Waiver Wire Weekly: Gabriel and Mack are best bets
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
October 17, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
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.
Notre Dame fends off upset, tops Pitt 19-14
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
October 13, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
The Fighting Irish fought their way back against Pitt, taking their first lead with 5:43 left in the game. That would prove to be the final score.
Pitt football loses Wirginis, Sears on same day
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
October 10, 2018
The Panthers lost two players — redshirt senior middle linebacker Quintin Wirginis and sophomore tight end Tyler Sear — due to an injury and a leave of absence, respectively.
Three takeaways from Pitt’s OT homecoming win
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
October 8, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
Now halfway through the season, it’s becoming clearer what we can expect to see from Pitt on a weekly basis. Here’s what Saturday revealed about the team:
No ex’Cuse: Panthers beat Syracuse 44-37 after weather delay, overtime
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
October 6, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
The senior running back tandem of Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall carried Pitt to an overtime victory, rushing for a combined 299 yards and three touchdowns.
Homecoming should build community, scrap outdated traditions
By Angela Koontz, For The Pitt News
October 4, 2018
Homecoming court and football games are fun traditions, but they don’t make the most of what homecoming has to offer. Smaller networking events are better to help students interact with alumni.
Touching me, touching you: The story behind ‘Sweet Caroline’ at Pitt
By Tessa Sayers, Staff Writer
October 4, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Features, Top Stories
Just like any great idea Pitt students have, the school’s most beloved tradition of singing “Sweet Caroline” was born at Hemingway’s Cafe, in 2008.
Prediction: Orange to squeeze out victory over Panthers
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
October 4, 2018
Syracuse looks to bounce back from a narrow loss against No. 4 Clemson, while the Panthers are reeling from a blowout loss to No. 12 UCF.
Three takeaways from Pitt’s 45-14 loss to UCF
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
October 1, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
The Panthers produced their worst game of the season Saturday against the University of Central Florida, allowing a season-high 568 yards and gaining a season-low 272 yards.
Column: New Pitt show has yet to go ‘Beyond the Script’
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
September 27, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Sports, Sports Columns
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.
Former Pitt lineman Alex Officer diagnosed with bone cancer
By Griffin Floyd, Staff Writer
September 26, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Alex Officer, a former standout on Pitt’s offensive line, announced last week that he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.
Three takeaways from Pitt’s ugly UNC loss
By Michael Nitti, Staff Writer
September 24, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
The Panthers once again disappeared in the second half against UNC, continuing a disappointing season-long trend.
Panthers falter in second half, lose sixth straight ACC game to UNC
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 22, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
The Panthers faded after leading 28-21 at halftime, getting outscored 17-7 and outgained by 138 yards in the second half.
Halftime recap: Pitt versus UNC
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 22, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
A victory over UNC would be Pitt’s first since moving to the ACC, with the team having lost all five previous meetings.
Three takeaways from Pitt’s first ACC win
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 16, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
Accounting for all the highs and lows, here are some of the foremost takeaways from Pitt’s ACC-opening win against Georgia Tech.
Photos: Pitt Football vs. Georgia Tech
By Sarah Cutshall and Thomas Yang
September 15, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Visual
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Pitt fans witnessed a complete turn-around of Panther football. Exhibiting a major improvement from last week’s game against Penn State, the Panthers showed promise both offensively and defensively in a home game against Georgia Tech — maintaining a consistent lead througho...
Takeaways from Pitt’s blowout loss in Keystone Clash
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 10, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
The Pitt football team put forth a pitiful effort in Saturday night’s 51-6 blowout loss to in-state rival Penn State — here are some of the biggest takeaways from that game.
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.
Penalties, special teams hurt Pitt in 51-6 blowout loss to Penn State
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 8, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
On a night which included constant rain, chilly temperatures and a persistent wind, the Pitt football team put up a performance to match with the miserable weather.
In Pa. football fandom, know where to draw the line
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 6, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
In recent years, the Pitt-Penn State rivalry has devolved from a lively competitive spirit to pettiness, irrationality and antagonism on both sides.
Prediction: Pitt to edge out Penn State in home thriller
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
September 6, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
In the penultimate matchup of this renewed four-game football series, both offenses will display fireworks with Pitt ultimately edging out its in-state foe.
