SB Nation Pittsburgh: All Posts by Bryan Crawfordhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48827/pitt-fv.png2012-09-26T11:32:20-04:00https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/authors/bryan-crawford/rss2012-09-26T11:32:20-04:002012-09-26T11:32:20-04:00Paul Jones leaves Penn State football team
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<p>Quarterback turned tight end Paul Jones could be leaving the Penn State football program.</p> <p>Paul Jones was a highly ranked quarterback prospect coming out of high school in 2010. But when Bill O'Brien took over the program earlier this year, he decided to convert the 6'3", 258-pound Jones from a signal caller to a tight end. Now it appears that move from under center has cost the Nittany Lions yet another player.</p>
<p>According to a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/penn-state-football-paul-jones-currently-not-with-team-sources-say-1141639/">StateCollege.com report</a>, Jones is no longer with the team after a personnel package, which was to include him, was removed from the offense this week. Jones had previously complained about his role after Penn State's 34-7 victory over Navy in Week 3, and was said to be reluctant about the change of position, but decided to stick with it and give it a go.</p>
<p>Jones redshirted as a freshman in 2010 and academic issues kept him off the field in 2011. It's unclear what his departure means with regard to his status with the program and the university, but more information should come on that front as the week progresses.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/penn-st-nittany-lions/2012/9/26/3411628/penn-state-football-paul-jonesBryan Crawford2012-09-26T09:02:53-04:002012-09-26T09:02:53-04:00Pirates playoff hopes hanging by a thread
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<p>To say that Wednesday night's matchup with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">New York Mets</a> at Citi Field is a big game for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pittsburgh Pirates</a> is an understatement. The Bucs are fighting for their playoff lives and with one more loss -- or a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">St. Louis Cardinals</a> win -- they'll be eliminated from postseason contention.</p>
<p>Under that scenario, it appears that missing the playoffs this season will be an unavoidable truth for the Pirates, so there is virtually no pressure on pitcher <span>Jeff Locke</span>, who will take the mound for Pittsburgh. The left-hander will be making his fifth start of the season -- ninth of his career -- and will also be looking for his first win. For his career, the 24-year-old enters the game at 0-5 and with an ERA of 5.88.</p>
<p>The Pirates will be looking to continue to aid in their young hurler's development by giving him meaningful innings that they hope will build his confidence and carry over into Spring Training next year.</p>
<p><span>Andrew McCutchen</span> will try and maintain his lead for the NL batting title after going 1-3 on Tuesday night, his seventh consecutive game with a hit. His .336 average places him just slightly ahead of <span>Buster Posey</span> of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">San Francisco Giants</a>, who has a .333 average.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-pirates/2012/9/26/3410836/pirates-vs-mets-previewBryan Crawford2012-09-19T10:21:15-04:002012-09-19T10:21:15-04:00Steelers Vs. Raiders: Pittsburgh Can't Overlook Oakland
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<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Raiders</a> come into Sunday's game against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, 0-2, but the Raiders will look to play the role of bad hosts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum as they try and steal a victory from the Steelers. The most dangerous team in sports is one with nothing to lose and the Steelers would be <a target="_blank" href="http://triblive.com/sports/2625095-85/raiders-game-steelers-season-tomlin-yards-team-polamalu-oakland-practice#axzz26v7GoQoL">wise in avoiding looking past the lowly Raiders</a>, the Trib writes:</p>
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<p>Twice in the past six years, Steelers teams coming off Super Bowl victories were tripped up by terrible Raiders teams, perhaps a forewarning as the Steelers (1-1) prepare for the only game in the first half of the season in which they will be heavily favored to win.</p>
<p>During their last visit to the so-called Black Hole in 2006, <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> threw four interceptions only a week after receiving a concussion in Atlanta. The Raiders returned two for touchdowns, including a 100-yarder by Chris Carr, and upset the Steelers 20-13 - the last time that 2-14 team won all season.</p>
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<p>Despite having a new head coach in Dennis Allen, another poor start to their season and not finishing with a record above .500 in a decade, the Raiders still pose a credible threat to the Steelers, especially on the road.</p>
