Scott McKillop Likely Out For Season

Former Pitt LB Scott McKillop was hurt during practice on Wednesday.  An MRI showed he is likely out for the season after tearing his patellar tendon and ACL.  McKillop was huge for the 49ers last season, leading the team in tackles on special teams.  And while he wasn't tabbed as the starter ahead of Takeo Spikes this season, he was a strong contender for the backup position.

It's even more unfortunate that the injury took place this season as it could be an audition of sorts to take over the MLB job if Spikes, in the final year of his contract, doesn't return.  His backup this season may have the advantage.  Still, McKillop is a hard worker, so it not be too much for him to overcome.

This ironically opens the door for Penn State draft pick Navorro Bowman to come in and get more playing time.

The injury is just the latest one of a handful of others for the 49ers.

Russ Grimm And Rickey Jackson Set To Enter Hall Of Fame

Former Pitt stars Russ Grimm and Rickey Jackson will enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend. We'll be posting articles and covering the induction over at SB Nation Pittsburgh on the storystream.

Be sure to stop over and check it out.

Pitt Faces Mild Test In Fourth Win In Ireland

Pitt faced its stiffest competition on Wednesday vs. the Dart Killester Club Team. The Panthers won the game 88-62, but only led by nine points heading into both the third and fourth quarters.  At one point, Pitt was only up 47-41.  Pitt also trailed early, 14-9 - its largest deficit of the trip.

Dante Taylor had his best game of the trip with 14 points and 10 rebounds.  Gilbert Brown also added 14.  Balance was again the story as nine players ended up with at least six points.

The big difference in these games have been rebounding.  For the second straight game, Pitt doubled up its opponent on the boards, 50-25.  Unless a team is shooting lights out from the field, it's virtually impossible to stay competitive when getting killed on the glass like that.

Pitt's next game will be against the Melbourne (yes, Melbourne of Australia) on Friday.

Jabaal Sheard Resolution

Pitt DE Jabaal Sheard was ordered today to pay court costs and the medical bills of the man whom he fought during an altercation several weeks ago.  No mention was made of the window which was broken during the fight, but Sheard offered to pay for that damage previously.

This is a lesser charge than the felony count of aggravated assault as well as various misdemeanors.

Sheard pled gulty to a summary charge of disorderly conduct and now comes the part Pitt fans have been waiting for - punishment from coach Dave Wannstedt. The lesser charges may help his cause, but a game suspension could still be forthcoming.

UPDATE: Per an update to the PG story above, Sheard has been reinstated to the team.  Wannstedt says internal discipline will take place. To me, that sounds like possibly no full game discipline (which would be a surprise to me), but I could be reading that completely wrong.

Pitt Basketball Wins Third Game In Ireland

Pitt won its third game on its Ireland trip, beating the Irish National Team for the second straight time today, 110-61.

The team was again led by freshman J.J. Moore who was 6-12 from the field, scoring 14 points. Moore, J.J. Richardson, Ashton Gibbs, Gilbert Brown, and Nasir Robinson were all in double figures in scoring. Pitt continues to rebound well - so well in fact that their 22 offensive rebounds were more than the Irish National Team's overall rebound total of 20.

Jamie Dixon again used a different starting lineup and he's apparently testing out chemistry issues.

Pitt shot 54% from the field and is averaging more than 50% through their three games thus far. The team's Big East style of play, however, landed them in a bit of foul trouble as Ireland got to the line 31 times.

Next up will be the Dart Killester Club Team on Wednesday.

Pitt Football FanFest

Pitt's annual FanFest will be on Monday August 23rd at Heinz Field from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The event will include autographs, live music, games, and more. New flagship 93.7 FM will also be there for a live radio broadcast.

It's free to attend, but there is a $10.00 parking cost.