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The University of Pittsburgh has a tradition of excellence in football that dates back to 1890. The Pitt Panthers have won Nine National Championships and many of the greatest players in the history of football are proud to call Pitt their alma mater.
Pitt boasts 98 First Team All-Americans, 25 members in the College Football Hall of Fame and ten Panthers have been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
NGSC Sports provides you the ultimate Pitt Game Day Preview, 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 The Game Scoop, Score Prediction, Broadcast and Game Day Information, and a complete breakdown of each team.
Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff! The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform!
Pitt Panthers (0-0) vs Wofford Terriers (0-0)
NCAA Week 1
Game-time: Saturday, September 2nd, at 3:30 PM
- Vegas line: Pittsburgh -42.5
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Kentucky Blue Grass
The Game Scoop
The Summer days coming to an end in Western Pennsylvania, but all is not lost, as the college football season is set to start with the Pitt Panthers opening their season vs the Wofford Terriers this Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. Kickoff is at 3:30 PM.
The Panthers are coming off a 9-4 season, but felt like they left a lot on the table in 2022. The 2023 version of Pitt Football is confident and hungry to make amends and prove all the doubters wrong, and expect nothing less than a return trip to the ACC Championship game like they did in 2021.
Former Pine-Richland and WPIAL star Phil Jurkovec will take over duties at quarterback, and is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Kenny Pickett in leading his team to a Major Bowl this year.
Jurkovec has an impressive group of weapons to throw to, including Bub Means, who is set to become a star in the Pitt offense if all goes well. Konata Mumpfield is back and should build off a solid 2022 campaign. A duo of true freshman in Zion Fowler-El and Kenny Johnson could become household names by season’s end. Daejon Reynolds, a transfer from Florida is another name to remember. Tight end Gavin Bartholomew should have a bounce back year as Jurkovec loves to utilize his tight ends, so that spells good news for the likes of Karter Johnson, Malcolm Epps, and Jake Renda.
Rodney Hammond will take over starting running back duties, and his power running style should allow the Panthers to pick up right where it left off last season under Izzy Abanikanda, who was drafted by the NY Jets. C’Bo Flemister and Daniel Carter will be in the mix at RB, as will former Gateway star Derrick Davis, Jr., who transfers in from LSU.
The vaunted Pitt defense lost six starters, but the Panthers have reloaded, and will once again be a force in hunting down opposing quarterbacks. Last year, Pitt ranked 2nd nationally averaging 3.69 sacks a game.
The defensive line is deep and talented with David Green headlining the unit, while the linebackers should see the emergence of hard hitting Bengally Kamara, as well as Shayne Simon and Solomon DeShields as starters.
The secondary is also rife with play makers, including former Aliquippa star M.J. Devonshire at corner. Safety Javon McIntyre will be a name heard often with his abilities.
The Wofford Terriers are a small school from the Southern Conference in the FCS Division.
The Terriers return 14 starters from last year, including five on offense. Unfortunately for Wofford, quarterback Bryce Corriston will be making his first college start vs the terror that is the Pitt defensive unit.
The Terriers running game features a duo in Kyle Parsons, who led the team with 485 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Ryan Ingram had 203 yards on the ground and four scores in 2022.
Corriston, if he can stay upright, has wide receiver Alec Holt returning after an injury plagued 2022 season. Holt caught 22 passes for 458 yards and five touchdowns during the 2021 season.
Wofford head coach Shawn Watson is entering his first full season as the Terrier’s coach after going 3-3 as the interim coach last year. Watson has installed a pro spread attack offense, but don’t expect much of anything in terms of points or many yards against a vastly superior Pitt defense. Watson was Pitt’s offensive coordinator during the 2017-18 seasons.
“Our goal is to go out and look sharp on Saturday and beat Wofford,” Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said. “That’s a good football team. It’s got 14 returning starters, seven on defense and five on offense and two specialists they got back.”
This is a game in which Pitt should dominate from start to finish. Expect Phil Jurkovec and Bub Means to have their way with Wofford’s defense, and for Rodney Hammond to put up nice numbers before the 1st team offense is pulled sometime early in the 2nd half.
This is an easy opportunity to get some game action for the team, before heading into better competition vs Cincinnati and West Virginia in the coming weeks.
