Pitt Panthers at Duke Blue Devils GameDay Preview

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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 Commentary, 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 (3-7) at Duke Blue Devils (6-5)

NCAA Week 13

Vegas line: Duke -6.5

Game-time: Saturday, November 25th, at 12:00 PM

Venue: Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC.

Field: Natural Grass

Weather at Kickoff: 48 and sunny. Winds out of the Northeast at 8 MPH.

Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office

Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary

A very disappointing season will come to a close this Saturday for the Pitt Panthers (3-7), who travel to Durham to face the Duke Blue Devils (6-5) at Noon.

A year that had high expectations will end with no Bowl game to be invited to, however, the team and the future can build some momentum by going out winning their final two games, if they can take care of the Blue Devils, whom they are 8-1 against in ACC play.

Nate Yarnell got the start for Pitt last week, as the Panthers took care of Boston College 24-16. Yarnell, Pitt’s third starting quarterback this year, played well by passing for 207 yards and a touchdown, adding 24 yards rushing and an additional touchdown on the ground.

Another good game could make him the early favorite for the job in 2024.

Rodney Hammond has seen consistent carries the last three weeks, and he has turned that into 248 yards and a touchdown. Hammond will look to build off of those game and finish strong against a Duke defense that is giving up over 155 yards per game rushing.

Another Panther who has had a big second half is Bub Means, who has caught 24 passes for 419 yards and three touchdowns the last five games.

“We have a little chemistry,” Means said about Yarnell, “so when we go out there and we see somebody we feel like we can take advantage of or make a play on, we most definitely will give each other a look.

“We go over it in practice all the time. Whenever he gives me a look, `Hey, it’s you. I’m coming to you.’ I’m going to try and win my one-on-one regardless, but that’s really when I’m in my bag. `OK, I know he’s coming to me. I have to win.’

”No words. He looks. It’s time to go to work.”

Duke will be without their starting quarterback in Riley Leonard, who hasn’t played since October 28th vs Louisville.

Grayson Loftis will be under center against the Panthers, who has thrown for 467 yards and five touchdowns the past two games.

Jordan Moore is the Blue Devil’s top receiver with 51 catches for 688 yards and seven touchdowns. Jalon Calhoun is also one to keep an eye on with 41 receptions for 571 yards, as well as Sahmir Hagans who has contributed 23 catches on the season.

Jordan Waters is the lead back, but part of a tough duo with Jaquez Moore rushing the ball. Waters leads the team with 722 yards and 12 touchdowns, but Moore is right behind him with 591 yards, adding 100 to that total last week against Virginia.

The Blue Devils are giving up just 19.8 points per game, but in their last two contests they gave up 47 to UNC and 30 to Virginia, so, with Yarnell starting, with both Konata Mumpfield and Means looking solid in the passing game, and Hammond leading the way in a resurgent running game, this game could end up being a shootout.

If you’re going out, go out and leave nothing on the field. It’s the last game of the season, and for some their last time ever suiting up as a Panther. Look for Pitt to build off of their momentum gained last week, and end the 2023 year on a positive note by defeating Duke once again.

Prediction: Pitt 30 Duke 27

BROADCAST INFORMATION

TV: ACC Network (Xfinity: Channel 1325 | DirecTV: Channel 612 | Dish: Channel 402)

Announcers: Jorge Sedano (play-by-play) Orlando Franklin (analyst) | Marilyn Payne (reporter)

Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 93.7 The Fan

Announcers: Jeff Hathhorn (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 160 or 201

Scouting the Pitt Panthers

Overall Record: 3-7 | ACC Record: 2-4 | Rank: N/A

Previous Game: Pitt 24 Boston College 16

Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi

9th Season with Pitt
Lifetime Record: 65-49
ACC Division Titles: 2
ACC Championships: 1

Pitt Team Links

PITT OFFENSE (Pro Style)

Offensive Stats

Points per game: 20.3 (227th)
Total offense yards per game: 318.8 (207th)
Passing yards per game: 211.5 (145th)
Rushing yards per game: 107.3 (224th)

QUARTERBACK

Nate Yarnell | #19

Yarnell got the start, and was impressive, throwing for 207 yards and a touchdown to Bub Means, and adding 24 yards rushing and another touchdown. The 6’6 sophomore could become the early favorite for the job in 2024 with another solid performance and a season ending win over Duke.

