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The University of Pittsburgh has a storied history in football that dates back to 1890. The Pitt Panthers are 9-Time National Champions and many of the greatest players in the history of football are proud to call Pitt their alma mater.
Pitt has 97 First Team All-Americans, 25 members in the College Football Hall of Fame and nine Panthers have been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
NGSC Sports brings you the ultimate Pitt Game Day Preview you will find anywhere! This is where true Panther fans come to find out about Pitt and their upcoming opponent! Mike Drakulich (@PghSportsNation) brings you inside the huddle for both teams, providing all fans with a weekly game story, Pitt’s Keys to Victory, score prediction, crucial game day information, and a detailed breakdown of each team.
Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff! The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform!
Panther’s resolve to be tested if top two QB’s are out
A few weeks ago, every returning player on Pitt’s roster had this game circled as a revenge game.
Now the Pitt Panthers (1-1), coming off a heartbreaking 34-27 overtime loss to Tennessee, might be heading to Kalamazoo to face Western Michigan (1-1) without both starting quarterback Kedon Slovis, and back-up Nick Patti, each suffering injuries in the loss to the Vols.
Last year, the Broncos stunned Pitt 44-41.
“Do I have to say anything?” Narduzzi said when asked if his players were extra motivated to make amends for last year. “I mean, I think the game speaks for itself, you know, so I really don’t need to say much.”
The Broncos torched the Panthers for 517 yards of total offense last year.
“We got kind of torn apart a little bit,” Narduzzi said.
This year, Pitt’s defense will face a local kid when they take the field.
WMU quarterback Jake Salopek, is a Norwin HS graduate.
“Pitt was my first scholarship offer,” Salopek said, “I thought it would have been cool being the quarterback for the hometown team.”
However, when then OC Shawn Watson was let go, and Mark Whipple took over, plans changed.
“That’s when they brought in coach Whipple,” Salopek said. “That’s when coach Narduzzi kind of said they wanted to let coach Whipple look at some other quarterbacks.
“They kind of pulled back my offer, I guess you could say.”
Narduzzi, even though not offering Salopek, likes what he sees from the local kid.
“He’s tough. I think he’s a tough guy,” Narduzzi said. “When you watch him, from everything we gather, just a very coachable guy who’s going to do it exactly the way they’re supposed to do it. He does a nice job.”
**A Word Regarding Future Pitt GameDay Previews**
Sadly, for the foreseeable future, this will be the last Pitt GameDay Preview. Since 2017, I have been credentialed with Pitt (sans the crazy covid year of 2020), and I have thoroughly enjoyed bringing you all the best Pitt game previews you will find anywhere. I challenge you to search the net and find a more detailed game preview than you get from me.
Suddenly this year, coming off of an ACC Championship after many decades of average at best football by the program, I was informed by Pitt that I no longer met their “guidelines” to be credentialed.
How did I meet them the previous five years?
No answer.
I put a lot of time, work, and effort into bringing you all the best product possible, so for Pitt to blatantly disrespect me, why should I continue to care and support a program that blackballs me? If Pitt wants to cater to those in the media who constantly toss Pitt under the bus over those who actually give a damn about Panther football, then so be it.
For now, I need a break after being let down so badly by a team I’ve loved since I was born.
Thank you all for reading and supporting my work over the years.
Hey, I’ll still have Against All Odds and Steelers GameDay Previews for you to enjoy.
Keys to Victory
Overall
- Rise Up: Despite being down their top two QB’s (more than likely), Pitt is still better than Western Michigan at every position, and by our count, Pitt owes the Broncos big time for last year. Time to man up and take care of business, despite the hostile road environment and adversity.
Offense
- Offensive Line: Once thought the best in the ACC, the line has been horrible thus far, both pass and run blocking. Every player on the line needs a gut check and it’s well past time to playing up to their talent. The line will be the key to winning or losing this game.
- Wide Receivers: Other than Jared Wayne, they have been too inconsistent, and the dropped touchdown passes, three by our count, need to cease immediately. This is Division I football, not Junior High… make the damn catch.
Defense
- Bring the heat: The defense played great in the 2nd half vs the Vols, and now this unit will have to step it up in this game, and maybe a few more if Kedon Slovis is out for a few games. WMU doesn’t have half the offense Tennessee has, so unless there is a major letdown, the defense should dominate.
Prediction
It’s not very easy to make a prediction when you have no idea who is and isn’t injured. All in all, Pitt is better from top to bottom, and the Panthers will seek to avenge last year’s shocking 44-41 loss at Heinz Field.
