Preview | Panthers need defense to step up in week of uncertainty with banged up offense

By Dalton Coppola, Sports Editor • September 14, 2022

Pitt will face its demons this weekend as the Panthers travel to Kalamazoo, Michigan, for a matchup with the Broncos. Senior defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado said he and the team will practice with a little more juice this week knowing the Broncos are waiting for them at the end of the week.

Takeaways from the Backyard Brawl | Slovis is the guy, don’t panic about the run defense

By Dalton Coppola, Sports Editor • September 5, 2022

Sports Editor Dalton Coppola shares his observations and takeaways from last week’s Backyard Brawl, including his thoughts on the new-look offense and Kedon Slovis.

‘Fired up’: Despite long break, still no love lost in Backyard Brawl rivalry

By Dalton Coppola, Sports Editor • August 30, 2022

The last time the two teams clashed on the gridiron was in 2011 — when most of the current players were in middle and elementary school. Most Pitt players have no reason to have any disdain for West Virginia. But it seems the Pitt coaches are making a point to make sure their players know how much this game means to both of the fanbases.

Column | Enjoy the hype around Pitt football, but take it one game at a time

By Dalton Coppola, Sports Editor • August 28, 2022

The message to Pitt fans should be to enjoy the hype surrounding the Panthers, but to not declare this season a failure if Pitt isn’t in the college football playoff.

Panthers playing to prove they’re ‘here to stay’ in 2022

By Dalton Coppola, Sports Editor • August 25, 2022

Members of the media submitted their ACC pre-season polls, and just three of the 164 voters predicted Pitt to repeat as champions. Not only do the voters think that Pitt won’t win the conference, they also view the Panthers as underdogs to win the Coastal Division. Miami received 98 votes — 60 more than Pitt did — to win the Coastal. 

‘Going hunting ourselves’: Panthers look to prove they’re more than one-hit-wonders

By Dalton Coppola, Sports Editor • August 2, 2022

Narduzzi and the Panthers began their hunt for another championship on Monday as the team had its first practice of training camp. Narduzzi said the Panthers will carry 110 players during this year’s training camp, in accordance with NCAA rules. 

Acrisure Insurance buys naming rights to Steelers, Pitt venue on North Shore

By Dalton Coppola, Sports Editor • July 12, 2022

Pitt football will no longer play its home games at Heinz Field. The longstanding partnership between Heinz and the Pittsburgh Steelers came to an end this week when the Steelers announced that the naming rights to the stadium now belong to Acrisure Insurance. Pitt has shared the venue with the Steelers since its opening in 2001.

Column | Pitt football doesn’t need to change its uniforms

By Dalton Coppola, Sports Editor • June 21, 2022

Pitt football boasts some of the best uniforms in football and there’s no reason to stray from them. Sure, the color scheme goes against the grain when it comes to the other teams in the city. But the blue and gold is what Pitt is all about — embrace it.

Former Panther Aaron Donald gets big raise, becomes highest paid defensive player in NFL history

By Dalton Coppola, Sports Editor • June 8, 2022

Head coach Pat Narduzzi’s pitch to defensive line recruits just got a whole lot stronger. Pitt alumnus and defensive lineman Aaron Donald signed the most lucrative deal for a defensive player in NFL history on Monday.

Column | What to expect from Pitt’s offense in 2022 sans Pickett, Addison, Whipple

By Dalton Coppola, Sports Editor • May 24, 2022

Cignetti has lofty expectations to meet after joining a program that just won a conference championship. Right now, establishing a run game that will chip away at opposing defenses is his best option. This team will win and lose games in the trenches this season.