SB Nation Pittsburgh: All Posts by Brandon Klinehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48827/pitt-fv.png2013-01-04T13:07:55-05:00https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/authors/brandon-kline/rss2013-01-04T13:07:55-05:002013-01-04T13:07:55-05:00Dana Holgorsen likely to shake up coaching staff
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<p>Dana Holgorsen just wrapped up his second season as West Virginia's head coach.</p> <p>Following a 7-6 season and a disappointing loss to Syracuse in the Pinstripe Bowl, West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen is likely to make some coaching changes in the coming weeks. According to <a href="http://blogs.dailymail.com/wvu/2013/01/04/dana-holgorsen-grabs-the-arrow/" target="_blank">a post by Mike Casazza</a>, Holgorsen has revealed very little about his plans.</p>
<p>At the very least, the Mountaineers are in need of a new cornerbacks coach. Holgorsen relieved Daron Roberts of that post in early December, after West Virginia allowed more passing yards and touchdowns than any other team in the Big 12. Rumors pointed to a few replacement candidates, but Casazza admits that these were all unconfirmed.</p>
<p>In addition to a new cornerbacks coach, Holgorsen is expected to make further changes. All that fans and reporters can do is speculate at this point. Other defensive alterations seem most likely, since West Virginia's defense gave up an average of 38.1 points per game this season. Holgorsen will attend the coaching convention, which begins on Monday in Nashville.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/west-virginia-mountaineers/2013/1/4/3835836/west-virginia-football-dana-holgorsen-coaching-staffBrandon Kline2012-12-29T11:28:13-05:002012-12-29T11:28:13-05:00Steelers add Ta'amu, Gilreath from practice squad
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<p>The Steelers made several roster moves on Friday in preparation for their Week 17 meeting with the Browns.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> have signed nose tackle <span>Alameda Ta'amu</span> and wide receiver <span>David Gilreath</span> from their practice squad, according to <a href="http://www.steelersdepot.com/2012/12/steelers-sign-gilreath-place-wallace-brown-adams-on-ir/" target="_blank">Steelers Depot</a>. The two will fill in on Sunday when the Steelers take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>.</p>
<p>Ta'amu was a fourth-round selection by Pittsburgh in the 2012 draft. The Steelers waived the nose tackle in November, but later added him to the practice squad. Ta'amu is perhaps best known by fans for a DUI arrest in October in which he allegedly fled from police officers and resisted arrest.</p>
<p>Gilreath has bounced between Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay this season. After playing in a few games for the Steelers -- serving primarily as a punt returner -- Gilreath was dropped and signed with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a>. But Gilreath found himself back in Pittsburgh after being waived by the Bucs just a few weeks later.</p>
<p>On Friday, the Steelers placed wide receiver <span>Mike Wallace</span>, tackle Mike Adams, and cornerback <span>Curtis Brown</span> on injured reserve. The three were previously ruled out for the season finale because of injuries.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2012/12/29/3814620/steelers-alameda-taamu-david-gilreathBrandon Kline2012-12-29T08:42:30-05:002012-12-29T08:42:30-05:00Jeff Braun will start at center for WVU
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<p>Jeff Braun will make his second career start at center when West Virginia takes on Syracuse in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38546/jeff-braun">Jeff Braun</a> has been <a href="http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/201212270141" target="_blank">preparing to start at center</a> for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/west-virginia-mountaineers">West Virginia Mountaineers</a> in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl since the team learned last week that starting center <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38553/joe-madsen">Joe Madsen</a> will be academically ineligible. West Virginia will take on the Syracuse Orangemen on Saturday.</p>
<p>In another way, Braun has been preparing to start at center for years. The fifth-year senior has started games at tackle and guard, but has continued to practice at center. With Braun moving over to center, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84152/pat-eger" class="sbn-auto-link">Pat Eger</a> will take over at right guard.</p>
<p>Braun has not played center in a game since 2009, but insists he is up to the challenge, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/201212270141">he told the Daily Mail</a>:</p>
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<p>"For me, it's been like riding a bike. I snapped my whole senior year (of high school), so once I got the ball back in my hands, snapping it came naturally for me. I'm not worried about that."</p>