Keystone contest: Pitt and Penn State’s football rivalry through the years
By Ben Zimmer, Staff Writer
September 5, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
In honor of Saturday’s upcoming game, here’s a look at some of the most pivotal points of the Pitt - Penn State rivalry since its inception in 1893.
Maurice Ffrench earns ACC Specialist of the Week honors
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 4, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
Ffrench's 91-yard kickoff return touchdown made him the only ACC player to accomplish that feat in week one.
University announces tailgating limitations for Pitt-PSU game
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 3, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
The University announced Sunday that parking options will be restricted ahead of the Pitt-Penn State game to accommodate the traffic influx.
Panthers display dominance versus Great Danes, cruise to 33-7 win in home opener
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 1, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, 3. Breaking, Football, Sports
The Panthers scored all the points they would need in the first half, taking a commanding 33-7 lead thanks to three total touchdowns from sophomore quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Prediction: Panthers to muzzle Great Danes in season opener
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
August 30, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
The Pitt football season kicks off this Saturday afternoon at Heinz Field as the Panthers face off against the Albany Great Danes.
ACC Football Predictions: Clemson dominant once again, while Panthers can contend in Coastal
By Cale Berger, Staff Writer
August 29, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
You've heard a lot about Pitt football — now find out what the Panthers' ACC competition looks like.
France wins World Cup
By Ben Zimmer, For The Pitt News
July 18, 2018
Filed under Sports
The 2018 FIFA World Cup came to a close Sunday as France defeated Croatia 4-2 to claim its second World Cup trophy.
Tight end Charles Reeves dismissed
By Joanna Li, Senior Staff Writer
July 14, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Reeves was dismissed without specific reason from the University, which cited "disciplinary actions."
World Cup recap: France makes finals, Germany goes under
By Ben Zimmer | For The Pitt News
July 11, 2018
Filed under Sports
The 2018 FIFA World Cup has been the stage for major upsets and shock performances, which have many considering it as one of the most dramatic to have ever occurred. With Croatia and England playing in the second semi-final Wednesday, the world is looking toward which unlikely team will face France — ...
Pitt Football gains 11 recruits
By Joanna Li | Senior Staff Writer
June 20, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Entering June with zero commitments from the 2019 recruiting class, Pitt’s football team found itself stuck with a late start to its recruiting trail. But despite the slow start, the pace suddenly changed as the the count rocketed to 11 commits in just one weekend, with nine of those players verbally ...
Panther pride: O’Neill, Whitehead and Maddox’s journeys to the NFL
By Trent Leonard | Senior Staff Writer
May 30, 2018
Pitt’s 2018 NFL Draft selections — offensive lineman Brian O’Neill, safety Jordan Whitehead and cornerback Avonte Maddox — all share common skills that made them appealing to professional teams — positional diversity and exceptional speed. Had these athletes played for different college teams, they may ...
Tampa Bay selects Jordan Whitehead with the 117th overall pick in the NFL Draft
By Trent Leonard | Senior Staff Writer
April 28, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt football had its second player taken off the board— after offensive lineman Brian O’Neill— when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected safety Jordan Whitehead in the fourth round with the 117th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Despite dealing with two shortened seasons after an impressive first year, Whi...
Minnesota Vikings pick Brian O’Neill 62nd overall in NFL Draft
By Trent Leonard | Senior Staff Writer
April 27, 2018
It took nearly two rounds, but the Pitt football team finally saw some recognition in the NFL Draft Friday night when the Minnesota Vikings selected offensive lineman Brian O’Neill with the 62nd overall pick. This is the culmination of a successful three-year career with the Panthers for O’Neill, whe...
Spring Game analysis: Pitt defense shined while offense struggled
By Cale Berger | Staff Writer
April 15, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt’s annual Blue and Gold Spring Game may be the first chance of the year for Pitt students, alumni and fans to tailgate and bring their favorite jerseys out of retirement, but it is also an opportunity to get a small taste of what the upcoming season will bring on the field. This year was no ...
Gallery: Spring Blue and Gold game
By Thomas Yang | Visual Editor
April 15, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Visual
The Panthers split their football team into Blue and Gold sides Saturday afternoon for their annual Spring Game, a contest in which neither offense looked exceptional. It proved fitting that a defensive touchdown — junior defensive back Dane Jackson’s 60-yard interception-turned-touchdown — handed...