<p>It also looks like the Steelers will be without two of their major defensive cogs in safety <span>Troy Polamalu</span> and linebacker, <span>James Harrison</span>. Neither player was able to practice on Tuesday and Tomlin doesn't feel very optimistic that the two will be able to go on Sunday.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Pittsburgh Steelers, head over to </i><a href="http://behindthesteelcurtain.com/"><b><i>Behind the Steel Curtain</i></b> </a><i>and continue to check out </i><i><a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/"><b>Nation Pittsburgh</b>.</a></i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2012/9/19/3357182/steelers-vs-raiders-previewBryan Crawford2012-09-12T11:39:39-04:002012-09-12T11:39:39-04:00Penn State Football: Shawney Kersey Leaving Program
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<p>Penn State loses another player from its football program as wide receiver Shawney Kersey has decided to leave the team.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85914/shawney-kersey" class="sbn-auto-link">Shawney Kersey</a>, Penn State's starter and most experienced player at the wide receiver position, has decided to leave the team for what has been called "personal reasons." The announcement was made via the football program's official Twitter account.</p>
<p>In two games this season, the 6'1 wideout caught six passes for 44 yards with his longest reception being just 13 yards. Last season, Kersey had five catches for 108 yards. With the scandal surrounding the program, which caused Justin Brown to transfer to Oklahoma and may have had a role in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84524/devon-smith" class="sbn-auto-link">Devon Smith</a> enrolling at Marshall, Kersey was expected to be a major contributor this season.</p>
<p>His departure from the program now opens the door for true freshman <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159717/trevor-williams" class="sbn-auto-link">Trevor Williams</a> to step into the starting role at receiver.</p>
<p>Kersey is the third player to leave the Nittany Lions since the start of preseason training camp. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114125/luke-graham" class="sbn-auto-link">Luke Graham</a>, a backup left tackle, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114113/dakota-royer" class="sbn-auto-link">Dakota Royer</a>, a tight end, both left the program in August but are still enrolled at the university.</p>
<p><i>For more on Penn State, visit <a href="http://blackshoediaries.com/blackshoediaries.com/"><b>Black Shoe Diaries</b></a> or stick here at </i><a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/"><i><b>SB Nation Pittsburgh</b></i>.</a></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/penn-st-nittany-lions/2012/9/12/3320992/shawney-kersey-penn-state-footballBryan Crawford2012-09-12T11:16:20-04:002012-09-12T11:16:20-04:00NHL Lockout: Sidney Crosby, Other Penguins In New York For CBA Negotiations
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<p>Some of the biggest names in the NHL will converge in New York on Wednesday and lend their presence to the current labor negotiations. Some of the names include Pittsburgh Penguins CEO David Morehouse, Penguins captain <span>Sidney Crosby</span>, players union representative <span>Craig Adams</span>, <span>Brooks Orpik</span> and <span>Marc-Andre Fleury</span>, according to a <a target="_blank" href="http://triblive.com/mobile/msports/#2572847-81/nhl-union-meetings-players-wednesday-crosby-nhlpa-penguins-revenue-york">TribLive.com report</a>.</p>
<p>Both the players and the league have yet to reach a new collective bargaining agreement in order to avoid the first work stoppage the league has seen since 2004. If an agreement is not reached by this Saturday at 11:59 p.m ET., the NHL will implement a lockout of the players.</p>
<p>With training camp set to begin on Sept. 21 and the puck set to drop for regular season games Oct. 11, there isn't much time for the two sides to end their impasse.</p>
<p>Currently at issue is the distribution of hockey-related revenue and a move toward an eventual 50-50 split with the players and a $58 million salary cap beginning next season.</p>
<p><i>For more on the <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Penguins</a> and the possible NHL lockout, please be sure to check out our blog <a href="http://pensburgh.com/">PensBurgh</a> and <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Pittsburgh</a> for all the latest news and updates.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-penguins/2012/9/12/3320816/nhl-lockout-cba-negotiations-penguins-sidney-crosbyBryan Crawford2012-09-12T10:20:41-04:002012-09-12T10:20:41-04:00Notre Dame To Join ACC As Non-Football School
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<p>Notre Dame officially becomes a member of the ACC in all sports except football and hockey.</p> <p>The University of Notre Dame has elected to leave the Big East and join the ACC, according to an <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.theacc.com/genrel/091212aaa.html" target="_blank">official press release</a> by the Atlantic Coast Conference.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish" class="sbn-auto-link">Fighting Irish</a> joined the Big East Conference in 1995 as full member with the exception of football. They won't technically be a football school in the ACC, either, although <a href="http://twitter.com/McMurphyESPN/status/245878966039220224">they'll play</a> five football games per year against ACC teams.</p>
