transfer rules.
Recruiting Roundup: A wealth of talented football commits for the Panthers
By Tyler Moran, Staff Writer
June 25, 2019
The Panthers had their best day in a while on Saturday, when six football recruits committed to Pitt’s football program.
How women’s tennis led the field on coming out
By Neena Hagen, Senior Staff Writer
June 11, 2019
Women's tennis players were way ahead of the curve when it came to coming out.
Hometown Heroes wanted: Pitt coming up short with local recruits
By Ben Bobeck, Staff Writer
May 21, 2019
Many of Pitt’s great players have come through the WPIAL pipeline. Now, is Pitt struggling to win local stars to its football and basketball teams?
Time to panic about Pitt basketball recruiting?
By Trent Leonard, Contributing Editor
May 15, 2019
Khadim Sy was the latest big man to spurn Pitt basketball, leaving many fans to wonder why the Panthers can’t seem to catch a break on the recruiting trail.
TPN writer reflects on four years of Pitt athletics
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
April 22, 2019
Senior staff writer Colin Martin reflects on Pitt’s best sports moments during his time on campus, from the football team’s upset over Penn State in 2016 to its ACC Championship appearance in 2018.
Stress-inducing moments from Pitt sports
By Trent Leonard, Staff Writer
April 22, 2019
Finals week is one of the most stressful times of the year, but you might feel more at ease after revisiting some of these anxiety-inducing Pitt games.
Recruiting Roundup: Pitt football nabs two 2020 recruits
By Tyler Moran, Staff Writer
April 19, 2019
Pitt football added a couple recruits to its class of 2020, while Capel's basketball club looks to round out its remaining scholarship offers for the 2019 season.
Stewart’s injury ends season, turns spotlight to pay discrepancies
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
April 18, 2019
Months before it begins in earnest, the WNBA season was dealt a crushing blow. And while the incident was devastating, it is hopefully one that will drive long-lasting change for women’s basketball.
Take 5: Tiger claws back, Sixers are stunned
By Pitt News Staff
April 18, 2019
From major comebacks to major upsets, the past week provided stunning losses for postseason favorites, but also the return of a fan favorite. The Sixers were challenged by the upstart Brooklyn Nets and Tiger Woods made a triumphant return to the Masters. The WWE also showcased some intriguing matchups and a potential title challenger.
Column: A requiem for Pitt Athletics’ old online layout
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
April 16, 2019
Along with drastic new changes to its color scheme, logo and uniforms, Pitt Athletics also made some new changes to its website. But in this case, newer doesn’t mean better.
Penguins’ ice cracking under pressure
By Griffin Floyd, Staff Writer
April 15, 2019
For the second year in a row Barry Trotz is showing he has what it takes to crack the Penguins’ ice. First with the Washington Capitals and now with the New York Islanders.
What are the odds: NBA Playoff weekend
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
April 12, 2019
The Warriors are the favorite to win the NBA Finals at 1-2 odds, with the Bucks at 6-1 and the Houston Rockets right behind at 8-1.
Sports fan bases that should share a beer
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
April 11, 2019
A Pittsburgh bakery teamed up with a Cleveland brewery to make a cake-flavored beer, making us think about other rival fan bases that could benefit from an alcoholic culture mash-up.
Sports fan bases that should share a beer
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
April 11, 2019
A Pittsburgh bakery teamed up with a Cleveland brewery to make a cake-flavored beer, making us think about other rival fan bases that could benefit from an alcoholic culture mash-up.
Pitt, Heinz Field ahead of the curve on alcohol policies
By Stephen Thompson, Senior Staff Writer
April 11, 2019
While some consider it unsavory, administrators recognize the financial and safety benefits of selling alcohol at sporting events. And whenever Pitt fans find themselves bitter about the trek to Heinz Field, they can be grateful that their quest for a cold beer won’t be as taxing
Virginia, team of destiny, wins National Championship
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
April 10, 2019
No team in recent memory has embodied the "team of destiny" cliche more than the 2019 Virginia men’s basketball team.
WrestleMania ends on feel-good note, sets up fresh future feuds
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
April 9, 2019
In its most off-brand move of the decade, WWE gave its fans three baby face, feel-good winners for its top titles in both men’s and women’s divisions on Sunday at WrestleMania 35.
Women’s basketball powers cover lackluster opening rounds with electric Final Four
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
April 9, 2019
While much of the sporting world was fixated on the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four this weekend, the women also played their Final Four in Tampa. All three contests played this weekend went down to the wire.