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<p>Aside from the 2010 Champs Sports Bowl against NC State, when he was also ruled academically ineligible, Madsen has started every game at center for the Mountaineers since 2009.</p>
<p>The offensive line has been crucial to WVU's passing and rushing attack this season. QB Geno Smith was sacked just 17 times all season, which is second-lowest among quarterbacks who also threw for at least 4000 yards. The ground game became more effective in the last three games of the season, when the Mountaineers averaged 312 rushing yards per game.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/west-virginia-mountaineers/2012/12/29/3814234/new-era-pinstripe-bowl-wvu-vs-syracuseBrandon Kline2012-12-28T15:58:49-05:002012-12-28T15:58:49-05:00Steelers vs. Browns injury report
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<p>The Steelers wrap up their season on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Pittsburgh (7-8) was eliminated from playoff contention last weekend.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> will be without several important players on Sunday when they take on the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a>. Wide receiver <span>Mike Wallace</span> (hip) <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/28/3811956/mike-wallace-injury-out-steelers-week-17">was ruled out on Friday</a>. In addition, offensive tackle Mike Adams (ankle), defensive back <span>Curtis Brown</span> (ankle), and linebacker <span>Marshall McFadden</span> (abdomen) will all sit during Week 17.</p>
<p>The Steelers do expect cornerback <span>Keenan Lewis</span> (knee) and offensive guard <span>David DeCastro</span> (hamstring) to be active. Both are listed as probable for Sunday, and were full participants in practice on Friday.</p>
<p>Safety Troy Polamalu is also on the injury report, though he has not suffered any recent injuries. The veteran defensive back has played in only six games this season, and Pittsburgh may choose to rest him since Sunday's game does not have any playoff implications. Polamalu sat out from practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but was a full participant on Friday.</p>
<p>Earlier this week, the Steelers added running back <span>Baron Batch</span> (arm), cornerback <span>Ike Taylor</span> (ankle), and tight end <span>Heath Miller</span> (ACL) to injured reserve.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2012/12/28/3812488/steelers-browns-injury-report-nfl-week-17Brandon Kline2012-12-22T09:10:17-05:002012-12-22T09:10:17-05:00West Virginia vs. Radford preview
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<p>The Mountaineers face the Radford Highlanders in the second of four straight home games for West Virginia.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/west-virginia-mountaineers">West Virginia Mountaineers</a> hope to remain unbeaten at home when they host the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/radford-highlanders">Radford Highlanders</a> on Saturday afternoon. The Mountaineers are 3-0 this season in Morgantown, but just 2-5 in away contests. Radford is 5-6 so far, but has lost its last three.</p>
<p>Radford's second-year head coach is former West Virginia assistant Mike Jones. The Highlanders are already close to eclipsing last year's win total of six.</p>
<p>2012 has been somewhat disappointing so far for WVU, but the Mountaineers still have time to improve their record and their chances at an NCAA tournament birth. Sophomore guard Juwan Staten leads the team in scoring (10.8 PPG). Offense has been a problem for the Mountaineers this season. As a team, they have shot 40.1 percent from the field, which ranks worst in the Big 12.</p>
<p>Radford's best player has been Javonte Green. The sophomore guard leads the Highlanders in scoring (13.8 PPG), rebounding (7.2 RPG), and field goal percentage (55.1%).</p>
<p><b>Time</b>: 4 p.m. EST</p>
<p><b>TV</b>: Root Sports</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/west-virginia-mountaineers/2012/12/22/3794832/radford-vs-wvu-basketball-preview-timeBrandon Kline2012-12-22T08:42:06-05:002012-12-22T08:42:06-05:00CBs Keenan Lewis & Cortez Allen probable vs. CIN
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<p>The Steelers will face the Bengals' tough passing attack with a battered secondary on Sunday, but they do expect to have Keenan Lewis and Cortez Allen available.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>' cornerbacks <span>Keenan Lewis</span> and <span>Cortez Allen</span> both <a href="http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/3147518-74/game-injury-running#axzz2FfqjB8b1" target="_blank">practiced on Friday</a>, and are probable for Sunday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>. Lewis left last week's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> with a hip injury. <a href="http://www.steelersdepot.com/2012/12/steelers-injury-report-keenan-lewis-still-unable-to-practice-fully-on-friday/" target="_blank">Dave Bryan at Steelers Depot</a> expressed concerns that Lewis, despite being listed as probable, has been limited in practice all week. Allen, meanwhile, did not play against Dallas because of a groin injury, but has been somewhat less limited in practice this week.</p>
