Post-Gazette Sports Network: Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and more

The field is set for the WPIAL football playoffs, and our high school insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White say the league's football committee made some head-scratching decisions in the Class 4A bracket. New Castle and Montour tied for a conference championship, so why in the world did the WPIAL put them against each other in the first round of the playoffs? Did Trinity deserve the No. 2 seed?Central Catholic, Pine-Richland, McKeesport, Avonworth, Seton LaSalle and Fort Cherry are the No. 1 seeds. Will they all end up as champions? Seton LaSalle's Kymarr Freeman and Burrell's Antonio Perkins are this...

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to an NFL Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium.

Was captain Cam Heyward right to call out his unit after it was dominated by Packers QB Jordan Love and TE Tucker Kraft? How can coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin fix the group, with fans holding high expectations of names like T.J. Watt, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Nick Herbig, Patrick Queen and others? And how...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's NFL Week 8 matchup with the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium.

Why did did the secondary -- led by Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay Jr. and Jalen Ramsey -- struggle so badly against QB Jordan Love, TE Tucker Kraft and the Packers passing game? Where was the pressure from T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon and others as they failed to generate a sack for a second consecutive game? How should we grade QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs DK...

Host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette sports columnist Noah Hiles react LIVE to the Steelers' NFL Week 8 Sunday Night Football matchup with the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium.

How did QB Aaron Rodgers perform against his long-time team? Was he able to put up points with offensive personnel including DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Jonnu Smith, Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell? Or were Micah Parsons and the Packers defense able to keep him in check? Who won the coaching matchup between Mike Tomlin and Matt LaFleur? How did DBs...

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' 53-34 win over NC State on Saturday, during which freshman QB Mason Heintschel threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns.

What led to Heintschel's stellar performance, and how far can the true freshman take them? Are they contenders in the ACC? What led the offense to have such a major bounce back after a disappointing outing against Syracuse last weekend? How can the wide receivers trio of Kenny Johnson, Blue Hicks and Poppi Williams Jr. keep up this production? And how did the defense, led...

On the Saturday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko ponder which defensive problems the Steelers most need to fix ahead of an NFL Week 8 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

Are coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin too focused on stopping the run compared to the pass? How can they get DBs including Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay Jr., Joey Porter Jr. and others on track when facing a tough matchup against QB Jordan Love? And where do front seven members...

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley continue their series of podcasts looking back on the 2025 season and forward at moves GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly could make to improve.

Did Henry Davis become good enough defensively to overcome his offensive shortcomings? Should Joey Bart have a role on this team as a struggling defender? And where do Endy Rodriguez and Rafael Flores fit into the future at the position?

The guys ponder those questions as well as the DH spot, where Andrew McCutchen's future looms large.

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On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise to ponder the Steelers' options at the NFL trade deadline amid struggles from the prospective rookie class of QBs in the NFL draft.

Should coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan still be hoarding picks to select names like Drew Allar, Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik, even as they've struggled to meet expectations? Or should they consider trading some picks for a proven wide receiver for QB Aaron Rodgers...

Post-Gazette Pitt football insiders Abby Schnable and Stephen Thompson get you ready for the Panthers' matchup with the NC State Wolfpack on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. This show is presented by FanDuel.

How can coach Pat Narduzzi and OC Kade Bell get freshman QB Mason Heintschel back on track after a rocky outing against Syracuse? Can the defense survive another game with Rasheem Biles and Kyle Louis injured? Why are CJ Bailey and Hollywood Smothers the names to beware of for the Wolfpack? And what are Stephen and Abby's picks for this game that has sneaky ACC...

In their weekly Pitt football chat, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise to ponder Pitt's outlook amid a slew of injuries to some key players.

Can coach Pat Narduzzi and Co. stay in ACC contention without RB Desmond Reid, LB Rasheem Biles and LB Kyle Louis at full strength? Which of those three players is the most valuable? Why hasn't Kade Bell's offense been able to run very well when Reid is off the field? Are opponents starting to notice tendencies with freshman QB Mason Heintschel within OC Kade Bell's offense...

In their weekly Penn State football chat, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise ponder how meaningful the Nittany Lions results for the rest of the season will be.

Will more struggles under interim coach Terry Smith from OC Andy Kotelnicki and DC Jim Knowles further validate James Franklin's firing as coach? Or has the move given the team permission to lose focus on 2025? Do Ethan Grunkemeyer, Kaytron Allen, Dani Dennis-Sutton and Co. have any hope of upsetting Ryan Day and Ohio State or Curt Cignetti and Indiana? Do Matt Rhule's results at Nebraska for...

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Green Bay Packers legend LeRoy Butler to preview the showdown between the two teams in NFL Week 8 at Acrisure Stadium.

Why does LeRoy believe coaches Mike Tomlin and Matt LaFleur could be matching wits again in a Super Bowl rematch of this contest? What does he expect from the QB matchup of Jordan Love vs. Aaron Rodgers and his team of offensive options that includes DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington? Plus defensive stars like Cam...

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise gives his thoughts on the Steelers quarterback situation through the lens of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields struggling elsewhere, with Fields notably drawing criticism this week from his New York Jets owner, Woody Johnson.

