Steelers insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko break down the first day of training camp. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is back, but he’s surrounded by a sea of new faces. Will the offense be able to adapt? Plus, we discuss the latest signings, Vince Williams’ retirement and other team headlines.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak take a look at the major league talent and their recent performances. Are we ever going to see a light at the end of thee tunnel? We also dive deeper into the team’s draft picks, signings and potential. Plus, we answer your questions on trades, injury returns and more.

College insiders John McGonigal, Craig Meyer and Nubyjas Wilborn take a big-picture look at the Pitt football program and discuss what we should expect for the upcoming season. Plus, we evaluate Pat Narduzzi’s tenure and Kenny Pickett’s hopes for himself and the Panthers.

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo break down the Jared McCann trade and discuss the Penguins' protection list. Did Pittsburgh make the right moves? Plus, we look ahead to Wednesday's expansion draft. 

Steelers insider Brian Batko is joined by digital producer Adam Bittner to revisit the latest headlines about Devin Bush, Dwayne Haskins and Ben Roethlisberger. How quiet was the Steelers’ offseason? Plus, we discuss Pittsburgh’s Hall of Fame honors.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak evaluate the Pirates’ draft picks and discuss how the team did. Which picks are the most exciting? Plus, we take look at how this impacts the Pirates’ farm system and analyze MLB rule changes.

With the expansion draft, entry draft and free agency all on the horizon, Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo break down what moves the Penguins might make during these key dates on the calendar. Plus, we set the stage for what should be a busy two weeks.

College insiders Nubyjas Wilborn, Craig Meyer and John McGonigal discuss the current state of the Pitt men’s basketball program. How do things look for the team? Where do the Panthers go from here? Plus, we take a look back at what the program has been.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak break down Wednesday’s game and look for bright spots in the loss. Then we turn toward the 2021 MLB draft. How are the Pirates approaching it this year? Which player should they take with the first pick?

College insiders Craig Meyer and Nubyjas Wilborn break down the longterm and local impact of the recent changes to name, image and likeness compensation. Penn State is quickly taking advantage of it. But is this more of a future play for Pitt? Plus, we discuss the Nittany Lions’ latest recruiting success.

Steelers insider Brian Batko is joined by Penguins insider Mike DeFabo for a mock NFL expansion draft. Which Steelers would we protect? Plus, we discuss what it means for Latrobe that the Steelers aren't holding training camp at Saint Vincent.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak discuss the team’s latest series of losses and argue that the Pirates are running out of options for their lineup. When it comes to Max Kranick, though, he made a solid first impression in his MLB debut. But did the Pirates make the right decision with him? Plus, we get into draft talk and evaluate the options on the table.

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo go position by position and consider the biggest questions for each group. Will the Penguins explore new goalie options? Which centers will they protect? Plus, we take a look at the situations with defensemen, left wingers and right wingers.

College insiders Nubyjas Wilborn, Craig Meyer and John McGonigal break down the NCAA’s name, image and likeness possibilities and how athletes will benefit from the changes. But what are the challenges, pitfalls and questions? Plus, we discuss Pitt’s recent success with recruits.

Steelers insider Brian Batko breaks down the release of David DeCastro — the biggest news of the week. Plus, ESPN’s Brooke Pryor joins the show to discuss Steelers training camp and to assign Taylor Swift songs to the players.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak look ahead to the MLB draft and consider the moves Ben Cherington might make. Who should the Pirates pick? Plus, we discuss the Pirates’ chances of having more than one player go to the All-Star game and evaluate Derek Shelton’s pitching choices.

College insiders John McGonigal, Craig Meyer and Nubyjas Wilborn discuss Carl Nassib’s announcement, Jaylen Twyman’s health status after being shot four times and the Supreme Court’s latest ruling against thee NCAA. Plus, we get into some heated Hawks and Sixers talk.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap Steelers minicamp and break down what they learned about the offense, defense and special teams. Which rookies are standing out? Are there competitions brewing? Plus, we look ahead to training camp and how that could be different this year.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak discuss just how bad things have gotten for the Pirates, who have now lost 10 straight games. Is this team even equipped to win? We break down the worst parts of their struggles and wonder: Will it be this bad all the time? Plus, we take a look at what’s happening in the minors.

