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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
After two lackluster games against SMU and Virginia, last week, the Pitt Panthers battled hard and outplayed Clemson in just about every phase of the game, except for the final score in which Pitt lost a heart-breaker 24-20.
Despite shutting the Tigers offense down the entire 2nd half, the Pitt defense couldn’t get a final stop on Clemson’s last possession, capped by a 50 yard touchdown run by Cade Klubnik with a minute and 25 seconds left.
“They’re playing their tails off,” said Pitt head Coach Pat Narduzzi in regards to the tough loss to Clemson. “Nobody should look and say they didn’t play hard. We were down the entire game until we kicked that field goal and go up (20-17) at the end of the game. And our kids kept fighting. That’s what I love about this football team. They’re fighters. They’re going to give you everything they’ve got.”
A 7-0 start has been met with a crushing three game losing streak, and about the only saving grace left for Pitt is to win their last two regular season games and achieve a ten win season if they follow that with a victory in whatever Bowl they play in.
This week, Pitt travels to Louisville, to face the Cardinals who are coming off a 38-35 loss to Stanford.
The Cardinals are lead by quarterback Tyler Shough, who has thrown for 2,774 yards, with 21 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s been sacked just 12 times.
Isaac Brown is the top back, rushing for 803 yards and seven touchdowns, and adding 26 receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown.
Shough’s top receivers are Ja’Corey Brooks, who leads the team with 57 catches for 945 yards and eight touchdowns, and Chris Bell, who has caught 32 passes for 492 yards and three scores. Ahmari Huggins-Bruce is 4th on the team with 18 catches for 239 yards.
Tight end Mark Redman has accounted for 22 receptions for 234 yards and three touchdowns.
The Louisville offense is averaging 36.1 points per game.
Earlier in the week, it was unclear if quarterback Eli Holstein would be cleared medically to play against Louisville, but if he didn’t, Nate Yarnell had his coach’s full confidence in running the Pitt offense.
“Nate did a nice job of playing his game,” said Narduzzi. “And I thought he really came on in the second half after he hadn’t played for a while. He played a fast defense, one of the best defenses we faced all year, and his first real game experience. I think it took awhile for him to get going.
“I thought in the second half he was outstanding, took hits. It’s hard to stay in that pocket and trust that you’re going to be OK and throw those balls. I mean, he took some hits and did it like a pro. So I love Nate for that. That’s kind of who Nate is. He’s a tough son of a gun.”
So the wait was on for Narduzzi.
“We’ll find out when Eli is cleared,” Narduzzi said in regards to Holstein. “He hasn’t been cleared yet. So there’s no question, as we talked all August, we’ve got two really good quarterbacks, and both of them have an opportunity. Nate did a heck of a job out there, like I thought and knew he would. He prepares like a pro.”
Well, on Thursday, word broke that Holstein was indeed cleared to play, yet…
Crickets… other than this brief update by the Pitt coach on Friday:
“Still a work in progress,” Narduzzi said. “We’ll see as we get going here.”
So, without true knowledge on who will be slinging passes Saturday, let’s go with the gut feeling that Yarnell is going to be playing, with Holstein ready to go if Yarnell and the Pitt offense falters.
The effort in the Clemson game gave me a glimmer of hope that this team can salvage this season by winning out.
Stanford was able to throw for 323 yards last week, so Pitt should be able to burn the Cardinals through the air, especially after Yarnell put up 350 against a much better Clemson defense.
Expect a shootout, but unlike last week’s gut punch, this time the Panthers will find a way to get their 8th win.
Game Prediction: Pitt 34 Louisville 30
Pitt Panthers (7-3) at Louisville Cardinals (6-4)
NCAA Week 12
Vegas line: Louisville -8.5
Game-time: Saturday, November 16th, at 4:00 PM.
Venue: Federal Credit Union Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
Field: FieldTurf Revolution
Weather at Kickoff: 48 and partly sunny. Winds out of the WSW at 7 MPH.