Passing Yards: 330 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0

Rushing Yards: 24 | Rushing TD’s: 1

Back-up: Christian Veilleux | #11

Passing Yards: 1,179 | TD Passes: 7 | INT’s: 8 | Sacked: 7

Rushing Yards: -14 | Rushing TD’s: 0

RUNNING BACKS

Rodney Hammond | #6

Hammond continued his late season surge, (helped of course by giving him the carries finally), rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown vs Boston College. He looks to finish with another big game and gain some confidence heading into the offseason.

Rushing Yards: 526 | Rushing TD’s: 4

Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 46 | Receiving TD’s: 0

C’Bo Flemister | #24

Flemister has been everything Pitt could ask for, always answering the bell when given the chance. The senior enters his last game this week vs Duke.

Rushing Yards: 349 | Rushing TD’s: 2

Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 95 | Receiving TD’s: 1

Daniel Carter | #4

Rushing Yards: 134 | Rushing TD’s: 2

Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 4 | Receiving TD’s: 0

WIDE RECEIVERS

Konata Mumpfield | #9

Mumpfield leads the team with 43 receptions for 498 yards. The junior will use this last game to build for his senior season and elevate his stats even more in 2024.

Receptions: 43 | Receiving Yards: 566 | Receiving TD’s: 5

Bub Means | #0

Means has been on fire the past month, and now is the team leader with 636 yards receiving. Hopefully this is a look into the force he can become for the 2024 year.

Receptions: 35 | Receiving Yards: 636 | Receiving TD’s: 5

Daejon Reynolds | #3

Reynolds has good speed and has caught a pass in all but one game this year.

Receptions: 24 | Receiving Yards: 282 | Receiving TD’s: 0

Kenny Johnson | #2

Johnson is a dynamic threat, but hasn’t been utilized as much as his talent warrants. His time will come next season.

Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 102 | Receiving TD’s: 1

Rushing Yards: 43

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: 22

TIGHT ENDS

Gavin Bartholomew | #86

Bartholomew has great hands and is 3rd on the team with 326 yards receiving. Pitt needs to find a competent offensive coordinator that focuses on getting him the ball. For him to have just 18 catches is a crime.

Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 326 | Receiving TD’s: 1

Karter Johnson | #8

Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 120 | Receiving TD’s: 1

Malcolm Epps | #7

Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 93 | Receiving TD’s: 0

OFFENSIVE LINE

LT: Branson Taylor | #78

LG: Jake Kradel | #53

C: Terrance Moore | #58

RG: Jason Collier | #50 or B.J. Williams | #55

RT: Ryan Baer | #70

*Injured/Out

PITT DEFENSE (Base 4-3)

Defensive Stats

Points per game allowed: 27.1 (159th)
Total offense yards per game allowed: 365.5
Passing yards allowed: 208.1
Rushing yards allowed: 157.5
Sacks: 31
Interceptions: 9

DEFENSIVE LINE

DE: Dayon Hayes | #50

Tackles: 39 | Sacks: 4

DT: Deandre Jules | #0

Tackles: 23 | Sacks: 2

DT: David Green | #2

Tackles: 32 | Sacks: 1.5

DE: Nate Temple | #6

Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 1.5

LINEBACKERS

Money: Bengally Kamara | #11

Tackles: 44 | Sacks: 2

MIKE: Shayne Simon | #32

Tackles: 46 | Sacks: 5

STAR: Solomon DeShields, Jr. |#23

Tackles: 57 | Sacks: 2

SECONDARY

CB: Marquis Williams | #14 or A.J. Woods | #9

Tackles: 23 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1 Tackles: 29 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1

SS: Donovan McMillon | #3

Tackles: 98 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0

FS: Javon McIntyre | #7

Tackles: 74 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0

CB: M.J. Devonshire | #12

Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 3 | TD: 1

PITT SPECIAL TEAMS

PLACEKICKER

Ben Sauls | #90

Extra Points: 27-27

Field Goals: 9-14

1-19 yards: 0-0
20-29 yards: 2-2
30-39 yards: 3-3
40-49 yards: 4-6
50+ yards: 0-3

KICKOFF RETURNERS

Konata Mumpfield | #9

Average: 20.0 | TD Returns: 0

Kenny Johnson | #2

Average: 26 | TD Returns: 1

PUNT RETURNER

M.J. Devonshire | #12

Average: 5.3 | TD Returns: 0

Scouting the Duke Blue Devils

Overall Record: 6-5 | ACC Conference Record: 3-4 | Rank: N/A

Previous Game: Virginia 30 Duke 27

Head Coach: Mike Elko

2nd Season with Duke
Lifetime Record: 15-9 | 15-9 at Duke

Links

Duke Roster

DUKE OFFENSE (Multiple)

Offensive Stats

Points per game: 27.5 (122nd)
Total offense yards per game: 353.3 (157th)
Passing yards per game: 175.3 (212th)
Rushing yards per game: 178 (65th)

QUARTERBACKS

Grayson Leftis | #12

The 6’3 freshman will likely be the starter this week and try to build off his 278 yard, two touchdown effort in an overtime loss to Virginia.