<p>The young defensive backs have recently been required to take on a greater workload since veteran corner <span>Ike Taylor</span> has missed Pittsburgh's last two games with an ankle injury. Taylor will miss a third straight game on Sunday.</p>
<p>Allen, and possibly Lewis, will be largely responsible for covering Cincinnati's <span>A.J. Green</span>, who leads the NFL in touchdown receptions this season, with 11. Despite their banged up secondary, the Steelers allow the fewest passing yards per game in the league (180.6).</p>
<p>In addition to Lewis and Allen, safety <span>Troy Polamalu</span> (not injury related) and cornerback <span>Curtis Brown</span> (knee) are listed as probable.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2012/12/22/3794790/bengals-vs-steelers-keenan-lewis-cortez-allen-injuriesBrandon Kline2012-12-21T15:32:41-05:002012-12-21T15:32:41-05:00Robert Foster picks Alabama over Pitt
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<p>Robert Foster will not be playing for his hometown Pitt Panthers next season. The Monaca native is headed to Alabama instead.</p> <p>Wide receiver Robert Foster announced that he will attend Alabama next season, <a href="https://twitter.com/JDiPaola_Trib/status/282210768794038272" target="_blank">according to Jerry DiPaola</a>. The 6'3, 190-pound senior at Central Valley is the No. 2 receiver on the ESPN 150. Foster is one of this year's most prized recruits and will participate in the Under Armour All-America Game in January.</p>
<p>The Monaca, Pa. native was approached by Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, USC, West Virginia, and others. Foster logged official visits with Alabama and Pitt in October and November. The Crimson Tide and Panthers have long been known as his two top choices. </p>
<p>Pitt's leader in receiving yards, senior <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37503/mike-shanahan">Mike Shanahan</a> (926 yards, 58 receptions, five touchdowns), is expected to enter the NFL Draft in 2013. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75541/devin-street">Devin Street</a>, the Panthers' receptions leader, is a junior and plans to return to Pitt for one more season.</p>
<p>Alabama has no scholarship receivers who are expected to graduate or leave, so the Crimson Tide will return their full receiving corps in 2013.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-panthers/2012/12/21/3792990/robert-foster-alabama-pitt-football-recruitingBrandon Kline2012-12-21T13:23:06-05:002012-12-21T13:23:06-05:00Bucs shopping Hanrahan in exchange for a SS
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<p>The Pirates are reportedly trying to trade closer Joel Hanrahan, who will be eligible for free agency in 2014.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pittsburgh Pirates</a> are rumored to be shopping closer <span>Joel Hanrahan</span> in exchange for a shortstop. <a href="https://twitter.com/jperrotto/status/282177384902451201" target="_blank">John Perrotto reports</a> that the team is interested in <span>Dee Gordon</span> of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> or <span>Jose Iglesias</span> of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a>. Previously, Hanrahan had been connected to a deal involving lefty pitcher <span>Chris Capuano</span>. But following the <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-pirates/2012/12/21/3792018/francisco-liriano-pittsburgh-pirates" target="_blank">signing of Francisco Liriano</a> to a two-year deal, a trade for Capuano seems less likely.</p>
<p>Gordon is a young speedster who hit an impressive .304 in his first season (2011), while swiping 24 bases in just 56 games. Last season, the shortstop missed more than two months after tearing the UCL in his right thumb. Gordon continued to steal bases at a tremendous rate in 2012, but his average fell to just .228. Following a trade for <span>Hanley Ramirez</span>, Gordon is slated to serve as a backup in 2013.</p>
<p>Iglesias, who will turn 23 next year, has even less major-league experience than Gordon. In just 74 career at-bats, Iglesias hit .135 for the Red Sox. He was expected to have a chance at earning the starting shortstop job, but will probably be relegated to the bench after<a href="http://boston.sbnation.com/red-sox/2012/12/17/3776328/boston-red-sox-stephen-drew-free-agent-offseason" target="_blank"> Boston acquired Stephen Drew</a>.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-pirates/2012/12/21/3792542/pirates-trade-rumors-joel-hanrahan-red-sox-dodgersBrandon Kline2012-12-21T12:55:24-05:002012-12-21T12:55:24-05:00Experts react on Pirates' signing of Liriano