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<p>The Atlantic Coast Conference Council of Presidents has unanimously voted to accept the University of Notre Dame as a new member. The Irish will compete as full members in all conference sponsored sports with the exception of football which will play five games annually against league programs.</p>
<p>"We are committed to keeping the Atlantic Coast Conference a vibrant and competitive league dedicated to ensuring the appropriate balance of academics, athletics and integrity," said the ACC Council of Presidents in a joint statement. "The addition of Notre Dame further strengthens the rich tradition and culture of the ACC as well as allowing for future academic collaboration and we enthusiastically welcome them into the league."</p>
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<p>Notre Dame becomes the latest school to defect to the ACC after <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/pittsburgh-panthers" class="sbn-auto-link">Pitt</a>, which joined the Big East in 1982, announced in July that it would join the ACC next summer. After playing one another in the Big East, the Panthers and Fighting Irish will be reunited yet again in their new conference.</p>
<p><i>For more on Notre Dame's move to the ACC, be sure to check out their SB Nation blog, </i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.onefootdown.com/"><i><b>One Foot Down</b></i></a><i>.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/9/12/3320474/notre-dame-acc-conference-realignmentBryan Crawford2012-08-29T11:32:11-04:002012-08-29T11:32:11-04:00Steelers Position Battles: Jason Worilds, Chris Carter Face Off At Linebacker
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<p>With Pittsburgh Steelers' linebacker <span>Jason Worilds</span> being removed from the PUP list, the battle with Chris Carter for the backup position behind <span>James Harrison</span> and <span>LaMarr Woodley</span> rages on as the Steelers prepare for their Sept. 9 season opener against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a>.</p>
<p>Worilds was the top backup last season but a wrist injury has kept him out of training camp. As a result, Carter has stepped up and competed hard in both practice and in the Steelers' preseason games. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/8/29/3276351/steelers-roster-preseason-depth-chart-position-battle-outside-linebackers-chris-carter-jason-worilds">Behind the Steel Curtain blogger Neal Coolong</a> makes a case for Carter to continue to be given an opportunity to play:</p>
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<p>Carter has a nice step off the line, and looked competent enough in his pass rush where he could be an asset if he continues to develop along the same lines. It's a different story against the run, though. While he can't realistically be expected to anchor down against the run the way Harrison does - and has throughout his tenure with the Steelers - to legitimately compete for that top back-up position, he's going to have to get within the vicinity of that level.</p>
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<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; font-weight: bold;">Steelers</a>, head over to <a href="http://behindthesteelcurtain.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; font-weight: bold;">Behind the Steel Curtain </a>and continue to check out <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; font-weight: bold;">SB Nation Pittsburgh </a>for the latest on the squad.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/8/29/3276833/steelers-position-battles-jason-worilds-chris-carterBryan Crawford2012-08-22T11:56:08-04:002012-08-22T11:56:08-04:00Bowl Projections 2012: Pitt Projected To Face Kansas State In Pinstripe Bowl
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<p>The Pitt Panthers have yet to play their first meaningful game of the 2012 college football season, but <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/college-football-rapidreports/19808899/big-east-20122013-bowl-projections" target="_blank">CBS Sports</a> has begun the process of putting out bowl predictions and the site has slated the Panthers to participate in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl which is played at Yankee Stadium:</p>
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<p>Pittsburgh (No. 56 overall): Pinstripe Bowl vs. Kansas State, Dec. 29</p>
<p>With a new coaching staff and questions on the defensive line, the Panthers ranking at No. 56 overall is reasonable. Pitt is ranked ahead of Cincinnati (No. 58) and above SEC newcomers Missouri (No. 63) and Texas A&M (No. 64). If the Panthers face the Wildcats in the Bronx, the defensive line could be in for a test. Kansas State is led by a quarterback in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36403/collin-klein">Collin Klein</a>, who accounted for 40 touchdowns in 2011. Klein is arguably one of the most underrated players in FBS.</p>
