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The University of Pittsburgh has a rich history of football that dates back to 1890. The Pitt Panthers are Nine-Time National Champions and many of the greatest players in the history of football started their journey at Pitt.
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, with more to follow in the near future.
NGSC Sports provides you the ultimate Pitt GameDay Preview, where Panther fans come to learn everything there is to know about Pitt and their upcoming opponent! Mike Drakulich (@PghSportsNation) brings you inside the huddle for both teams, providing the Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary, Game 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!
Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary
It was 1991 when the Pitt Panthers last started a season 5-0, and now the #22nd ranked Panthers look to stay unbeaten when the Cal Bears (3-2) visit Acrisure Stadium this Saturday at 3:30 PM.
With another win, Pitt could be 6-0 for the first time since 1982.
Pitt was able to overcome a team that has been their kryptonite the majority of the time while in the ACC, as they defeated North Carolina 34-24 last week. It was also the Panthers first ever win at Kenan Stadium.
Now that the boogeyman has been killed off, the Panthers shift their focus to face a Cal team that will have to shake off a heartbreaking loss to Miami, in which they lead by as many as 25 points in the 3rd quarter, before the Hurricanes came storming back, so to speak.
The Bears feature Fernando Mendoza at quarterback, who has thrown for 1,177 yards this season, with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. He has been sacked 18 times, and only rushed for just 38 yards.
Though the Bears built a big lead over the ‘Canes, Mendoza only completed 11 of 22 passes, but two of them went for long touchdowns, one a 57 yard score to tight end Jack Endries, and a 66 yard strike to running back Jaydn Ott, who slipped out of the backfield to catch a pass in stride and to the house.
Cal utilizes a bunch of talent on offense, with nine players with at least eight receptions. Endries, with the big play last week, is one of three Bears with 11 catches, joining fellow tight end Corey Dyches, and the aforementioned Ott.
The leading receiver for Cal is Nyziah Hunter, who has 15 catches for 185 yards and three touchdowns.
The Pitt defense will have to focus on both Ott and Jaivian Thomas, who present a two headed monster rushing the ball for Cal.
“They’re fast,” said Pitt linebackers coach Ryan Manalac. “They can stick their foot in the ground and get vertical. We have to make sure we take great angles, don’t stop our feet and trust that all our brothers have our back. When the first guy there makes a play and takes a shot, another guy has to be there.”
Pitt is giving up 117.6 yards a game on the ground, a number that Pitt would like to finish below 100 before the season ends, as they have in three out the last four seasons.
“There are some things on game day you have to adjust to, no matter how well you prepare,” Manalac said. “We’re working at it. It will be something we continue to sink our teeth into. It’s a bunch of different things. You have to make plays.”
The offense has been clicking all season, but if the defense can continue to improve, this could become a special season.
Last week the unit gave up just 17 to the Tar Heels.
“The defense held strong all day,” said Narduzzi.
Defensive lineman Sean FitzSimmons, from Central Valley, returned to action last week and was an immediate upgrade to the Pitt defense.
“I was so happy to finally be back. Last year, I was hurt and missed a couple of games. This year, I was like, ‘All right, it’s finally my turn to go,’ and then I get hurt in camp. Really sucked, but I worked my way back,” FitzSimmons said. “Just really glad to finally be playing.”
Eli Holstein and the Pitt offense continue to light up the scoreboard, averaging 45.6 points a game, a trend they plan on continuing against a Cal defense giving up just 18 a game, good for 39th in the country.
Both Narduzzi and offensive coordinator Kade Bell aren’t afraid to let their young freshman quarterback cook, even in situations that most coaches would play conservative or run in.
“I want to go get them. I want to be aggressive, and I don’t want to handcuff a coordinator where he’s stuck running the ball up there and everybody’s going, ‘What are we doing here?’” Narduzzi said. “But we’ve got to be smarter there. And it’s rookie mistakes there. And the last two plays we get our quarterback hit. I don’t want him hit, either.”
