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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 99 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 Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Scoop, Score Prediction, Broadcast 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 (2-5) at #14 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-2)
NCAA Week 9
Vegas line: Notre Dame -20.5
Game-time: Saturday, October 28th, at 3:30 PM
Venue: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN.
- Field: FieldTurf
Weather at Kickoff: 53 with partly cloudy skies. Winds out of the Northeast at 7 MPH.
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Scoop
The 2023 season for the Pitt Panthers (2-5) has been a major disappointment, to say the least.
This team has plenty of talent, but like so many Pitt teams from the past, this one has yet to play to their potential, or even be allowed to depending on your perspective.
The problems on offense started with quarterback Phil Jurkovec, a 6th year senior that had big expectations coming home to Pittsburgh after stops at Notre Dame and Boston College. His horrific play, combined with Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi’s stubborn refusal to sit Jurkovec until the season was spiraling out of control, are big reasons why Pitt headed for one of their worst seasons in recent memory.
Offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti’s offensive system is also set in the 1950’s. QB Christian Veilleux, who finally got the chance to shine when called upon, lead Pitt to a 38-21 spanking of #14 Louisville, and had Pitt in position to defeat Wake Forest 17-14, all while being handcuffed by questionable play calling by Cignetti. Pitt had ample opportunities to put up points against Wake Forest, and despite Veilleux looking sharp and making plays downfield, Cignetti refused to put the game in his hands at critical points in the game, instead going with sublime running plays on 3rd and short situations that were stopped over and over.
Let the kid cook!
Now Pitt has five losses in seven games, and face the daunting task of playing #14 Notre Dame this week and #4 Florida State the week after.
Not looking good for Pitt.
The Fighting Irish (6-2), come into this game fresh off of pounding USC 48-20, holding future #1 pick Caleb Williams to 199 yards passing, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Williams was sacked six times.
The Pitt offensive line has their work cut out for them.
The Irish are deep at every position, and are lead by Sam Hartman, who in his last appearance against Pitt, suffered PTSD after the Panther defense battered him over and over in Pitt’s 45-21 victory in the ACC Championship Game, when he was with the Demon Deacons.
The USC score could be a little deceptive. The Irish managed just 13 first downs in that game, and gained only 251 yards. Hartman was 13 of 20 for 126 yards and two touchdowns. The real killer for the Trojans was the five turnovers, which put Notre Dame in very short drive situations to score.
This is also the same Irish team that lost to Louisville 33-20, the same team Pitt beat by 17.
As maddening as Narduzzi’s coaching can be, he has always had his teams ready to play and excel when it seems they have absolutely no chance to win.
To pull the upset, in a game in which the Irish are favored by 20.5 points, Pitt needs to do several things.
One is getting Cignetti to take the shackles off of Veilleux. You can’t be predictable in college football. Balance is always good, but a great passing game goes a long way. The way Veilleux can sling it, especially with good weapons like receivers in Konata Mumpfield, Bub Means (who has come on strong the past two games), Kenny Johnson, and tight end Gavin Bartholomew, Pitt has the capabilities to put up big numbers on the scoreboard, if given the chance.
The offensive line has to keep Veilleux protected from a decent Irish pass rush. Taking some deep shots, and connecting on them, will open up some space for Rodney Hammond, and former Irish back C’Bo Flemister, who had 105 yards rushing last week vs Wake.
Flemister will no doubt want to perform well against his former teammates.
“I did spend four years of my life, the first four years of my adult life there,” Flemister said. “I grew into who I am today there and had an opportunity to come here and showcase that even more.”
“I came in with some of those guys. I’m always rooting for them. It will be fun to go in and compete against them.”
The biggest key will be not turning the ball over.
Defensively, Pitt has to find a way to contain the Irish run game.
“They’re capable, with that offensive line. Protection’s good, and they can run the football,” Narduzzi said. “They proved that against everybody. We’re going to have to stop the run first, which we have not proven we can do right now.
“Our linebackers have to do a better job of attacking downhill and hitting the right gaps. I think we hesitate at times at linebacker trying to be perfect. And by being perfect, we’re not being as physical as we need to. I’d like to see our linebackers go make more plays.”
Notre Dame will certainly try to bully Pitt in the trenches, and it’s time for this young and revamped defensive unit to step their games up and one of the most historic fields in all of football. The pass rush has to pressure Hartman and hit him early and often.
It won’t be easy to bounce back from a devastating loss suffered a week earlier, a game that was won, but handed over by questionable officiating. The Panthers should never have been in that position in the first place. That was a game they should have been up by two or three touchdowns against. Now it’s time to overcome adversity.