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<p>Of course this is purely speculative as games still have to be played. The Pinstripe Bowl is one of the lesser postseason bowl games but it is in New York City which would make it much easier for Panthers football fans who've had to travel to Birmingham, Ala. the last two years for the BBVA Compass Bowl.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; ">For more on Pitt football, stay tuned to this Storystream and visit <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; font-weight: bold; " href="http://www.cardiachill.com/" target="_blank">Cardiac Hill</a></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; ">.</span></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/8/22/3260294/bowl-projections-2012-pitt-footballBryan Crawford2012-08-22T11:07:02-04:002012-08-22T11:07:02-04:00Pitt's Senior Wideouts Look To Make Final Mark
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<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/pittsburgh-panthers" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Panthers</a> have four experienced seniors at the wide receiver spot: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37503/mike-shanahan" class="sbn-auto-link">Mike Shanahan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75541/devin-street" class="sbn-auto-link">Devin Street</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37482/cameron-saddler" class="sbn-auto-link">Cameron Saddler</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134016/joshua-brinson" class="sbn-auto-link">Joshua Brinson</a>. With Shanahan and Street's starting spots secure, this will be Saddler and Brinson's last shot at leaving their imprint on the program, according to a Cardiac Hill's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cardiachill.com/2012/8/21/3256696/cam-saddler-joshua-brinson-pitt-panthers-football-receivers-paul-chryst-devin-street-mike-shanahan" style="background-color: #ffffff;">training camp report</a>:</p>
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<p>Even though Pitt returns its top two receivers, the third receiver spot is wide open. That position very might well end up being filled by sophomore <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134013/ronald-jones" class="sbn-auto-link">Ronald Jones</a>, who is producing at camp after producing on the field as a freshman. But for Pitt's two other senior wide receivers -- Cameron Saddler and Joshua Brinson -- it's their last chance to make an impact on the field.</p>
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<p>Last October, Saddler suffered a fractured sternum against UConn and was forced to miss the remainder of the season. He finished with 19 catches for 207 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p>Brinson had a more pedestrian campaign in 2011 as he appeared in eight games and had just one reception for three yards. However, the versatile senior is expected to have a much larger role on the field for the Panthers in 2012.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on Pitt football's training camp, stay tuned to <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-panthers/2012/8/3/3218597/pitt-football-training-camp-mark-myers-to-transfer-juantez-hollins">this StoryStream</a> and visit SB Nation's Pitt blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cardiachill.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; font-weight: bold;">Cardiac Hill</a></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">.</span></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/8/22/3260229/pitt-football-senior-receiversBryan Crawford2012-08-22T10:04:47-04:002012-08-22T10:04:47-04:00Steelers Preseason: Jonathan Dwyer Takes On Increased Role Among RBs
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<p>With <span>Rashard Mendenhall</span> continuing to rehab from a torn ACL suffered in January and <span>Isaac Redman</span> recovering from an injury to his hip, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> running back <span>Jonathan Dwyer</span> is getting an opportunity to showcase his talents.</p>
<p>In his third season, Dwyer is looking to be a key piece to the Steelers' running game behind new offensive coordinator Todd Haley's increased focus on the ground attack. The 23-year-old has rushed for 83 yards on 10 carries through Pittsburgh's first two preseason games, including 43 yards on the ground against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> on Sunday.</p>
<p>The Steelers haven't been a top five rushing team in the NFL since <span>Jerome Bettis</span> retired in 2005, as the team has relied heavily on quarterback <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> making plays through the passing game.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For all news and information regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers, please visit <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Behind the Steel Curtain</a> or head on over to <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Pittsburgh</a>.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/8/22/3260105/pittsburgh-steelers-jonathan-dwyerBryan Crawford