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<p>In a surprise move, the Pirates signed Francisco Liriano to a two-year deal worth $14 million.</p> <p>Baseball experts expressed mixed reactions following the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pittsburgh Pirates</a>' signing of left-handed pitcher <span>Francisco Liriano</span> to a two-year contract worth $14 million. In his six seasons, the 29-year-old has showed immense potential at times, but struggled greatly at others.</p>
<p>For <a target="_blank" href="http://www.whygavs.com/pittsburgh-pirates/august-2012/report-pirates-agree-to-terms-with-francisco-liriano.html">Pat Lackey</a>, cases for and against Liriano are equally convincing:</p>
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<p>Liriano's still got a great arm (his average fastball last year was 93 mph) and when he's good he keeps the ball on the ground a ton (career GB%: 47.5%)...On the flip side, Liriano's had two good years in his entire career. He's struggled with control recently, he's never topped 200 innings, and $14 million isn't expensive for what his ceiling represents, but it's incredibly expensive for a team like the Pirates if he turns out to be a total bust.</p>
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<p>Lackey also points out that PNC Park could be a great fit for Liriano. The signing is a substantial gamble for Pittsburgh, but if Liriano reaches his potential, it could be extremely beneficial for both parties.</p>
<p>Here's what Keith Law had to say:</p>
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<p>Can't believe he got two years. years"@<a href="https://twitter.com/sportsnwhatnot">sportsnwhatnot</a>: @<a href="https://twitter.com/keithlaw">keithlaw</a> Thoughts on Liriano to Pittsburgh?"— keithlaw (@keithlaw) <a data-datetime="2012-12-21T17:07:30+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/282170440804352000">December 21, 2012</a></p>
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<p>Liriano has struggled with consistency and durability following Tommy John surgery in 2007. The $7 million-per-year average salary is a $1.5 million raise compared to the $5.5 million he made in 2012.</p>
<p><a href="http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/21/francisco-liriano-expected-to-sign-with-the-pirates/" target="_blank">Aaron Gleeman</a> managed to find upside in Liriano's 2012 statistics, even though the year was mostly a disappointment. Despite his 5.34 ERA and 1.49 WHIP, Liriano still sported a 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings rate last season. If he had pitched enough innings to qualify, that mark would have been third-best in the majors. Gleeman writes:</p>
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<p>As always, if someone can get Liriano to throw strikes consistently and trust his raw stuff the 29-year-old left-hander still has plenty of upside.</p>
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https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-pirates/2012/12/21/3792364/francisco-liriano-pirates-signing-reactionBrandon Kline2012-12-15T09:13:03-05:002012-12-15T09:13:03-05:00Mountaineers vs. Wolverines at Barclays Center
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<p>The Mountaineers face off against the unbeaten Wolverines and coach John Beilein on Saturday. Before coming to Michigan, Beilein coached at West Virginia for five seasons.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/west-virginia-mountaineers">West Virginia Mountaineers</a> will square off against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/michigan-wolverines">Michigan Wolverines</a> on Saturday night in the Brooklyn Hoops Winter Festival at the Barclays Center. Former WVU coach John Beilein is now the head coach at Michigan, where he has led the No. 3 Wolverines to a perfect 2012 season so far. This is Beilein's first time facing his former team.</p>
<p>Michigan is looking to start its season with an 11th straight victory, while West Virginia can get above .500 with a win on Saturday. The Mountaineers have struggled on the road so far this season, going just 1-4 in games away from Morgantown.</p>
<p>West Virginia's offense has been underwhelming, as they average just 69.3 points per game in their first eight contests. The Mountaineer offense is led by sophomore guard Juwan Staten (10.6 PPG).</p>
<p>Michigan, meanwhile, has scored 77.9 points per game. The Wolverines have shot 50.7 percent from the field, which is seventh-best in the nation. They are led by a trio of guards, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145685/trey-burke">Trey Burke</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123897/tim-hardaway-jr">Tim Hardaway Jr</a>., and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175047/nik-stauskas">Nik Stauskas</a>. The three combine for 45.4 points per game.</p>
<p><b>Time</b>: 8 p.m. ET</p>
<p><b>TV</b>: ESPN</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/west-virginia-mountaineers/2012/12/15/3769602/west-virginia-vs-michigan-preview-basketballBrandon Kline