Holstein, though, will have to learn to be smarter in those situations when a play isn’t available, an big example being his throw while being hit on 3rd down late in the game vs UNC that could have been intercepted, instead of being able to put the game away the next play, via field goal.
“Those are things we still have to work on, understanding the situation that,” Narduzzi said of that particular play. “Hey, it’s like I told Randy Bates, our staff, ‘Coach Bates, you feel better with a 10 point lead going into two minute or seven-point lead?’ As a defensive coordinator, you want that 10 points.”
The Pitt rushing attack will continue to be led by Desmond Reid, who has rushed for 374 yards and one touchdown, and leads the team with 24 receptions for 322 yards and another four touchdowns.
Rodney Hammond should look sharper and more effective in his 2nd game back after being ineligible for the first four games.
Konata Mumpfield, Kenny Johnson, Censere Lee and Raphael “Poppi” Williams have all had their moments as receivers in the passing game, but Narduzzi would really like to get tight end Gavin Bartholomew more involved, who has 14 receptions for 117 yards.
“It’s about what’s the smart play,” Narduzzi said. “It’s like, we’d like to get the ball to Gavin. Gavin is probably the unluckiest tight end in the country. When you watch some of the plays where he’s open, we have chances to get him the ball and we haven’t had a chance to get it to him. But he’s open. And we have some nice plays called.”
It won’t be easy, as Miami found out last week, but Pitt, with another bye week forthcoming after this game, have to stay focused on the task at hand, and continue to improve in all facets of the game.
Look for Pitt to stay on the attack, utilizing both Reid and Hammond running the ball, and taking shots downfield to their play-makers, including Bartholomew across the middle and in the red zone.
Pitt’s defense will have to keep Cal’s rushing attack contained, and pressure Mendoza every time he drops back to pass, hopefully creating a few turnovers to give this already potent offense a short field to work with.
“We still have to get four-man pressure more. Felt like we missed some sacks we have to get in the future,” Narduzzi said.
Miami was able to limit Cal to just 73 yards last week on the ground, and 10 points in the 2nd half, so there’s no reason why Pitt can’t keep the clamps down on a team that could be there for the taking if they build an early lead on.
“Nothing matters if we don’t win a conference game,” said Pitt linebacker Kyle Louis. “You lose to one team, that can change the whole demeanor of how your season is going to go.”
Game Prediction: Pitt 38 Cal 20
#22 Pitt Panthers (5-0) vs Cal Golden Bears (3-2)
NCAA Week 7
Vegas line: Pitt -3
Game-time: Saturday, October 12th, at 3:30 PM.
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
Field: Natural Grass
Weather at Kickoff: 70 and partly sunny. Winds light and variable.
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Broadcast Information
TV: ESPN (Xfinity: 850 | DirecTV: 206 | Dish: 140)
- Announcers: Roy Philpott (play-by-play) Sam Acho (analyst) | Taylor Davis (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 381.
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 5-0 | ACC Record: 1-0 | Rank: AP- #22 | Coaches- #24
Previous Game: Pitt 37 UNC 27
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 10th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 70-50
- ACC Division Titles: 2
- ACC Championships: 1
Pitt Team Links
- Pitt Panthers Roster
- Pitt Coaching Staff
- Pitt Team/Individual Statistics
- Pitt Panthers 2024 Schedule
Pitt Offense
- Offensive Coordinator: Kade Bell
- Offensive System: Up-Tempo Pro Style
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 45.6 (6th)
- Total offense yards per game: 522.2 (4th)
- Passing yards per game: 340.4 (6th)
- Rushing yards per game: 181.8 (77th)
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Eli Holstein | #10
Holstein has been the key to Pitt’s 5-0 start, throwing for 1,567 yards, with 15 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Major threat running the ball with 265 yards and three more scores. Could be heading into Heisman talk soon…
Passing Yards: 1,567 | TD Passes: 15 | INT’s: 3 | Sacked: 11
Rushing Yards: 265 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Back-Up: Nate Yarnell | #19
Passing Yards: 135 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 1
Rushing Yards: 22 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Desmond Reid | #0
Reid is a dual threat ball of fury that has the chance to go to the house every time he touches the ball. Leads the team with 24 receptions.