Blue beats Gold, 10-3, in Spring Game defensive battle
By Trent Leonard and Joanna Li | TPN Staff
April 14, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
The Panthers split their football team into Blue and Gold teams Saturday afternoon for their annual Spring Game, a contest in which neither offense looked exceptional. It proved fitting that a defensive touchdown — redshirt junior defensive back Dane Jackson’s 60-yard interception-turned-touchdown ...
Pickett proves worth as rising Panthers star
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
March 21, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Features
First-year Kenny Pickett wasn’t supposed to take a snap last year, much less lead the team to the biggest win of the season. As the third-string quarterback for the Pitt football team entering the 2017 season, he was firmly entrenched behind redshirt senior Max Browne and sophomore Ben DiNucci. The expec...
Narduzzi rounds out staff for 2018 season
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
February 28, 2018
Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi announced three coaching appointments Saturday, finalizing his 2018 staff. Narduzzi promoted defensive line coach Charlie Partridge to assistant head coach, hired Cory Sanders as safeties coach and brought in Paris Johnson Sr. as assistant director of player perso...
Pitt nabs top recruits on National Signing Day
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
February 7, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt football has almost rounded out its squad for the 2018 season after National Signing Day Wednesday. Some players who signed were expected, including Belle Vernon offensive lineman Blake Zubovic and linebacker Wendell Davis of Richmond, Virginia, who both gave their verbal commitments to Pitt last year. Still, five brand-new Panthers have si...
Pitt receives commit from 3-star recruit Erick Hallett II
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
February 4, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt football received another commit for the 2018 class in Erick Hallett II, according to a tweet posted Sunday morning. The 5-foot-11 and 175-pound defensive back is a 3-star recruit, according to 247sports.com, and was one of the top uncommitted players in Texas. He helped lead his team at Cy-Fair High School to a 6A-DII championship in...
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...
Wendell Davis brings linebacker depth to Pitt
By Alex Lehmbeck | Staff Writer
January 17, 2018
When Wendell Davis committed to Pitt in June of 2017, the Panthers realized right away they had gotten a good one. Head coach Pat Narduzzi tweeted his excitement fewer than 20 minutes later, with a hearty “PITT IS IT!! #L1TS8URGH #H2P #X2.” The three-star prospect, according to rivals.com, is a 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker from Richmond, Virginia, and one of 17 players to sign their National Letters of Intent to Pittsburgh on Dec. 20. The selection of Pitt comes over some major offers, including Boston College, Duke, Michigan State and UCF. ...
Defensive coordinator Josh Conklin leaves Pitt
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
January 2, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt defensive coordinator Josh Conklin will be leaving the team for Wofford College, head coach Pat Narduzzi confirmed Tuesday. Reports Monday night said Wofford — an FCS school in South Carolina — would hire Conklin as the new head coach of the Terriers, which Pitt confirmed Tuesday. “We...
DiNucci announces transfer from Pitt
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
December 14, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Backup Pitt quarterback Ben Dinucci has announced his decision to transfer, according to a Tweet posted Thursday afternoon. The redshirt sophomore and Pine-Richland High School graduate announced, with two years of eligibility left, he will be moving to an undisclosed school in January of 2018. ...
Whitehead announces entry into NFL Draft
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
December 11, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt football has lost yet another member of the squad to the NFL, as junior defensive back Jordan Whitehead declares for the 2018 draft. The Aliquippa native and former WPIAL player made his announcement Monday morning on Twitter. “After much thought and discussion with my family, I have decided to begin prepar...
Junior-college quarterback commits to Pitt
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
December 10, 2017
Pitt football just signed a junior-college quarterback for next season, extending their roster under center. Tyler Zelinski of Erie Community College said Sunday on Twitter he committed to Pitt as a walk-on. After some consistent performances at the end of the season, first-year Kenny Pickett emer...
Athletes, educators discuss activism in sports
By Brian Salvato | For The Pitt News
December 6, 2017
Filed under Campus, News, Sports, Sports Features, Top Stories
When former third-string Pitt kicker Ian Troost took a knee during the national anthem at the team’s Oct. 14 loss to NC State, his motivation was rooted in his background. “My reason, other than to highlight police brutality and social injustice in the United States, was because I came from a b...