Do coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan deserve more credit for zeroing in on Aaron Rodgers when he became available this offseason? Could Wilson or Fields have had similar success in Arthur Smith's offense with weapons like DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth around them? And will the ultimate outcome be...

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Isaiah Maldonado to react to the weekend loss to Iowa in the first game since James Franklin's firing.

How much was Ethan Grunkemeyer to blame for struggles in his first start at QB in place of the injured Drew Allar? And how much criticism should OC Andy Kotelnicki shoulder? Have Trebor Pena, Kyron Hudson and Devonte Ross already become the most disappointing group of transfer wide receivers yet? What are reasonable expectations for tight end Luke Reynolds...

On their weekly Serving Up Pitt volleyball podcast, Post-Gazette Panthers insider Abby Schnable welcomes former standout Cat Flood to react to a busy weekend of action for the squad.

What did we learn about coach Dan Fisher's team after it was able to rally from a steep deficit Friday night against Notre Dame? Does the win over No. 4 Louisville later in the weekend prove this team is still a national title contender? How valuable have Marina Pezelj and Mallorie Meyer proven to be as depth? And is Olivia Babcock the frontrunner for player of the year nationally...

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to analyze the team's offensive line.

Are young players like Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick actually improving? Or benefitting from heavy sets that include tight ends like Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith? And better-than-expected mobility from QB Aaron Rodgers? Can Jones and Fautanu take the next steps in their growth and become good NFL tackles before the NFL season ends? Is guard Isaac Seumalo an...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the Steelers facility after Tuesday's practice leading up to the team's "Sunday Night Football" matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

Can we expect reinforcements at wide receiver, with Calvin Austin III set to return after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury? How does that affect coordinator Arthur Smith's offensive game plan? Is Pat Freiermuth back to producing at a high level along with fellow tight ends Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward?

How is Aaron Rodgers continuing to play at such...

On their latest Pirates season-in-review podcast, presented by FanDuel, Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey look at what went right and what went wrong for the infield in 2025. And moves GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly could make to improve it in the year ahead.

Was Spencer Horwitz the biggest success story within the group with solid production at first base? Can more be expect of Nick Gonzales at second base? Will Konnor Griffin be an answer at shortstop at the MLB level in 2026? And why might Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies be among the best...

Post-Gazette Pitt football insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable tackle a variety of hot topics around the team ahead of a key ACC matchup with North Carolina State on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium.

Should fans worry about star running back Desmond Reid after he missed most of the Syracuse win last week because of injury? And how should we interpret coach Pat Narduzzi's comments on the matter? How much longer can Cam Lindsey and Nick Lapi hold out at linebacker with Rasheem Biles and Kyle Louis injured? And what did Abby notice from coach Jeff Capel's men's...

Heading into the final weekend of the WPIAL football regular season, high school insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White tell you who should be the top seeds in each classification. Should Aliquippa get one of the two wild card playoffs spots in Class 4A and should Clairton or Fort Cherry get the No. 1 seed in Class 1A? Mohawk's Bobby Fadden is a five-sport athlete who has made WPIAL football history and is one of our Shining Stars. And who wins this week's big games of Westinghouse vs. University Prep (Pittsburgh City League championship), Steel Valley at South Allegheny, Montour...

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Noah Hiles welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to talk about Aaron Rodgers as he prepares to face his former team this week.

Is the veteran QB ready for the challenge of taking down the Green Bay Packers in NFL Week 8 at Acrisure Stadium? What will he have to say about his first game as a Packers opponent? Will his comments be similar or different than they were in the lead-up to the NFL Week 1 matchup with the New York Jets, who cut...

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo analyze changes the defense needs to make ahead of an NFL Week 8 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

What adjustments should coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin make? Particularly in the secondary? Do players including Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay Jr. and Brandin Echols need to be used differently after getting beaten badly by Joe Flacco, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins last week? And how can front seven options...

Pitt football insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable react to Saturday's road win at Syracuse. Nick Lapi and Cam Lindsey stepped up with leading linebackers Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles out. But the offensive line was the crux of Pitt's offensive issues (penalties, not great blocking, allowed 7 sacks). It was anything but pretty, but a key play from Kenny Johnson and three interceptions kept momentum flowing.

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On the Saturday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise to sort through the level of blame coach Mike Tomlin deserves for the NFL Week 7 loss to the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football.

Was the game plan flawed from the start? Where was the pressure from the pass rush and stars like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton, Derick Harmon and others? Were the 3- and 4-man rushes frequently deployed simply not enough to disrupt Bengals QB Joe...

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley begin their offseason analysis series by looking at the outfield. If Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds improve enough, will the issues in the outfield be addressed from within? If not, who should the Pirates go after in free agency? And how close is Esmerlyn Valdez to the big leagues?

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In his weekly YouTube appearance discussing Pitt football, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise weighs in on the win against Florida State last week and what it says about the Panthers' chances in the ACC title race. Did the upset legitimize the upside coach Pat Narduzzi's team has? Or are the Seminoles under coach Mike Norvell too inconsistent to count as a significant landmark victory? Can Narduzzi win the games his team is favored in the rest of the way? Especially with a freshman at QB in Mason Heintschel? And how much flack does Narduzzi deserve for choosing Eli Holstein...

