With the undefeated AFC North-leading Cincinnati Bengals in town, the Pittsburgh Steelers had an opportunity to make up ground in a divisional matchup at home. Despite the anticipated return of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers (4-4) came up short in a disappointing finish, falling 16-10 to Cincinnati (7-0). Roethlisberger came out of the gate looking good as new, engineering a scoring drive that took over seven minutes and resulted in a touchdown pass to Antonio Brown for a 7-0 ... Read More
Week 8 NFL picks
Tampa Bay at Atlanta (-7): Michael Waterloo — Atlanta Gar Bercury — Atlanta Matt Shetler — Tampa Bay Alan Saunders —Atlanta Arizona (-4.5) at Cleveland: Michael Waterloo — Arizona Gar Bercury — Arizona Matt Shetler — Arizona Alan Saunders —Arizona San Francisco (+8.5) at St. Louis: Michael Waterloo — St. Louis Gar Bercury — San Francisco Matt Shetler — St. Louis Alan Saunders — St. Louis New York Giants (+3.5) at New Orleans: Michael Waterloo — New ... Read More
Penn State shuts out Illinois 39-0, Hackenberg with three TDs
The Penn State Nittany Lions (7-2, 4-1) capitalized on a weak Illinois (4-4, 1-3) offense in a 39-0 win on Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium. Big Plays: The Penn State defense reigned supreme in the shutout. Geno Lewis scored his receiving first touchdown at Beaver Stadium in his career. Lewis previously tallied receiving touchdowns at an NFL stadium, Yankee Stadium and Ireland before notching a TD in Happy Valley. Quarterback Christian Hackenberg was responsible for three touchdowns (two ... Read More
Penn State returns home, takes on Illinois
The Penn State Nittany Lions (6-2, 3-1) will battle the Illinois Fighting Illini (4-3, 1-2) on Saturday at 12 p.m. at Beaver Stadium. The Lions are returning home after a two-game road series, and will be welcomed by a throng of students from across the Commonwealth, as this game is the annual “All-U Day.” "We love every opportunity to play in Beaver Stadium," said head coach James Franklin. "We've had a lot of success in Beaver Stadium this season, and the fans have been a big part of that. ... Read More
Penguins welcome back Bylsma with a 4-3 victory
The Pittsburgh Penguins welcomed back former Head Coach Dan Bylsma as the Buffalo Sabres came to town. The team provided a touching tribute video highlighting his years with the team and he received a standing ovation from the crowd. The Penguins walked away with a 4-3 win, finishing the night with a perfect special teams record by stopping both chances against them and scoring on their own opportunity. The Sabres outshot the Penguins 53-29, much of that coming during the 3rd period as the ... Read More
Slow start dooms Pitt in loss to North Carolina
The 23rd ranked Pitt Panthers football team entered Thursday night’s primetime showdown against North Carolina looking to show the nation that they have arrived. Those plans are on hold for just a little bit longer. While the Panthers have been able to pull out some fourth-quarter heroics so far this season, it wasn’t meant to be as Pitt didn’t have enough magic in their hat, falling 26-19. Pitt (6-2, 4-1 ACC), who struggled on both sides of the ball in the first half and trailed for ... Read More
Pitt picked to finish 10th in ACC
If Jamie Dixon's Pitt Panthers are going to improve off a disappointing 2014-15 season and return to the NCAA Tournament, it looks as if they will have to surprise a lot of people. The Panthers, who are coming off a 19-15 season in 2014-15, were selected 10th in the ACC as voted upon by the league's media members. North Carolina were tabbed the conference favorites after receiving 60 of 89 first-place votes in Wednesday's preseason poll. Virginia received 18 first-place votes and placed ... Read More
Mercyhurst tops PSAC West hoops poll
The 2015-16 PSAC West men's basketball poll was released Thursday, and last year's national runner-up isn't at the top of the list. IUP, who made a run at last year's national title comes into the season second in the league behind Mercyhurst, which tops the poll for the first time in the history of the program. Following the Lakers and Crimson Hawks, in order, are Edinboro, Gannon, Slippery Rock, Cal, Clarion, Pitt-Johnstown and Seton Hill. The PSAC West preseason all-conference team, also ... Read More
North Carolina vs. Pitt: Preview, Analysis, Prediction and more
No. 23 Pitt and North Carolina head into a Thursday night battle at Heinz Field with identical 6-1 records. First place in the ACC Coastal Division will be on the line as each team has something to prove. For the Panthers they need to validate their hot start to the season and make themselves legitimate threats for the Coastal Division title. While Pitt hasn't beaten great teams, the North Carolina schedule has been especially soft. The Heels have beaten a pair of FCS schools and their ... Read More
Is keeping Sprong the right move?
At some point in the next week, the Pens will have to make a decision on rookie winger Daniel Sprong. As an 18-year old out of Canadian junior, the Penguins are able to keep rookie Daniel Sprong around for a nine-game tryout period without burning the first year of his entry level contract. He has already played in six, and if he remains in the lineup the final three will be played this week. The decision on Sprong will most likely have to be made before the team leaves for Western Canada ... Read More