The keys to victory are simple… impose your will, dominate the trenches, and pad some stats before the home crowd. Then enjoy some ribs outside the stadium afterwards.
Prediction: Pitt 52 Wofford 0
Broadcast and Game Day Information
TV: ACC Network
- Announcers: Mike Monaco (play-by-play) Forrest Conoly (analyst) | Alex Chappell (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 137 or 193
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Weather at Kickoff: 84 and sunny. Winds out of the WSW at 6 mph.
ACC Links
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 0-0 | ACC Record: 0-0 | Rank: N/A
Previous Game: N/A
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 9th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 62-41
- ACC Division Titles: 2
- ACC Championships: 1
Pitt Team Links
- Pitt Panthers Roster
- Pitt Coaching Staff
- Pitt Team/Individual Statistics
- Pitt Panthers 2023 Schedule
Pitt Offense (Pro Style)
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 0.0
- Total offense yards per game: 0.0
- Passing yards per game: 0.0
- Rushing yards per game: 0.0
Quarterbacks
Phil Jurkovec | #5
A legend at Pine-Richland and the WPIAL, Jurkovec first went to Notre Dame, before transferring to Boston College, and now ends up back in his hometown to try and lead Pitt back to the ACC Championship and a Major Bowl.
- Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Christian Veilleux | #11
- Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Running Backs
Rodney Hammond | #6
Hammond was initially the starter in 2022 before being injured. Hammond is a power runner who should have a great season if he remains healthy.
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
C’Bo Flemister | #24
Flemister looks to make the most of any opportunity he gets. Could get plenty of use in short yardage situations.
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Daniel Carter | #4
Tough power runner who just needs to see the ball to make a difference.
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Derrick Davis, Jr. | #34
Davis is a hometown kid that transferred home from LSU. Could become the guy if any injuries occur to Hammond.
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Wide Receivers
Konata Mumpfield | #9
Mumpfield is a reliable target that Jurkovec can count on when his number is called.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Bub Means | #0
Arguably the best receiver on the team with great speed. Will become Jurkovec’s deep threat and top target in the passing game.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Daejon Reynolds | #3
Reynolds is a transfer from Florida looking to make his mark at Pitt.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jake McConnachie | #84
Has yet to record a catch entering his junior year, but that could change with his position on the depth chart.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Zion Fowler-El | #12
An impressive true freshman that could become part of the rotation quickly.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Kenny Johnson | #2
Another true freshman that had camp buzzing with his playmaking abilities.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Lamar Seymour | #83
The freshman had 34 receptions for 596 yards (17.5 avg.) and nine touchdowns for powerhouse Miami Central.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Israel Polk | #18
The freshman was a standout receiver for national powerhouse St. John Bosco.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Che Nwebuko | #21
Dynamic redshirt freshman looking to earn his keep in a talented group of Pitt receivers.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Gavin Bartholomew | #86
Only had 22 receptions and two touchdowns in 2022, but under Jurkovec, expect those numbers to go up significantly.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Karter Johnson | #8
Had six catches for 89 yards (14.8 avg.) last season. Should be much more involved in 2023.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Malcolm Epps | #7
Transfer from USC who has played in 49 games, starting 12, while totaling 37 receptions for 483 yards and seven touchdowns.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jake Renda | #88
Redshirt sophomore that has earned praise from Coach Narduzzi.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Offensive Line
LT: Matt Goncalves #76 | LG: Jason Collier, Jr. #50 | C: Jake Kradel #53 | RG: Blake Zubovic #68 | RT: Branson Taylor #78
*Injured/Out
Pitt Defense (Base 4-3)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 0.0
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 0.0
- Passing yards allowed: 0.0
- Rushing yards allowed: 0.0
- Sacks: 0
- Interceptions: 0
Defensive Starters
DE: Dayon Hayes #50 | DT: Deandre Jules #0 or Tyler Bentley #92 | DT: Devin Danieleson #95 or David Green #2 | DE: Nate Temple #6
- The strength of the team is once again deep with talent. The defensive unit was 2nd Nationally averaging 3.69 sacks per game last season, and despite losing six starters overall, Pat Narduzzi has once again reloaded this unit. David Green had 3.5 sacks last year. Remember the name Sean FitzSimmons who will definitely be in the mix in 2023.