In his weekly Penn State YouTube segment, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to react to the Nittany Lions' firing of coach James Franklin this week. Was the move by AD Pat Kraft too impulsive in hindsight? Did he deserve at least another year considering Penn State was in the Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff less than a year ago? What does Paul make of legacy candidates for the job including Nebraska's Matt Rhule and Cincinnati Bengals DC Al Golden, both of whom played for Joe Paterno in Happy Valley? And what should we...

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko react to the team's NFL Week 7 loss to the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football.

Why were Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay Jr., DeShon Elliott and the Steelers' secondary so bad in many coverage against the Bengals' passing attack led by Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Joe Flacco? Were expectations that coach Mike Tomlin's secondary would thrive in one-on-one situations misplaced? Or is this still an area...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap the Steelers' NFL Week 7 loss against the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football.

Why were the Bengals' Joe Flacco, Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase able to have so much success against Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay Jr., Joey Porter Jr., DeShon Elliott and the Steelers' vaunted secondary? How did Bengals RB Chase Brown pile up over 100 yards against a Steelers defensive front that includes Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson? And where does coach Mike Tomlin's defense stand moving forward?

Host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise react LIVE to the Steelers' NFL Week 7 Thursday Night Football matchup with the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.

Were Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Darnell Washington and others able to maintain their momentum in the passing game? How did Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and the offensive line perform against the Bengals' pass rush? Were they able to clear running room for RBs Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell against a porous Bengals secondary?

On the defensive side, how well was the...

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Isaiah Maldonado ponder the top candidates to replace James Franklin as head coach after he was fired Sunday. Will the ties Matt Rhule, Al Golden or D'Anton Lynn have to the program and Joe Paterno years win out? Could successful head coaches with outsider resumes like Eli Drinkwitz, P.J. Fleck and Curt Cignetti have success in Happy Valley? Should fans want to see Franklin-era legacy hires like Joe Brady and/or Manny Diaz make a return? Or would young coordinators like...

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter welcomes NFL analyst Ross Tucker to chart the growth of the offensive line.

Are Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick figuring things out in protection of QB Aaron Rodgers? How much room do they still have to grow as a line? And can they find more chemistry in the running game for backs including Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson within OC Arthur Smith's offense?

Our duo...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the Steelers practice facility after Tuesday's practice leading up to the team's "Thursday Night Football" matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.

What can we expect from the Steelers defense, which went out and got defensive backs like Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay Jr. to pair with Joey Porter Jr. and take on guys like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins? What does it say about that unit's depth that they may be able to move guys around and use in different matchups and coverages?

What can we...

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Colin Beazley and Jason Mackey return for their first podcast of the MLB offseason talking arbitration decisions looming for GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly. How much are names like Oneil Cruz, Dennis Santana, Joey Bart, Johan Oviedo and Colin Holderman worth to this team? Could any of them, or others like Jack Suwinski, Justin Lawrence, Yohan Ramirez or Dauri Moreta be non-tender candidates? And how does the potential re-signing -- or lack thereof -- of Andrew McCutchen factor into the conversation? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

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On this week's Varsity Xtra Podcast, Post-Gazette high school insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White take a look at what Penn State recruits from the WPIAL -- including Fort Cherry's Matt Sieg and McKeesport's Kemon Spell -- might do following James Franklin's firing as coach. They also look back at interim coach Terry Smith's time in the WPIAL as a player and coach.

Later, they tackle some hot topics on the field in Wester Pa. Could Thomas Jefferson or Aliquippa really miss the WPIAL playoffs? Can Fox Chapel's Harran Zureikat break the state record for longest field...

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to analyze the early results from first-round NFL draft pick Derrick Harmon.

Is he proving why he was worthy of being the team's first-round NFL draft pick, even over fellow standout rookies like the Giants' Jaxson Dart? How is his play opening up room for other members of the defense? Including names like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Patrick Queen and Keeanu Benton? And how much room does he still have to grow as a...

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin's weekly news conference ahead of an NFL Week 7 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football.

Why did Tomlin call out the Cleveland Browns and GM Andrew Berry so harshly for their trade of Joe Flacco to the AFC North rival Bengals? Are his frustrations with the intradivision trade valid? Or was there merit to the deal for both sides?

Paul gives his thoughts on those questions, plus the win over the Browns in NFL Week 6. Have Aaron Rodgers...

Post-Gazette Pitt football insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable react to the Panthers' upset of Florida State this past week and how it may or may not reframe expectations for coach Pat Narduzzi's team the rest of the season.

Could freshman QB Mason Heintschel and RB Desmond Reid still possibly lead the team to an ACC championship appearance? Or would that be asking too much of them within OC Kade Bell's offense? Is the defensive line in trouble following the loss of Zach Crothers for the season due to injury? Or could names like Blaine Spires and...

