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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
The days were pretty simple back in 1991.
Then as a freshman in high school, I’d be at most of Pitt’s home games at Pitt Stadium with my dad, or watching the road games at Riviera Lanes, whether it was day or night. The Pittsburgh Penguins were just starting the season as defending Stanley Cup Champions, and would go on to win it again. It would end up being Chuck Noll’s last season as the Pittsburgh Steeler’s head coach.
As for the Pitt Panthers, ’91 was the last time they had started 5-0, but that team, with Alex Van Pelt at quarterback, and Curtis Martin at running back, ended up losing five of their last six to finish 6-5.
As for 1982?
Well, I was six years old when the ’82 Panthers, with Dan Marino at quarterback, last started 6-0, eventually getting to 7-0, before losing three out of their last five games to finish 9-3.
Back then, I was as passionate about Pittsburgh sports as I am today, distinctly remember being supremely mad and disappointed, when I woke up on January 2nd to find out those Panthers lost in the Cotton Bowl to SMU, 7-3.
The 2024 edition of the Panthers (6-0) are looking to equal the ’82 team, with the Syracuse Orange (5-1) coming to town this Thursday night at Acrisure Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Pitt, now ranked #19 in the AP Poll, survived a close call to Cal in their last game, taking down the Bears 17-15 in front of a raucous crowd at home.
For the first time all season, the high powered Panthers offense failed to click on all cylinders with freshman Eli Hosltein at quarterback, generating just 277 total yards.
Holstein took full responsibility for Pitt’s woes offensively.
“Me,” said Holstein. “I played like a freshman today. I kind of forced things, not taking what the defense gives me, trying to do too much, trying to make plays in unnecessary situations. I’ve just got to trust the plays, trust my guys, trust the offense, get the ball to those guys and let them make plays.”
Instead of an offense that was rolling along to the tune of 45 plus points per game, it was the Pitt defense that rose to the occasion, keeping Pitt undefeated and their dreams alive to return to the ACC Championship Game.
The pass rush was particularly impressive, recording six sacks.
“They had a great night,” Holstein said about the defense. “Our team needed a win like this. With as bad as I played, we still pulled out a win. I think that’s going to help us get wins against good teams. When your defense plays like this you’ve got faith that, ‘Hey, even if we’re not clicking, they’re clicking, going to get us the ball back and get stops.’ ”
Now Holstein and the Panthers defense turn their attention to Kyle McCord and Syracuse, who boast a fantastic offense of their own, with McCord throwing for 2,160 yards, with 19 touchdowns and six interceptions.
McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, doesn’t run the ball much, as evident by his -12 yards rushing.
Syracuse is averaging 469.5 yards a game, with 365.2 coming via McCord and the passing game.
McCord’s top weapons at receiver are Jackson Meeks and Trebor Pena, however Pena is doubtful to suit up this week due to an injury suffered against N.C. State.
Meeks has caught 38 passes for a team leading 459 yards and is 2nd in receiving with four touchdowns.
Pena leads the team with 42 receptions and five touchdowns. He has just one less yard than Jackson with 458.
If Pena does indeed miss the game, Umari Hatcher would be the next man up with 13 catches for 246 yards and three scores. Hatcher is averaging 18.8 yards per catch.
Tight end has given the Pitt defense some issues this year, a good example being Cal’s Jack Endries who rocked the Panthers for eight receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown in Pitt’s last game.
Oronde Gadsden is a 6’5, 236 pound tight end/receiver hybrid, who is third on the team with 32 receptions for 433 yards and three touchdowns.
Gadsden will definitely be a major threat to the Pitt secondary if Pena is out.
Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi was forced to move safety Javon McIntyre to linebacker during the Cal game to try and shut down Endries.
This week, Narduzzi will certainly need his defense to be aggressive, pressuring McCord every time he drops back to pass, and limiting the splash plays to Meeks and Gadsden.
“We have to play good coverage. That’s what scares you,” said Narduzzi about McCord. “He can make every throw. He’s very accurate. Third and medium, the guy doesn’t miss.”
As a team, Syracuse does not run the ball well, gaining just 104.3 yards a game, but lead back LeQuint Allen is a dual threat that has rushed for 449 yards and four touchdowns, while catching 31 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns.
It will be imperative for Pitt’s defense to make open field tackles, and minimize defensive breakdowns for McCord and the Syracuse offense to take advantage of.
