When the 2014 season started for Pitt tailback James Conner, all eyes were on the fact that he would play both on the offensive and defensive sides of the football. As things turned out he only played one snap defensively. That’s because Conner proved to be outstanding running the football. Conner broke not only Pitt rushing records as a sophomore, but also ACC records on his way to being named the ACC Player of the Year on Wednesday. He was also named the ACC’s Offensive Player of the ... Read More
Pitt lands four on All-ACC team
It was an up-and-down season for the Pitt Panthers in their second year in the ACC, but few different players made it a memorable one individually and were recognized by the ACC on Monday. Led by running back James Conner’s record breaking season, Pitt landed four players on the All-ACC team. In addition to Conner, sophomore receiver Tyler Boyd and senior offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings were first-team selections. Boyd was also a second-team pick as a kick returner. Senior guard Matt ... Read More
Penn State faces Michigan State in regular season finale
Penn State (6-5, 2-5 Big Ten) will welcome tenth-ranked Michigan State (9-2, 6-1 Big Ten) for a 3:30 kickoff this weekend in a game that is both team’s regular season finale. The winner will walk away with the Land Grant Trophy. This game will showcase the Big Ten’s top talent; Michigan State ranks first in total offense, averaging 44.3 points per game, while Penn State ranks second in total defense but leads the conference in total rushing defense, holding nine of their 11 opponents to 20 ... Read More
Penn State fans should give thanks
It’s the time of year when people start giving thanks, reflecting on the good things in life, and moving on from the bad. Penn State fans should be especially thankful as the football season wraps up and the holiday season begins. This has been a great year for Penn State football; although the win-loss record isn’t exactly where fans would like it to be, the Nittany Lions have had more than their fair share of good tidings this year. Let’s start from the beginning: After Bill O’Brien ... Read More
James Conner’s status still in air for Miami
Saturday night, the Pitt Panthers football team will essentially be playing a playoff game as a win vs. the Miami Hurricanes will get the Panthers bowl eligible while a loss will send Pitt home with a disappointing 5-7 record to a 2014 season that many felt had some promise coming in. With that game just two days away, the Panthers still don’t know if they will be taking the field with one of their best offensive weapons. Pitt head coach Paul Chryst has yet to confirm the status of running ... Read More
Pitt sends senior class out on positive note
While the upcoming week for the Pitt Panthers football team is being described as a playoff game by many in their locker room, as a win at Miami will make the Panthers bowl eligible, last Saturday's 30-7 win against Syracuse was something pretty special. Special for the Pitt seniors, who ran through that tunnel at Heinz Field for the final time. As a reporter I often like to find stories with real life �emotion attached to them and getting to watch seniors play their final home game is ... Read More
Pitt breaks losing streak with win over Syracuse
Not a lot has gone right for the Pitt Panthers football team lately, but Saturday afternoon, they put together a solid all-around performance in a 30-7 victory over longtime foe Syracuse. The Panthers not only put an end to their three-game losing streak, but in the process kept their slim bowl hopes alive for at least one more week. “It was a good win,” said Pitt head coach Paul Chryst. “The last couple weeks haven’t been easy, but the guys keep staying strong and kept their focus. It was ... Read More
Penn State falls to Illinois in final road game
Penn State (6-5, 2-5 Big Ten) dropped its final true road game of the year to Illinois (5-6, 2-5 Big Ten) by a score of 16-14 at Memorial Stadium. The Nittany Lions opened the game against Illinois with an 18-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Christian Hackenberg to freshman wide receiver Chris Godwin in the first quarter, but could not spark a sustainable offensive moment through the rest of the game. Penn State’s two costly mistakes in the first half gave Illinois the momentum to take ... Read More
Penn State looks to extend win streak in final away game
Penn State (6-4, 2-4 Big Ten) will take on Illinois (4-6, 1-5 Big Ten) in its final true road test of the season with a noon kickoff at Memorial Stadium. Penn State’s offensive line has been unable to effectively protect quarterback Christian Hackenberg in recent weeks, leading to a record number of sacks; however, in the match against Temple, the offensive line received a lift from the return of Miles Dieffenbach and Donovan Smith. The two veteran players added experience and size to the ... 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