College insiders Craig Meyer, John McGonigal and Nubyjas Wilborn discuss schools’ recruiting efforts now that the dead period is over. Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers are wasting no time getting players in the city, on campus and in the facility. Plus, we discuss the state of Pitt basketball, college football playoff expansion and more.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap OTAs and discuss what they have learned about this 2021 team. After hearing from Mason Rudolph this week, we might have a better picture of the Steelers’ quarterback plans for 2022. Plus, will Robert Spillane start, and did JuJu Smith-Schuster  really sign out of loyalty?

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak discuss the return of key injured players and what Colin Moran’s new injury means for the lineup. Will it have an impact on his future with the Pirates? Plus, we break down Ke’Bryan Hayes’ home run gaffe, compare this season to last season and share our minor league scouting reports.

Penguins insiders Mike DeFabo and Matt Vensel discuss the news of Evgeni Malkin’s knee surgery and how that might shape the way the Penguins approach the offseason. Then we break down which players we think are most likely to leave and why.

Steelers insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko share their takeaways from the second week of OTAs. The highlight of this week was getting to talk to Ben Roethlisberger and hearing what he had to say about last season, this year and more. Are we buying what he’s selling? Plus, we discuss Chase Claypool’s comments, Tunch Ilkin’s retirement and more.

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo take a quick look back at the Penguins’ quick playoff exit before looking ahead at the difficult offseason questions facing the team. What happens with the core? What do they do in net? And how will the approach the expansion draft?

With Week 1 of OTAs in the books, Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo break down what they’ve learned from the team. Plus, we consider why the Steelers are OK with certain players not attending and introduce a new segment to discuss what we are and aren’t buying from Week 1.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak evaluate the current state of the Pirates, which is, in a word, bad. How are injuries impacting their performance, and how are those injured players progressing? Plus, we take a look at the Pirates’ lack of depth, their starting pitching, expectations and more.

College sports insiders John McGonigal, Craig Meyer and Nubyjas Wilborn look at how the transfer portal has affected Pitt football and Duquesne basketball in a whirlwind of roster-building decisions. Plus, we dive into our offseason binge watching obsession, “Mare of Easttown.” 

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo, fresh from the wreckage of a tough Game 5 loss, discuss the team’s options going into a do-or-die Game 6 against the Islanders. Do they have any options in net other than the struggling Tristan Jarry? And what happens to the core and coaching staff if they suffer another first-round playoff exit?

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo break down what they learned from rookie minicamp — or, as Mike Tomlin calls it, “football in shorts.” Najee Harris made a great first impression, but who else stood out? And what did the rookies reveal? Plus, we discuss OTAs, Hall of Fame celebrations and more.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak discuss the latest injury updates and what those returns could mean for the lineup. Plus, which players are most important to the rebuild? We also take a look at what’s happening with the Pirates’ top prospects in the minors.

Penguins insiders Mike DeFabo and Matt Vensel share their initial takeaways from Game 2 of the Penguins-Islanders series. One of the big storylines was Tristan Jarry, who proved he can bounce back. But was he as good as the stats suggest? Plus, we discuss Evgeni Malkin’s extended absence, the physicality of the series, what’s next and more.

In a special edition of The North Shore Drive, college insiders Craig Meyer, John McGonigal and Nubyjas Wilborn answer questions straight from readers and listeners. What should Pitt coach Jeff Capel’s focus be? Will Pitt or Duquesne ever add hockey? Plus, we discuss NIL rights, reasonable expectations for Pitt football, cruise lines, pizza and more.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo are back to take a closer at the biggest news of the offseason: the 2021 schedule. We make predictions for the historic 17-game season and share how confident we are in those picks. Which teams stand out as challenges? And which could be easy wins?

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo are tying up some loose ends from the draft and breaking down the latest news on Terrell Edmunds, Justin Layne, Al Villanueva and more. Plus, we discuss how the draft played out for the AFC North and what those picks mean for the Steelers.

College insiders John McGonigal, Craig Meyer and Nubyjas Wilborn discuss the local players from Pitt and Penn State who were drafted over the weekend. Which players have the best chance of making an immediate impact? Plus, we address the Rashad Weaver situation.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo analyze the 2021 draft class, from Najee Harris to Pressley Harvin. Did they do enough to address the biggest areas of need? Who could be the sleeper star? And what might they have done differently if they were Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert?

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak break down how well the Pirates have been playing recently and discuss what’s been standing out. While the bullpen has been terrific, the starting pitching has to go deeper. And what is going on with Mitch Keller? Plus, we talk about player accountability, evaluate the future of the lineup and draft Pirates we would want on a football team.

