Tag: Heinz Field

Notre Dame at Pittsburgh: Fourth-Quarter Analysis

There’s nothing to say about this game that hasn’t already been said.

There’s nothing to say about this game that hasn’t already been said. Notre Dame traveled to Pittsburgh and gave the Panthers their own behinds on a gold platter. With backups on both sides playing in the fourth quarter, everyone was resigned to the outcome. That outcome was that the Irish (5-0, 4-0) were going to walk out of a Heinz Field with a 45-3 walloping of the Panthers (3-4, 2-4).

In spite of the pending victory, the Irish experienced both a little good and a little bad. Isaiah Pryor recorded his first sack since transferring from Ohio State. Braden Lenzy had to be helped off the field after injuring his hamstring, adding to the ever-growing list of injury concerns for the Irish receivers. So you really had to be paying attention to pinpoint those things.

We’ve waited all season for the Irish offense to break out of its offensive doldrums, and that’s exactly what happened in the fifth game of the season. With Clemson looming in two weeks, this performance was just what the doctor ordered. Before that big game, Notre Dame gets one more tuneup against Georgia Tech. With that need to maintain momentum, there’s no time to ease up on that gas pedal.

Notre Dame at Pittsburgh: Third-Quarter Analysis

The third quarter between Notre Dame and Pittsburgh saw the Irish kick it into even higher gear.

The third quarter between Notre Dame and Pittsburgh saw the Irish kick it into even higher gear. They’re holding onto the ball for extended and/or productive periods, and the Panthers either can’t get anything going with the ball or even hold onto it. So it only makes sense that we have a 45-3 Irish lead going into the fourth.

Notre Dame’s defense is living up to its reputation of keeping points off the scoreboard. The unit is well-rested thanks to doing its job quickly and efficiently. We’ve even seen interceptions from Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Nick McCloud, the first of their respective collegiate careers. Owusu-Koramoah, widely seen as the unit’s best player, has made little impact for much of the afternoon, but at least he finally has that first pick out of the way.

The Notre Dame offense had a lengthy first possession of the second half, highlighted by a 41-yard pass from Ian Book to Javon McKinley. Though the drive stalled out at the Pitt 2-yard line, Jonathan Doerer salvaged the drive with a 21-yard field goal. The next time the Irish had the ball, Kyren Williams tried to throw a touchdown pass to Tommy Tremble from 27 yards out, which was unsuccessful but became a positive anyway after a defensive holding call against the Panthers. Two plays later, Book threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Michael Mayer, who had a 23-yard reception earlier in the drive.

That second drive of the half was made possible by Owusu-Koramoah’s interception. McCloud set up the third, this time with a short field at the Panthers 35. This one saw Avery Davis record a 21-yard reception that was added onto after a roughing the passer call. With C’Bo Flemister’s 2-yard touchdown run coming soon after, the rout definitely is on at Heinz Field.

Notre Dame football: Series history vs. Pitt

When you rank Notre Dame’s biggest rivals there is often debate whether or not the biggest is USC or Michigan. Then you hear about the long history with the Naval Academy and despite the dislike being there like most rivals, it ran continuously for …

When you rank Notre Dame’s biggest rivals there is often debate whether or not the biggest is USC or Michigan.

Then you hear about the long history with the Naval Academy and despite the dislike being there like most rivals, it ran continuously for nearly a century with Notre Dame dominating.

One you don’t always immediately think of in terms of Notre Dame’s biggest rivals is who the Irish take on this week, Pitt.

Notre Dame and Pitt have played almost annually since 1930, playing almost 70 times in that time.  Although the Irish have dominated the series, leading it 49-21-1 all-time, with the first meeting taking place all the way back in 1909.

Notre Dame has won the last two meetings in the series and five of the last six.  However, nothing seems to come easy against Pitt recently as the last two perfect regular season for Notre Dame have included narrow escapes against the Panthers.

The Irish and Panthers meet up for the 72nd time on Saturday.  Here are the results of the 71 previous, courtesy of mcubed.net.