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo give their thoughts on a rousing victory against the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Specifically, they weigh in on the offense's performance. Have Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren, Darnell Washington and others shown fans enough to believe in the unit? Or do we still need to be in wait-and-see mode with OC Arthur Smit's group? Later, they ponder the defense's improvements. Was the dominance of rookie QB Dillon Gabriel a...

Host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise react LIVE to the Steelers' NFL Week 6 matchup with the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.

Was coach Mike Tomlin's defense able to keep its momentum from the Dublin, Ireland win against the Minnesota Vikings going? Were names like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton and Derrick Harmon able to build on a six-sack effort with consistent pressure on Browns rookie QB Dillon Gabriel? How did the backfield shape up in Jaylen Warren's return from injury? And were Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jonnu...

Host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily College Nittany Lions insider Isaiah Maldonado react to Penn State's firing of James Franklin as coach after a three-game losing streak vs. Oregon, UCLA and Nothwestern. Was this the right time for athletic director Pat Kraft to make a move? What's the outlook for this team the rest of the season under interim coach Terry Smith? How much is QB Drew Allar to blame? Or is this a case of Franklin and OC Andy Kotelnicki letting their signal caller down? And where do names like Curt Cignetti, Kenny Dillingham, Kalen DeBoer, Will Stein...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac & Ray Fittipaldo recap an NFL Week 6 victory against the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns at Acirusre Stadium. They explain how Nick Herbig, Jalen Ramsey, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon and others were able to generate so much pressure on Browns rookie QB Dillon Gabriel; why Patrick Queen and the run defense were able to shut down dangerous rookie RB Quinshon Judkins; and a productive day from Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren and the offense, which was able to move the ball both through the air and on the ground for coach...

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' 34-31 win over Florida State on Saturday, with Stephen reporting from Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla.

How were Pat Narduzzi's Panthers able to pull of the upset on the road? What made the contest so "personal" for Desmond Reid, as he put it, and how much of a difference does he make for the Panthers offense? How did true freshman Mason Heintschel perform in a hostile environment, and how was he able to pick himself up after a couple of bad mistakes at the...

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko react to trades by the Cleveland Browns ahead of an NFL Week 6 matchup between the two teams on Sunday.

Do coach Mike Tomlin, GM Omar Khan and Co. deserve credit for being aggressive about wining in 2025? With big moves for names like Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith and others this offseason? Especially now that the team has a comfortable lead in the AFC North division? Or is there validity...

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable preview the Panthers' noon contest on Saturday against No. 25 Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Can true freshman QB Mason Heintschel lead the Panthers to another win, this time against a ranked opponent in a hostile environment? How pivotal of a game is this for Pitt, and what will we learn about them by the time it's over? What Pitt players/matchups should we pay attention to? Stephen and Abby also give the scouting report for the Seminoles and give their picks for the game and keys to win.<...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the team's Thursday practice ahead of an NFL Week 6 matchup with the Cleveland Browns.

They give their thoughts on comments by DC Teryl Austin and OC Arthur Smith. Specifically, the ponder whether Austin has unlocked T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton and Derrick Harmon after they tallied six sacks in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings. Can those results continue? Or was the big day a one-off? How involved can Austin get inside linebackers like Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson within the rush? And when...

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Cleveland.com and Plain-Dealer Browns insider Ashley Bastock to preview the NFL Week 6 matchup with the Steelers.

What's going on with the team at QB following the Joe Flacco trade. Is Dillon Gabriel ready to be the starter for the rest of the season? And how does Shedeur Sanders figure into the mix as coach Kevin Stefanski prepares to match wits with Mike Tomlin, Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers? How will the latest Myles Garrett vs. T.J. Watt matchup unfold? And how has...

In this episode of their Serving Up Pitt volleyball podcast, Post-Gazette insider Abby Schnable and former Panthers player Cat Flood take a look at everything surrounding the team after last weekend's wins over Clemson and Georgia Tech.

What can Pitt take away from its victories over the Tigers and Yellow Jackets? Are the Panthers being disrespected at No. 4 in the AVCA rankings, behind Kentucky, a team they've already beaten this season in straight sets? How is the team evolving as the season goes on? How has last season's AVCA Player of the Year Olivia Babcock improved her...

Live around 5 p.m. Eastern, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise weighs in on the Cleveland Browns QB situation ahead of an NFL Week 6 matchup with the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

Should T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey and the Steelers defense be happy about facing rookie Dillon Gabriel within the AFC North? Or would they have preferred to face Joe Flacco, who was traded to the Bengals this week? And did Browns coach Kevin Stefanski make the right choice in Gabriel over draft classmate Shedeur Sanders?

Paul tackles those questions as well as the...

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Isaiah Maldonado evaluate the state of the program after a costly upset loss at UCLA.

Is there anything coach James Franklin can do to escape the toxicity surrounding his job? Does his future deserve to be in question given the elevated commitments the Penn State community has made to the program in recent years? Was Jim Knowles the right hire at defensive coordinator? Or would Dani Dennis-Sutton and the defense have been better off with some continuity in the form...

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko ponder Pat Freiermuth's lack of usage early this season.