Editorial: NFL player safety more important than politics
By The Pitt News Editorial Board
December 6, 2017
Filed under Editorials, Opinions
It seems like the National Football League won’t leave the headlines. The week 13 game Monday night between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals turned violent, resulting in a potentially life-altering spinal injury for Steelers’ linebacker Ryan Shazier and multiple players’ ejections...
Pitt football’s rebuilding shows in final game
By Kevin Bertha | Staff Writer
November 27, 2017
For the second year in a row, and nearly 10 years to the day since the infamous “13-9” win over West Virginia, a mediocre Pitt football team upset another No. 2 team in the nation. The victory over Miami marked a satisfying end to a frustrating rebuilding campaign for the Panthers. Pitt started of...
Pitt sports gobble up wins over Thanksgiving break
By Brandon Glass and Trent Leonard | TPN Staff
November 27, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Pitt sports had a lot to be thankful for over the holiday break. Aside from turkey and stuffing, teams saw historic wins and conference championship titles on the menu. While the Pitt men’s basketball team had uneven results on the court, football, volleyball and women’s basketball brought in...
Pitt upsets No. 2 Miami, 24-14, to finish season
By David Leftwich / Senior Staff Writer
November 24, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
Playing the spoiler role for a second straight season, the Panthers pulled off their biggest upset win of the year conquering the previously undefeated No. 2 Miami Hurricanes 24-14 at Heinz Field. Marking its second straight year with a late-season victory against a top-three team, Pitt football (5-...
Weekend sports: women sweep, while men suffer
By Trent Leonard and Jordan Mondell | TPN Staff
November 20, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
As the fall sports teams near the end of their regular seasons and the winter teams get underway, five teams took the field, court, pool and mat this weekend. Women’s basketball triumphed over Towson in double digits, and volleyball swept two ACC teams in straight sets, but the wrestling team was pinne...
Pickett Pitt’s only promising prospect
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
November 19, 2017
The Pitt football team’s heartbreaking 20-14 loss to Virginia Tech on Saturday brought their season record to 4-7, while also disqualifying them from bowl contention for the first time since 2007. The loss also overshadowed what should have been an exciting occasion — the emergence of first-year ...
Gallery: Pitt football falls to Virginia Tech, losing bowl eligibility
By John Hamilton / Managing Editor
November 18, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories, Visual
The Pitt football team couldn’t convert on four straight plays at the goal line with a minute to go in the fourth quarter — losing 20-14 to the Virginia Tech Hokies and any chance at a bowl game. Read the recap here. ...
Prediction: Hokies to win, and that’s what it’s all about
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
November 17, 2017
There isn’t much optimism surrounding the Pitt football team after the Panthers fell to North Carolina, 34-31, in their last game. That loss, which gave the woeful Tar Heels their first ACC win of the year, brought the Panthers’ season record to 4-6 overall and 2-4 in the ACC. And with a form...
The Pitt News ACC power rankings, week 11 results
By The Pitt News Staff
November 17, 2017
As the end of the regular season approaches, college football teams in the ACC inch toward rounding out their records and competing for coveted bowl slots. While Clemson and Miami stand firm at the top of the pack, Pitt, Duke and Florida State all suffered losses — resulting in a slide to the bott...
Panthers make fatal mistakes against Tar Heels
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
November 13, 2017
A kickoff returned for a touchdown, a fumble near the goal line and a trick play touchdown may have been the biggest plays of the day Thursday — and they all went against the Panther football team. A late touchdown by the North Carolina Tar Heels was the final blow to the Panther football team Thu...
Gallery: The Weekend in Sports
By TPN Staff
November 13, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Visual, Women's Basketball
...
Gallery: Pitt football falls to UNC, 34-31
By John Hamilton and Christian Snyder / TPN Staff
November 10, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Visual
...
Prediction: Panthers share quarterback woes with Tar Heels
By Adin Link | Staff Writer
November 9, 2017
The narrative for the football programs of Pitt (4-5 overall, 2-3 ACC) and UNC (1-8 overall, 0-6 ACC) have been similar this season. Not only are both teams experiencing hangovers from successful 2016 campaigns, but the teams’ disappointing seasons can be attributed to one major similarity — the...