The biggest question entering the game is whether Kedon Slovis will play and start, or will it be either Dartmouth transfer Derek Kyler, or redshirt freshman Nick Yarnell?
Western Michigan isn’t exactly an offensive juggernaut, so the defense, which really rose to the occasion in the 2nd half vs Tennessee, should be able to contain the Broncos offense, who under Norwin HS product Jake Salopek, will try to be balanced in their attack.
RB Sean Tyler is a tough runner who had 84 yards rushing and a score last year vs Pitt, and WR Corey Crooms actually outplayed Skyy Moore, netting 161 yards receiving off of eight catches, one that was a TD.
The Broncos managed just 13 points vs Michigan State, while piling on 39 points against Ball State.
Look for Pitt to get the running game going, and play some ball control, especially if they are down to either Kyler or Yarnell. Saturday night’s game would be a great opportunity to see what both C’Bo Flemister, Vernon Davis, and Daniel Carter can bring to the run game, in addition to a strong effort by Izzy Abanikanda.
That’s not to say abandoning the pass game, as these kids are here for a reason, 3rd/4th string or not. Pitt will still have to get WMU’s defense from crowding the line of scrimmage, and Pitt has too many weapons to mimic the Steelers “quicksand offense” they’ve employed under Matt Canada.
In other words, whomever is under center, will need to throw a few deep balls and make a connection now and then.
If Slovis miraculously starts: Pitt 38 Western Michigan 13
If Kyler/Yarnell starts: Pitt 28 Western Michigan 17
Game Day Information
#23 Pitt Panthers at Western Michigan Broncos
- Vegas Line: Pitt -10
Game-time: Saturday, September 17th, 7:30 PM.
Venue: Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI.
- Field: Field Turf
Tickets: WMU Ticket Office
TV: ESPNU
- Announcers: Clay Matvick (play-by-play) Rocky Boiman (analyst) | Dawn Davenport (reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 93.7 The Fan
- Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Pat Bostick (analyst) | Larry Richert and Dorin Dickerson (reporters)
Alternative Broadcasts
- Online Radio: 937thefan.radio.com
- Satellite Radio: SiriusXM Channel 159 or 202, SXM App Channel 965
Weather at Kickoff: 82 and partly sunny. Winds out of the South at 9 mph.
ACC Links
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 1-1 | ACC Record: 0-0 | Rank: AP- #23 / Coaches- #25
Previous Game: Tennessee 34 Pitt 27 OT
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 8th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 54-38
- ACC Division Titles: 2
- ACC Championships: 1
Pitt Team Links
- Pitt Panthers Roster
- Pitt Coaching Staff
- Pitt Team/Individual Statistics
- Pitt Panthers 2022 Schedule
Pitt Offense (Pro Style)
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 32.5
- Total offense yards per game: 399.5
- Passing yards per game: 291
- Rushing yards per game: 108.5
Offensive Line
LT: Carter Warren (#77) | LG: Marcus Minor (#55) | C: Owen Drexel (#60)/Terrance Moore (#58) | RG: Jake Kradel (#53)| RT: Gabe Houy (#57)
The entire offensive line from 2021 returns for this season. However, once thought to be the strength of the team, the line has been a huge disappointment in 2022. Center Owen Drexel was injured last week, so his availability is not known for sure, so if he misses time, next man up on the depth chart is Terrance Moore. Jake Kradel could also play center if Drexel is out.
Quarterback
Derek Kyler (#16) or Nick Yarnell (#19)
If Slovis is out, who will start…? Will it be the transfer from Dartmouth in Derek Kyler, or the redshirt freshman in Nick Yarnell???
- Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0 | Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Kedon Slovis (#9) (Unlikely to play as of 9/15)
Currently injured with either a concussion or collarbone issue, depending on who you hear it from. Unlikely to play vs WMU. Before Slovis got hurt, he was lighting up the Vols for 185 yards in the 1st half, and should have had two touchdown passes. Hopefully he returns soon.
- Passing Yards: 503 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 7 | Rushing Yards: -33 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Nick Patti (#12)
- Passing Yards: 79 | TD Passes:1 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 2 | Rushing Yards: -13 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Patti is tough as nails, playing on one leg when he himself was injured after coming in for Kedon Slovis. Did not look sharp at all and was very inaccurate with his throws, of which being under heavy pressure every time he dropped back not being very helpful. Has a high ankle sprain and will not play this week.
Running Backs
Israel Abanikanda (#2)
Ran hard and with purpose vs the Vols, gaining over 100 yards. Will be Pitt’s #1 back for the foreseeable future with Hammond out.
