The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame has named Pitt senior safety Erick Hallett II as a semifinalist for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award. The award recognizes the top defensive back in college football. The honor takes “performance on the field, athletic ability and character” into consideration as well.

Pitt football will play in the Peach Bowl game on Dec. 30 against No. 10 Michigan State. The team won its first-ever ACC championship Saturday night in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Staff writer Frankie Richetti argues that, after struggling through the first five games, key position groups and players turned in breakout performances for Pitt football in a 28-7 win over Virginia Tech this weekend.