Rushing Yards: 374 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 24 | Receiving Yards: 322 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Rodney Hammond | #6
Hammond returns to action after being ruled ineligible for the first four games of the year. Last year’s starter, who is adept in both rushing and catching passes out of the backfield, should form one heck of a duo with the starter Desmond Reid.
Rushing Yards: 9 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Derrick Davis, Jr. | #34
Davis, a former Gateway Gator, transferred from LSU and hopes to show off his talent in his 2nd year at Pitt, especially as the clear back-up to Reid. Scored the game winning touchdown in Pitt’s comeback vs WVU.
Rushing Yards: 44 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 17 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Daniel Carter | #4
Senior Daniel Carter has nice size at 5’10, 220 lbs, and will look to make the most of his opportunities when called upon.
Rushing Yards: 139 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 18 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Che Nwabuko | #21
Rushing Yards: 65 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 13 | Receiving TD’s: 3
WIDE RECEIVERS
Konata Mumpfield | #9
Mumpfield has established himself as a top target under Eli Holstein, nabbing 23 catches for 426 yards and three touchdowns.
Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 426 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Kenny Johnson | #2
Johnson has the ability to be a game breaker in the Pitt offense, and is currently 3rd on the team with 17 catches for 224 yards.
Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 224 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Raphael “Poppi” Williams, Jr. | #5
Williams was one of the few players that coach Pat Narduzzi raved about a few days before the game, and we see why, with “Poppi” snagging 15 catches for 198 yards, and finding the end-zone four times so far.
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 198 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Censere Lee | #11
Lee is a junior transfer from Western Carolina. Lee has been big a big part of the Pitt passing game, catching 16 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns in five games this year.
Receptions: 16 | Receiving Yards: 230 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Daejon Reynolds | #3
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 50 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Lamar Seymore | #83
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 5 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Zion Fowler-El | #23
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 12 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Gavin Bartholomew | #86
Bartholomew is always a reliable target when called upon. His talent merits more involvement in the Kade Bell offense going forward.
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 124 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jake Overman | #87
Overman is a redshirt senior transfer from Oregon State.
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 53 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Malachi Thomas | #82
Thomas is a freshman with good size at 6’4, 225 lbs. He caught 30 receptions for 542 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior for Thomas County Central high school.
Renda is a 6’4, 240 lb redshirt junior, who caught two passes for 14 yards in 2023.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Branson Taylor | #78
LG: Ryan Jacoby | #61
C: Lyndon Cooper | #56
RG: B.J. Williams | #55
RT: Ryan Baer | #70
*Injured/Out
Pitt Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Randy Bates
- Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 25.2 (132nd)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 356.8
- Passing yards allowed: 239.2
- Rushing yards allowed: 117.6
- Sacks: 12
- Interceptions: 5
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Nate Matlack | #2
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 3
DT: Nahki Johnson | #4 OR Francis Brewu | #95 OR Sean FitzSimmons | #55
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 0
DT: Isaiah Neal | #97
Tackles: 10| Sacks: 0.5
DE: Jimmy Scott | #44
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 1
LINEBACKERS
Money: Braylon Lovelace | #11 OR Raheem Biles | #31
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 0
MIKE: Brandon George | #30
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 1
STAR: Kyle Louis |#9
Tackles: 42 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 2
SECONDARY
CB: Ryland Gandy | #10
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Donovan McMillon | #3
Tackles: 45 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Javon McIntyre | #7 OR Phillip O’Brien, Jr. | #5
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
CB: Rashad Battle | #15
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Pitt Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Ben Sauls | #90
Extra Points: 26-26
Field Goals: 9-9
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-1
- 30-39 yards: 4-4
- 40-49 yards: 2-2
- 50+ yards: 2-2
KICKOFF RETURNERS
Kenny Johnson | #2
Average: 20.4 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Kenny Johnson | #2
Average: 9.2 | TD Returns: 0
Desmond Reid | #0
Average: 78.0 | TD Returns: 1
Scouting the Cal Golden Bears
Overall Record: 3-2 | ACC Conference Record: 0-2 | Rank: N/A
Previous Game: Miami 39 Cal 38
Head Coach: Justin Wilcox
- 8th Season with California
- Lifetime Record: 39-45 | 39-45 at Cal
Links
Cal Offense
- Offensive System: Up-Tempo Spread
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 26 (143rd)
- Total offense yards per game: 373.2 (127th)
- Passing yards per game: 242 (85th)
- Rushing yards per game: 131.2 (183rd)
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Fernando Mendoza | #15
Menzoza had a good start vs Miami but fell apart as the game progressed. Not a threat to run, and has been sacked 18 times. The Hurricane’s pressure led to a 11 of 22 day throwing, so Pitt needs to get back to hunting down quarterbacks which used to be a strength of the team.