- Rushing Yards: 169 | Rushing TD’s: 1 | Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 45 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Rodney Hammond (#6)
Hammond suffered a broken foot vs WVU and is out for 3-4 weeks.
- Rushing Yards: 74 | Rushing TD’s: 2 | Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 55 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Vincent Davis (#22)
Davis finally saw action last week, but did not accomplish much, rushing five times for just 14 yards.
- Rushing Yards: 14 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 13 | Receiving TD’s: 0
C’Bo Flemister (#24)
Had one carry for no yards in opener. Perhaps he will be utilized more often in the next two games.
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Daniel Carter (#4)
Carter has one carry for four yards that resulted in a score. A lot of talent that has yet to be used.
- Rushing Yards: 4 | Rushing TD’s: 1 | Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Wide Receivers
Konata Mumpfield (#14)
Mumpfield has been good, not great in his two games at Pitt. Dropped a walk-in touchdown last week and Pitt had to settle for a FG.
- Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 105 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jared Wayne (#5)
Wayne has been Pitt’s best receiver this year, and shows no sign of slowing down.
- Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 171 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jaylon Barden (#10)
- Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 14 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jaden Bradley (#7)
- Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 16 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Bub Means (#15)
Means has potential, but needs to start making catches. So far, he has dropped a would be long touchdown, and had another touchdown bounce off his hands resulting in an interception. Time to step up or become a cornerback.
- Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 70 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Myles Alston (#(20)
Alston is set to make a name for himself as a redshirt freshman.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Gavin Bartholomew (#86)
Bartholomew had a highlight reel 57 yard touchdown catch vs the Vols, leaping over a defender on his way to the endzone.
- Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 93 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Kyi Wright (#3)
Wright is a redshirt junior from Farrell HS.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Karter Johnson (#8)
A former defensive line prospect turned tight end, Wright had 22 catches for 293 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games for Butler CC in Kansas before transferring to Pitt.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Placekicker
Ben Sauls (#90)
Sauls looked terrible vs Tennessee missing two field goals by a mile each.
- Extra Points: 8-8
- Field Goals: 3-5
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 2-3
- 40-49 yards: 1-2
- 50+ yards: 0-0
*Injured/Out
Pitt Defense (Base 4-3)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 32.5
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 410
- Passing yards allowed: 269.5
- Rushing yards allowed: 140.5
- Sacks: 6
- Interceptions: 1
Stat Leaders
Tackles
- 20- Brandon Hill
- 19- Bengally Kamara
- 16- SirVocea Dennis
- 13- Habakkuk Baldonado
- 9- Calijah Kancey and Erick Hallett II
Sacks
- 1.5- David Green
- 1- SirVocea Dennis, Calijah Kancey, John Morgan III, Brandon George
- 0.5- Habakkuk Baldonado
Interceptions
- 1- M.J. Devonshire
Defensive Starters
Defensive Line
DE: Habakkuk Baldanado (#87) | DT: Calijah Kancey (#8) | DT: David Green (#2)/Devin Danieleson (#95) | DE: Deslin Alexandre (#5)
Baldonado and Kancey, were both All-ACC players last season and return for a Pitt pass rush that led the ACC with 54 sacks in 2021. Kancey is on the Walter Camp Player of the Year watch list, and is a candidate for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (top defensive player), Outland Trophy (best interior lineman), Chuck Bednarik Award (best defensive player in college football) and the Lott IMPACT Trophy (most impactful defensive player). Baldonado was also recognized by the Bednarik as a candidate.
Linebackers
Money: Shayne Simon (#32) | MIKE: SirVocea Dennis (#7) | STAR: Bengally Kamara (#11)
Dennis is on the list for the Rotary Lombardi Award (Best Lineman or Linebacker). Simon is a grad transfer from Notre Dame. Keep an eye out for #10 Tylar Wiltz, a transfer from Missouri State. Solomon DeShields (#23) will see plenty of action as well.
Secondary
CB: Marquis Williams (#14) | SS: Brandon Hill (#9) | FS: Erick Hallett II (#31) | CB: A.J. Woods (#25)/M.J. Devonshire (#12)
Brandon Hill was named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award watch list as a 2022 preseason candidate for college football defensive back of the year.
Pitt Special Teams
Kickoff Returners
Isreal Abinikanda
Averaged a team-best 29.4 yards per attempt last year with a touchdown.
