Entering his second season at Pitt, Pat Narduzzi isnt sure exactly who quarterback Nate Peterman is going to throw the ball to, or how often.Who knows? Maybe never. Thats not a dig on the options wide receiver since Tyler Boyd headed to the NFL but a testament to the depth at running back, one boosted by the return of 2014 ACC Player of the Year James Conner, who is back after a bout with cancer.Doctors cleared Conner in June after six months of treatment, providing the Panthers with an emotional boost as well as what could be an embarrassment of riches in the backfield. Qadree Ollison earned ACC Offensive Freshman of the Year last fall while filling in for Conner. Darrin Hall is back, too. So is safety Jordan Whitehead, who averaged 10.2 yards a carry during occasional forays into the offensive huddle.Theres going to be times where you see two or three tailbacks out there, maybe four, who knows? Narduzzi said.Thatd be fine with Conner, who worked out alongside his teammates despite draining chemotherapy sessions. Given the success the youngster behind him had last year, Conner doesnt want to stand out so much as fit in.With all of us out there on the field, its going to do some damage, he said.The Panthers began the Narduzzi era with a promising 8-5 mark last fall. Enthusiasm surrounding the program is rising. There will be plenty of chances to make noise in Year Two thanks to a schedule that includes the renewal of an old rivalry when Penn State visits in September and a visit to Clemson in early November.This is exactly what Narduzzi had in mind when he took over for Paul Chryst more than 18 months ago. A head coach for the first time in his career, hes settled into the job. So, it seems, have the Panthers.Im a little grayer, Ive got a little less hair, Narduzzi said. Our kids know what theyre doing. Theres more recall in what were doing. They could go out there and really run the practice themselves. They know the offense, they know the defense, and they know the tempo we want.Basically: fast.Some things to look for as Pitt tries to continue its trend northward in the crowded ACC Coastal Division.KEY GAMESHow about Penn State, Penn State and Penn State? The Panthers and the Nittany Lions renew their in-state rivalry after a 15-year hiatus when Penn State visits Heinz Field on Sept. 10. Though both sides will try to downplay the importance, a win would give Pitt a serious boost both in the win column and recruiting.FOR STARTERSThe Panthers open the season on Sept. 3 at home against Villanova. The perennial FCS power is hardly a pushover. The Wildcats are a tough out. Each of their last three openers against FBS opponents has been decided by 10 points or less.PREDICTIONPitts ability to reach improve on 2015 will depend on how quickly the offense gets going under new coordinator Matt Canada and if the defense can continue to make strides after an impressive start under Narduzzis watch last fall. The Panthers biggest issue in recent years has been consistency. Too often they will back up impressive wins with puzzling losses. Given the questions surrounding the passing game, lets call it more of the same with a 7-5 finish likely as Pitt continues to endure the growing pains that Narduzzi believes will disappear as time goes by. Ross Stripling Dodgers Jersey . The head of USA Boxing came out swinging Tuesday with an open letter to Tyson -- a former Olympic hopeful himself -- that accuses the former heavyweight champion of trying to poach fighters who might be candidates for the U. Corey Seager Jersey . 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SAN DIEGO -- Homer Bailey completed his long road back to the majors with his first victory in nearly two years.Bailey threw 5 2/3 solid innings in his first start this season, pitching the Cincinnati Reds past the San Diego Padres 3-2.Bailey (1-0) returned from forearm and elbow surgeries and allowed two runs, four hits and three walks. He retired 14 consecutive batters during one stretch and had six strikeouts. Injuries limited Bailey to just two starts last season.The most satisfying part of his outing?The Reds winning, said Bailey, victorious for the first time since Aug. 7, 2014.He was really crisp, Reds manager Bryan Price said. They got to him a little in the first inning but the next four innings he was really locked in, making quality pitches with his fastball and slider. I couldnt be happier after his first start.The Reds took the three-game series and completed their first winning road trip (4-2) since 2014. Despite being in the NL Central cellar, Cincinnati has won five straight series and six of their past seven.That feels good and it doesnt matter where you are in the standings, Price said.Tony Cingrani worked the ninth for his 13th save in 18 chances.But Sunday belonged to Bailey.The most gratifying thing was walking out there and seeing some very familiar faces ... all the guys, Bailey said. It was great to be back out there with your teammates. Ive been watching them for about a year and a half and wanting to be out there and to see those guys. Well, they have always had my back.Paul Clemens (1-2) made his second start with the Padres but was forced to exit after 4 2/3 innings because of a sore back. Clemens, a June waiver pickup from the Marlins, was charged with two runs on four hits and a walk. He tied a career high with five strikeouts.I dont see myself missing any time, Clemens said. Im not here to be hurt.The Padres loaded the bases with one out in the eighth, but reliever Michael Lorenzen fanned Jabari Blash and Christian Bethanccourt flied out.ddddddddddddThe Padres closed the gap to 3-2 in the sixth, Baileys most stressful inning, when Alexi Amaristas one-out single preceded three straight walks. Amarista was thrown out trying to score on a wild pitch.After the third walk to Blash, a disappointed Bailey let his guard down and Wil Myers swiped home without a throw. Bailey was then lifted after 89 pitches.I saw that (Bailey) would turn his back on a lot of close calls, Myers said. And I knew that if he walked (Blash) that he might turn his back again.Blake Wood relieved Bailey and retired Bethancourt looking to end the threat.The Reds took a 2-1 edge in the second, thanks to some power from an unlikely source.Eugenio Suarez singled and Jose Peraza followed with a home run into the second deck of the Western Metal Supply Co., building. The 424-foot shot was Perazas first of his career.Peraza had been working on using the middle of the field, but during Sundays voluntary batting practice he was lining the ball to left. Still, when he produced his majestic home run, Price was surprised.I couldnt believe it was Peraza hitting the ball to left field like that, Price said.TRAINERS ROOMPadres: RHP Erik Johnson (right elbow) is expected to miss the rest of the season. While hoping to avoid surgery, his rehabilitation will linger into the offseason.UP NEXTReds: RHP Dan Straily (6-6, 3.84) will make his first career start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. Straily has produced quality starts in each of his last five appearances. He leads the Reds in innings pitched (122), strikeouts (97) and quality starts (12).Padres: RHP Jarred Cosart (0-1, 5.95) will make his debut with the Padres against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers. Cosart, who was part of the deal which sent Andrew Cashner and Colin Rea to the Marlins, is making his fifth start of the season. ' ' '