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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 starting off the season undefeated at 7-0, the Pitt Panthers have fallen completely off the cliff.
Four straight losses have turned what was an amazing season into a disaster.
The SMU loss was a complete beating.
That was followed by a guy wrenching loss to Virginia, despite Miami losing earlier in the day, allowing the Panthers to once again control their destiny in reaching the ACC Championship.
Then came the Clemson game, in which Pitt was big time underdogs to the Tigers, but somehow dominated Clemson for most of the game, before choking away the lead with just over a minute left in the game.
That gave a glimmer of hope heading to Louisville, feeling that the fight shown against Clemson would carry over against the Cardinals.
Well, a 37-9 slaughter disproved that theory, as Pitt was embarrassed from start to finish last week.
So here we are, with the Panthers now at 7-4, heading into the regular season finale against Boston College.
Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein, who was thought to suffer a season ending injury last week, escaped such bad luck, but will yield the starting duties to Nate Yarnell, despite being cleared to play.
So, can Yarnell awaken the Pitt offense, and somehow find a way to break this four game slide?
“This is places we’ve been before. As a matter of fact, I think last year we had a crappy season if I recall,” said Pitt head Coach Pat Narduzzi. “We came back. And how do we do that? How do we come back on senior day and beat BC last year, last (home) game of the season? I don’t have a clue how we did it, but we did. That’s kind of what happens. It’s a game.”
8-4 looks a helluva lot better than 7-5.
“We’re a damn good football team,” said Narduzzi. “We’ve got talent in that room. We’ve just got to put it all together. But we just seem to not be able to stay healthy, especially on the offensive side of the ball.”
Grayson James, who has thrown for 648 yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions, will start for Boston College at quarterback.
James’ main weapon is wide receiver Lewis Bond, who has 55 reception for 545 yards and three touchdowns.
The drop-off is steep after Bond, with tight end Kamari Morales 2nd on the team with 22 catches for 260 yards and five touchdowns.
Fellow tight end Jeremiah Franklin is 3rd on the team with 19 catches for 202 yards.
Receiver Reed Harris is 2nd on the team with 376 yards receiving off of 12 catches, while Jaedn Skeet has collected 18 receptions for 189 yards.
Kyle Robichaux is the lead back, rushing for 654 yards and nine touchdowns.
Treshaun Ward is a good duo with Robichaux, rushing for 406 yards, and has caught 15 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns.
It’s hard to have any expectations in this game, especially after the clubbing Pitt received at the hands of Louisville last week.
The Boston College offense has been hot of late, averaging 33.3 points in their last four games.
Playing one good game out of the last four games is a bad trend, and sadly, it looks as if Pitt is set to find another way to lose on Saturday afternoon.
Game Prediction: Boston College 28 Pitt 20
Pitt Panthers (7-4) at Boston College Eagles (6-5)
NCAA Week 13
Vegas line: Boston College -4.5
Game-time: Saturday, November 30th, at 3:00 PM.
Venue: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA.
Field: AstroTurf Game Day Grass
Weather at Kickoff: 40 and sunny. Winds out of the West at 12 MPH.
Tickets: Pitt Ticket OfficeÂ
Broadcast Information
TV: The CWÂ (Xfinity: 812 | DirecTV: 22 | Dish: 19)
- Announcers: Thom Brennaman (play-by-play) Max Browne (analyst) | Treavor Scales (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 388.
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 7-4 | ACC Record: 3-4 | Rank: n/a
Previous Game:Â Louisville 37 Pitt 9
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 10th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 72-54
- 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 OffenseÂ
- Offensive Coordinator: Kade Bell
- Offensive System: Up-Tempo Pro Style
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 32.6
- Total offense yards per game: 413.9
- Passing yards per game: 275.8
- Rushing yards per game: 138.1
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Nate Yarnell | #19
Yarnell, despite his poor play against Louisville, will get the final start of the regular season.
Passing Yards: 760 | TD Passes: 7 | INT’s: 4 | Sacked: 11
Rushing Yards: 35 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Eli Holstein | #10
Holstein was a major key to Pitt’s 7-0 start, but has struggled since, and will not start against Boston College.Â
Passing Yards: 2,228 | TD Passes: 17 | INT’s: 7 | Sacked: 20
Rushing Yards: 328 | Rushing TD’s: 3
RUNNING BACKS
Desmond Reid | #0
Reid is a dual threat ball of fury. 1st the team with 43 receptions.
Rushing Yards: 797 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 47 | Receiving Yards: 564 | Receiving TD’s: 4
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 one of the top two receivers for Pitt.
Receptions: 44 | Receiving Yards: 669 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Kenny Johnson | #2
Johnson has the ability to be a game breaker in the Pitt offense, and is currently 3rd on the team with 39 catches.
Receptions: 39 | Receiving Yards: 457 | 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 was a big part of the Pitt passing game before being injured.
Receptions: 19 | Receiving Yards: 254 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Daejon Reynolds | #3
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 166 | 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: 34 | Receiving Yards: 277 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Jake Overman | #87
Overman is a redshirt senior transfer from Oregon State.