(HOME) 2018/10/13  Notre Dame   19 - Pittsburgh   14    W 
     (AWAY) 2015/11/07  Notre Dame   42 - Pittsburgh   30    W 
     (AWAY) 2013/11/09  Notre Dame   21 - Pittsburgh   28    L 
  ** (HOME) 2012/11/03  Notre Dame   29 - Pittsburgh   26 OT W 
     (AWAY) 2011/09/24  Notre Dame   15 - Pittsburgh   12    W 
     (HOME) 2010/10/09  Notre Dame   23 - Pittsburgh   17    W 
     (AWAY) 2009/11/14  Notre Dame   22 - Pittsburgh   27    L 
     (HOME) 2008/11/01  Notre Dame   33 - Pittsburgh   36 OT L 
     (AWAY) 2005/09/03  Notre Dame   42 - Pittsburgh   21    W 
     (HOME) 2004/11/13  Notre Dame   38 - Pittsburgh   41    L 
     (AWAY) 2003/10/11  Notre Dame   20 - Pittsburgh   14    W 
     (HOME) 2002/10/12  Notre Dame   14 - Pittsburgh    6    W 
     (HOME) 2001/10/06  Notre Dame   24 - Pittsburgh    7    W 
     (AWAY) 1999/11/13  Notre Dame   27 - Pittsburgh   37    L 
     (AWAY) 1997/10/11  Notre Dame   45 - Pittsburgh   21    W 
     (HOME) 1996/11/16  Notre Dame   60 - Pittsburgh    6    W 
     (HOME) 1993/10/09  Notre Dame   44 - Pittsburgh    0    W 
     (AWAY) 1992/10/10  Notre Dame   52 - Pittsburgh   21    W 
     (HOME) 1991/10/12  Notre Dame   42 - Pittsburgh    7    W 
     (AWAY) 1990/10/27  Notre Dame   31 - Pittsburgh   22    W 
     (HOME) 1989/10/28  Notre Dame   45 - Pittsburgh    7    W 
     (AWAY) 1988/10/08  Notre Dame   30 - Pittsburgh   20    W 
     (AWAY) 1987/10/10  Notre Dame   22 - Pittsburgh   30    L 
     (HOME) 1986/10/11  Notre Dame    9 - Pittsburgh   10    L 
     (HOME) 1983/11/05  Notre Dame   16 - Pittsburgh   21    L 
     (AWAY) 1982/11/06  Notre Dame   31 - Pittsburgh   16    W 
     (HOME) 1978/10/14  Notre Dame   26 - Pittsburgh   17    W 
     (AWAY) 1977/09/10  Notre Dame   19 - Pittsburgh    9    W 
     (HOME) 1976/09/11  Notre Dame   10 - Pittsburgh   31    L 
     (AWAY) 1975/11/15  Notre Dame   20 - Pittsburgh   34    L 
     (HOME) 1974/11/16  Notre Dame   14 - Pittsburgh   10    W 
     (AWAY) 1973/11/10  Notre Dame   31 - Pittsburgh   10    W 
     (HOME) 1972/10/14  Notre Dame   42 - Pittsburgh   16    W 
     (AWAY) 1971/11/06  Notre Dame   56 - Pittsburgh    7    W 
     (HOME) 1970/11/07  Notre Dame   46 - Pittsburgh   14    W 
     (AWAY) 1969/11/08  Notre Dame   49 - Pittsburgh    7    W 
     (HOME) 1968/11/09  Notre Dame   56 - Pittsburgh    7    W 
     (AWAY) 1967/11/11  Notre Dame   38 - Pittsburgh    0    W 
     (HOME) 1966/11/05  Notre Dame   40 - Pittsburgh    0    W 
     (AWAY) 1965/11/06  Notre Dame   69 - Pittsburgh   13    W 
     (AWAY) 1964/11/07  Notre Dame   17 - Pittsburgh   15    W 
     (HOME) 1963/11/09  Notre Dame    7 - Pittsburgh   27    L 
     (HOME) 1962/11/10  Notre Dame   43 - Pittsburgh   22    W 
     (AWAY) 1961/11/11  Notre Dame   26 - Pittsburgh   20    W 
     (HOME) 1960/11/05  Notre Dame   13 - Pittsburgh   20    L 
     (AWAY) 1959/11/14  Notre Dame   13 - Pittsburgh   28    L 
     (AWAY) 1958/11/08  Notre Dame   26 - Pittsburgh   29    L 
     (HOME) 1957/10/26  Notre Dame   13 - Pittsburgh    7    W 
     (AWAY) 1956/11/10  Notre Dame   13 - Pittsburgh   26    L 
     (AWAY) 1954/10/09  Notre Dame   33 - Pittsburgh    0    W 
     (HOME) 1953/10/17  Notre Dame   23 - Pittsburgh   14    W 
     (HOME) 1952/10/11  Notre Dame   19 - Pittsburgh   22    L 
     (AWAY) 1951/10/20  Notre Dame   33 - Pittsburgh    0    W 
     (HOME) 1950/11/11  Notre Dame   18 - Pittsburgh    7    W 
     (AWAY) 1948/10/02  Notre Dame   40 - Pittsburgh    0    W 
     (AWAY) 1947/10/04  Notre Dame   40 - Pittsburgh    6    W 
     (HOME) 1946/10/05  Notre Dame   33 - Pittsburgh    0    W 
     (AWAY) 1945/10/20  Notre Dame   39 - Pittsburgh    9    W 
     (AWAY) 1944/09/30  Notre Dame   58 - Pittsburgh    0    W 
     (AWAY) 1943/09/25  Notre Dame   41 - Pittsburgh    0    W 
     (HOME) 1937/11/06  Notre Dame    6 - Pittsburgh   21    L 
     (AWAY) 1936/10/24  Notre Dame    0 - Pittsburgh   26    L 
     (HOME) 1935/10/19  Notre Dame    9 - Pittsburgh    6    W 
     (AWAY) 1934/11/03  Notre Dame    0 - Pittsburgh   19    L 
     (HOME) 1933/10/28  Notre Dame    0 - Pittsburgh   14    L 
     (AWAY) 1932/10/29  Notre Dame    0 - Pittsburgh   12    L 
     (HOME) 1931/10/24  Notre Dame   25 - Pittsburgh   12    W 
     (AWAY) 1930/10/25  Notre Dame   35 - Pittsburgh   19    W 
     (AWAY) 1912/11/02  Notre Dame    3 - Pittsburgh    0    W 
     (AWAY) 1911/11/04  Notre Dame    0 - Pittsburgh    0    T 
     (AWAY) 1909/10/30  Notre Dame    6 - Pittsburgh    0    W

