has led to more work for freshmen running backs

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh running back James Conner is heading to the NFL.Conner announced on his Twitter feed Saturday that hell turn pro after the Panthers face Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 28.The 21-year-old Conner had one year of eligibility remaining after redshirting during the 2015 season following a knee injury and a very public battle with cancer. The 2014 ACC Player of the Year returned this fall and ran for 1,060 yards and 16 touchdowns while helping the Panthers to an 8-4 record and the No. 22 spot in the final regular-season poll.I have given it everything I got and will do it one more time for my brothers at Pitt, Conner tweeted, later adding I will be declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft.Conner set Atlantic Coast Conference records for career touchdowns (56) and career rushing touchdowns (52) during his three-plus seasons with the Panthers. Though he moonlighted at defensive end early in his career, his 6-foot-2, 235-pound frame turned out to be better suited running through tackles, not trying to make them. He hit his stride as a sophomore in 2014 when he ran for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns and figured to head to the pros in 2016 despite a torn MCL in his right knee suffered in the 2015 opener against Youngstown State.That changed in November, 2015 when Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. He went through more than five months of draining treatment -- though it didnt keep him from joining his teammates for portion of spring drills -- and he embraced his role as a cancer survivor, visiting frequently with fellow patients in hopes of becoming a symbol of strength. He was declared cancer-free over the summer and returned to full contact in time for training camp.He scored in the 2016 opener against Villanova but truly hit his stride over Pitts final six games, when he went over 100 yards rushing four times and scored 13 total touchdowns, including a 20-yard sprint in the fourth quarter on the road against Clemson that brought Pitt in range to pull off a stirring 43-42 upset.Conner initially said he would wait until after Pitts bowl game to make a decision but instead opted to do it a few hours before the Heisman Trophy presentation. Its a ceremony he could have been in position to attend if he opted for one last year with the Panthers. Instead hell move on while leaving behind a remarkable legacy of perseverance and toughness.My main goal, when they talk about somebody who had a positive impact on the University of Pittsburgh, is for them to mention my name, Conner said after Pitts wild victory over Syracuse in the season finale last month. 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It took just one hit for No. 24 Boise State to see two of its season goals possibly go bouncing away.Last weeks loss at Wyoming was a major blow to Boise States hopes of earning the Group of Five berth to one of the major New Years bowls. It also severely damaged the Broncos hopes of even winning a Mountain West Conference title with Boise State now needing Wyoming to lose twice just to win the Mountain Division.If the Broncos (7-1, 3-1 Mountain West) are to keep their hopes alive for either of those accomplishments, they cant afford another stumble from here on out, beginning with Fridays game against San Jose State.Youre not in the drivers seat but to be honest with you youre not in the drivers seat until the end of the season anyway. It all has to play out, Boise State coach Bryan Harsin said.Thats an optimistic view from Harsin, but there is history behind his optimism. Two years ago, the Broncos lost a conference game at Air Force, but got the breaks they needed to win the Mountain Division, win the conference championship game and landed as the highest-ranked Group of Five team to earn a Fiesta Bowl bid.The difference two years ago: Boise States loss came at the end of September with seven games remaining. Boise State has just three games left after hosting the Spartans.Thats why the loss to Wyoming could be so damaging. There may not be time for Boise State to make up enough ground and get help from others.The Cowboys rallied to tie the game at 28-all. Then Chase Appleby sacked Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien and forced a fumble that bounced out of the back of the end zone for a safety with 1:25 left for what proved to be the winning points.We didnt make enough plays in the game, Harsin said. Theres always things that you want back. Theres always things that you want back in games that you win.San Jose State (3-6, 2-3) has won two of its past three and must win its final three games to become bowl eligible for a second straight season. But the Spartans havent beatten a ranked team on the road since winning at Baylor in 1980.ddddddddddddTheyve got good players across the board. A well-balanced football team, San Jose State coach Ron Caragher said. Were going to need to play on a very high level for four quarters.Other things to watch as Boise State looks to improve to 13-0 all-time against San Jose State:RYPIENS BOUNCEBACK: Boise State quarterback Brett Rypiens play will be closely watched after it was his fumble that bounced out of the end zone and gave Wyoming the decisive points for its upset victory. Rypien threw for 295 yards and caught a touchdown pass on a trick play against the Cowboys, but the Broncos punted on four of six second-half possessions and the last possession ended with the safety.FEED JEREMY: Boise State running back Jeremy McNichols had another standout day against Wyoming, rushing for 143 yards and two touchdowns. McNichols has topped 100 yards six times this season. He rushed for 192 yards and two touchdowns last year against San Jose State.McNichols is one of three running backs in the Mountain West already topping 1,000 yards rushing, and is No. 6 in the country. But he trails San Diego States Donnel Pumphrey and Wyomings Brian Hill.NO TURNOVERS: Boise State has yet to find the key to forcing turnovers.Through eight games, the Broncos have forced just four turnovers -- three interceptions and one fumble recovery. Thats last in the country and Boise State has a minus-9 in turnover margin.I cant recall being minus-9 in turnovers, ever, and having as few as weve had, Harsin said.San Jose State knows how important it is to protect the ball. In their three wins this season, the Spartans have not committed a turnover.Its no coincidence weve won the turnover battle the last three weeks and won two of those three games, Caragher said.---More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org ' ' '