Is his lack of presence in the passing game a problem for OC Arthur Smith and QB Aaron Rodgers? Has it simply made more sense to get the ball to other targets including DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington? And how much could his role in the offense change depending upon who the Steelers are playing in a given...

Live around 5:30 p.m. Eastern, Post-Gazette columnist Paul Zeise previews the Penguins season ahead of their opener Tuesday against the New York Rangers.

Should fans steel themselves for another year of losing? Can Sidney Crosby continue his excellent play? Is this the last ride for longtime stars like Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang? Will new coach Dan Muse inject some life into the club? Will veterans like Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell be on the roster at the end of the season? And how will young prospects like Rutger McGroarty, Ville Koivunen, Ben Kindel and Harrison Brunicke...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap coach Mike Tomlin's news conference at the team's UPMC Rooney Sports Complex ahead of their NFL Week 6 matchup with the Cleveland Browns.

What do the expected returns of Joey Porter Jr., Alex Highsmith and Jaylen Warren mean for the Steelers heading into two division contests in five days? Will Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) and Calvin Austin III (shoulder) suit up? Will names like Chuck Clark, Juan Thornhill and Jabrill Peppers play more at safety if Ramsey is limited? And how will the tight ends be used against the stout...

As the WPIAL regular season has only three weeks remaining, will Ben Hays, running back from small Bentworth High, win the WPIAL rushing title? Our high school insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White play the "yay" or "nay" game on will anyone score on Clairton again this regular season? Will New Castle freshman phenom Marino take a spot among the elite freshmen in WPIAL history. Fox Chapel kicker Harran Zureikat set a WPIAL record last with a field goal and is one shining star, along with Mars' Ayden Yocum. We have predictions for the big games of Mars vs...

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Jason Mackey and Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo look ahead to the Browns game and the impending return of starters Joey Porter Jr. and Alex Highsmith. Will the Steelers need to change anything schematically with the reinforcements? Plus, a look at the crazy week in the NFL and where the Steelers stack up in the AFC North and the conference overall.

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On this week's PG Pitt Show, Panthers insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable look ahead to this weekend's road clash with Florida State. Has new quarterback Mason Heintschel stepped in to save Pitt's season? What are reasonable expectations for him? Can this still be the team we thought they could be in August? Plus, Pitt's defense has been elite. Steps forward from Cruce Brookins, Blaine Spires and others make it possible. There's a chess match between Pat Narduzzi/Randy Bates and Gus Malzahn coming up Saturday.

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On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo open Browns week with a look at the surprising role of the tight ends. Did Darnell Washington prove he is more valuable then Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith with his run blocking in the Steelers' latest win over the Vikings? And after watching the AFC North disasters this past weekend, is the road clear for the Steelers to win the division?

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Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' 48-7 win over Boston College on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium.

What went into coach Pat Narduzzi's decision to bench Eli Holstein and put in true freshman Mason Heintschel? And why was Heintschel able to have success? How was Heintschel able to rally the whole team around him? What kind of trickle-down effect did that have on the rest of the roster? And what does this say about the freshman QB heading into next week's much tougher task — at Florida State? Our duo answers those questions an...

Around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette columnist Paul Zeise will go live to talk about the Steelers at the bye week. Has Aaron Rodgers fully developed chemistry with his Steelerss teammates, especially DK Metcalf? How far can he take this offense as he gets more comfortable playing in Arthur Smith's system?

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On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko take a look at where the Steelers sit heading into their bye week.

Are the Steelers good enough to win the AFC North, with Lamar Jackson injured and the Baltimore Ravens struggling? Or is this 3-1 start just a mirage buoyed by a weak schedule? Could the Cincinnati Bengals make some noise late if Joe Burrow returns? Or are they too far gone without him to pass to receivers like Ja'Marr Chase...

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette columnist Paul Zeise will talk about the status of the Steelers at the bye week. How good can this defense led by T.J. Watt, Jalen Ramsey and Co. be when at full strength with the likes of Alex Highsmith ?

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Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable preview the Panthers' noon contest on Saturday against Boston College at Acrisure Stadium.

Is this a must-win game for the Panthers after their disappointing defeat to Louisville last week? Should we believe coach Pat Narduzzi when he says he's sticking with Eli Holstein as his starting quarterback? Will electrifying All-American Desmond Reid play after sitting out last week and most of the Backyard Brawl? What does the decision to redshirt Censere Lee and Keith Gouveia mean for the future of the Panthers offense?

Stephen and Abby also...

On this week's episode of Chipped Ham and Football, Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Jimmy English of Gaelic Gridiron, discussing the Steelers in Dublin, more NFL international expansion and T.J. Watt's candidacy for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Did Steeler Nation leave a lasting impact on Ireland during their trip? What would a return to Dublin look like?

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In this episode of her Serving Up Pitt volleyball podcast, Post-Gazette insider Abby Schnable welcomes Panthers freshman Izzy Masten.

Izzy talks about the reasons she decided to graduate high school early and the ways she's had to adjust to collegiate, high-level volleyball. Izzy also talks about her role so far this season, as she's made waves from the service line and even made "SportsCenter" with one of her many defensive plays. Izzy also gives her takeaways from Pitt's season so far and gives her keys to a successful rest of the season.