It’s a good bet that Holstein will not falter for a 2nd consecutive game, as he seems like the type of kid that adapts to his mistakes, and makes the necessary adjustments to get the Panther offense back to lighting up the scoreboard again.
“I love a Thursday night game,” said Narduzzi, “where you have the week off the week before so you got a few extra days to prepare for a Syracuse team, and then you got a couple extra days to prepare on the back end for that next game. Not only prepare as a coach, but get your team a little healthy. Two days means a lot for our kids’ bodies. There’s a lot of contact.”
Look for Holstein to get back on track, getting the ball to his play-makers in space, that being his receivers in Konata Mumpfield, Kenny Johnson, Rapheal Williams, Censure Lee, tight end Gavin Bartholomew, and running back Desmond Reid, who is equally adept at catching passes out of the backfield as he is taking a hand-off.
Reid has been a star for Pitt, rushing for 494 yards and three touchdowns, and adding 25 catches for 341 yards and another four touchdowns.
Rodney Hammond should look more true to form in his 2nd game back from being ruled ineligible the first five games.
Syracuse will also be without star linebacker Marlowe Wax.
Expect a fun game with Pitt and Syracuse going back and forth for awhile before the Pitt defense tightens up and allows the offense to pull away late in the game.
Defense gets a timely turnover and the Panthers prove too much for Syracuse to handle.
Game Prediction: Pitt 41 Syracuse 27
#19 Pitt Panthers (6-0) vs Syracuse Orange (5-1)
NCAA Week 9
Vegas line: Pitt -6
Game-time: Thursday, October 24th, at 7:30 PM.
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
Field: Natural Grass
Weather at Kickoff: 55 and clear. Winds light and variable.
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Broadcast Information
TV: ESPN (Xfinity: 850 | DirecTV: 206 | Dish: 140)
- Announcers: Matt Barrie (play-by-play) Dan Mullen (analyst) | Harry Lyles Jr. (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 137 or 193.
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 6-0 | ACC Record: 2-0 | Rank: AP- #19 | Coaches- #20
Previous Game: Pitt 17 Cal 15
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 10th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 71-50
- 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: 40.8 (10th)
- Total offense yards per game: 481.3 (13th)
- Passing yards per game: 305.8 (18th)
- Rushing yards per game: 175.5 (89th)
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Eli Holstein | #10
Holstein has been the key to Pitt’s 7-0 start, throwing for 1,700 yards, with 15 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Major threat running the ball with 266 yards and three more scores. Could be heading into Heisman talk soon…
Passing Yards: 1,700 | TD Passes: 15 | INT’s: 5 | Sacked: 13
Rushing Yards: 266 | 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. 2nd the team with 25 receptions.
Rushing Yards: 494 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 25 | Receiving Yards: 341 | 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: 10 | 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: 162 | 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 26 catches for 463 yards and three touchdowns.
Receptions: 26 | Receiving Yards: 463 | 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 21 catches for 258 yards.
Receptions: 21 | Receiving Yards: 258 | 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 18 catches for 217 yards, and finding the end-zone four times so far.
Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 217 | 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: 17 | Receiving Yards: 146 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jake Overman | #87
Overman is a redshirt senior transfer from Oregon State.
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 55 | 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: 23.5
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 353.2
- Passing yards allowed: 244.7
- Rushing yards allowed: 108.5
- Sacks: 18
- Interceptions: 5
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Nate Matlack | #2
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 3
DT: Sean FitzSimmons | #55
Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 0
DT: Isaiah Neal | #97
Tackles: 10| Sacks: 0.5
DE: Jimmy Scott | #44
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 4
LINEBACKERS
Money: Braylon Lovelace | #11 OR Raheem Biles | #31
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 2
MIKE: Brandon George | #30
Tackles: 44 | Sacks: 1
STAR: Kyle Louis |#9
Tackles: 54 | Sacks: 3 | INT: 2
SECONDARY
CB: Ryland Gandy | #10
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Donovan McMillon | #3
Tackles: 56 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Javon McIntyre | #7 OR Phillip O’Brien, Jr. | #5
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
CB: Rashad Battle | #15
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Pitt Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Ben Sauls | #90
Extra Points: 28-28
Field Goals: 10-10
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-1
- 30-39 yards: 4-4
- 40-49 yards: 2-2
- 50+ yards: 3-3
KICKOFF RETURNERS
Kenny Johnson | #2
Average: 20.2 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Kenny Johnson | #2
Average: 7.1 | TD Returns: 0
Desmond Reid | #0
Average: 78.0 | TD Returns: 1
Scouting the Syracuse Orange
Overall Record: 5-1 | ACC Conference Record: 2-1 | Rank: N/A
Previous Game: Syracuse 24 N.C. State 17
Head Coach: Fran Brown
- 1st Season with Syracuse
- Lifetime Record: 5-1 | 5-1 at Syracuse
Links
Syracuse Offense
- Offensive System: Spread
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 33.8 (32nd)
- Total offense yards per game: 469.5 (21st)
- Passing yards per game: 365.2 (2nd)
- Rushing yards per game: 104.3 (237th)
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Kyle McCord | #6
McCord is a gunslinger, averaging 360 yards a game through the air. Not a threat to run the ball, as evident by having -12 yards rushing.
