University of Pittsburgh NCAA News

Binghamton University interim men's basketball coach Mark Macon understands the low expectations many might have when the Bearcats venture into the Peterson Events Center on Tuesday to take on perennial Big East Conference contender Pittsburgh.

This is Jamie Dixon's most inexperienced team in his seven seasons as Pittsburgh's coach.

Thankfully, the Pitt Panthers were able to shake off their early-season rust in front of a national audience on Tuesday, easily handling the Binghamton Bearcats by a 71-46 count on ESPN2.

Jonathan Baldwin was difficult to miss for anyone watching No. 8 Pitt's 27-22 win over Notre Dame, making five catches - two that were exceptional - for 142 yards and a touchdown.

While many former Lancaster-Lebanon League football players have continued their careers in NCAA Division II or III, there are a select few who have taken their game to Division I or the Football Championship Subdivision.

If you think Pitt is using a lot of new players, consider who the Panthers are playing this afternoon.

Ashton Gibbs hit five 3-pointers in the first half as Pittsburgh quickly opened a 22-point lead and the Panthers emptied their bench Tuesday throughout a 71-46 victory over Binghamton, which lost its coach and much of its team during a troublesome offseason.

Another close game. Another missed opportunity. With its season hanging in the balance, Notre Dame missed another golden opportunity to play up to its lofty expectations on national television Saturday night.

Record: 8-1. Last time out: Won 37-10 over Syracuse. Navy's triple-option attack worked wonders, but it all started with the run.

In the least surprising predictions of the year, ESPN college football analysts Mark May and Lou Holtz - each with ties to Pitt and Notre Dame , respectively - disagree on the outcome of tonight's game between the Panthers and Fighting Irish.

A surprising sight on the Heinz Field Jumbotron showed two Pitt fans together. One was sporting a "Shady for Heisman" shirt.

Notre Dame's trip to No. 8 Pittsburgh lost significant luster when the Irish dropped out of the Associated Press Top 25 after being upset by Navy at home last Saturday.

This may have been the first time Pitt coach Jamie Dixon welcomed a close game and a big scare in the season opener.

Neil Diamond performs at Mellon Arena in 2008. Submit your Pitt football question Thanks for participating in the Pitt football Q&A. Keep the questions rolling in and I will answer them every day throughout the season and through whatever bowl game Pitt goes to and through signing day in February.

The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors announced today the 10 semifinalists for the 2009 Doak Walker Award.

University of Pittsburgh tailback Dion Lewis is a leading contender for college freshman of the year.

Quarterback Bill Stull was disappointed when he missed last year's four-overtime, 36-33 win at Notre Dame.

Notre Dame opened a seven point underdog against Pittsburgh in their game Saturday night at Pittsburgh's Heinz Field.

Pittsburgh quarterback Bill Stull threw for 166 yards and one TD in last season's 34-24 win over the Orange at the Carrier Dome.

Most major college basketball players are recruited by multiple schools. Chase Adams landed at Pitt after recruiting the Panthers.