Hosted by...

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise looks at the state of the AFC and why the Steelers have an actual shot to win the whole conference.

Will injuries to Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson essentially hand the AFC North to the Steelers? Just how scary are the Chiefs, Bills and others?

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On the Wednesday episode of The North Shore Drive podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo analyze the team at the bye week. Will Calvin Austin III's injury lead to more playing time for the likes of Roman Wilson? And have injuries to the Bengals and Ravens opened the door for an AFC North title?

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On the Tuesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to ponder the sustainability of some standout performances from the NFL Week 4 win against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland.

Can names like DK Metcalf, Kenneth Gainwell, Nick Herbig and Payton Wilson keep producing as they did Sunday? Why was OC Arthur Smith able to get the running game going with Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson? What will happen to the receiver group if Calvin Austin III is forced to miss time while injured? When will Pat Freiermuth...

Heading into the seventh week of the football season, Post-Gazette high school insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White examine the subject of WPIAL teams looking for mercy. Also, exactly who is the No. 1 team in Class 4A? Anyone?

It's time to say who the top 10 teams are in the first 25 years of this century. Trinity's Jonah Williamson and Hempfield's Dom Detruf are shining stars. While "Famous" Amos Glenn of Freeport scores big in the Post-Gazette Fantasy League. The guys also predict top games, including Montour at New Castle, Norwin at Hempfield, South Fayette at Upper St. Clair...

Post-Gazette insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable tackle the biggest questions around Pitt football following an ugly loss to Louisville over the weekend.

Does coach Pat Narduzzi have a QB controversy on his hands amid Eli Holstein's recent struggles? When could we see more of Cole Gonzales or Mason Heinstchel? What's the plan at left guard after Kieth Goueva went down with a season-ending injury? And what should fans make of concerning quotes from the Cardinals' D'Angelo Hutchinson and co-DC Ron English about facing Pitt and what worked for them in their Acrisure Stadium victory? Our duo...

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the Steelers' NFL Week 4 victory against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland.

Did coach Mike Tomlin's team establish its desired identity in stopping Jordan Mason and the Vikings running game; getting heave pressure on QB Carson Wentz with T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton, Patrick Queen and others; and achieving success in the running game wit Kaleb Johnson and especially surprise starter Kenneth Gainwell, who filled in admirably...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Brian Batko break down the team's 24-21 win over the Vikings on Sunday morning at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.

What went right for the Steelers? How did the defense improve to stop the run and stuff the Vikings on third downs while also continuing to force turnovers? With Jaylen Warren out due to a knee injury, how was Kenneth Gainwell able to shoulder that load with a career-best performance, and what does that mean for the team going forward? How were Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf finally able to connect...

Insider coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers from the Post-Gazette insiders who know them best: Gerry Dulac, Ray Fittipaldo, Brian Batko, Christopher Carter, Jason Mackey and Paul Zeise. From Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren and the offense. To T.J. Watt, Jalen Ramsey, Cam Heyward and coach Mike Tomlin's defense. They have the up-close view of the team that you can only get from the Post-Gazette.

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Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Penn State insiders Isaiah Maldonado and Lyle Alenstein break down the Nittany Lions' 30-24 double-overtime loss to Oregon on Saturday at Beaver Stadium.

What led to the defeat? How should we rate QB Drew Allar's performance after he struggled for much of the game but helped erase a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit and nearly clawed Penn State to a victory? How concerned should the Nittany Lions be about their rushing attack, as Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton were largely held in check by the Ducks?

What does this loss mean for Penn State's...

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' 34-27 loss to Louisville on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium.

What went wrong for Pat Narduzzi's team after the Panthers leapt out to a 17-0 lead in the early going? What's next for the quarterback position in Kade Bell's offense after Eli Holstein was benched in the fourth quarter? Could we really see Cole Gonzales or even freshman Mason Heintschel start over him?

How can the Panthers clean up many of the issues that plagued them against the Cardinals, including penalties and a lack...

On the Saturday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko break down the team's Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin. Will Mike Tomlin's handling of this week's Ireland trip end up becoming a benefit or a failure in logistics? And with the Steelers' current defensive weaknesses, does the Vikings' upstart offense featuring Carson Wentz, Jordan Mason, Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson offer them a chance to fix their issues before the quarter-point of the 2025 NFL regular season? Can T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Patrick Queen, Jalen Ramsey and Joey...

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable preview the Panthers' ACC opener against Louisville at noon Saturday at Acrisure Stadium.

Will Desmond Reid be able to go for Pitt, and if he does, will it be in a full capacity? How can players like Juelz Goff and Ja'Kyrian Turner step up if the All-American is unable to play? How should Pat Narduzzi's team prepare, with the status of star Cardinals running backs Isaac Brown and Duke Watson up in the air?

If Brown and Watson aren't able to play, can Louisville QB Miller Moss...

In this episode of their Serving Up Pitt volleyball podcast, Post-Gazette insider Abby Schnable and former Panthers player Cat Flood break down the team's five-set win over No. 11 SMU on Wednesday night.

