Monday started off with the Pittsburgh Penguins taking to the ice for practice at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry. At 1:15 p.m., though, the excitement from hockey being on the cusp of a return took a backseat as the Penguins announced some disheartening news: Sidney Crosby has been diagnosed with a concussion. Details: https://t.co/hJRXGdKcnzpic.twitter.com/kvcoH6zrJa — Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 10, 2016 Oh man, not again. Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed to the ... Read More
Archives for October 2016
Grades: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets
The Pittsburgh Steelers improved their overall record to 4-1 with a win over the New York Jets on Sunday. The win allowed Pittsburgh to grab hold of the AFC North in the top position. Behind them are the Baltimore Ravens (3-2), then the Cincinnati Bengals (2-3), and then at the bottom is the Cleveland Browns (0-5). For what feels like the first time all season, the Steelers didn’t have to deal with too many injuries. Without further ado, here are the grades for the Steelers in their ... Read More
Three up, three down: Steelers vs. Jets
For the second consecutive week, the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to get a conference win in convincing fashion, this time by beating the New York Jets 31-13 on a picturesque afternoon at Heinz Field. The win moves the Steelers' record to 4-1, good enough for sole possession of first place in the AFC North. They also have an unblemished conference mark as the team moves past the quarter-pole of the season. Despite injuries to key starters on both sides of the ball, Pittsburgh once again ... Read More
“Chaos” gives life to offense in win against Maryland
The Penn State offense picked up right where it left off last week with an 84-yard touchdown drive on the first series of the game en route to a 38-14 victory over Maryland. Up until Saturday's game, the Nittany Lions had struggled mightily in the first halves of games under head coach James Franklin. Following the victory against Minnesota, Franklin and his coaching staff instituted a “chaos” period in practices throughout the week to kick-start the offense against the Terrapins. The ... Read More
Blewitt’s late field goal gives Panthers 37-34 win
It was another close game for the Pitt Panthers, another fourth-quarter lead blown, another opportunity potentially squandered. But thanks to a last-second 31-yard field goal from kicker Chris Blewitt, the Panthers held on to beat the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 37-34, and gave Pitt faithful something to celebrate on homecoming weekend. Pitt started strong on its first drive, torching Georgia Tech. Wide receiver Quadree Henderson tagged the defense for 20 yards on two carries, and the ... Read More
Cheers and Jeers: Barkley rushes Nittany Lions past Terrapins
The Penn State Nittany Lions scored on their first possession and never looked back as they cruised to a 38-14 victory over the undefeated Maryland Terrapins Saturday afternoon. Here are the game's “Cheers and jeers.” Cheers Dynamic duo of McSorley and Barkley— Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley got the rushing game going early on as the duo combined for 221 yards in the first half alone and 435 total yards. Coming into the game, the Nittany Lions were ... Read More
Munchak could pull off his best work vs. Jets
It was a thought unimaginable a few years ago: the Pittsburgh Steelers have a good offensive line. Some of it has come from investing high draft picks and spending more money at the position, but another part is offensive line coach Mike Munchak's influence. When all five starters are healthy, of course. That hasn't been the case this season. With Chris Hubbard set to start at right tackle against the New York Jets on Sunday, it means every lineman (save for the injured Cody Wallace) ... Read More
Big Ben, but no “big” respect
Ever since Ben Roethlisberger donned the black and gold, the Pittsburgh Steelers have had consistency at quarterback position. Putting the various (and numerous) injuries aside, Roethlisberger has always been a steady presence on Pittsburgh's offense, working a changeover of talented running backs, wide receivers and tight ends — all while putting up stellar statistics. But when NFL experts talk about the “elite” quarterbacks, the names they typically mention are Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, ... Read More
Terrapins head to Happy Valley for Homecoming match-up
Maryland Terrapins vs. Penn State Nittany Lions The Records: Penn State (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten); Maryland (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten). The Coaches: Penn State: James Franklin, third season, 41-29 overall, 17-14 at Penn State; Maryland: DJ Durkin, first season as a head coach, 4-0 overall. The Game: It's homecoming in Happy Valley as Penn State welcomes alumni and Maryland to Beaver Stadium for the second game of a three-game home-stand during Big Ten conference play. Maryland comes to State ... Read More
Panthers’ dynamic offense leading the way
There's nothing like some home cooking to cure what ails you. Last Saturday, back at Heinz Field for the first time in three week, the Pitt Panthers (3-2) got back to their winning ways, defeating Marshall 43-27. Now, several weeks in to the season, Pitt's offense seems to have found itself in a serious groove. The Panthers boast a surprisingly potent offense thus far, averaging 37.4 points a contest through five games. Three times already, Pitt has eclipsed the 40-point barrier in a ... Read More