Passing Yards: 583 | TD Passes: 6 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 5

Rushing Yards: 20 | Rushing TD’s: 1

Back-up: Henry Belin IV | #3

Passing Yards: 232 | TD Passes: 3 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 2

Rushing Yards: 28 | Rushing TD’s: 1

RUNNING BACKS

Jordan Waters | #7

Waters has had a very good year, rushing for 722 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Rushing Yards: 722 | Rushing TD’s: 12

Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 84 | Receiving TD’s: 0

Jaquez Moore | #9

Moore might be behind Waters on the depth chart, but vs Virginia he rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown.

Rushing Yards: 591 | Rushing TD’s: 5

Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 64 | Receiving TD’s: 0

Jaylen Coleman | #22

Rushing Yards: 122 | Rushing TD’s: 0

Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 35 | Receiving TD’s: 0

WIDE RECEIVERS

Jordan Moore | #8

Moore is the team leader with 51 receptions for 688 yards and seven touchdowns. He was hot last week, catching nine passes for 117 yards.

Receptions: 51 | Receiving Yards: 688 | Receiving TD’s: 7

Jalon Calhoun | #5

Calhoun has been a solid target, nabbing up 41 catches this year.

Receptions: 41 | Receiving Yards: 571 | Receiving TD’s: 3

Sahmir Hagans | #2

Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 194 | Receiving TD’s: 0

Mehki Wall | #11

Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 38 | Receiving TD’s: 1

Jontavis Robertson | #1

Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 36 | Receiving TD’s: 0

TIGHT ENDS

Nicky Dalmolin | #81

Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 134 | Receiving TD’s: 0

Jeremiah Hasley | #85

Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 46 | Receiving TD’s: 1

*Injured/Out

DUKE DEFENSE (4-2-5)

Defensive Stats

Points per game allowed: 19.8 (51st)
Total offense yards per game allowed: 358.8
Passing yards allowed: 203.1
Rushing yards allowed: 155.7
Sacks: 22
Interceptions: 8

DEFENSIVE LINE

LDE: R.J. Oben | #94

Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 3.5

NT: DeWayne Carter | #90

Tackles: 37 | Sacks: 0.5

DT: Ja’Mion Franklin | #5

Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 1

RDE: Anthony Nelson | #93

Tackles: 16 | Sacks: 0

LINEBACKERS

WLB: Tre Freeman | #12

Tackles: 84 | Sacks: 1.5 | INT: 1

MLB: Dorian Mausi | #8

Tackles: 51 | Sacks: 0.5 | INT: 1

SECONDARY

LCB: Al Blades, Jr. | #7

Tackles: 37 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0

SS: Jaylen Stinson | #2

Tackles: 60 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1

FS: Jeremiah Lewis | #39

Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0

RCB: Chandler Rivers | #00

Tackles: 47 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1

NB: Brandon Johnson | #3

Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 0

DUKE SPECIAL TEAMS

PLACEKICKER

Todd Pelino | #92

Extra Points: 35-35

Field Goals: 12-17

1-19 yards: 0-0
20-29 yards: 3-5
30-39 yards: 3-4
40-49 yards: 4-6
50+ yards: 2-2

KICKOFF RETURNER

Terry Moore | #23

Average: 23.3 | TD Returns: 0

PUNT RETURNER

Jalon Calhoun | #5

Average: 9.9 | TD Returns: 0

PITT vs DUKE HISTORY

Series Began: 1929

Overall Record: 17-9

At Home: 7-5
On Road: 9-4
Neutral Site: 1-0

ACC Series: 8-1

Streak: Pitt won the last two games.

Last Game: Nov. 19, 2022 (Pitt 28, Duke 26)

INJURY REPORT (11/23/23)

Pitt Panthers

Out: LG Ryan Jacoby, LT Matt Goncalves

Doubtful: TE Gavin Bartholomew

Questionable: None

Duke Blue Devils

Out: QB Riley Leonard

Doubtful: None

Questionable: QB Henry Belin IV

ACC STANDINGS

About Post Author

Mike Drakulich

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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Mike DrakulichYour source for Pittsburgh sports!

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!