“The loss we had last week was miserable,” said tight ends coach Tim Salem. “The food don’t taste good. The sleep isn’t good. Nothing’s good.
“But guess what? You don’t have time to think about that because you’re on to the next opponent in a blink of an eye. And the focus goes from Saturday, which seems like four weeks ago, to the next game.”
Expect Pitt to give Notre Dame everything they have in this contest, but end up with another tough to swallow loss. Don’t be surprised if Pitt goes into South Bend and pulls off a miracle, but the more likely outcome is another game of what could have been.
Prediction: Notre Dame 27 Pitt 23
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: NBC and Peacock (Xfinity: Channel 811)
- Announcers: Jac Collinsworth (play-by-play) Jason Garrett (analyst) | Zora Stephenson (reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 93.7 The Fan
- Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Pat Bostick (analyst) | Larry Richert and Dorin Dickerson (reporters)
National Radio: N/A
- Announcers:
Alternative Broadcasts:
- Online Radio: 937thefan.radio.com
- Satellite Radio: SiriusXM channels 85
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 2-5 | ACC Record: 1-3 | Rank: N/A
Previous Game: Wake Forest 21 Pitt 17
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 9th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 64-46
- 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: 24.6 (156th)
- Total offense yards per game: 320.4 (208th)
- Passing yards per game: 209.3 (150th)
- Rushing yards per game: 111.1 (213th)
QUARTERBACK
Christian Veilleux | #11
Veilleux has a strong arm and is sharp when given time in the pocket. Played as well as he was allowed in the loss to Wake Forest, throwing for 302 yards while completing 28 of 45 passes, two for touchdowns. This sophomore has the capabilities to put up a lot of points, but will his offensive coordinator put him in position to do so?
Passing Yards: 647 | TD Passes: 5 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: 23 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Nate Yarnell | #19
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Rodney Hammond | #6
Hammond is a strong runner with a nice blend of speed, but has yet to see consistent carries in a game, and has ceded carries to C’Bo Flemister as the season has progressed.
Rushing Yards: 247 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 41 | Receiving TD’s: 0
C’Bo Flemister | #24
Flemister, who has good vision and speed, is seeing more carries each week and has seemingly become the lead back in the Pitt offense. Runs hard every carry.
Rushing Yards: 282 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 92 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Daniel Carter | #4
The talented RB has yet to be utilized to his potential this year. Maybe in 2024…
Rushing Yards: 104 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 4 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Konata Mumpfield | #9
Mumpfield leads the team with 30 receptions and 347 yards.
Receptions: 30 | Receiving Yards: 347 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Bub Means | #0
Means has elevated his game with Veilleux under center and looks to finish this season strong.
Receptions: 20 | Receiving Yards: 326 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Daejon Reynolds | #3
Reynolds has good speed and has caught a pass in all but one game this year.
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 154 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Kenny Johnson | #2
Johnson is getting more playing time each week and found the endzone last week vs Wake Forest.
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 107 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Rushing Yards: 31
Che Nwebuko | #21
Has great speed but hasn’t been used to the abilities he possesses.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Rushing Yards: 23
TIGHT ENDS
Gavin Bartholomew | #86
Bartholomew has great hands and is 3rd on the team with 310 yards receiving. Veilleux needs to get him more involved in the passing game.
Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 310 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Karter Johnson | #8
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 27 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Malcolm Epps | #7
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 3 | Receiving TD’s: 0
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Branson Taylor | #78
LG: Blake Zubovic | #68
C: Jake Kradel | #53 or Terrance Moore | #58
RG: Jason Collier | #50
RT: Ryan Baer | #70
*Injured/Out
PITT DEFENSE (Base 4-3)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 24.6 (137th)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 325.0
- Passing yards allowed: 195.3
- Rushing yards allowed: 129.7
- Sacks: 22
- Interceptions: 5
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Dayon Hayes | #50
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 2
DT: Deandre Jules | #0
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 1
DT: Devin Danielson | #95 or David Green | #2
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 1.5 Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 1
DE: Nate Temple | #6
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKERS
Money: Bengally Kamara | #11
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 1
MIKE: Shayne Simon | #32
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 3
STAR: Solomon DeShields, Jr. |#23
Tackles: 35 | Sacks: 2
SECONDARY
CB: Marquis Williams | #14 or A.J. Woods | #9
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1 Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
SS: Donovan McMillon | #3
Tackles: 55 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Javon McIntyre | #7
Tackles: 40 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
CB: M.J. Devonshire | #12
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2 | TD: 1
PITT SPECIAL TEAMS
PLACEKICKER
Ben Sauls | #90
Extra Points: 21-21
Field Goals: 6-9
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 1-1
- 40-49 yards: 3-4
- 50+ yards: 0-2
KICKOFF RETURNERS
Konata Mumpfield | #9
Average: 20.0 | TD Returns: 0
Kenny Johnson | #2
Average: 33.7 | TD Returns: 1
PUNT RETURNER
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: 3.8 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Overall Record: 6-2 | ACC Conference Record: 0-0 | Rank: #14
Previous Game: Notre Dame 48 USC 20
Head Coach: Marcus Freeman
- 2nd Season with Notre Dame
- Lifetime Record: 15-7 | 15-7 at Notre Dame
Links
NOTRE DAME OFFENSE (Multiple)
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 35.9
- Total offense yards per game: 414.5
- Passing yards per game: 249.3
- Rushing yards per game: 165.3
QUARTERBACKS
Sam Hartman | #10
Hartman, formerly of Wake Forest, is having a very good season, passing for 1,838 yards, with 18 touchdowns and three picks.
Passing Yards: 1,838 | TD Passes: 18 | INT’s: 3 | Sacked: 11
Rushing Yards: 14 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Back-up: Steve Angeli | #18
Passing Yards: 144 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Audric Estime | #7
Estime is the lead back for the Irish, scoring nine touchdowns so far and gaining 787 yards on the ground.
Rushing Yards: 787 | Rushing TD’s: 9
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 93 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jermiyah Love | #12
Love sees around five plus carries a game behind Estime.
Rushing Yards: 263 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 38 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Gi’Bran Payne | #3
Rushing Yards: 103 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 52 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Jadarian Price | #24
Rushing Yards: 100 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 65 | Receiving TD’s: 1
WIDE RECEIVERS
Chris Tyree | #2
Tyree is one of a bevy of Irish receivers utilized by Hartman. He is 2nd on the team with 16 receptions and their deep threat.
Receptions: 16 | Receiving Yards: 355 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jayden Thomas | #83
Thomas is 3rd on the team with 228 yards receiving.
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 228 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Rico Flores, Jr. | #8
Averaging 11.9 yards per catch.
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 178 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jaden Greathouse | #19
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 166 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Tobias Merriweather | #5
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 164 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TIGHT ENDS
Mitchell Evans | #88
Evans leads the Irish with 24 receptions and in yards with 356.
Receptions: 24 | Receiving Yards: 356 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Holden Staes | #13
Staes makes the most of his catches, with four of his 10 receptions going for touchdowns.
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 149 | Receiving TD’s: 4
*Injured/Out
NOTRE DAME DEFENSE (3-3-5)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 16.3
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 282.3
- Passing yards allowed: 153.1
- Rushing yards allowed: 129.1
- Sacks: 17
- Interceptions: 9
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Javontae Jean-Baptiste | #1
Tackles: 34 | Sacks: 0.5
NT: Howard Cross III | #56
Tackles: 45 | Sacks: 1
DT: Rylie Mills | #99
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 1.5
LINEBACKERS
VYPER: Jordan Botelho | #12
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 2
WLB: Marist Liufau | #8
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 1.5
MLB: JD Bertrand | #27
Tackles: 51 | Sacks: 1.5
SECONDARY
LCB: Cam Hart | #5
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: DJ Brown | #2
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Xavier Watts | #00
Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 4
RCB: Benjamin Morrison | #20
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
NB: Thomas Harper | #13
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 0
NOTRE DAME SPECIAL TEAMS
PLACEKICKER
Spencer Shrader | #32
Extra Points: 35-35
Field Goals: 9-14
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-1
- 30-39 yards: 3-4
- 40-49 yards: 1-3
- 50+ yards: 4-6
KICKOFF RETURNER
Devyn Ford | #22
Average: 17.9 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Chris Tyree | #2
Average: 4.6 | TD Returns: 0
PITT vs NOTRE DAME HISTORY
Series Began: 1909
Overall Record: 21-50-1
- At Home: 11-28-1
- On Road: 10-22
- Neutral Site: 0-0
ACC Series: 0-0
Streak: Notre Dame won the last three games.
Last Game: Oct. 24, 2020 (Notre Dame 45, Pitt 3)
INJURY REPORT (10/26/23)
Pitt Panthers
Out: LG Ryan Jacoby, LT Matt Goncalves
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Out: None
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
ACC STANDINGS
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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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