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Broadcast Information
TV: ESPN 2 (Xfinity: 851 | DirecTV: 209 | Dish: 143)
- Announcers: Mike Couzens (play-by-play) Brock Osweiler (analyst) | Stormy Buonantony (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 382.
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 7-3 | ACC Record: 3-3 | Rank: n/a
Previous Game: Clemson 24 Pitt 20
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 10th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 72-53
- 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: 35
- Total offense yards per game: 428.8
- Passing yards per game: 284.4
- Rushing yards per game: 144.4
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Eli Holstein | #10
Holstein was a major key to Pitt’s 7-0 start, but has struggled mightily the past four games. Very capable of taking off with the ball, rushing for 323 yards and three touchdowns. Game-time decision to start.
Passing Yards: 2,177 | TD Passes: 17 | INT’s: 6 | Sacked: 19
Rushing Yards: 323 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Back-Up: Nate Yarnell | #19
Passing Yards: 664 | TD Passes: 6 | INT’s: 3 | Sacked: 11
Rushing Yards: 23 | 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. 1st the team with 43 receptions.
Rushing Yards: 738 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 43 | Receiving Yards: 536 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Rodney Hammond | #6
Hammond returned 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, has yet to form one heck of a duo with the starter Desmond Reid, as he has barely been used since coming back.
Rushing Yards: 35 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 10 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Derrick Davis, Jr. | #34
Rushing Yards: 49 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 17 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Daniel Carter* | #4
Rushing Yards: 208 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 22 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Che Nwabuko | #21
Rushing Yards: 76 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 15 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Konata Mumpfield | #9
Mumpfield has established himself as a top target under Eli Holstein, nabbing 40 catches for 618 yards and three touchdowns.
Receptions: 40 | Receiving Yards: 618 | 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 37 catches for 432 yards.
Receptions: 37 | Receiving Yards: 432 | Receiving TD’s: 3
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 31 catches for 363 yards, and finding the end-zone a team leading five times so far.
Receptions: 31 | Receiving Yards: 363 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Censere Lee* | #11
Lee is a junior transfer from Western Carolina. Lee has been big a big part of the Pitt passing game, catching 19 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns in five games this year.
Receptions: 19 | Receiving Yards: 254 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Daejon Reynolds | #3
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 130 | 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, especially inside the redzone.
Receptions: 31 | Receiving Yards: 249 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Jake Overman | #87
Overman is a redshirt senior transfer from Oregon State.
Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 135 | Receiving TD’s: 0
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Terrence Enos, Jr. | #74
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: 25.0
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 359.9
- Passing yards allowed: 255.3
- Rushing yards allowed: 104.6
- Sacks: 35
- Interceptions: 12
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Nate Matlack | #2
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 4
DT: Sean FitzSimmons | #55
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 0
DT: Isaiah Neal | #97
Tackles: 16| Sacks: 1.5
DE: Jimmy Scott | #44
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 5
LINEBACKERS
Money: Braylon Lovelace
Tackles: 43 | Sacks: 4 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
OR Raheem Biles | #31
Tackles: 66 | Sacks: 5 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
MIKE: Brandon George | #30
Tackles: 62 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
STAR: Kyle Louis |#9
Tackles: 83 | Sacks: 7 | INT: 4 | TD: 1
SECONDARY
CB: Ryland Gandy | #10
Tackles: 31 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Donovan McMillon | #3
Tackles: 84 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Javon McIntyre | #7
Tackles: 38 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
OR Phillip O’Brien, Jr. | #5
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Rashad Battle | #15
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Pitt Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Ben Sauls | #90
Extra Points: 38-38
Field Goals: 17-20
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-1
- 30-39 yards: 5-5
- 40-49 yards: 7-9
- 50+ yards: 4-5
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: 13.2 | TD Returns: 1
Scouting the Louisville Cardinals
Overall Record: 6-4 | ACC Conference Record: 4-3 | Rank: N/A
Previous Game: Stanford 38 Louisville 35
Head Coach: Jeff Brohm
- 2nd Season with Louisville
- Lifetime Record: 82-52 | 16-8 at Louisville
Links
Louisville Offense
- Offensive System: Pro Style
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 36.1
- Total offense yards per game: 447.8
- Passing yards per game: 284.8
- Rushing yards per game: 163
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Tyler Shough | #9
Shough has had a nice season throwing for 2,774 yards, with 21 touchdowns and six interceptions. Not much of a threat to run the ball, as he has just 14 yards all year.
