Take 5: Super Bowl, Super Bowl and more Super Bowl
By Staff
February 6, 2019
Filed under Sports
The Rams seem like a franchise destined for multiple Super Bowl appearances in the coming decade and that may be true, but don’t expect to see them back in the big game next year — or even for a few years.
Q&A: Pitt grad Randy Lieberman prepares to host Super Bowl LIII
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
January 30, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Features
In the lead-up to this year’s Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and St. Louis Rams, former Pitt News sports writer Randy Lieberman reached out to us to provide an up-close angle at the event.
Take 5: Best of Pitt Athletics
By Staff
January 23, 2019
Filed under Sports
Pitt Athletics had some highs and lows this year, but in every situation there was a player or team that stood out above the rest. This week our writers talked about their “best of” moment in Pitt athletics.
Take 5: Kyler Murray is hurting his career, transfer portal is making football fun
By Pitt News Staff
January 16, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Kyler Murray declared for the NFL Draft and in the end, it’s going to cause more harm than good. He won’t become the high draft selection he hoped for and the Oakland A’s will lose because they wasted their No. 9 pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. This moment in history will be known as “The Oakland Screw Job.”
Pitt football hires Mark Whipple as next offensive coordinator
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
January 14, 2019
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
After 10 days without an offensive coordinator, the wait for a new Pitt play-caller is over — the football program announced Monday that Mark Whipple will fill the position.
Take 5: Football Drama, who should stay and who should go
By Staff
January 10, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
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.
Panthers prowl during holiday hiatus
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
January 6, 2019
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
While the students were away, the Panthers’ student-athletes were out to play. You catch up on what you missed and read what Pitt accomplished over break here.
Panthers band together in split performances
By Tessa Sayers, Assistant Sports Editor
December 9, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Features
With Pitt's band split between three different locations on the weekend of Nov. 30, Director of Bands Brad Townsend had to get creative.
Pitt sports: A semester in review
By Kate Hall, Staff Writer
December 9, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
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.
Waiver Wire Weekly: Welcome to Playoffs
By Adin Link, Staff Wrtier
December 4, 2018
Filed under Sports
It’s do or die time in fantasy football, if you are looking for some home players to pick up in order to put yourself in the best position to win your league, make sure you read this week’s Waiver Wire Weekly.
Panthers vs. Cardinal: Natural Selection at Work?
By Griffin Floyd, Staff Writer
December 4, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
It’s official, Pitt will be playing Stanford in the Sun Bowl, the Panthers first bowl game in two years. After two tough loses, it will be the perfect place for Pitt’s seniors to leave their mark on the program.
Weekend Sports: Basketball and wrestling shine amid football and volleyball losses
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
December 3, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Men’s basketball beat Duquesne in the annual City Game and the wrestling team performed admirably at the Las Vegas Invitational, injecting some Panther pride into an otherwise bleak weekend.
Three takeaways from Pitt vs Clemson
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
December 2, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns
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.
Panthers to take on Stanford in Sun Bowl
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
December 2, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
The Pitt football team will take on Stanford in the Hyundai Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, Dec. 31.
Panthers will be no match for playoff-bound Tigers
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
November 30, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt Football is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get. After coming up just short of No. 3 Notre Dame and then getting blown out by unranked Miami, no one is sure what to expect from the Panthers this weekend.
Takeaways: Pitt reverted back to its old self against Miami
By Griffin Floyd, Staff Writer
November 27, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
While Pitt’s 24-3 loss against Miami on Saturday was far from good, the implications weren’t too bad. Aside from snapping its four game win streak, the loss will likely drop them from the top 25 rankings and give them a lesser bowl game. But Pitt will still be playing in the ACC Championship on Saturday.
Hurricanes blow Pitt away, 24-3, in regular-season finale
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
November 24, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
The Panthers didn’t look like themselves at Miami Saturday afternoon, earning just 200 total yards of offense and falling 24-3 to the Hurricanes.
Staff Picks: Much to be thankful for within Pitt Athletics
By Staff
November 19, 2018
Filed under Sports
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, The Pitt News Sports Staff took some time to reflect on what they are thankful for when it comes to Pitt Athletics.
Takeaways from Pitt’s Coastal-clinching win over Wake Forest
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
November 19, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
The Pitt football team whipped Wake Forest Saturday, 34-13, to earn the Panthers’ first-ever ACC Coastal title.
Pitt seniors will be remembered for consistency and leadership
By Sami Abu-Obaid, Staff Writer
November 16, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
The Panther’s seniors can be credited for Pitt’s miraculous turnover and record breaking season. Head Coach Pat Narduzzi will use this senior group as an example for years to come and will remember the first class he coached from freshmen to seniors for one thing — their work ethic.