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 145 | 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 DefenseÂ
- Defensive Coordinator: Randy Bates
- Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 26.1
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 373.1
- Passing yards allowed: 258.7
- Rushing yards allowed: 114.4
- Sacks: 37
- Interceptions: 12
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Nate Matlack | #2
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 4
DT: Sean FitzSimmons | #55
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 1
DT: Isaiah Neal | #97
Tackles: 16| Sacks: 1.5
DE: Jimmy Scott | #44
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 5
LINEBACKERS
Money: Braylon LovelaceÂ
Tackles: 46 | Sacks: 4 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
  OR Raheem Biles | #31
Tackles: 72 | Sacks: 5 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
MIKE: Brandon George | #30
Tackles: 64 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
STAR: Kyle Louis |#9
Tackles: 93 | Sacks: 7 | INT: 4 | TD: 1
SECONDARY
CB: Ryland Gandy | #10
Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Donovan McMillon | #3
Tackles: 97 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Javon McIntyre | #7Â
Tackles: 42 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
  OR Phillip O’Brien, Jr. | #5
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Rashad Battle | #15
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Pitt Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Ben Sauls | #90
Extra Points: 39-39
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: 20.5 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Kenny Johnson | #2
Average: 7.1 | TD Returns: 0
Desmond Reid | #0
Average: 12.3 | TD Returns: 1
Scouting the Boston College Eagles
Overall Record: 6-5 | ACC Conference Record: 3-4 | Rank: N/A
Previous Game:Â Boston College 41 North Carolina 21
Head Coach: Bill O’Brien
- 1st Season with Boston College
- Lifetime Record: 21-14 | 6-5 at Boston College
Links
Boston College OffenseÂ
- Offensive System: Pro Style
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 28.8
- Total offense yards per game: 365.5
- Passing yards per game: 185.2
- Rushing yards per game: 180.4
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Grayson James | #14
Passing Yards: 648 | TD Passes: 4 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 6
Rushing Yards: 54 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Back-up: Thomas Castellanos | #1
Passing Yards: 1,366 | TD Passes: 18 | INT’s: 5 | Sacked: 19
Rushing Yards: 194 | Rushing TD’s: 1
RUNNING BACKS
Kye Robichaux | #5
Lead back for three Eagles, averaging 4.5 yards a carry.
Rushing Yards: 654 | Rushing TD’s: 9
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 17 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Treshaun Ward | #0
Ward is a good compliment to Robichaux, 2nd on the team with 406 yards rushing.
Rushing Yards: 406 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 268 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jordan McDonald | #25
Rushing Yards: 302 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 25 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Turbo Richard | #27
Rushing Yards: 271 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Lewis Bond | #11
The Eagles unquestioned top receiver, 1st on the team with 55 receptions.
Receptions: 55 | Receiving Yards: 545 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Reed Harris | #4
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 376 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Jaden Skeete | #6
Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 189 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TIGHT ENDS
Kamari Morales | #88
Morales leads the team with five touchdown receptions.
Receptions: 22 | Receiving Yards: 260 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Jeremiah Franklin | #17
Receptions: 19 | Receiving Yards: 202 | Receiving TD’s: 3
*Injured/Out
Boston College DefenseÂ
Defensive Scheme: 4-2-5
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 24.2
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 364
- Passing yards allowed: 242.2
- Rushing yards allowed: 121.8
- Sacks: 24
- Interceptions: 15
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Neto Okpala | #4
Tackles: 32 | Sacks: 1
NT: Cam Horsely | #96
Tackles: 40 | Sacks: 0
DT: George Rooks | #91
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 1
RDE: Donovan Ezeiruaku | #6
Tackles: 70 | Sacks: 13
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Daveon Crouch | #1Â Â Â
Tackles: 61 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
MLB: Kam Arnold | #5Â Â Â
Tackles: 40 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
SECONDARY
LCB: Max Tucker | #13
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
SS: KP Price | #20
Tackles: 68 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
FS: Carter Davis | #28
Tackles: 45 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 3
RCB: Ashton McShane | #35
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
NB: Khari Johnson | #3
Tackles: 29 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
Boston College Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Liam Connor | #95
Extra Points: 27-28
Field Goals: 2-3
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-2
- 30-39 yards: 0-0
- 40-49 yards: 1-1
- 50+ yards: 0-0
KICKOFF RETURNER
Jayden McGowan | #2
Average: 20.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Isaiah Farris | #16
Average: 6.8 | TD Returns: 0
Pitt vs Boston College History
Series Began: 1959
Overall Record: 18-15
- At Home: 10-7
- On Road: 8-8
- Neutral Site: 0-0
ACC Series: 2-2
Streak: Pitt won the last game.
Last Game: Nov. 16, 2023 (Pitt won, 24-16)
Injury Report (11/29/24)
Pitt Panthers
Out:Â OT Branson Taylor
Doubtful:Â None
Questionable:Â QB Eli Holstein (concussion)
Boston College Eagles
Out:Â None
Doubtful:Â None
Questionable:Â QB Thomas Castellanos, RB Turbo Richard, WR Jaedn Skeet, LB Kam Arnold, DB Max Tucker
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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