Penguins insiders Mike DeFabo and Matt Vensel break down the team’s performances in their important two-game series. How close are the Penguins to playing the kind of hockey necessary to be successful in playoffs? Plus, we discuss how important defense and goaltending will be going forward and debate what needs to happen with the power play when Evgeni Malkin returns.

College insiders Craig Meyer, John McGonigal and Nubyjas Wilborn review Pitt and Penn State’s spring camps and games. Performances matter more than points, but we still learned plenty from Pitt’s Blue-Gold game. Who pulled ahead in position battles? And which players have more to prove? Plus, we discuss the local intrigue in this year’s draft.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo take over as Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert for the day as we host our very own 2021 NFL mock draft. Using a simulator, we go round by round and pick by pick to analyze the Steelers’ options. Will the first round be a nightmare or a dream for the Steelers? What surprise moves might they make?

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak break down Wednesday’s doubleheader and the Pirates’ recent flurry of moves. Who’s standing out — for good or bad reasons? What do these roster changes mean? And which Pirates will be the next ones to go? Plus, we discuss the best moves for Colin Moran.

Penguins insiders Mike DeFabo and Matt Vensel break down Tuesday night’s game against the Devils. The Penguins let their foot off the gas and nearly lost the game. Should we be concerned? How will they respond Thursday night? Plus, we share our impressions of Jeff Carter and discuss what the lineup would look like with everyone healthy.

College insiders Craig Meyer, John McGonigal and Nubyjas Wilborn break down Penn State's spring showcase over the weekend and Pitt's upcoming spring game. What should we look for from the Panthers? Plus, we discuss Pitt basketball, volleyball and more.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo break down James Conner’s departure and Vince Williams’ return. Is this the fresh start Conner needs? Plus, we discuss the OTA issues and hear Brian’s interview with Zach Banner.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak discuss the surprises and disappointments they've seen so far during the Pirates’ season. Plus, they debate which players they would buy or sell.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo are back to break down the Steelers’ offensive line. It should definitely be the team’s No. 1 priority, but what changes are we likely to see? Along with sorting out all of the moving parts, the Steelers must also identify what exactly the offensive line’s needs are. Plus, Brian shares an exclusive behind-the scenes-look at his interview with former Steeler Ike Taylor.

Steelers insider Brian Batko is joined by college football insiders John McGonigal and Nubyjas Wilborn for a special episode of The North Shore Drive. With the draft getting closer, it’s time to wonder: Are the Steelers zeroing in on any players from Pitt or Penn State? Should they? We go through eligible Panthers and Nittany Lions to see what they bring to the table and if they fill any of the Steelers’ needs.

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo discuss the latest updates on Tristan Jarry and evaluate Casey DeSmith’s performance and potential. Plus, we break down Brian Burke’s latest comments on team identity and what kinds of moves the Penguins might consider.

College insiders John McGonigal, Craig Meyer and Nubyjas Wilborn discuss the Panthers’ return to spring camp after a COVID-19 pause, preview the skill positions for both Pitt and Penn State football and address Pitt basketball's recent roster movement.

High school insiders Mike White, Brad Everett and Steve Rotstein discuss the state of WPIAL basketball and share their top memories from the season. We discuss player of the year candidates, declare a prediction record winner and make some predictions for the next season. Plus, we're joined by championship guest Mike Rodriguez.

Running back? Center? Tight end? Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo are back to evaluate and debate the team’s top needs. Plus, we dive deeper into the details of the Steven Nelson situation and revisit a bet we made during the season.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak break down what the club’s roster is starting to look like. Some position competitions are over, but others are still presenting some tough choices. Can we predict the Pirates’ opening day lineup? Plus, we share MLB season predictions and discuss Todd Frazier’s status and options.

Penguins insiders Mike DeFabo and Matt Vensel discuss what Evgeni Malkin’s absence means for the team. How can the Penguins weather this storm? Plus, the trade deadline is quickly approaching. But will we see any moves from the Penguins?

College insiders Craig Meyer, John McGonigal and Nubyjas Wilborn start their Pitt and Penn State spring camp position previews at quarterback. Kenny Pickett is back for another season. Will he make it count? And what does the backup situation look like? Plus, we discuss how the NCAA tournament is going so far.