Money: Bengally Kamara #11 | MIKE: Shayne Simon #32 | STAR: Solomon DeShields, Jr. #23
- Bengally Kamara recorded 49 tackles in 2022, and Shayne Simon had 46 tackles, with 5.5 going for a loss.
CB: Marquis Williams #14 or A.J. Woods #9 | SS: Javon McIntyre #7 | FS: Phillip O’Brien, Jr. #5 | CB: M.J. Devonshire #12
- M.J. Devonshire is a ball-hawk and play maker at cornerback, and A.J. Woods is just as good on the other side. Get used to the name Javon McIntyre who is set to shine in 2023.
Pitt Special Teams
Placekicker
Ben Sauls | #90
Sauls was 20-24 last season in field goals.
- Extra Points: 0-0
- Field Goals: 0-0
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 0-0
- 40-49 yards: 0-0
- 50+ yards: 0-0
Kickoff Returners
Bub Means | #0
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
A.J. Woods | #9
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returners
M.J. Devonshire | #12
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. Last year, Devonshire averaged an ACC best 9.7 yards per punt return.
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Wofford Terriers
Overall Record: 0-0 | Southern Conference Record: 0-0 | Rank: n/a
Previous Game: N/A
Head Coach: Shawn Watson
- 1st Season with Wofford
- Lifetime Record: 14-25 | 3-3 at Wofford
Links
Wofford Offense (Pro Spread)
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 0.0
- Total offense yards per game: 0.0
- Passing yards per game: 0.0
- Rushing yards per game: 0.0
Quarterbacks
Bryce Corriston | #8
Will be making his first collegiate start at quarterback.
- Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Pauly Seeley | #11
- Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Running Backs
Ryan Ingram | #12
Ingram had 203 yards on the ground and four TDs last season.
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Kyle Parsons | #28
Parsons led the team with 487 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 2022.
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
J.T. Smith | #25
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Wide Receivers
Kyle Pinnix | #15
Pinnix had 11 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown in 2022.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Alec Holt | #11
Holt caught 22 passes for 458 yards and five touchdowns during the 2021 season, but had just four catches for 42 yards last year.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Kyle Watkins | #81
Watkins had 11 catches for 130 yards and a score last year.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tyler Parker | #17
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Dylan Djete | #4
Djete was 2nd on the Terriers last year with 26 receptions for 426 yards and one TD.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Rickie Shaw | #6
Shaw caught ten passes for 113 yards in 2023.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Bryson Dickerson | #86
Recorded two catches for 23 yards in 2022.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jordan Davis | #9
Davis had 12 receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown last year.
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/Out
Wofford Defense (Base 3-4)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 0.0
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 0.0
- Passing yards allowed: 0.0
- Rushing yards allowed: 0.0
- Sacks: 0
- Interceptions: 0
Defensive Starters
DE: Chuck Smith #97 | NT: C.J. Tillman #43 | DE: Brandon Maina #93
- Chuck Smith is on the preseason All-Southern Conference Defensive Team.
OLB: Jalen Marshall #6 | ILB: Eli Purcell #8 | ILB: David Powers #37 | OLB: Matthew Clayton #14
- David Powers had 64 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions in 2022, while Eli Purcell added 53 tackles and one sack. Jalen Marshall tied for 2nd in tackles with Purcell with 53.
CB: Javis Mynatt #11 | SS: John Michael DiRoberto #9 | FS: Maximus Pulley #2 | CB: Amir Annoor #13
- Amir Annoor had 16 tackles and one interception last year.
Wofford Special Teams
Placekicker
Bridger Jones | #38
Jones converted five of eight field goals last year and was 24-24 in extra points.
- Extra Points: 0-0
- Field Goals: 0-0
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 0-0
- 40-49 yards: 0-0
- 50+ yards: 0-0
Kickoff Returners
Kyle Parsons | #28
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Garrett Vernon | #18
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returners
Amir Annoor | #13
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Pitt vs Wofford History
Series Began: 2023
Overall Record: 0-0
- At Home: 0-0
- On Road: 0-0
- Neutral Site: 0-0
ACC Series: N/A
Streak: N/A
Last Game: N/A
Injury Report (8/31/23)
Pitt Panthers
- Out: LG Ryan Jacoby
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: None
Wofford Terriers
- 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.
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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.
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