JuJu Smith-Schuster plans for COVID-friendly celebrations with fans

JuJu has something up his sleeve to delight fans at Heinz Field when he scores on Sunday.

Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is the life of the party. So when he heard that fans will be in attendance on Sunday for Steelers-Eagles, you know what he was thinking.

TIME TO CELEBRATE!

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It sounds like JuJu is crafting some special celebrations to honor the fans who make their way to Heinz Field for The Battle of Pennsylvania. He made it a point that whatever post-touchdown performance he goes with, it’ll be socially-distanced.

“It’s not all 68,000, but it’s something,” Smith-Schuster told the Pittsburgh media on Wednesday. “It’s something that will keep us going … I can’t wait. I might do some celebrations. It may include the fans or something like that. But NFL protocols with COVID.”

Here are some of JuJu’s past touchdown celebrations to geek yourself out on:

 

 

 

 

 

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Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger says ‘it’ll be different’ having fans back at Heinz Field

When word came down that Heinz Field is allowing limited fan attendance, there were three people more excited than Ben Roethlisberger.

Nearly one month after Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine announced the state had no plans to allow fans at Steelers games, the team revealed a slow return would be allowed.

Starting with their Sunday matchup versus the Philadelphia Eagles, 5,500 fans will be permitted at Heinz Field.

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Ben Roethlisberger said the news was welcomed not only by him but his kids.

“It will be cool,” Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh media on Wednesday. “It will definitely be different because it’s such a small amount. Just to have some [fans] out there will be fun.”

“My kids were so excited when I told them they could go to the game. To me, that makes it worth it.”

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Pennsylvania Health Secretary says no fans at Steelers games

Heinz Field will be empty for games.

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Originally, the Pittsburgh Steelers were hoping they would be allowed a limited number of fans, starting with the team’s third home game of the season. But on Friday, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine announced the state has no plans to allow fans at Steelers games at this time.

Each NFL team is operating under the mandates of their given state as to how gatherings are handled. The Kansas City Chiefs were allowed a limited number of fans at their Thursday night debut but it seems the Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles are going to have to play wait and see when it comes to fans.

Hopefully, if the situation with COVID-19 can improve and at some point Steelers fans will be allowed to attend home games later in the season.

If the state allows fans at games at some point in the season, would you attend? Let us know in the comments below.

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Steelers announce early-season plan for fan attendance

The Pittsburgh Steelers made an announcement on Thursday regarding fan attendance at Heinz Field.

