On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the defense shined the brightest for the Penn State Nittany Lions as they cruised to a 33-13 victory over the Kent State Golden Flashes in their season opener. As a unit, the defense of the Nittany Lions allowed only six points while the offense gave up seven as the result of a Trace McSorley fumble returned for a touchdown in the second quarter. The Nittany Lions got two touchdowns through the air from McSorley with DaeSean Hamilton hauling in a first-quarter ... Read More
Conner, defense lead Pitt to victory
The Panthers utilized a similar formula for success in a season opening victory 28-7 over Villanova Saturday afternoon. Pitt rode workhorse James Conner and a strong defensive effort to the win. It was a lethargic start offensive start for the Panthers in the season opener against Villanova. The first quarter ended scoreless in Pittsburgh. Pitt kicker Chris Blewitt pushed a field goal attempt wide right to open the second period adding to the misery, after the Panthers first extended ... Read More
Pitt uses a 42-point first-half outburst to defeat Louisville
In spite of the door closing on an opportunity to represent the Coastal Division in the ACC title game, the Pitt Panthers still had plenty on the line facing a Louisville team that came to Heinz Field winners of six of their last seven contests. The Panthers (8-3) responded with a 42-point first half outburst on their way to a decisive 45-34 victory over the visiting Cardinals (6-5) of Louisville. Although the Panthers were far from perfect on the day, but Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi was ... Read More
PSAC West teams have successful opening weekend
PSAC West teams opened up action this past week in impressive fashion. In seven games featuring PSAC West teams, the PSAC West team won five of them. IUP had a bye week to open the season. Clarion 40, Lock Haven 3 The Golden Eagles won the first game under new head coach Chris Weibel 40-3 over Lock Haven on Thursday. QB Connor Simmons led the offensive attack with 407 yards passing, fifth most in a game in school history. Clarion built a 17-0 lead before Lock Haven got on the board. ... Read More
WPIAL season preview
Football is back, and not just at the collegiate and professional level, either. We'll take a look at each of the classes, and the players and teams to look out for, as well as our pick of the week. AAAA Team to Beat: Central Catholic- Boasting a ranking of 22nd in a national poll, Central Catholic is the early favorite for team to beat in AAAA. The Vikings are led on offense by Vinnie Emanuele, who averaged 6.5 yards per carry last season. On the defensive side of the ball, University ... Read More
Pitt, Penn State aren’t destination jobs
When people talk about sports, the line is often brought up that it’s just a game. However, I tend to disagree with this statement. Especially when I think about football in the state of Pennsylvania. Football is not only a game here, it is a part of our culture. It’s not something we do just to pass the time, it’s a way of life. If it were just a game, you wouldn’t see people out and about on Saturdays representing the Pitt blue and gold or the navy and white of Penn State. The two teams ... Read More
Determination embodies Penn State’s Mike Hull
James Franklin has a man-crush on Mike Hull, and it’s not hard to understand why. During the press conference following Saturday’s win against Temple, Franklin’s praise for Hull neared gushing. “I love Mike Hull. I have a man-crush on Mike Hull, you’ve heard me say that before. I love the guy, his leadership. He’s one of the most high-production, low-maintenance guys all over the field that I’ve ever been around. He’s everything you want, he’s a blue-collar, hard-nosed, athletic, humble, ... Read More
Division II Football Preview: Gannon
The Gannon Knights had a disappointing 2012 season, posting a 3-8 record. Two of those three wins came in two of the last three games, giving the Knights some hope for the 2013 season. Offensively, nine starters are returning. Defensively, six starters are returning. The Knights will go into battle with a record-setting young quaterback and his three favorite targets on offense and a strong defensive back who led the team in tackles. Here's a look at what to expect from the Knights in ... Read More
Division II Football Preview: Slippery Rock
In 2012, Slippery Rock finished with a 6-5 record. Despite just being one game above .500, The Rock posted a 5-2 conference record and finished 4th in the PSAC West. This season, they're losing their leading rusher, but are returning their dynamic dual-threat quarterback and their five leading receivers. Defensively, they're bringing back their leading tacklers at linebacker and a strong ballhawking secondary. Together, they return nine starters on each side of the ball. Here's a preview of ... Read More
Mercyhurst, Gannon to renew rivalry for Niagara Cup at Veterans Memorial Stadium
The Mercyhurst and Gannon football teams have both agreed to renew the Battle for the Niagara Cup with a game on Thursday, October 17 at Erie Veterans Memorial Stadium. The decision was announced Wednesday at a press conference with both teams present at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Also in attendance was Merritt Holland-Spier, the Executive Director of the ALS Association Western Pennsylvania Chapter. ALS is commonly known as Lou Gherig's disease and the game between the two schools will be ... Read More