Passing Yards: 2,160 | TD Passes: 19 | INT’s: 6 | Sacked: 11
Rushing Yards: -12 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Michael Johnson, Jr. | #9
Passing Yards: 31 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: -8 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
LeQuint Allen | #1
Lead back for Syracuse, Allen is a dual threat similar to Desmond Reid, averaging 74.8 yards rushing, and has caught 31 passes for 254 yards.
Rushing Yards: 449 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 31 | Receiving Yards: 254 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Yasin Willis | #23
Rushing Yards: 104 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 4 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Will Nixon | #24
Rushing Yards: 76 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 44 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Jackson Meeks | #7
Meeks is 2nd on the team with 38 receptions, but leads the team with 459 yards receiving.
Receptions: 38 | Receiving Yards: 459 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Trebor Pena* | #2
Pena forms a nice receiving duo with Meeks, leading the team with 42 catches for 458 yards, and five touchdowns. As of Tuesday, he is doubtful to play due to injury.
Receptions: 42 | Receiving Yards: 458 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Umari Hatcher | #5
Hatcher has just 13 catches, but has found the endzone three times.
Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 246 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Darrell Gill, Jr. | #82
Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 152 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Zeed Haynes | #8
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 97 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Oronde Gadsden | #19
Gadsden is 3rd on the team with 32 catches for 433 yards and three scores.
Receptions: 32 | Receiving Yards: 433 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Dan Villari | #89
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 13 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/Out
Syracuse Defense
Defensive Scheme: 2-4-5
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 24.7
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 355.5
- Passing yards allowed: 229.2
- Rushing yards allowed: 126.3
- Sacks: 13
- Interceptions: 6
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Fadil Diggs | #10
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 2
LDT: Dion Wilson, Jr. | #4
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0
RDT: Kevin Jobity, Jr. | #94
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0.5
RDE: Denis Jaquez, Jr. | #11
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 1.5
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Justin Barron | #8
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
MLB: Derek McDonald | #15
Tackles: 31 | Sacks: 0
STAR: Devin Grant | #23
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
SECONDARY
LCB: Clarence Lewis | #3
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
SS: Alijah Clark | #5
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Duce Chestnut | #0
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
RCB: Marcellus Barnes, Jr. | #7
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Syracuse Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Jadyn Oh | #98
Extra Points: 10-10
Field Goals: 2-4
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-1
- 30-39 yards: 1-1
- 40-49 yards: 0-2
- 50+ yards: 0-0
KICKOFF RETURNER
Malachi James | #36
Average: 21.3 | TD Returns: 0
Yasin Willis | #23
Average: 21.3 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Trebor Pena | #2
Average: 5.5 | TD Returns: 0
Pitt vs Syracuse History
Series Began: 1916
Overall Record: 43-33-3
- At Home: 25-11
- On Road: 18-19-3
- Neutral Site: 0-3
ACC Series: 9-2
Streak: Syracuse won the last game.
Last Game: Nov. 11, 2023 (Syracuse 28, Pitt 13)
Injury Report (10/22/24)
Pitt Panthers
Out: None
Doubtful: None
Questionable: DB Nigel Maynard (arm), RB Juelz Goff (arm)
Syracuse Orange
Out: LB Marlowe Wax, RB Will Nixon
Doubtful: WR Trebor Pena,
Questionable: WR Zeed Haynes, WR Emanuel Ross
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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