Coming in second in the PSAC West preseason coaches poll was California (Pa.). One year after the Vulcans had a disappointing season to its own standards, the team hopes to ride a talented and physical defense into the postseason. A year ago, the Vulcans leaned heavily on their two quarterbacks, Cody Schroeder and James Davis. Now, as Schroeder has transferred to Urbana in the Mountain East Conference, Davis is the key returner from a year ago on the offensive side of the ball. Schroder threw ... Read More
PSAC West Pigskin Preview: Slippery Rock
Just last year, Slippery Rock used an offensive attack which was in the upper echelon of the Division II college football world. Now, with one of the nation's most dynamic quarterbacks and his top two targets gone, new faces will need to step up for the Rock in 2014. In 2013, Nigel Barksdale had the PSAC West on edge every week. A dual-threat, Barksdale led one of the nation's best offenses with 3,736 yards passing and 30 touchdowns while adding 687 yards and five scores on the ground. In ... Read More
Delaware vs. Pitt: Preview, Prediction, TV Info and More
The Pitt Panthers make their long awaited 2014 season debut Saturday afternoon against the Delaware Blue Hens. Openers haven’t always been kind to the Panthers (think Youngstown State), but with a new quarterback in Chad Voytik making his first collegiate start, Paul Chryst is likely welcoming an opener against a Colonial Athletic Association opponent, given the fact that Pitt is 9-0 lifetime against CAA foes, most recently beating Maine, 35-29 in 2011. It’s also good for Pitt’s younger ... Read More
Robert Morris begins Banaszak era with a home loss.
The Robert Morris Colonials looked to open the John Banaszak era on the right foot Thursday night at Joe Walton Stadium. Unfortunately, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels had different ideas as the Colonels dominated the game and handed the Colonials a lopsided 29-10 loss. In spite of committing five turnovers, the visiting Colonels dominated the game, paced by a running attack that amassed an astounding 407 yards rushing, including 143 from Dy'Shawn Mobley. Jared McClain and JJ Jude added 90 ... Read More
PSAC West Pigskin Preview: IUP
With the Division II football season kicking off next week, teams from the PSAC West are out to make a name for themselves in the world of Division II. Last year, Slippery Rock made a run into the playoffs before losing to Winston-Salem State. This year, IUP is ranked atop the PSAC West again but the No. 23-ranked team in the D2Football.com poll will be looking to replace key contributors from a season ago. The Crimson Hawks of IUP will have to replace its top passer, rusher and receiver from ... Read More
Pitt Football: 5 Keys to a successful 2014 season
With the Pitt Panthers football team about to kick the 2014 season off against Delaware on Saturday, a lot has to go right for Paul Chryst’s team to avoid another 6-6 campaign and a trip to the Little Caesar’s Bowl or the usual BBVA Compass Bowl. The Panthers have a favorable schedule, with no Florida State or Clemson, to do some damage in their second season in the ACC, but for everything to go according to plan and Pitt to be playing in a better bowl game at season’s end, there are five ... Read More
Pete Coughlin looks to lead W&J to third straight PAC title
Given a preference, no coach wants to enter a season with a young and inexperienced quarterback under center. That's especially true for a program like W&J, who contends for the Presidents' Athletic Conference championship year in and year out. But while Upper St. Clair native Pete Coughlin may be young, the sophomore gained valuable experience a season ago filling in for injured starter Matt Bliss and W&J head coach Mike Sirianni feels very confident in where the Presidents are under ... Read More
Pitt’s Paul Chryst to rely on youth again in 2014
Pitt football coach Paul Chryst has shown during his couple of years on the job that he is not afraid to play young players. Chryst turned to a bunch of freshman last season and that will be the case once again in 2014. As the Panthers prepare to open the season on Saturday, the third-year head coach said on Monday that defensive backs Avonte Maddox and Pat Amara, along with linebacker Quintin Wirginis and running back Chris James are freshmen that will play this season. Throw in the ... Read More
Rick Shepas has Waynesburg ready for big things in 2014
The Waynesburg University football team has come close to capturing the Presidents’ Athletic Conference championship the past couple of seasons, but haven’t been able to get over the hump. Yellow Jackets’ head coach Rick Shepas is hoping for a different story in 2014. With a shortened camp as Waynesburg only had about a week before the rest of the student population reported, the Yellow Jackets had to get right to business and that they did as things are looking good for Waynesburg as they ... Read More
John Banaszak has young Robert Morris team ready for 2014 season
For the first time in their programs history, fans of Robert Morris Colonials football can look across the sidelines and not see Joe Walton. However while Walton, the only head coach in Robert Morris history, has retired, the program is in very good hands with John Banaszak as its new head coach. While Banaszak certainly has some big shoes to fill, he is certainly up for the challenge. “It’s a true honor,” said Banaszak. “I’m very proud to be the second coach in Robert Morris history and ... Read More