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Thursday that fans won’t be permitted at Heinz Field for the first two home games. They’re one of the few remaining teams who had not yet made their decision public.

The Steelers host the Denver Broncos on Sept. 20 and Houston Texans on Sept 27 during Week 2 and 3 of the season.

It’s been known since July that there would be no fans in attendance for the first game of the Steelers season versus the New York Giants at MetLife.

Here is part of the email that was sent to season ticket holders on Thursday:

“Over the last several months we have been communicating with public health officials and the NFL on plans for fans to safely attend games this season. We obviously know and greatly appreciate the dedication of our fans and your strong desire to attend games this season. Unfortunately, given the current conditions and state orders, we will not be able to welcome fans to Heinz Field at this time, and so we have determined that we will not be hosting fans for the first two regular-season home games.”

Steelers president Art Rooney II wrote the following in a statement via Steelers.com:

“As we have prepared for the 2020 season, we have continuously followed the guidance of public health officials to ensure the safety of our fans, as well as our players, coaches and staff.”

“And we understand and appreciate the dedication of our fans who want to attend games this season. That is why it is disappointing to announce that we will not be able to host fans for our first two home games in September. Our plan for games without fans has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and we appreciate and respect the guidance of our public health officials concerning the ongoing public health emergency.”

The NFL and its teams are working tirelessly to make 2020 a memorable season for the fans.

It appears the Steelers have not ruled out fan attendance entirely and are taking it month by month.

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Steelers will broadcast Saturday Night Lights practice

The 55-year tradition will be different this year but the popular under-the-lights practice will still take place at Heinz Field.

One of Steelers fans’ most anticipated events of the offseason is Steelers Fest, an annual event at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. When dusk hits, the bright lights turn on and Friday Night Under the Lights practice begins. While the festival was canceled this season for reasons we’re all too familiar with, the beloved under-the-lights practice will still take place.

Saturday Night Under the Lights is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. at Heinz Field and will be broadcast locally on KDKA-TV and WDVE-FM. For fans outside of Pittsburgh, the practice will be streamed on Steelers Nation Radio. SNR is also available via the Steelers mobile app.

Last year, thousands of fans flocked to the stadium to get an early glimpse of their Steelers — many from out of state. According to organizers, fans representing 37 states attended the 54th annual Steelers Fest.

For highlights from the 2019 Under the Lights practice, check out this video from Steelers.com.

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Pittsburgh Steelers training camp 2020: Ways to watch live

The Pittsburgh Steelers offer many avenues in which to get glimpses of training camp from the comfort of their computers and devices.

Steelers training camp ramps up on Monday as pads go on, and practice gets real. The team has all that fans need to get their Black and Gold fix with live camp look-ins, post-practice updates from head coach Mike Tomlin and camp wrap-ups with Steelers reporter Missi Matthews live from Heinz Field.

Here’s the schedule, as found on Steelers.com:

  • Training Camp Live, presented by FedEx: An exclusive daily live look-in at Steelers Training Camp. Starting at 12:45 p.m. each day, fans will have a chance to watch a portion of the Steelers daily camp session at Heinz Field, as well as have the opportunity to have their questions answered and see their social media posts featured in the program. Don’t forget to follow @Steelers and @SteelersUnite and follow along! Missi Matthews hosts.

  • Coach Mike Tomlin’s Post-Practice Media Availability: Watch live as Coach Tomlin provides updates following each Steelers practice.

  • Training Camp Wrap Up, presented by UPMC Health Plan: Your live, go-to place to see and hear all that happened at Heinz Field each day following practice (est. time 3:30 p.m.). Missi Matthews hosts.

Follow the Pittsburgh Steelers (Facebook, Twitter) and Steelers Nation Unite (Facebook, Twitter) for a chance to have your questions answered and your social media posts featured.

Additional programming can be accessed online at Steelers Nation Radio.

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Catch the premiere of ‘The Standard,’ a new Steelers-produced YouTube series

The Pittsburgh Steelers are putting together a new YouTube series made especially for the fans.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are giving their fans a glimpse of life behind-the-scenes of training camp in a new YouTube series, “The Standard”.

The first episode, Camping at Home, will take fans through preparing Heinz Field to be the site of 2020 training camp.

The episode premieres Thursday at 8 p.m. on the Pittsburgh Steelers YouTube channel.

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