The Pittsburgh Panthers led the University of North Carolina Tar Heels for 59 minutes and 58 seconds of the ball game Saturday afternoon. However, a UNC score and a made extra point with two seconds left was what mattered in the end, and the Tar Heels won, 37-36. Pitt (2-2) dominated for most of the afternoon — the Panthers held the ball for 40:09 compared to the Tar Heels' 19:51 — and had a 13-point lead with less than seven minutes to play. But the Tar Heels overcame the long odds to stave ... Read More
10 momentum-swinging plays from Pitt-Oklahoma State
It was a wild shootout of a game, but, despite things clicking offensively, the Pitt Panthers couldn't overcome the Oklahoma State Cowboys, and the Cowboys won, 45-38, in wild fashion. While the game had a ton of key moments, here are the 10 plays that had the biggest impact on the game's momentum. 1. Oklahoma State came out flying right out of the shoot. After a botched kickoff return, the Cowboys were pinned at their own 9-yard line. No matter, they launched a long ball on their first play. ... Read More
Multi-dimensional offense powers Panthers
A knife, a screw driver and a can opener are all great tools. However, each is specifically crafted to perform a singular purpose. Hence, the beauty of the Swiss Army knife, which contains all three — and more. None of those tools is equipped to cover the entire spectrum of what you might need it for individually, but the Swiss Army knife's versatility increases its usefulness. Much like a Swiss Army knife, the key to a balanced football offense is versatility. Having dynamic players ... Read More
Penn State heads to Pittsburgh for the Keystone Classic
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Pittsburgh Panthers The Records: Penn State (1-0, 0-0 Big Ten); Pitt (1-0, 0-0 ACC). The Coaches: Penn State: James Franklin, third season, 39-27 overall, 15-12 at Penn State; Pitt: Pat Narduzzi, second season, 9-5 overall, 9-5 at Pitt. The Game: For the first time in 16 years, Penn State and Pitt will battle on the gridiron. The last time these in-state rivals played, Rod Rutherford quarterbacked the Panthers to a 12-0 victory at Three Rivers ... 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’s Conner announces he is cancer free
Pitt running back James Conner has just defeated the most daunting opponent of his life. Conner tweeted out today that he has been declared cancer free. In a shocking December press conference that many had pegged as his decision to declare for the NFL draft, Conner revealed that he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. God is AMAZING. Just got the call that my body is clean of cancer!!! Been a long road but God had my back. Thanks everyone who said prayers! — James Conner ️ (@JamesConner_) ... Read More
James Conner to throw out first pitch on Pirates’ Opening Day
It's been quite the year for Pitt running back James Conner, but he will get an honor on Sunday. Conner will throw out the ceremonial first pitch when the Pittsburgh Pirates open the Major League Baseball season by hosting the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park on Sunday. After suffering a knee injury that cost him his season in Pitt's first game of the season, Conner announced this past December he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. “I'm honored and thrilled to throw out the first ... Read More
James Conner diagnosed with Cancer
Many have been awaiting the day that Pitt star running back James Conner would make his return to the football field. Unfortunately that return has been put on hold as at a press conference on Friday, Conner announced that he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma this week. “When I heard those words — ‘You have cancer’ — I admit I was scared,” Conner said. “But after thinking about it for a bit, I realized that fear is a choice. I choose to not fear cancer. I choose to fight it and I will ... Read More
Pitt All-American Conner out for season with torn MCL
Pitt fans had the last laugh on Saturday, as their team walked away 45-37 winners against Youngstown State in the opener of their season, while cross-state rival Penn State was shocked in a loss to Temple. The laughing stopped Monday morning, as it was announced that All-American running back James Conner will miss the entire 2015 with a torn MCL. BREAKING: #Pitt running back James Conner to miss rest of 2015 season with MCL injury http://t.co/xEACAtUEJp pic.twitter.com/W17IIIq16K — Sam ... Read More
Pitt vs. Youngstown State: Preview, Prediction and more
Saturday afternoon at Heinz Field will mark a day of firsts. It will be the first game of the 2015 season for both the Youngstown State Penguins and the Pitt Panthers. It will also be the first game for new Penguins head coach Bo Pelini, who took the job after being fired from Nebraska. It also marks the debut of new Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi, who since accepting the job has instilled a lot of energy and hope into the Panthers program. One of these coaches will get their seasons off ... Read More