Pitt completely annihilated the Delaware Blue Hens on Saturday afternoon, scoring the most points ever at Heinz Field, with a 62-0 route. Looking back, here are my takeaway points from the blowout: 1. Pitt did what it was supposed to against a FCS opponent. It was the first time Delaware was shut out since 1996 (220 games). This was a much better outcome than two years ago against Youngstown State, where Pitt looked lethargic under senior QB Tino Sunseri and lost 31-17. 2. It is nice to see ... Read More
Archives for September 2014
Duquesne K Austin Crimmins earns NEC honor
The Duquesne Dukes upset bid of FBS Buffalo on Saturday fell a bit short as the Dukes opened the 2014 campaign with a 38-28 loss. However despite the defeat, Dukes’ kicker Austin Crimmins earned himself a Northeast Conference honor. The sophomore blasted two of his five kickoffs for touchbacks, holding Buffalo to only 20.3 yards per return, and went 4-for-4 on PAT’s. That was enough to earn Crimmins Special Teams Player of the Week honors for the season’s opening week. After Duquesne ... Read More
Pitt offfensive line hoping to build off dominant Week 1 performance
Looking back at Pitt’s big opening week win against Delaware, there was plenty to like about the Panthers opening 62-0 victory. The Panthers played as near a perfect game as they have in quite some time, but it was the offensive line that set the tone. That’s an offensive line that came into the season surrounded by question marks and while the opponent was only the FCS’ Blue Hens, the Pitt offensive line passed with flying colors. At the minimum that is an encouraging sign heading ... Read More
IUP AD announces plan to retire
IUP athletic director Dr. Condino has announced his plan to retire in December, the school's official website reported Monday. Condino has been the school's Director of Athletics for 15 years and has been involved in the athletic department for nearly 30 years as either a coach or an administrator after getting his as an assistant football coach in 1984. He spent six seasons on the football staff and helped IUP win 53 games and two PSAC championships. After that, Condino was the school's ... Read More
PSAC West Pigskin Preview: Clarion
Things did not go well for Clarion a season ago, the Golden Eagles finishing 4-7 after winning its first three games. Hampered by injuries a year ago, the Golden Eagles have seemed to put the past behind them and are looking to start fresh. If there could be a bright spot on the team's offense a year ago, it would be freshman Darelle Carson. A dual-threat quarterback, Carson threw for 1,170 yards and five touchdowns while running for 198 yards and six touchdowns. On an offense that struggled ... Read More
Cardinals Come Back, Lead Central
The St. Louis Cardinals (74-63) earned sole possession of first place in the NL Central with a 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates (71-66) on Monday afternoon at Busch Stadium. Pittsburgh led 4-2 but Gerrit Cole struggled in the seventh and the bullpen could not bail him out. St. Louis took the lead and held on to take a three-game lead over the Pirates in the NL Central standings. Milwaukee (73-64) lost at Chicago, falling out of at least a tie for first place for the first time since ... Read More
Young talent gives Penn State hope for improved season
When James Franklin took over the program at Penn State, a lot of uncertainty was cast over the Nittany Lions, as would be expected for any head coach taking over any program. Being thrown into the fire with a football program that had been under the national spotlight for not-so-good reasons could be enough to make the best of head coaches squirm. Being thrown into that same fire with a sophomore quarterback may have been even worse. But Franklin took everything in stride and it's paid ... Read More
Pirates make first September call-ups
The Pirates have made their first call-ups since rosters expanded to 40 at midnight last night. Catcher Tony Sanchez and pitchers Gerrit Cole and Stolmy Pimentel were officially called up. Cole, who had been optioned to Low-A Bristol after his previous start to allow another bench player, will make his scheduled start this afternoon in St. Louis. Sanchez batted .235/.422/.758 in 81 games with AAA Indianapolis this season while hitting 17 doubles,11 home runs and 45 RBI. Pimentel, who ... Read More