What are the odds: Pittsburgh will come out on top
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
November 15, 2018
Filed under Sports
Another week is over which means it’s time to start placing your bets on weekend sports. It looks likely both Pittsburgh football teams will come back with victories.
Panthers to unleash the demon on Wake Forest
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
November 15, 2018
With a run game that can’t be stopped and a quarterback who is quietly improving, it is looking hopeful that Pitt will continue making history by clinching the first ACC Championship appearance in program history.
Pitt poised to win first ACC Championship
By Tyler Moran, Staff Writer
November 13, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt was picked to finish fifth in the ACC Coastal Division preseason polls. Now, they are at the top of the ACC Coastal and are only one win away from making history and becoming the first team in program history to make it to the ACC Championships.
Panthers run wild on Hokies, win 52-22 in Coastal clash
By Sami Abu-Obaid, Staff Writer
November 10, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt made history in its final home game of the season, racking up the most offensive yards, the longest play and the first time going undefeated in the ACC at home in program history.
What are the odds: Pitt will run over the Hokies
By Collin Martin, Staff Writer
November 9, 2018
Filed under Sports
A lot has happened in the NFL this past week. The LA Rams are no longer undefeated and are going up against Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks. The Dallas Cowboys got Amari Cooper, but the Eagles now have Golden Tate. If those have you asking who you should bet on this week, don’t worry, we have your answers here.
Football Prediction: Pitt will come out on top 34-26
By Michael Nitti, Staff Writer
November 9, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt has been dominate at home this season, averaging 40.7 points and 295.7 yards per game. The only question is, will the Panthers be able to continue that streak when it matters most? Read here to see what you can expect from the Panthers when they face Virginia Tech this Saturday.
Waiver Wire Weekly: Cleveland Browns look promising under new leadership
By Adin Link, Staff Writer
November 6, 2018
Filed under Sports
Baker Mayfield scored his third-highest fantasy total so far this season last week and under new leadership, this could just be the start for the first year quarterback and teammate Duke Johnson.
Takeaways: Pitt running into ACC Championship Contention
By Michael Nitti, Staff Writer
November 6, 2018
Pitt had one of its performances of the year on both sides of the ball and on the road last Friday. The Panthers emerging defense held a hot Virginia offense to 44 rushing yards and earned its first road win of the season.
Panthers win 23-13, leapfrog Va. in ACC Coastal
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
November 3, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
The sloppy field conditions were perfectly suited for the Panthers, who pounded the ball on the ground and stifled Virginia’s offense en route to a 23-13 victory.
Weekly Pick ’Em: TPN staff takes on ACC Week 9
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
November 1, 2018
Filed under Sports
Our staff takes a look at the upcoming slate of ACC football games, headlined by Pitt’s high-stakes clash with Virginia Friday night. Elsewhere in the conference, No. 24 Boston College travels to Virginia Tech for what our staff believes will be a very close game, while undefeated Clemson hosts Louisville in what could quickly become a blowout of epic proportions.
What are the odds: Rodgers vs. Brady could be the showdown of the season
By Collin Martin, Staff Writer
November 1, 2018
Filed under Sports
Rodgers vs. Brady, Steelers vs. Ravens, this is a weekend every sports fan looks forward to. If you want to make a little money while you’re watching, read our What are the odds to see if you should take the over or under.
Can Pitt emerge from the ACC’s Coastal quagmire?
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
October 30, 2018
Despite losing a crucial conference game to lowly one-win North Carolina, Pitt has been given new life thanks to the ACC becoming the football embodiment of Murphy’s law.
Takeaways: Pitt remains consistently inconsistent
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
October 29, 2018
Pitt beat Duke 54-45 last Saturday to keep their hopes of an ACC Costal Division Championship alive. V'Lique Carter was one bright spot in a game that was otherwise once again defined by an inconsistent defense and quarterback.
Photos: Pitt football 54-45 victory over Duke
October 27, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Visual
With the game tied at 45 and no timeouts remaining, the Panthers needed sophomore quarterback Kenny Pickett to lead them downfield with just over a minute left to play. Pickett had struggled up to that point, completing just four of 13 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. But he came up clutch when...
Prediction: Pitt football to right the ship against Duke
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
October 21, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt football is a tough team to predict, but both recent and historical evidence points to a Panther victory over Duke this Saturday.
Waiver Wire Weekly: Gabriel and Mack are best bets
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
October 16, 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 7, 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 3, 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 3, 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
September 30, 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 26, 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 25, 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 23, 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 9, 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 5, 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 4, 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 29, 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 28, 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 13, 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 20, 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 30, 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 19, 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 12, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Visual, Women's Basketball
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Gallery: Pitt football falls to UNC, 34-31
By John Hamilton and Christian Snyder / TPN Staff
November 9, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Visual
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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 29, 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 22, 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. ...