Wilson-Frame reps Pitt in inaugural 3X3U Tourney
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
April 9, 2019
While the NCAA Tournament and NBA regular season have been dominating headlines throughout March and into April, there was plenty more going on in the world of basketball that went under the radar of the average sports fan — including the inaugural 3X3U National Championship.
Men’s NCAA Tournament Championship set to be defensive battle
By Tyler Moran, Staff Writer
April 8, 2019
The age-old sports adage that defense wins championships certainly held true on Saturday night when No. 3 Texas Tech and No. 1 Virginia each won their Final Four matchups to advance to the National Championship.
What are the odds: Final Four picks
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
April 5, 2019
In the Final Four, Auburn’s fast-paced offense could cause problems for Virginia, while Texas Tech’s stifling defense will make for a low-scoring affair against Michigan State.
NBA Playoff race set for photo finish
By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
April 3, 2019
The NBA regular season is winding down, but much still remains to be determined as the final week of games begins.
Rookies, newcomers shine in MLB’s opening weekend
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
April 2, 2019
Baseball’s opening weekend featured spectacular plays, dominant pitching and long-anticipated player debuts.
Sluggish Sweet 16 dwarfed by Electric Elite Eight
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
April 1, 2019
The Sweet 16 featured a number of blowouts and left fans hungry for more, but the Elite Eight made up for it with late-game drama.
Top five Brad Pitt sports roles
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
April 1, 2019
Whether flashing his sword skills or brazenly managing a baseball franchise, Pitt has carved out a respectable niche for himself in the fictional athletic industry.
What are the odds: March Madness Sweet 16
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
March 29, 2019
All four of the games on Friday are the top four seeds from the regions, potentially making for great-quality games.
Pittsburgh Pirates to remain stagnant in 2019 season
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
March 27, 2019
Despite slightly outperforming expectations in 2018, the Pittsburgh Pirates will face extremely tough competition in the NL Central and did little in the offseason to improve in 2019.
What are the odds: Friday March Madness
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
March 22, 2019
The first weekend of the tournament is always a spectacle, filled with upsets and exciting games — and it’s the best weekend to gamble, with games on all day Thursday through Sunday. Let the Madness begin.
Highs and lows of Pitt’s time in the tournament
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
March 18, 2019
With no Pitt basketball to look forward to, we can only look back — so let’s take a trip down memory lane and reminisce on the highs and lows of Panther tournament yore.
Best first-round NCAA Tournament matchups
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
March 18, 2019
With the 2019 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament bracket officially released, it’s time to start parsing through the opening matchups to look for the best entertainment value.
The Pitt News NFL Mock Draft 2.0
By Adin Link, Staff Writer
March 8, 2019
With the NFL Scouting Combine in the books, it’s time to re-evaluate our first mock draft based on all that has taken place over the past month.
What are the odds: NBA March Madness
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
March 8, 2019
The NBA season starts winding down and teams are competing for final playoff spots, while the NCAA March Madness Tournament begins in just two weeks.
Takeaways from NFL Scouting Combine
By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer
March 6, 2019
With the NFL Combine complete, it’s time to look at the standouts, draft implications and how Pitt’s lone representative fared against the competition.
What are the odds: UFC 235
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
March 1, 2019
UFC 235 has one of the best fight lineups in a long time, with both the welterweight and light heavyweight bouts having appeal.
National champs to pick, avoid in your bracket
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
February 26, 2019
It’s never too early to start looking for an edge that will push your bracket over the top, and picking the right national champion is half the battle.
What are the odds: NBA playoff hopefuls
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
February 22, 2019
With less than two months left in the NBA regular season, we look at the odds from some playoff contenders in action this weekend.
Panthers in the Pros: Patterson, Maddox and Zeuch
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
February 18, 2019
Despite some disappointing results in the present day, Pitt athletics has proven to be able to turn out a high number of professional athletes.
WWE needs to let Kofi Kingston fly
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
February 18, 2019
WWE superstar Kofi Kingston is in his late 30s and still has as much dexterity and agility as an Olympic gymnast, but has yet to hold a world title in WWE.
Take 5: Brown, Boban, Bryce
By The Pitt News Staff
February 15, 2019
Brown formally announced he wants out of Pittsburgh, several trades shook up the NBA landscape and MLB superstars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are playing hard to get in the offseason.
What are the odds: NBA All-Star Weekend
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
February 15, 2019
After a successful betting slate last week, it’s time to look at who will win the contests during the NBA’s All-Star Weekend.
Column: Pirates set for another average season
By MIchael Nitti, Staff Writer
February 12, 2019
With the lack of significant additions and the largely unproven talent across the roster, don’t expect big things from the Pirates this year.
