The Pittsburgh Panthers will kick off their 2012 season at home against Youngstown State minus six players due to suspension. Via Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pitt freshman RB Rushel Shell is suspended and will not play vs. YSU today.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) September 1, 2012
Also suspended for tonight's game: Tyrone Ezell, Anthony Gonzalez, Shayne Hale, Ronald Jones and Chris Davis. All for disciplinary reasons.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) September 1, 2012
The suspension of Shell might be the biggest loss for Pitt, as the freshman was expected to contribute with the status of starting running back Ray Graham not yet know for Saturday night's game.
The matchup against Youngstown State will mark the debut of new Pittsburgh head coach Paul Chryst. Kickoff for tonight's game at Heinz Field is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET, and the game can be seen on ESPN3/WatchESPN.
For more on the game, stay tuned to this StoryStream and head over to SB Nation's Pitt blog Cardiac Hill.