Blogs

Dan Hutchins was named first-team selection at punter for Phil Steele’s Midseason All-America team.   Hutchins currently ranks third nationally with a 47.08 average (24 punts for 1,130 yards). Nine of his punts have been downed inside the 20.   The Panthers rank first nationally in net punting with a 44.83 average.

*** First off, the football game was the highlight of the weekend in Syracuse, obviously, but there was a very close second. It happened at the team hotel in Syracuse on Saturday night. The team had already departed for Pittsburgh on a chartered flight, but I stuck around. I was standing in the lobby restaurant/lounge waiting [...]

*** Pitt’s secondary took a hit this week when reserve freshman cornerback K’Waun Williams and sophomore safety Andrew Taglianetti sustained knee injuries. Williams is out and Taglianetti is listed as doubtful. That means Pitt’s No. 3 cornerback will be Buddy Jackson. With Syracuse running a pro-style power attack, we could see more of Tristan Roberts [...]

          Pitt (2-2) at Notre Dame (2-3) 3:30 p.m., Saturday TV/Radio: WPXI/93.7 FM Favorite: Notre Dame by 6.5 Weather: mid-70s, sunny Last meeting: Pitt defeated Notre Dame, 27-22, last season   Injury report Pitt Out Greg Romeus, DE, Back Arthur Doakes, OL, Shoulder Bryan Murphy, DL, Foot Manny Williams, LB, Knee [...]

Coach Dave Wannstedt held his Tuesday press briefing earlier this afternoon and had a few interesting things to say. Also, running back Ray Graham, middle linebacker Max Gruder and weak-side linebacker/nickel back/safety Dom DeCicco spoke with reporters earlier in the day. Here are some highlights from Tuesday’s coverage of Pitt as the Panthers (2-2) prepare [...]

Ray Graham started at tailback against Florida International as sophomore Dion Lewis rests a sore shoulder. Lewis, who was listed as probable on the injury report, is dressed but not expected to play.

Senior kicker Dan Hutchins was added to the list of nominees for the Ray Guy Award, presented annually to the nation’s top punt. Hutchins ranks No. 8 in the nation at 46.67 yards per punt. He was earlier nominated for the Lou Groza Award as the top kicker.

Pitt is leading Navy, 21-7, at halftime at Heinz Field behind a strong first-half performance by quarterback Bill Stull. The senior has completed 12 of 14 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown. Stull also completed a pass to himself for a 23-yard reception when a Navy defender blocked his pass attempt at the line [...]

Pitt middle linebacker Adam Gunn, the reigning Big East Defensive Player of the Week, is not dressed for tonight’s game against Navy (1-1) at Heinz Field with an left ankle sprain. Gunn, a sixth-year senior who is tied for second in the nation with five sacks, will be replaced in the lineup by true freshman [...]