Weekend sports: volleyball splits matches, while men’s soccer faces shut out
By Kait French | Staff Writer
October 30, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Uncategorized
This weekend was cold and rainy in Pittsburgh, but it didn’t stop the Panthers from taking to the field, pitch and pool in heated competition. While football conquered their second ACC team in a row, and swimming and diving made waves, men’s soccer faltered and cross country didn’t quite lead t...
Weekend sports: Panther soccer falters, while swimming and diving make a splash
By Kait French | Staff Writer
October 23, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Swimming and diving The Panthers opened their home season this weekend as they hosted Virginia and Louisiana State in a two-day tri-meet at Trees Pool. The weekend opened up Friday with the divers taking to their boards to start off the meet. Senior diver Meme Sharp took fourth place on the 3...
Darrin Hall adds a needed spark to Pitt offense
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
October 22, 2017
In his breakout performance, junior running back Darrin Hall led Pitt to a 24-17 victory over Duke Saturday, rushing 24 times for an incredible 254 yards and three touchdowns. Hall accounted for more than half of the Panthers’ total 485 offensive yards and all three of their touchdowns. His 92...
That was then, this is now: Pitt football undefeated 100 years ago
By Colin Martin | For The Pitt News
October 17, 2017
The year was 1917 — neither the Cathedral of Learning nor the Pittsburgh Steelers existed, and the Pittsburgh Pirates had finished last in the MLB standings with a 51-103 record. This was also the same year Pitt’s football team completed a perfect 10-0 season. Times have certainly changed. ...
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...
Gallery: NC State defeats Pitt, 35-17
By Thomas Yang and Anna Bongardino | TPN Staff
October 14, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Visual
...
Alex Kessman named ACC Specialist of the Week
By Jordan Mondell / Assistant Sports Editor
October 10, 2017
After setting a record-breaking field goal kick at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse last weekend, Pitt redshirt freshman placekicker Alex Kessman has been named ACC Specialist of the Week. Though the team narrowly lost to the Orange, Kessman did his part by nailing field goals at 42, 49 and 56 yards — th...
Orange squeeze out win over Panthers, 27-24
By David Leftwich / Senior Staff Writer
October 7, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
Down three on their own 5-yard line with 50 seconds remaining, the Panther football team needed to drive the ball into field goal range to send the game into overtime. Their backup and third string quarterbacks each took snaps, but both failed to launch a comeback final drive, leading to a 27-24 Syrac...
Trump’s NFL comments ignore players’ real concerns
By Will Schulman | For The Pitt News
October 6, 2017
After taking the gold and bronze medals in the 200-meter dash at the 1968 Olympics, Tommie Smith and John Carlos shocked the world — the two Olympians held up black gloved fists for the entire anthem. When Colin Kaepernick, then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback, decided last year to kneel for th...
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...
Panthers’ gutless play calling continues to disappoint
By Abbot Zuk | Staff Writer
September 25, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Over the course of their three losses this season, the Panthers have surrendered more than 30 points in each matchup. It would be far too easy to pin the Panthers’ woes on the defense. This Saturday’s game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets was anything but a defensive farce, though. The...
Editorial: Critics of anthem protests aren’t patriotic
By The Pitt News Editorial Board
September 24, 2017
Filed under Editorials, Opinions
When the Steelers walked onto the field before yesterday’s game against the Chicago Bears, the booing they received wasn’t just because they were the away team. Shortly before the game began, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told Jamie Erdahl of CBS Sports that Pittsburgh’s NFL team would rem...
Yellow Jackets sting Panthers, 35-17
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
September 23, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
With four separate opportunities to make the Yellow Jackets pay after turnovers, the Panther offense failed to convert any of these chances into points leading to Saturday’s 35-17 loss in their first ACC game of the season. On the day, the Panther offense put up less than 200 yards and only one t...
Tailgate Guys company partners with Pitt
By Jesse Madden | For The Pitt News
September 17, 2017
Filed under City, News, Top Stories
Peng Su’s first time tailgating at a Pitt game consisted of the usual tailgate staples — KanJam, food and cornhole. But he found his favorite part about the pre-game tradition was the view he and his fellow tailgaters had from their position on the Great Lawn, the grassy area near Heinz Field bet...