How important was it for Pitt to get off on the right foot during ACC play? How did reigning AVCA National Player of the Year Olivia Babcock step up to lead the Panthers to victory? How was Brooke Mosher able to continue her impressive streak against the Mustangs? What areas, like unforced errors and defensive intensity, can the Panthers fix before the two teams face...

On the Thursday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey to react to comments by former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger fearing that Mike Tomlin, OC Arthur Smith and DC Teryl Austin could be outcoached in the NFL Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland.

How much stock should fans put in Roethlisberger's comments as someone who knows the team well? Does he have a justified lack in faith in Tomlin and Co.? Or is he simply impressed by names...

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Isaiah Maldonado preview this week's White Out matchup against the Oregon Ducks at Beaver Stadium.

Is Drew Allar the better QB in this game in his third year as a starter? Or does Ducks QB Dante Moore have the edge after posting superiors stats in the early going? How should we size up the two running games, with Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton leading Penn State against a dynamic Oregon group that includes Jayden Limar, Dierre Hill Jr. and Noah...

The high school football regular season is at the halfway point, and Post-Gazette high school insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White turn professor and give out mid-term grades for student (player) of the half year, teacher (coach) of the half year and more. Peters Township’s Reston Lehman and Lucas Shanafelt get their flowers, but so does Upper St. Clair’s Ethan Hellmann. South Allegheny’s Brian Hanson and Norwin’s Mike Brown get shutouts for their coaching jobs in the first half.

Also, Matt Sieg set a touchdown record last week, so where should he stand among gr...

The high school football regular season is at the halfway point, and Post-Gazette high school insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White turn professor and give out mid-term grades for student (player) of the half year, teacher (coach) of the half year and more. Peters Township’s Reston Lehman and Lucas Shanafelt get their flowers, but so does Upper St. Clair’s Ethan Hellmann. South Allegheny’s Brian Hanson and Norwin’s Mike Brown get shutouts for their coaching jobs in the first half.

Also, Matt Sieg set a touchdown record last week, so where should he stand among gr...

On the Tuesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey and insider Ray Fittipaldo gauge the Steelers' growth through three games.

Is coach Mike Tomlin's defense improving, even if it's still giving up too many yards? How encouraged should we be that T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward produced like the stars they're supposed to be in NFL Week 3 against the New England Patriots? Is RB Jaylen Warren's elevated role in the offense a good thing? Do he and fellow RB Kenneth Gainwell have any chance for...

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable continue to sort through the issues the Panthers' Backyard Brawl loss to West Virginia revealed. And look ahead to the start of ACC play this week against the Louisville Cardinals.

Was Pat Narduzzi's coaching or player execution the bigger issue against the Mountaineers? Can fans reasonably expect the team to improve when veterans like QB Eli Holstein and OL Lyndon Cooper are the guys making the big mistakes? Are there any personnel changes Narduzzi, OC Kade Bell or DC Randy Bates should consider this week? What's Desmond Reid's status...

Post-Gazette Pirates beat reporter Noah Hiles names his top five prospects from the team's minor league system this year. Can Brandan Bidois continue to assert himself as a potential MLB arm despite his relative unknown status? Why have Esmerlyn Valdez and Edward Florentino emerged as two of the top hitting prospects in the system? And why were Hunter Barco and Konnor Griffin the obvious top choices as the minor league players of the year? Noah tackles those questions and more.

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On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter & Ray Fittipaldo react to the NFL Week 3 victory against the New England Patriots.

Should coach Mike Tomlin be encouraged that Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Jabrill Peppers, Cole Holcomb and Brandin Echols were able to generate five turnovers on defense? Or is it a concern that Patriots QB Drake Maye was still able to move the ball in between those big plays? Can this unit really rely on that amount of ball luck in subsequent...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to an NFL Week 3 victory against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

They offer thoughts on Aaron Rodgers' inconsistent effort at QB that included touchdowns to Calvin Austin III and DK Metcalf but frustration in between. And a up-and-down day for Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell behind the offensive line led by Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. Our duo also weighs in on coach Mike Tomlin's defense, which generated five turnovers thanks to names like Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Cole Holcomb and Jabrill Peppers...

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 3 matchup with the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

Were Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Keeanu Benton, Jalen Ramsey and coach Mike Tomlin's defense able to bounce back after a couple of rough outings to open the season? Did Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu perform better up front? What chemistry was QB Aaron Rodgers able to establish with receivers including DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith? And where do the team stand with high-profile matchup against...

On the Saturday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko break down the team's Week 3 matchup against the New England Patriots. Will Pittsburgh's defensive struggles and frustrations continue to build against an upstart offense led by Drake Maye, TreVeyon Henderson and Stefon Diggs, or will we continue to see inefficiency from the likes of T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward? Will Mike Tomlin also make the necessary adjustments in the secondary to prevent deep completions that have been allowed so far by the likes of Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay and Joey Porter...

Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey joins host Adam Bittner to ponder the future of Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi after the Panthers' Backyard Brawl loss to West Virginia. Should Narduzzi's job be in jeopardy after dropping such a winnable rivalry game? What are AD Allen Greene's options realistic options considering Narduzzi's sizable buyout? And how much is Pitt's casual fan base a problem in terms of building a sustainable program?

