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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
A once promising season that started off 7-0, with talk off an ACC Championship Game, and–gasp, talk of the College Football Playoffs, now comes to an end in… Detroit.
That’s where teams end up when you lose your final five games to finish 7-5.
The Pitt Panthers will head to Ford Field to take on the Toledo Rockets (7-5) in the GameAbove Sports Bowl on Thursday, December 26th, at 2:00 PM.
As of late December 24th, it’s still not known if Pitt’s normal starting quarterback in Eli Holstein will start or not.
If he doesn’t, it looks as if walk-on David Lynch could be the guy.
Whomever is at QB, they’ll have a depleted offense to work with, as only Kenny Johnson and Raphael Williams are left at wide receiver who made any type of contributions this season. Johnson has 44 receptions for 520 yards and three touchdowns, while Williams has caught 34 passes for 390 yards and five touchdowns.
Konata Mumpfield was the team’s leader in receptions, but opted out and declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Daejon Reynolds hit the transfer portal.
After Johnson and Wiliams, take your pick of Zion Fowler-El, Bennie Haselrig, and anyone’s guess who could be catching passes from Holstein or Lynch.
Luckily, Pitt will still have tight ends Gavin Bartholomew and Jake Overman, with Bartholomew leading the way with 37 catches for 303 yards and three touchdowns. I think.
Unless the depth chart is wrong, it looks as if the entire Pitt defense will play in this game.
Toledo has Tucker Gleason at quarterback, who has thrown for 2,457 yards, with 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s rushed for 330 yards and six touchdowns, and has been sacked just 13 times.
Connor Walendzak leads a bevy of running backs used by Toledo. He leads the team with 457 yards. Jacquez Stuart, Sevaughn Clark, and Willie Shaw III could all see time in this game.
Jerjuan Newton is Toledo’s best weapon at wide receiver, leading the team with 949 yards off of 64 receptions, and a team leading 11 touchdowns.
Junior Vandeross III leads the team with 73 receptions for 763 yards and four touchdowns.
Anthony Torres leads the tight ends with 27 catches for 362 yards and eight touchdowns.
Pitt has the better team, from top to bottom. Question is, can they show any life after the epic collapse they had after the 7-0 start?
If Holstein starts, will he regain his form that got Pitt to that undefeated start, or will he still look like a deer in the headlights throwing the ball?
Desmond Reid will start at running back, so after a good rest, he should be raring to go and end the season as hot as he started it.
Have fun guessing how this game goes when you’re less than a day away from the game and have no idea who’ll decide to play. Personally, I don’t mind NIL and the Transfer Portal, but it’s way past time for both to be regulated, as this is beyond out of control at this point.
Pitt, even while shorthanded, should be able to beat a team from the MAC.
Game Prediction: Pitt 31 Toledo 20
GameAbove Sports Bowl
Pitt Panthers (7-5) vs Toledo Rockets (7-5)
- Vegas line: Pitt -7
Game-time: Thursday, December 26th, at 2:00 PM.
Venue: Ford Field, Detroit, MI.
Field: FieldTurf
Weather at Kickoff: Dome
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Broadcast Information
TV: ESPN (Xfinity: 850 | DirecTV: 206 | Dish: 140)
- Announcers: Matt Schumacker (play-by-play) Dustin Fox (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 371.
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 7-5 | ACC Record: 3-5 | Rank: n/a
Previous Game: Boston College 34 Pitt 23
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 10th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 72-55
- 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: 31.8
- Total offense yards per game: 406.3
- Passing yards per game: 277.8
- Rushing yards per game: 128.5
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Eli Holstein | #10
Holstein was a major key to Pitt’s 7-0 start, but struggled afterwards and never recovered. Now he has one last chance to go into the season on a positive note and bring hope to next season.
Passing Yards: 2,228 | TD Passes: 17 | INT’s: 7 | Sacked: 20
Rushing Yards: 328 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Back-up: David Lynch | #16
Passing Yards: 46 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 1
Rushing Yards: -1 | Rushing TD’s: 0
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: 70 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 15 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Che Nwabuko | #21
Rushing Yards: 76 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 15 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Juelz Goff | #26
Rushing Yards: 15 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 21 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Caleb Williams | #30
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Kenny Johnson | #2
Johnson becomes the top receiver in the Pitt offense for this game. Finished the season 3rd on the team with 44 catches.
Receptions: 44 | Receiving Yards: 520 | 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 season, and we saw why, with “Poppi” snagging 34 catches for 390 yards, and finding the end-zone a team leading five times.
Receptions: 34 | Receiving Yards: 390 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Zion Fowler-El | #23
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 12 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Bennie Haselrig | #29
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 7 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Gavin Bartholomew | #86
Bartholomew has always a reliable target when called upon. His talent merited more involvement in the Kade Bell offense, especially inside the redzone.
Receptions: 37 | Receiving Yards: 303 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Jake Overman | #87
Overman is a redshirt senior transfer from Oregon State.