Analysis: Narduzzi, Conklin must realize weaknesses in Pitt defense
By Kevin Bertha | Staff Writer
September 17, 2017
Oklahoma State made history in its matchup against Pitt on Saturday. Not only was it Pitt’s worst loss at Heinz Field, but — for the first time in 12 years — an FBS team had four different receivers rack up at least 100 yards each in the same game. The Panthers on the field aren’t the only ones to blame...
Rival fans flock to Happy Valley for Pitt vs. PSU
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
September 11, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Campus, News
Stephen Fastuca gallivanted around the tailgate grounds surrounding Beaver Stadium dressed head-to-toe in Penn State attire. He wore blue and white suede dress shoes and Penn State-colored pants, topping his outfit off with a giant Penn State belt buckle on his waist and a Nittany Lions fedora on his h...
DiNucci deserves starting slot over Browne
By Kevin Bertha | Staff Writer
September 10, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Max Browne has started two games for the Pitt Panthers in his career, and he shouldn’t start a third. Unfortunately, head coach Pat Narduzzi doesn’t share this sentiment — yet. When asked if Browne was still the starter after Saturday’s performance against Penn State, Narduzzi responded with a...
Video: Pitt students make Penn State game predictions
By Kyleen Considine / Visual Editor
September 8, 2017
Don’t punt on LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports
By Henry Glitz | Opinions Editor
September 7, 2017
Filed under Columns, GameDay, Opinions
When Pitt’s football team faces off against Penn State tomorrow at Beaver Stadium, both teams will continue a tradition which began in the 19th century — but in a vastly different culture. At the teams’ first meeting in 1893, Pitt had yet to integrate, and Penn State had never admitted a black s...
Tailgate tunes: Pitt vs. PSU game day playlist
By Jack Mulligan / For The Pitt News
September 7, 2017
Filed under Culture, GameDay, Music
Every college football fan in Pennsylvania has a reason to get excited for this Saturday’s game. Thousands of fans from both teams will meet at the massive Beaver Stadium for the in-state matchup. After Pitt’s stunning victory last year at Heinz Field, a lot is riding on this game for both teams....
Party in the parking lot: students talk tailgating
By Janine Faust and Caroline Bourque | Assistant News Editor
September 7, 2017
Filed under Campus, GameDay, Top Stories
For Keith Miller, the best part of tailgating is giving out food to strangers and listening to “dad music.” “I’ve got a huge grill that barely fits in my SUV that I bring to games, and I always share the hot dogs and hamburgers that I make with people passing by,” Miller said. “And I like the ...
Retro Oakland: Pitt’s catwalk of football fashion
By Lexi Kennell / Culture Editor
September 7, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Culture, GameDay
Sporting black long-sleeved turtlenecks and dark pants, Pitt’s 1899 football team looks like a bunch of brooding postmodern writers. But the beatnik era didn’t happen for another 50 years, making our athletic predecessors look like fashion-forward icons. And as our school went from the Western...
Linebacker Quintin Wirginis out for season with injury
By Ryan Zimba / Sports Editor
September 4, 2017
Pitt linebacker Quintin Wirginis will miss the rest of the season due to injury, head coach Pat Narduzzi revealed Monday. “Quintin Wirginis will be out for the year with a non-football related injury,” Narduzzi said at a press conference. “[It’s] disappointing, but it’s something that we de...
Pitt football bars players from speaking to media ahead of Penn State
By Ryan Zimba / Sports Editor
September 4, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt football announced Sunday that head coach Pat Narduzzi would be the sole spokesperson for the team this week, shutting down player interviews ahead of their rivalry game against Penn State on Saturday. The program followed the same policy last year in an attempt to keep the players focused on...
Gallery: Pitt vs Youngstown State
By Anna Bongardino and Wenhao Wu | Assistant Visual Editors
September 2, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports, Visual
In the season opener, Pitt beat Youngstown State 28-21 in overtime. (Photo by Anna Bongardino | Assistant Visual Editor) (Photo by Wenhao Wu | Assistant Visual Editor) (Photo by Wenhao Wu | Assistant Visual Editor) (Photo by Wenhao Wu...
GALLERY: Pitt football’s Spring Game
By Anna Bongardino | Staff Photographer
April 15, 2017
After Wednesday's draft, Pitt's Gold Team defeated the Blue Team in the annual Spring Game held at Heinz Field Saturday, April 15. Quadree Henderson racked up 137 yards and a touchdown for the Gold Team in a 23-14 win. ...
