In Wednesday’s “First Call,” Ben Roethlisberger thinks it’s time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to split from head coach Mike Tomlin — and he suggests that Tomlin should move on to coach Penn State.

There is at least one projection that has Penn State playing Pitt in a bowl game. A former Steeler is signing with the Baltimore Ravens.

And Robert Morris’ goalie gets a league-wide honor.

Making it happen?

If Pitt vs. Penn State isn’t going to happen on a regular basis due to college football’s current conference alignments and scheduling issues, maybe we’ll see it in a postseason game.

Longtime college football writer Brett McMurphy posted his college football bowl-game projections. He has the rivalry being renewed in the Pinstripe Bowl in Yankee Stadium.

The Pinstripe Bowl is played annually between Big Ten and ACC teams. This year, it is slated to take place at noon Dec. 27.

Penn State has played in the Pinstripe Bowl once. It was James Franklin’s first season in 2014. The Nittany Lions beat Boston College, 31-30. Pitt last played in the Pinstripe Bowl in a 31-24 loss to Northwestern.

The Panthers finished the 2025 regular season 8-4, 6-2 in the ACC. That placed sixth in the conference after tiebreakers. PSU was 13th in the Big Ten at 3-6 in conference play and 6-6 overall.

Penn State leads the all-time series 53-43-4. The most recent meeting was a 17-10 PSU win in State College.

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Time for Tomlin?

Speaking of Penn State, former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is suggesting it’s time for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers to separate.

And he’s throwing out Happy Valley as a potential destination where Tomlin may land. 

“Maybe it is ‘clean-house’ time. Maybe it is time,” Roethlisberger said on his “Footbahlin’”podcast. “I like Coach Tomlin. I have a lot of respect for Coach Tomlin. But maybe it’s best for him too. Maybe a fresh start for him is what’s best. Whether that’s in the pros, maybe go to be Penn State’s coach? You know what he would do (at) Penn State? He would probably go win national championships — because he is a great recruiter.”

Ben Roethlisberger suggesting on his podcast tonight that it may be time for the #Steelers to "clean house" and move on from Mike Tomlin. Guessing this will get some coverage. pic.twitter.com/5eHx7GPhfG

— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) December 3, 2025

At 6-6 so far this season, and with no playoff wins since 2016, Roethlisberger is claiming a fresh start is needed.

“Give him a statue. Do whatever you’ve got to do, because he deserves it. But it’s time to find that next guy,” Roethlisberger added.

Tomlin has previously said he’d have no interest in college coaching. 

Becoming a Bird

The Ravens are signing a former Steeler in advance of hosting Pittsburgh this weekend. Running back Jonathan Ward is joining the Ravens.

We have signed LB William Kwenkeu and RB Jonathan Ward to the practice squad.https://t.co/imTrdrWXvM

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 2, 2025

The move isn’t just about espionage during the practice week for the big AFC North showdown. The Ravens have a need at running back. Justice Hill has been placed on injured reserve in advance of the game.

He’s usually the top backup to star Derrick Henry. Those duties are now likely to be filled by Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali, who have just 30 carries between them. Mitchell had a touchdown last week.

TOUCHDOWN @_KeatonMitchell!!!!! HUGE BLOCK @ZayFlowers!!!

Tune in on @SNFonNBC | @peacock | @EAMaddenNFL pic.twitter.com/kIBytJobGo

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 28, 2025

Ward signed a one-year contract in Pittsburgh prior to the 2024 season. He appeared in four games, primarily on special teams. Ward then signed a reserve/future contract with the Steelers in January, but was released in June.

Then the New York Giants signed him during the preseason, but he didn’t make the final roster cuts. The Central Michigan product then spent a little time on New England’s practice squad.

Noticed in net

Robert Morris men’s hockey goaltender Charlie Schenkel is getting some recognition. The freshman has been named Atlantic Hockey America’s Rookie of the Week.

Charlie Schenkel is your @Atlantic_Hockey Rookie of the Week!????

His 0.97 GAA and .951 save percentage led all AHA netminders!????

????: https://t.co/WUIowlB00f #BobbyMo #AHA pic.twitter.com/UWqRWPFpzl

— RMU Men’s Hockey (@RMUMHockey) December 2, 2025

The first-year netminder helped RMU secure five of six points in a home-and-home series last weekend against Mercyhurst.

The Toronto native finished the series leading all AHA goaltenders this past week with a 0.97 goals-against average and a .951 save percentage. He turned aside 39 shots between the two games.

RMU won Friday night 3-1 and posted a shootout victory Saturday after a 1-1 regulation tie. Schenkel is now 3-8-2 with a .896 save percentage and a goals against average of 3.07.

The Colonials visit Air Force for a two-game series in Colorado on Friday and Saturday. The Falcons are fourth in the 10-team conference with 15 points. The Colonials are seventh with 11 points.

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