Passing Yards: 1,177 | TD Passes: 7 | INT’s: 3 | Sacked: 18
Rushing Yards: 36 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Chandler Rogers | #25
Passing Yards: 33 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 42 | Rushing TD’s: 1
RUNNING BACKS
Jaivian Thomas | #25
Thomas is averaging 57.4 yards a game. Managed just 20 against Miami.
Rushing Yards: 287 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 74 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jaydn Ott | #1
Ott was barely used against Miami, gaining two yards on seven carries, but he took a swing pass 66 yards for a touchdown.
Rushing Yards: 135 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 115 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Kadarius Calloway | #2
Rushing Yards: 103 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Nyziah Hunter | #13
Team leader in receptions, had one catch last week against The U.
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 185 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Mavin Anderson | #11
One of many receivers utilized in Cal’s passing game.
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 75 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Mason Starling | #9
Hasn’t caught a pass since September 21st.
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 110 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Jonathan Brady | #6
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 100 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Mikey Matthews | #8
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 103 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Trond Grizzell | #83
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 127 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Corey Dyches | #10
Tied for 2nd on the team with 11 catches.
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 139 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jack Endries | #87
Tied for 2nd on the team with 11 receptions, but recorded three catches for 78 yards and a score vs Miami.
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 146 | Receiving TD’s: 1
*Injured/Out
Cal Defense
Defensive Scheme: 2-4-5
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 18 (39th)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 345
- Passing yards allowed: 233.2
- Rushing yards allowed: 111.8
- Sacks: 16
- Interceptions: 11
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDT: Nate Burrell | #98
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 2.5
RDT: Aiden Keanaaina | #47
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 0.5
LINEBACKERS
LOLB: Xavier Carlton | #44
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 4.5
LILB: Teddye Buchanon | #10
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 3
RILB: Cade Uluave | #0
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 0.5 | INT: 1
ROLB: David Reese | #7
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Marcus Harris | #5
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
SS: Miles Williams | #4
Tackles: 10 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Craig Woodson | #2
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
RCB: Nohl Williams | #3
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 5
NB: Matthew Littlejohn | #22
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Cal Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Ryan Coe | #40
Extra Points: 16-16
Field Goals: 6-12
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 3-4
- 30-39 yards: 1-4
- 40-49 yards: 1-1
- 50+ yards: 1-3
KICKOFF RETURNER
Nohl Williams | #6
Average: 35.3 | TD Returns: 1
PUNT RETURNER
Mikey Matthews | #8
Average: 4.7 | TD Returns: 0
Pitt vs Cal History
Series Began: 1955
Overall Record: 3-2
- At Home: 2-0
- On Road: 1-2
- Neutral Site: 0-0
ACC Series: 0-0
Streak: Cal won the last game.
Last Game: Oct. 1st, 1966 (Cal 30, Pitt 15)
Injury Report (10/11/24)
Pitt Panthers
Out: None
Doubtful: None
Questionable: DB Nigel Maynard (arm), RB Juelz Goff (arm)
Cal Golden Bears
Out: None
Doubtful: None
Questionable: RB Jaydn Ott, OL Sioape Vitikani, OL Will McDonald
ACC Standings
Pitt Schedule
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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