- Average: 19.7 | TD Returns: 0
Vincent Davis
- Average: 14 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returners
P.J. O’Brien
- Average: 30.0 | TD Returns: 0
M.J. Devonshire
As a senior at Aliquippa High School, Devonshire had eight kickoff or punt return touchdowns, one short of the national high school record, and would’ve had five more if not for penalties.
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Western Michigan Broncos
Overall Record: 1-1 | MAC Record: 1-0 | Rank: n/a
Previous Game: Western Michigan 37 Ball State 30
Head Coach: Tim Lester
- 6th Season with Western Michigan
- Lifetime Record: 63-49 | 33-26 at Western Michigan
Links
Western Michigan Offense (Multiple)
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 25
- Total Offense per game: 385.5
- Passing yards per game: 211.5
- Rushing yards per game: 174
Quarterback
Jake Salopek
Norwin graduate Jack Salopek is the Broncos’ quarterback, but has not completed a pass over 22 yards in WMU’s first two games.
- Passing Yards: 423 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 7 | Rushing Yards: 66 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Joe Milton III
Running Backs
Sean Tyler
The Broncos leading rusher and best back.
- Rushing Yards: 176 | Rushing TD’s: 2 | Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
La’Darius Jefferson
- Rushing Yards: 63 | Rushing TD’s: 3 | Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 17 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Zahir Abdus-Salaam
- Rushing Yards: 8 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Receivers
Corey Crooms
Crooms isn’t Skyy Moore, but he is doing his best impression of him. Pitt’s secondary will need to keep him in check, especially after he totaled 161 yards receiving and eight catches, one a TD, vs Pitt last year.
- Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 143 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jehlani Galloway
Galloway is #2 in what is mainly a two receiver set offense ran by the Broncos. The transfer from Boston College is averaging 14.1 yards per catch.
- Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 113 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Anthony Sambucci
- Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 33 | Receiving TD’s: 0
A.J. Abbot
- Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 30 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Kaevion Mack
- Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Blake Bosma
Bosma is the top tight end utilized in WMU’s passing game.
- Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 41 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Joshua Burgett
- Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 38 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Placekicker
Palmer Domschke
- Extra Points: 4-4
- Field Goals: 2-2
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-1
- 30-39 yards: 0-0
- 40-49 yards: 1-1
- 50+ yards: 0-0
*Injured/out
Western Michigan Defense (Base 4-3)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 32.5
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 438.5
- Passing yards allowed: 262
- Rushing yards allowed: 176.5
- Sacks: 1
- Interceptions: 1
Stat Leaders
Tackles
- 25- Ryan Selig (LB)
- 24- Zaire Barnes (LB)
- 15- Andre Carter (DE) and Braden Fiske (NT)
- 14- Warren Dabne (DT)
Sacks
- 0.5- Andre Carter (DE) and Warren Dabne (DT)
Interceptions
- 1- Keni-H Lovely (CB)
Western Michigan Special Teams
Kickoff Returners
Sean Tyler
- Average: 18.5 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returner
Zahir Abdus-Salaam
- Average: 7.5 | TD Returns: 0
Pitt vs Western Michigan History
Series Began: 2021
Overall Record: 0-1
- At Home: 0-1
- On Road: 0-0
- Neutral Site: 0-0
ACC Series: n/a
Streak: Western Michigan won the last game.
Last Game: Sept. 18, 2021 (Western Michigan 44 Pitt 41)
Game Notes*
- Pitt is 32-5 all-time against Mid-American Conference members (4-2 on the road). The Panthers’ last MAC road game occurred on Sept. 12, 2015, a 24-7 win at Akron.
- The Panthers last played in the state of Michigan on Dec. 26, 2019, when they defeated Eastern Michigan, 34-30, in the Quick Lane Bowl held in Detroit’s Ford Field.
- The Panthers have compiled six sacks through two games. That total ranks 19th nationally and second in the ACC. Defensive tackle David Green leads Pitt with 1.5 sacks.
- The Panthers have actually won six true road games in a row dating back to 2020.
*Courtesy of pittsburghpanthers.com
Injury Report (9/15/22)
Pitt Panthers
- Out: RB Rodney Hammond (foot)
- Doubtful: QB Kedon Slovis (Shoulder), QB Nick Patti (Ankle), C Owen Drexel
- Questionable: DL Deslin Alexandre (arm)
Western Michigan Broncos
- Out: None
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: None
Author Profile
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From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.
There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all!
As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football.
For a refreshing view of sports, mixed with humor and uncensored opinions, check out Pittsburgh SportsNation today on Facebook, Twitter @PghSportsNation and videos with over 1,000,000 views on YouTube!
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