High school insiders Mike White and Steve Rotstein discuss the latest COVID-19 situations and how teams like Bishop Canevin and Upper St. Clair have been impacted. Plus, which players have earned this week’s shining star award? Chartiers Valley girls basketball coach Tim McConnell also joins us by Zoom to discuss his team’s success, semifinals and more.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo are back for an emergency podcast episode. The Steelers found a way to bring JuJu Smith-Schuster back. What does this say about how they view the other receivers on their roster? Plus, Steven Nelson is looking for a new team.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo break down how quiet things have been on the Steelers’ free agency front. Pittsburgh has made a couple of moves, but will the weeks leading up to the draft be more exciting? Plus, we discuss the team’s cap situation, what it means for some of these players to return and more.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak break down the latest news from Florida and share what we've learned about the Pirates so far. Which players are turning over new leaves? Which ones need to step up their game? Plus, we discuss rotation concerns, biggest surprises and why the Pirates need to run things like a meritocracy. 

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo discuss Brandon Tanev’s hit in Tuesday’s game against the Bruins. Did the refs get the call right? Plus, we break down the Penguins’ recent surge, injuries and potential lineup changes.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo are back for a free agency prediction bonanza. We take a look at who’s already back, who might come back and who is definitely off to a new team. Plus, we share memories of the pandemic hitting the sports world.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo break down the latest Ben Roethlisberger news. Is the height of the drama behind us? Plus, we go through Ray’s second mock draft and get an idea of what the Steelers could go after.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak break down how the Pirates are marking success in 2021 and what their building process looks like. Plus, we discuss what Ke’Bryan Hayes means to the team and the fans.

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo break down what Jason Zucker’s injury means for the team. How will the Penguins adjust? Plus, we discuss what Kasperi Kapanen and Tristan Jarry have done to bounce back and talk about Sidney Crosby's 1,000th game.

College insiders Craig Meyer, John McGonigal and Nubyjas Wilborn break down Justin Champagnie’s options: Will he stay or try his luck in the draft? Plus, we discuss local basketball teams wrapping up their regular seasons and the start of the FCS spring season.

High school basketball insiders Mike White, Brad Everett and Steve Rotstein pick the WPIAL teams they think should get the top playoff seeds. Plus, we're joined by Upper St. Clair coach Danny Holzer to discuss the season and playoffs.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo break down Ben Roethlisberger’s contract status and whether or not this whole situation has become embarrassing for him yet. Plus, we discuss Maurkice Pouncey’s retirement and J.J. Watt’s next move.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak share what they’ve learned from the first few days of spring training Zoom calls. Are the Pirates creating a new culture? Is it time for young players to step up to the plate? Plus, we rank the best baseball sounds.

The Penguins’ season is already a quarter of the way done, so insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo break down the 14 things we’ve learned about the team through 14 games. Plus, we hand out our weekly Stick Taps and much more. 

College insiders John McGonigal, Craig Meyer and Nubyjas Wilborn discuss Pitt’s downward spiral and the mistakes the team needs to fix as it faces the final stretch. Plus, we take a look at the football coaching movement at Pitt and Penn State.

High school insiders Mike White, Brad Everett and Steve Rotstein are joined by the first-ever Pick ’n Roll guest, Brayden Reynolds. We discuss similarities between certain NBA and WPIAL players, share our shining stars and make predictions for this week’s games.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo break down what the Steelers need from this year’s draft. Plus, they discuss T.J. Watt’s DPOY loss to Aaron Donald.

Penguins insiders Mike DeFabo and Matt Vensel take a look at the newest members of the Penguins’ front office: Ron Hextall and Brian Burke. What can they bring to the organization? Plus, we revisit the game against the Islanders and share some stick taps.

Steelers insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko analyze the state of the Steelers and dissect Ben Roethlisberger’s desire to return. Which dominoes still have to fall?

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak discuss the recent trades of Joe Musgrove and Jameson Taillon. What kind of return did the Pirates get? Plus, they discuss next steps for the team and share their top “walk it off” moments.

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo discuss Jim Rutherford’s surprise resignation — and the legacy he’s leaving behind. Plus, they take a look at the team’s future, evaluate the absurd number of injuries and share some stick taps.

College insiders John McGonigal, Craig Meyer and Nubyjas Wilborn discuss Pitt basketball’s last two games, share their thoughts on Coach K’s exchange with a student reporter and evaluate Pitt's presence at the Senior Bowl. Plus, they share memories of the legendary Hank Aaron.

High School insiders Mike White, Brad Everett and Steve Rotstein are back to discuss the hottest topics in Western PA basketball. Which streaks are the greatest? Who are the shining stars? Plus, they share their predictions for the week.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo discuss the announcement of Vance McDonald’s retirement and how that impacts the Steelers’ tight end room. Plus, we discuss offensive coordinator candidates, the signing of Dwayne Haskins and preview the season’s remaining games.