What are the odds: NBA post-trade deadline matchups
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
February 8, 2019
With football season coming to an end, it’s time to shift focus toward the NBA, where an eventful trade deadline just came and passed.
The Pitt News NFL Mock Draft 1.0
By Adin Link, Staff Writer
February 8, 2019
With the NFL draft just around the corner (sort of), The Pitt News breaks down how the first round will shake out.
Column: Patriots-Rams Snoozer Bowl was one to forget
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
February 5, 2019
Sunday’s Super Bowl was an anticlimactic, painfully boring viewership experience, and if you claim to think otherwise, you’re lying to yourself.
What are the odds: Super Bowl edition
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
February 1, 2019
There's the game itself, featuring the veteran New England Patriots against the young Los Angeles Rams. But more importantly, we are going to look at all of the Super Bowl prop bets.
Top storylines heading into Super Bowl LIII
By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer
February 1, 2019
The game, featuring two of the league’s most highly touted coaches and some of its most prominent players, is sure to make headlines around the globe.
WWE explores intergender competition in Royal Rumble
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
January 28, 2019
Even with a separate women’s Royal Rumble, there still isn’t equal opportunity for women in professional wrestling.
What are the odds: NBA’s bottom teams look to tank
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
January 25, 2019
NBA tanking season is now in full form, with teams trying to lose more games in hopes of a higher draft position.
What are the odds: Don’t bet against Brees, Brady in championship weekend
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
January 18, 2019
It's tough to bet against two Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Drew Brees in Tom Brady — so don't do it.
Column: Pitt basketball’s rebuild is ahead of schedule
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
January 16, 2019
It was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Pitt basketball, but a nationally relevant defense and a couple star-caliber talents have the Panthers ahead of schedule.
What are the odds: Bet on Foles, Rivers in NFL playoffs
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
January 11, 2019
When it comes to the NFL playoffs, Nick Foles has proven that you should never bet against him.
Take 5: Football Drama, who should stay and who should go
By Staff
January 10, 2019
Even though the season just ended, college football is already full of drama. Is Tua Tagovailoa as good as everyone thinks he is? Will Justin Fields get the starting quarterback job at Ohio State? You can read what our writers think and more here.
WWE ‘TLC’ doesn’t take care of McIntyre, Ziggler
By Alexa Marzina, staff writer
January 8, 2019
A staff-writer takes a look at the WWE, arguing some of its top performers deserve to be treated better.
Pitt sports: A semester in review
By Kate Hall, Staff Writer
December 10, 2018
From playoff berths to championship games to championship titles, the Panthers have seen it all. Here is a recap of the biggest moments in Pitt sports this semester.
TPN staff breaks down bowl season
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
December 7, 2018
Who is going to make it to the National Championship? Will Pitt ever win again? You can find out what the Pitt News Sports Staff thinks here.
Take 5: Kyler, KD, Cardinals
By The Pitt News Staff
December 6, 2018
Our Pitt News Sports staff had some things to rant about this week, from Pittsburgh figures who irk them to who should be taking home hardware during awards season.
Navigating college football’s bowl season
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
December 5, 2018
The sport is dominated by the playoff discussion around this time of year, but there are plenty of other marquee matchups that are worth your attention during this bowl season.
Three takeaways from Pitt vs Clemson
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
December 3, 2018
The Panthers were held back by several factors, but there were a few bright spots to build on for the season finale and next year.
Take 5: Browns, Buckeyes, Basketball
By The Pitt News Staff
November 29, 2018
The Browns and Bengals faced off in a revenge game, while the previously struggling Buckeyes suddenly looked like one of the nation’s best teams once again versus Michigan.
Column: Sweet 16 on the horizon for Pitt volleyball
By Kate Hall, Staff Writer
November 29, 2018
This will be the team’s third consecutive appearance in the tournament and 14th appearance in team history — and fans can expect the Panthers to go further in this tournament than ever before.
Rousey takes the belt in WWE’s Survivor Series
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
November 19, 2018
In a controversial match, Charlotte Flair was ultimately disqualified from the WWE's Survivor Series and Ronda Rousey snatched the belt.
Take 5: Bell, Butler, Brees
By The Pitt News Staff
November 14, 2018
Does Pitt football deserve to be ranked? Did Le’Veon Bell make the right decision? Our staff answers these questions and more in this week’s Take 5.
Unproven Panthers show drastic improvement
By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer
November 12, 2018
The Pitt men's basketball team looks great when you compare this Pitt team to where last year’s team was at this point. The 2017 Panthers started out 0-2, losing to the similarly low-level squads of Navy and Montana.