Passing Yards: 2,774 | TD Passes: 21 | INT’s: 6 | Sacked: 12
Rushing Yards: 14 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Harrison Bailey | #15
Passing Yards: 63 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Isaac Brown | #25
Brown, listed at 5’9 and just 190 pounds, is the lead back for the Cardinals, rushing for 803 yards and seven touchdowns.
Rushing Yards: 803 | Rushing TD’s: 7
Receptions: 26 | Receiving Yards: 131 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Duke Watson | #26
Watson had his breakout game last week against Stanford, rushing for 117 yards and three touchdowns.
Rushing Yards: 341 | Rushing TD’s: 5
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 35 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Keyjuan Brown | #22
Rushing Yards: 182 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 53 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Donald Chaney | #21
Rushing Yards: 177 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 62 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Ja’Corey Brooks | #1
Brooks is averaging 16.6 yards a catch, while leading the team with 57 receptions for 945 yards and eight touchdowns.
Receptions: 57 | Receiving Yards: 945 | Receiving TD’s: 8
Chris Bell | #0
Bell is 2nd on the team with 32 catches for 492 yards and three scores.
Receptions: 32 | Receiving Yards: 492 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Ahmari Huggins-Bruce | #24
Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 239 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Caullin Lacy | #5
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 179 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Cataurus Hicks | #81
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 86 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Mark Redman | #83
Redman is the top tight end for Louisville, 4th on the team with 22 receptions for 234 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Receptions: 22 | Receiving Yards: 234 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Jamari Johnson | #11
Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 158 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Nate Kurisky | #85
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 45 | Receiving TD’s: 2
*Injured/Out
Louisville Defense
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 25.6
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 372.8
- Passing yards allowed: 233.3
- Rushing yards allowed: 139.5
- Sacks: 25
- Interceptions: 3
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Ashton Gillotte | #9
Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 2.5
NT: Dezmond Tell | #99
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 1
DT: Jared Dawson | #93
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 4
LINEBACKERS
LEO: Tramel Logan| #19
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 4 | INT: 0
WLB: Stanquan Clark | #6
Tackles: 60| Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
MLB: T.J. Quinn | #34
Tackles: 66 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
STAR: Antonio Watts #35
Tackles: 37 | Sacks: 3 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Quincy Riley | #3
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
SS: M.J. Griffin | #26
Tackles: 49 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Tamarion McDonald | #12
Tackles: 47 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 0
RCB: Corey Thornton | #14
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
Louisville Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Brock Travelstead | #38
Extra Points: 44-44
Field Goals: 13-20
- 1-19 yards: 2-2
- 20-29 yards: 4-5
- 30-39 yards: 3-3
- 40-49 yards: 5-7
- 50+ yards: 1-5
KICKOFF RETURNER
Isaac Brown | #25
Average: 17.5 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Quincy Riley | #3
Average: 10.2 | TD Returns: 0
Pitt vs Louisville History
Series Began: 1976
Overall Record: 11-9
- At Home: 8-5
- On Road: 3-4
- Neutral Site: 0-0
ACC Series: 3-1
Streak: Pitt won the last game.
Last Game: Oct. 14, 2023 (Pitt 38, UL 21)
Injury Report (11/22/24)
Pitt Panthers
Out: OT Branson Taylor
Doubtful: None
Questionable: QB Eli Holstein (concussion)
Louisville Cardinals
Out: None
Doubtful: None
Questionable: RB Isaac Brown (shoulder)
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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