Charles Odum | Associated Press

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, in Atlanta.

Kenny Pickett and the Steelers' starters cap an impressive preseason in a win over the Falcons

Kenny Pickett led two touchdown drives and showed he and the Pittsburgh starters are ready for real games as the Steelers overpowered the Atlanta Falcons’ backups 24-0 in the final preseason game for both teams.

University of Pennsylvania transgender athlete Lia Thomas competes in the 500-yard freestyle finals at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

Arts, Sports & Culture

University of Pennsylvania's Lia Thomas becomes the first transgender woman to win NCAAs

Charles Odum | Associated Press

Lia Thomas took control in the final 100 yards of the 500-yard freestyle to make history Thursday as the first transgender woman to win an NCAA swimming championship.

Pittsburgh quarterback Nick Patti (12) scrambles in the end zone against Michigan State during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, in Atlanta.

Arts, Sports & Culture

Thorne leads No. 11 Spartans past No. 13 Pitt in Peach Bowl

Charles Odum | Associated Press

Payton Thorne's 22-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Reed gave No. 11 Michigan State the lead with less than three minutes remaining, and the Spartans overcame an 11-point deficit to beat No. 13 Pittsburgh 31-21 on Thursday night in the Peach Bowl. The Panthers lost fill-in starting quarterback Nick Patti to an injury in the first quarter.

Pittsburgh quarterback Nick Patti (12) scrambles during their annual NCAA football intrasquad Blue-Gold scrimmage game, Saturday, April 24, 2021, in Pittsburgh. No. 13 Pittsburgh will be looking for continuity in the Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, Peach Bowl game against No. 11 Michigan State with Patti taking over as quarterback for Kenny Pickett and tight ends coach Tim Salem serving as acting offensive coordinator.

Arts, Sports & Culture

Pitt to face Michigan State in Thursday night's Peach Bowl

Charles Odum | Associated Press

The Pittsburgh Panthers, ranked 13th, will take on the Michigan State Spartans, who are ranked 11th.

Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett and head coach Pat Narduzzi celebrate with the trophy after their win against Wake Forest in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C.

Arts, Sports & Culture

Pitt's reward for ACC title is Peach matchup vs Michigan State

Charles Odum | Associated Press

A milestone season for Pittsburgh and quarterback Kenny Pickett is continuing with a Peach Bowl matchup against Michigan State. No. 13 Pitt’s reward for its first Atlantic Coast Conference championship is the Panthers’ first New Year’s Six bowl since 2004 in the Dec. 30 game in Atlanta against No. 11 Michigan State.