Pitt football decimates Duke in highest scoring game of season, 56-14
By Dan Sostek | Senior Staff Writer
November 19, 2016
The last time the Pitt football team broke out its retro uniforms, the Panthers needed every page in their playbook to pull out a win, as a last-second stop sealed the game against Georgia Tech in early October. Donning the royal blue-and-mustard yellow outfits for the second time this season on Sat...
GALLERY: Pitt vs Duke Football
By Jordan Mondell and John Hamilton | Visual Staff
November 19, 2016
Filed under Football, Sports, Visual
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Team effort pays off for Pitt football against Clemson
By Steve Rotstein | Sports Editor
November 14, 2016
After back-to-back losses, the unranked Pitt football team was an unlikely match for the No. 2 Clemson Tigers this weekend. But in a shocking upset thanks in large part to kicker Chris Blewitt in the final six seconds of the game, the Panthers handed the Tigers their first loss and shook up the College F...
ACC reprimands Narduzzi after Virginia Tech game
By Ashwini Sivaganesh | Assistant Sports Editor
October 31, 2016
In the wake of Pitt’s loss to Virginia Tech, the ACC issued a public reprimand Sunday evening to Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi for criticizing the game’s referees after Thursday night’s game. In a statement, the ACC said Narduzzi’s criticisms violated the league’s Sportsmanship Policy and w...
Panthers thwarted in Thursday night throwdown against VT, 39-36
By Dan Sostek | Senior Staff Writer
October 27, 2016
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
Pitt’s chances at an ACC Coastal Division title were likely shattered during a rare Thursday night game at Heinz Field. In a high-scoring affair typical of this season, the Panthers (5-3, 2-2 ACC) lost their first home game of the year, falling to the No. 25 Virginia Tech Hokies (6-2, 4-1 ACC) in...
Gallery: Pitt vs. Villanova 9/3/16
By Jeff Ahearn and Matt Hawley
September 3, 2016
Filed under Sports, This Week In Photos, Visual
Standout players emerge in Pitt’s Blue Gold Game
By Jeremy Tepper / Senior Staff Writer
April 17, 2016
As a sloppy, defense-oriented contest, Saturday’s Blue-Gold spring scrimmage wasn’t much to watch. But there was a silver lining in Pitt football’s disappointing season premier at Heinz Field. Three players emerged as standouts, some of whom made surprising comebacks from last season. Jester Weah, ...
Blue team defeated Gold 19-17 in Pitt spring game
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
April 16, 2016
While most spring football games tend to end up as high-scoring shootouts, Pitt’s Blue-Gold game was a defensive struggle. In the end, honorary captain and former Pitt legend Tony Dorsett’s Blue Team defeated his former Pitt quarterback Matt Cavanaugh’s Gold Team 19-17 in the program’s...
Pitt facing nationwide issue of alcohol sales at sporting events
By Meg Millure / Staff Writer
April 15, 2016
Filed under Beer Edition 2016, Football, Specials, Sports
When Pitt’s Athletic Director Scott Barnes first took the position in 2015, he told a local reporter he was open to the idea of selling alcohol at Panther football games. The next day’s headline, “Pitt considers alcohol sales at Heinz Field,” prompted Barnes, months later, to laugh about how he ...
Time is right to bring beer to Heinz Field
By Steve Rotstein / Staff Writer
April 15, 2016
Filed under Beer Edition 2016, Football, Specials, Sports
There are few places more intrinsically college than a football stadium. So why is it that at most schools, gridirons are the fall’s only beer-free weekend destinations? During the 2015-2016 season, only 34 out of 128 Division I college football stadiums served alcohol to the general public. Only 11 of the stadiums selling booze ...
Ejuan Price looking forward to pairing with Dewayne Hendrix
By Jeremy Tepper / Senior Staff Writer
April 6, 2016
Last season, Ejuan Price was undoubtedly ‘the guy’ on Pitt’s defensive line. With top-end quickness and pass-rushing technique, Price amassed 11.5 sacks. Now, Price might have some competition in that proverbial pecking order. After sitting out the past season due to transfer rules, Dewayne Hendrix...