Time for a break from politics and a look at a much less controversial topic, sports. A new PPP poll also asked how Pennsylvanians feel about their major sports teams.

The Steelers remain more popular than their counterparts in Philadelphia. They hold a 40-28 lead over the Eagles. 31% either rejected both teams, do not watch football, favored another team or were not sure.

Steeler fans are also much more confident about their team than Eagles fans. Steeler Coach Mike Tomlin has a resounding 60% approval rating from fans of the Black and Gold. Meanwhile, a plurality of Eagles fans approve of the hiring of new coach Doug Pederson by a 48-38 margin. Philly fans are split over the idea of just never firing Andy Reid 37-39.

In terms of baseball, Pittsburgh again comes out on top, though the lead is within the margin of error for the poll. 36% of Pennsylvanians cheer on the Pirates with 33% rooting for the Phillies. Once again, 31% said they cheer for a different team or are not sure.

Both fan bases are happy with the coaching as Phillies manager Pete Mackanin has a 54% approval rating and Buccos Manager Clint Hurdle holds a 64% approval rating.

Pennsylvanians are more split, however, when it comes to college sports.

Penn State has a plurality of support with 34%. Other or not sure was the second largest category coming in at 23%. Pitt then took the next spot drawing the support of 13% of Pennsylvanians.

The poll found large support for football Coaches James Franklin and Pat Narduzzi for Penn State and Pitt respectively. Jamie Dixon and Jay Wright also got high marks for leading the basketball clubs of Pitt and Villanova respectively. In fact coming off of Villanova’s National Championship win, zero percent of respondents disapprove of Wright.

The final sports question from the poll asked if there was still hope for the Philadelphia 76ers. Only 25% had hope with 29% saying they had no hope. 46% were not sure on the matter.

Public Policy Polling surveyed 1,106 registered voters from June 3rd to 5th. 80% of participants, selected through a list based sample, responded via the phone, while 20% of respondents who did not have landlines conducted the survey over the internet through an opt-in internet panel. The margin of error is +/- 3.0%.