Take 5: Bama, Blue Devils, Bryant
By The Pitt News Staff
November 8, 2018
Two dominant college programs staked claims as the best in their sport, while polarizing wide receiver Dez Bryant finally found a home. Read the full range of topics in this week’s Take 5 column:
Take 5: NFL, Le’Veon Bell, Hue’s farewell
By The Pitt News Staff
November 1, 2018
This week’s Take 5 column features two Pittsburgh-centric football storylines, including the Panthers’ quest for an ACC Coastal title and the Steelers’ success without Le’Veon Bell. In other news, a dark-horse Cy Young candidate has emerged for the 2019 MLB season and the Browns are still the Browns.
Column: WWE women thrive at ‘Evolution’ despite backstage politics
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
October 29, 2018
WWE’s first all-women pay-per-view — properly dubbed “Evolution” to signify the transformation from divas from superstars — was a success, highlighted by Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch’s electric Last Woman Standing match.
Stadium Foods: The good, the bad and the crazy
By Andrew Kelly, Staff Writer
October 25, 2018
From NFL teams to minor league ball clubs, some organizations will try any promotion to get fans into their home stands — such as replacing burger buns with donuts.
Take 5: City of Stars, Cardiac Cleveland
By The Pitt News Staff
October 23, 2018
TPN’s weekly hot takes are here a little earlier this week, but it doesn’t stop our staff from voicing their opinions on pro-sports. From the city’s own Riverhounds to the Lakers’ Lebron James, our staffs takes will surely keep you in the loop with what is going on in the sports world.
Take 5: Los Angeles, Le’Veon, no LeBron
By The Pitt News staff
October 17, 2018
As the NFL season nears its halfway point, Los Angeles’ two teams seem to be destined for a cross-city clash, while the Steelers’ Le’Veon Bell continues to divide public opinion.
Column: Riverhounds strive for success as Pittsburgh’s pro soccer team
By Ben Zimmer, Staff Writer
October 17, 2018
As the Riverhounds prepare to host a first-round playoff game Saturday — the first home postseason game in the club’s history — their achievements shouldn’t go unnoticed. How much success will it take for soccer to be among Pittsburgh’s sources of pride?
Waiver Wire Weekly: Gabriel and Mack are best bets
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
October 17, 2018
If you happen to own Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and James Conner, fear not — these players should be able to fill in admirably in the NFL’s Week 7.
2018 NBA Preview: Breaking down The Association’s hierarchy
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
October 17, 2018
In honor of the basketball returning, we broke down where each team stands heading into the 2018 NBA season.
Take 5: Fultz, Futility, Finance
By The Pitt News staff
October 11, 2018
The Pitt News staff takes a look at each of America's three ongoing professional sports, from Markelle Fultz' improvement to the Bengals' false hopes.
Column: Josh Gordon provides ‘Flash’ of inspiration
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
October 10, 2018
Josh Gordon has received criticism for his inability to maintain an NFL roster spot, but his continuous effort to overcome personal demons is nothing short of admirable.
Column: ‘Super Show-Down’ confuses roles of WWE’s top women
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
October 8, 2018
The way the WWE has cast the Charlotte Flair - Becky Lynch feud doesn’t make sense to the multi-talented women involved in it.
Take 5: Preseason, playoff, Jared Goff
By The Pitt News Staff
October 3, 2018
We’re at a crucial crossroads of America’s three major sports, with the NFL entering midseason form while the MLB playoffs and NBA preseason get underway. The Pitt News staff leaves none of these stones unturned as we take a look at storylines from the past week.
Column: New Philly Flyers’ mascot ‘Gritty’ is more fearsome than friendly
By Michael Nitti, Staff Writer
October 1, 2018
Nobody’s sure what animal or interdimensional being new Flyers' mascot 'Gritty' is supposed to be, but we can all agree he’s ugly.
Column: New Pitt show has yet to go ‘Beyond the Script’
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
September 27, 2018
Pitt Athletics says it's looking to expose fans to every Panther sports team with its new television show “Pitt: Beyond the Script," but it could do better.
Take 5: Bills, Baker, Bell
By The Pitt News Staff
September 27, 2018
The NFL gave us a surplus of story lines in a wacky Week 3 with the Patriots struggling, the Browns finally winning and Le’Veon Bell continuing his holdout.
What are the odds: Making a comeback after losses in Ohio State vs. TCU game
By Colin Martin, Blogger
September 21, 2018
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.