Entering the 2012 season, the biggest question mark of the Duquesne offense was who would step up and catch the football this season. The Dukes lost over 90 percent of their receiving yards from a season ago, most notably Isaac Spragg and Connor Dixon, who combined for 99 receptions, 1,454 yards and 21 touchdowns a season ago. While the current Duquesne receivers may not put up those types of numbers, they are getting production from the likes of Gianni Carter, Noel Oduho and Sean Brady, ... Read More
Week 6 Big East Power Rankings
The Pitt Panthers are coming off a week off, but other teams were busy during Week 5 of the college football season. Cincinnati won the biggest game of the week by defeating Virginia Tech, but no one else in the conference had a particularly good showing. How does all of that effect my latest power rankings? For one, we have a shakeup at the top and some movement throughout. Let's take a look at how the Big East teams stand as they head into Week 6. 1. Rutgers (4-0, 1-0) Last Week's ... Read More
The Pirates are the ex-boyfriend that breaks your heart
A relationship between a fan and their team is no different than that between a man and a woman. Just like the last guy I dated, I thought this Pirates' season was the one. Finally, everything was falling into place and we were destined for greatness, or at least a few steps above the mediocrity that I’ve allowed myself to accept for the majority of my life. But I was wrong. Think back to July. The Pirates spent the bulk of the month battling for the division, win after win distancing ... Read More
No Defense at Tomlin’s Weekly Press Conference
The Pittsburgh Steelers, coming off an early bye week, will face the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday at Heinz Field. As is the norm, head coach Mike Tomlin gave his weekly press conference to address the media involving the upcoming matchup. In 18 minutes, Tomlin covered the injury status of some key players (Polamalu, Harrison, Mendenhall), the impact players for the Eagles including a list of reasons why they will be enshrined in Canton, and media questions. Of the 23 questions asked, ... Read More
KHL on ESPN
When I first heard about the (possibly short-term) marriage between the Kontinental Hockey League and ESPN, I immediately poured hot coffee on my hand just to make sure that I was awake and alive. First off, the thought of watching hockey in any capacity is akin to winning free Taco Bell for life. I barely even remember what ice skates look like. As was stated by Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption, “I find I’m so excited I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head.” ESPN’s ... Read More
Fantasy Question: Fred Jackson or C.J. Spiller?
Questions have been asked throughout the past few weeks about the Buffalo backfield. Who to start, Fred Jackson or C.J. Spiller? Here are my thoughts on the Buffalo running back situation. Fred Jackson, the veteran running back, emerged as the featured player in Buffalo after the departure of Marshawn Lynch in 2009 and took advantage of the opportunity, rushing for over 1,000 yards. Jackson became a steal in certain drafts these past couple years, as he has ran for 900+ yards the past two ... Read More
Pirates Prospects to watch in 2013
The Pirates’ minor league system may not be among the elite just yet, but few would argue it isn’t at least very solid. Gone are the days of guys like Brian Bixler being a top prospect- the Pirates now have a deep system full of talent and potential. The 2012 season saw players like Alen Hanson and Gregory Polanco breaking out and making a name for themselves. Here is a list of players who could do the same next year. OF Josh Bell- Bell missed the majority of his highly anticipated first ... Read More
How did the Pittsburgh Steelers spend their BYE Week?
The Pittsburgh Steelers found themselves in an unusual position during their early season bye week: With an unimpressive record of 1-2, they are under .500. It’s the first time the Steelers have had a losing record at the bye week since 2006. “Ha!” said the Pirates. “That’s nothing – we’ve been finishing the season under .500 for 20 years now.” Anyway, with the black and gold jerseys, tailgate grills, and television sets tucked away last weekend, it was our job to chronicle what the ... Read More
California U and IUP ranked in NCAA D2 Top 25
The Pittsburgh area has two Teams ranked in the AFCA Division 2 college football Top 25 poll. 2012 American Football Coaches Association Division II Coaches’ Poll – October 1, 2012 Pittsburg St. (Kan.) (29) 4-0 749 1 Idle Oct. 6 vs. Central Missouri Colorado St.-Pueblo 5-0 712 3 D. Fort Lewis (Colo.), 50-21 Oct. 6 vs. Chadron St. (Neb.) Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 5-0 684 4 D. Michigan Tech, 51-43 Oct. 6 vs. Ferris St. (Minn.) Winston-Salem St. (N.C.) (1) 5-0 657 5 D. Bowie St. (Md.), ... Read More
W&J’s Jon Lowery named PAC Player of the Week
WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Washington & Jefferson College sophomore defensive end Jon Lowery (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny) was selected as the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Football Defensive Player of the Week on Monday. Lowery helped the Presidents (4-1, 3-0 PAC) defeat Bethany 28-26 on Saturday evening at Cameron Stadium by amassing four sacks for a loss of 42 yards. All four sacks came during the second half in which W&J fought back from a 20-7 halftime deficit. His four sacks ... Read More