Our duo tackles those questions, the impact Desmond Reid's injury could have on QB Eli Holstein and OC Kade Bell's offense and the top storylines we're following with...

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey to analyze the Steelers' recurring communication issues.

How much blame does coach Mike Tomlin deserve for them? Are they becoming a stale excuse for him? Is his scheme the problem considering they've persisted after names like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Donte Jackson were swapped out for guys like Jalen Ramsey, Juan Thornhill and Darius Slay Jr. this offseason? Or does Tomlin need another assistant to help sort these issues out?

Our guys...

Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey joins host Adam Bittner to recap the non-conference portion of Penn State football's 2025 schedule and look ahead toward Big Ten Conference play. Did we learn anything about coach James Franklin's squad against outmatched Nevada, Florida International and Villanova teams? Would we have liked to see more from Drew Allar through three games? Is Dani Dennis-Sutton primed for an Abdul Carter-like season? And are receivers Kyron Hudson, Devonte Ross and Trebor Pena; tight end Luke Reynolds; and pass rusher Chaz Coleman the most encouraging surprises so far? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey joins host Adam Bittner to gauge the Cy Young Award chances of Pirates ace Paul Skenes. Does he have the award locked up on the National League side? With only Detroit's Tarik Skubal coming close to matching his production on the American League side? How badly would a Cy Young in a losing season for Skenes reflect on owner Bob Nutting, GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly? Have the Pirates as a club taken Skenes' greatness for granted, in a strong rotation that also includes Mitch Keller? And what level of pressure is...

On this week's episode of Serving Up Pitt, Post-Gazette Pitt insider Abby Schnable is joined by Panthers outside hitter Blaire Bayless to break down the team's statement win on the road over No. 13 Penn State, the defending national champion.

Abby and Blaire also reflect on lessons learned during the Panthers' non-conference slate, during which they faced some of the top competition in the country, and how it will help them during ACC play. Blaire also talks about stepping into a bigger role for the team this season, her growth from last year to now and what makes...

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise takes stock of the AFC North after two weeks of action in the 2025 NFL season. How does the picture change now that the Bengals have lost QB Joe Burrow for at least a couple of months? Are the Ravens now a runaway favorite? Or did the loss by Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Co. versus Buffalo in NFL Week 1 show that Baltimore is still a flawed team? Can coach Kevin Stefanski turn the Browns around? Or is he in over his head with Joe Flacco and rookies Dillion Gabriel and Shedeuer Sanders as his...

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable go through who's lived up to expectations and who's underwhelmed them through the first three games of the Panthers' season.

Which young players have taken advantage of their newfound playing time and carved out a role for themselves? How have Deuce Spann and Bryce Yates helped to elevate Pitt's passing game? How has Zach Crothers found production along the defensive front?

And, on the other side of the spectrum, who hasn't lived up to expectations this season? Should fans expect more from All-American Kyle Louis and the...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac & Ray Fittipaldo recap news conferences by OC Arthur Smith and DC Teryl Austin at the team's UPMC Rooney Sports Complex ahead of their NFL Week 3 matchup with the New England Patriots.

Will Derrick Harmon be able to make his NFL debut? Or will an injury continue to hold the rookie defensive lineman back? Could injuries to players including DeShon Elliott and Isaiahh Loudermilk mean more playing time for names like Logan Lee, Jabrill Peppers and Daniel Ekuale? How can Austin and coach Mike Tomlin get Keeanu Benton back on track? And on...

Post-Gazette high school sports insider Matt Press interviews Quaker Valley girls soccer Annabel Miko, the PG's WPIAL athlete of the week. He gets her thoughts on recently scoring her 50th-career goal; her commitment to the Delaware Blue Hens for college and the recruitment process; winning last year's WPIAL championship; and the similarities and differences between high school and academy games.

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In his weekly Pirates mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insider Noah Hiles answers reader questions. Among them: Should they commence a search for a new hitting coach this offseason after a lackluster first year from Matt Hague? What are the chances either Mitch Keller or Bryan Reynolds — or both — is traded this offseason? Now that top prospect Bubba Chandler is in the major league rotation, will he be there out of next season's spring training, too? Which player should fans be most excited for in 2026? And what current minor leaguers could actually help Don Kelly's club win next season? Noah answers thos...

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes MyCole Pruitt, a tight end for the team last year, to analyze its mixed results through the first two weeks of the 2025 NFL season.

Why does MyCole have hope for Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Kaleb Johnson and the running game? Despite offensive line struggles from names including Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu? What does he think of the NFL Week 3 matchup against the New England Patriots? Particularly as Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith gear up to face new Patriots coach Mike...

Post-Gazette high school sports insider Keith Barnes interviews Beaver Area quarterback Travis Clear, who was named the PG's WPIAL and Pittsburgh City League athlete of the week for his standout performance again Hopewell. Travis explains how he passed for a WPIAL-leading 391 yards and a pair of touchdowns to life his team a thrilling 51-50 victory that kept it in the mix in Class 3A.

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