Receptions: 16 | Receiving Yards: 149 | Receiving TD’s: 0
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Ryan Baer | #70
LG: Ryan Jacoby | #61
C: Lyndon Cooper | #56
RG: B.J. Williams | #55
RT: Terrence Enos, Jr. | #74
*Injured/Out
Pitt Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Randy Bates
- Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 26.8
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 373.8
- Passing yards allowed: 258.3
- Rushing yards allowed: 115.5
- Sacks: 40
- Interceptions: 12
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Nate Matlack | #2
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 5
DT: Sean FitzSimmons | #55
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 1
DT: Isaiah Neal | #97
Tackles: 17| Sacks: 1.5
DE: Jimmy Scott | #44
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 6
LINEBACKERS
Money: Braylon Lovelace
Tackles: 51 | Sacks: 4 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
OR Raheem Biles | #31
Tackles: 76 | Sacks: 6 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
MIKE: Brandon George | #30
Tackles: 69 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
STAR: Kyle Louis |#9
Tackles: 96 | Sacks: 7 | INT: 4 | TD: 1
SECONDARY
CB: Ryland Gandy | #10
Tackles: 38 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Donovan McMillon | #3
Tackles: 108 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Javon McIntyre | #7
Tackles: 45 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
OR Phillip O’Brien, Jr. | #5
Tackles: 32 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Rashad Battle | #15
Tackles: 35 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Pitt Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Ben Sauls | #90
Extra Points: 41-41
Field Goals: 18-21
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-1
- 30-39 yards: 5-5
- 40-49 yards: 7-9
- 50+ yards: 5-6
KICKOFF RETURNERS
Kenny Johnson | #2
Average: 20.9 | 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 Toledo Rockets
Overall Record: 7-5 | MAC Conference Record: 4-4 | Rank: n/a
Previous Game: Akron 21 Toledo 14
Head Coach: Jason Candle
- 8th Season with Toledo
- Lifetime Record: 72-40 | 72-40 at Toledo
Links
Toledo Offense
- Offensive System: Spread
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 26.7
- Total offense yards per game: 366.5
- Passing yards per game: 246.2
- Rushing yards per game: 120.3
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Tucker Gleason | #4
Solid season with 22 touchdown passes and just seven interceptions. Will take off with the ball, as he’s rushed for 330 yards and six touchdowns.
Passing Yards: 2,457 | TD Passes: 22 | INT’s: 7 | Sacked: 13
Rushing Yards: 330 | Rushing TD’s: 6
Back-up: John Alan Richter| #6
Passing Yards: 497 | TD Passes: 4 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 5
Rushing Yards: 14 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Sevaughn Clark | #20
Rushing Yards: 209 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 51 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jaquez Stewart | #0
Rushing Yards: 230 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 170 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Connor Walendzak | #24
Rushing Yards: 457 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 71 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Willie Shaw III | #32
Rushing Yards: 190 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Jerjuan Newton | #1
The Rockets best weapon, Newton leads the team with 949 yards receiving off of 64 receptions, and a team leading 11 touchdowns.
Receptions: 64 | Receiving Yards: 949 | Receiving TD’s: 11
Junior Vandeross III | #2
Vandeross leads the team with 73 receptions.
Receptions: 73 | Receiving Yards: 763 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Thomas Zsiros | #84
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 148 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Eric Holley III | #81
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 126 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jaden Dottin | #10
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 123 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Anthony Torres | #88
Torres is the top tight end, with 27 catches for 362 yards and is 2nd on the team with eight touchdowns receptions.
Receptions: 27 | Receiving Yards: 362 | Receiving TD’s: 8
*Injured/Out
Toledo Defense
Defensive Scheme: 4-2-5
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 21.3
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 352.5
- Passing yards allowed: 213.8
- Rushing yards allowed: 138.7
- Sacks: 28
- Interceptions: 10
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: D’Andre Ragin | #10
Tackles: 41 | Sacks: 3.5
LDT: Cavon Butler | #52
Tackles: 45 | Sacks: 3.5
RDT: Darius Alexander | #9
Tackles: 34 | Sacks: 2.5
LINEBACKERS
OLB: Deshawn Holt | #4
Tackles: 43 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
MLB: Jackson Barrow | #5
Tackles: 64 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 0
WLB: Daniel Bolden | #31
Tackles: 90 | Sacks: 1.5 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Avery Smith | #12
Tackles: 50 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
SS: Maxen Hook | #25
Tackles: 108 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
FS: Jaden Dottin | #10
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
RCB: Nasir Bowers | #21
Tackles: 35 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
NB: Braden Awls | #26
Tackles: 67 | Sacks: 0.5 | INT: 3
Toledo Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Dylan Cunanan | #45
Extra Points: 36-36
Field Goals: 13-19
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 6-8
- 30-39 yards: 2-3
- 40-49 yards: 4-6
- 50+ yards: 1-2
KICKOFF RETURNER
Jacquez Stewart | #0
Average: 32.5 | TD Returns: 1
PUNT RETURNER
Bryson Hammer | #33
Average: 13.8 | TD Returns: 0
Pitt vs Toledo History
Series Began: 2002
Overall Record: 2-1
- At Home: 2-0
- On Road: 0-1
- Neutral Site: 0-0
ACC Series: n/a
Streak: Pitt won the last game.
Last Game: Sept. 30, 2006 (Pitt won, 45-3)
Injury Report (12/24/24)
Pitt Panthers
Out: OT Branson Taylor
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Toledo Rockets
Out: None
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Pitt Schedule (7-5)
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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