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo discuss Tristan Jarry’s performance and how the Penguins can fill holes on an injury-ravaged defense. Plus, they share their early impressions of Kasperi Kapapen.

College insiders Nubyjas Wilborn, Craig Meyer and John McGonigal break down Justin Champagnie’s insane return. How much has his performance shifted the conversation? Plus, Rivals’ Geoff Ketchum joins the show to discuss Penn State hiring Mike Yurcich as offensive coordinator.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak are back to break down everything the Pirates have done over this offseason — and yes, they’re calling it a rebuild. Plus, we’re joined by Baseball America’s Carlos Collazo to discuss the Pirates’ prospects and more.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo break down the latest team news and share their thoughts on all of the changes the Steelers could — and should — make. Who deserves a contract, and who shouldn't be back?

Before the puck drops, Penguins insiders Mike DeFabo and Matt Vensel are sharing their final takeaways from training camp. Plus, they’re joined by a special guest: Penguins broadcaster Josh Getzoff, who discusses his role with the team and previews the season.

College insiders John McGonigal, Nubyjas Wilborn and Craig Meyer review the College Football Playoff national championship, discuss Penn State's new offensive coordinator and address Justin Champagnie's health and where Pitt basketball stands.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo are back for an emergency podcast episode after a record-setting season for the Steelers ended with a record-setting playoff loss to the Browns. How did we get here, and who’s on the hot seat now?

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo discuss how training camp will be different this year, which Penguins have the most to prove and what fans should look for. Plus, we share our stick taps.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo revisit the Steelers’ defeat of the Colts. They did what they had to do, but should we still be cautiously optimistic about the team? Plus, we discuss Mike Tomlin’s decision to rest Ben Roethlisberger, consider likely scenarios for the playoffs and make predictions for the Steelers’ regular season finale.

College football insiders John McGonigal, Craig Meyer and Nubyjas Wilborn look back at how the Panthers and Nittany Lions fared during the 2020 season. Were expectations met? How do these teams move forward? Plus, we break down the latest Pitt basketball news.

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo break down the Penguins’ new-look division. Which team looks like it could take it all? Plus, we analyze how playoffs will work and share stick taps.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo discuss the latest December collapse, punctuated by a loss to the lowly Bengals. Could we see some changes to the coaching staff soon? And is there any hope of a rebound from Ben Roethlisberger for the postseason, or are we witnessing the end of an era? Plus, we dive into the JuJu Smith-Schuster distracting social-media posts. 

College insiders Craig Meyer, John McGonigal and Nubyjas Wilborn discuss Penn State's 2020 season after it skipped a bowl, where Pitt stands after Kenny Pickett's decision to come back and what 2021 might look like for both teams.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo break down the Steelers’ performance against the Bills. Is Pittsburgh in trouble? Plus, we discuss JuJu’s latest antics and make predictions for Monday night’s game against the Bengals.

College football insiders John McGonigal, Craig Meyer and Nubyjas Wilborn discuss Pitt's decision not to play in a bowl game. What exactly went wrong in the Panthers' disappointing 6-5 season? Plus, we look ahead to Penn State's game against Illinois.

Adam Bittner joins Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to discuss the Steelers’ first loss of the season. Has Pittsburgh’s offense been exposed? Plus, we're joined by the Buffalo News' Jay Skurski to discuss how the Bills are viewing this massive matchup as a measuring-stick game and what Steelers fans need to know about the ascending opponent.

College football insiders John McGonigal, Craig Meyer and Nubyjas Wilborn preview what’s next for Pitt and Penn State. How will these final regular season games play out? What are both teams’ postseason possibilities? Plus, they discuss Jeff Capel’s comments on amateurism and the pandemic.

In an emergency episode, Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo break down everything that’s happened since the showdown with the Ravens first got postponed before Thanksgiving. Are the Steelers players right to complain about how the NFL is handling the outbreak in Baltimore? And what can we expect Tuesday night when this game is (maybe) finally played?

College insiders John McGonigal, Craig Meyer and Nubyjas Wilborn break down Pitt's dominant win against Virginia Tech, predict the Panthers’ game at Clemson and discuss Penn State's historic 0-5 start. Plus, we look ahead to Jeff Capel's third season in charge of Pitt basketball.

Insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko discuss the hot button issue for the undefeated Steelers: Will a struggling running game hold them back from a Super Bowl run? Plus we take a look at the upcoming game against the Jaguars and make our predictions.