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The University of Pittsburgh has a rich tradition of football that began in 1890. The Pitt Panthers are Nine-Time National Champions and many of the greatest players in the history of the game 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 turn to learn everything there is to know about Pitt and their upcoming opponent! Mike Drakulich (@PghSportsNation) brings you inside the huddle for both teams, including 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!
The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary
After thrashing Duquesne 61-9 in football’s version of The City Game, the Pitt Panthers (1-0) are eager to build off their season opening victory, as they next face the Central Michigan Chippewas (1-0) out of the MAC Conference. The kickoff is scheduled for Noon at Acrisure Stadium.
Normally, scoring 61 points is an indicator that the offense was running at peak efficiency, but after viewing the tape, Pitt head Coach Pat Narduzzi sees plenty of room for improvement from his team.
“I think we did what we wanted to do. We missed some shots. We had opportunities,” said Narduzzi. “That’s going to happen in every game.”
One player that Narduzzi was particularly impressed by was receiver Cataurus “Blue” Hicks, who in his Pitt debut after transferring from Louisville, caught five passes for 55 yards and two touchdowns— one a spectacular one handed snag in the end zone.
“The only thing we didn’t get to see was him catch a short pass or screen, something like that, just based on the game plan — use his feet to make plays,” Narduzzi said.
On the bad side, Pitt play-makers dropped three passes in the game, and that’s a stat that drives any coaching staff out of their minds.
Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein will aspire to build off of his 15 of 23 for 215 yards and four touchdowns performance.
Holstein was off target and sloppy early, but turned it around in a hurry late in the 2nd quarter.
“Like the old saying, shook the rust off a little bit,” said Holstein. “It’s been a while since I had been out there.
“Just had to calm down and play football.”
Desmond Reid looked like his old self, rushing for 66 yards and a touchdown, and also took a punt to the house for 88 yards.
Some questioned Narduzzi’s decision to allow Reid, and Kenny Johnson, to return kicks.
“If we played worried about risks all the time, we would just pull them out after the first quarter and hope we can hold on,” said Narduzzi. “It’s a game of football. It’s a collision sport. Things are going to happen. They want to play football. They come to Pitt to play football.”
The Chippewas come into this game after a 16-14 upset of San Jose State, a game in which they were 13 1/2 point road underdogs. Central Michigan survived two missed field goals in the 4th quarter by the Spartans.
CMU pounded the ball against San Jose State to the tune of 256 yards on the ground, behind a unique approach… that was utilizing three different quarterbacks in their game plan, Angel Flores, Joe Labas and Jadyn Glasser.
“They’re going to play with three quarterbacks,” Narduzzi said. “If you’re out there watching, you’re not going to say, ‘What happened to the quarterback? Did he get hurt?’ No, they play three, and they. It’s kind of their philosophy offensively. They do a bunch of different stuff, but they like to line up and pound you. That’s what they want to do. They’re about a 70% run football team.”
“It’ll be a different look for our football team this week, and it’s going to come down to toughness. I think we’re kind of built for that here in Pittsburgh. Anybody wants to line up with big people, we embrace that here. That will play into our hands, for sure.”
The QB trio ran for just 44 yards on the ground, and were 8 of 13 for 115 yards, with zero interceptions or sacks via the air.
Trey Cornist and Nahree Biggins were a dynamic duo rushing the ball, combining for 201 yards and one touchdown.
Wide receiver Tommy McIntosh caught two passes for 61 yards, while tight end DeCorion Temple had two receptions for 22 yards. Langston Lewis, Tyson Davis, and Collion Payne round out the rest of the receiving corps, and they together managed a paltry three receptions for 23 yards.
Central Michigan will find out pretty quickly that Pitt’s defense certainly is not San Jose’s, and will have to find a more balanced attack, if they plan on pulling another upset in consecutive weeks.
I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one.
One Pitt linebacker that is eager to showcase his skills is Aliquippa’s Cam Lindsey, who has a big chance to shine when he’s called upon to give Kyle Louis or Rasheem Biles a breather.
Lindsey is taking full advantage of Pitt losing two key back-ups in Jeremiah Marcelin and Jayden Bonsu.
“Just taking it every day, one play at a time,” Lindsey said. “Just not really overthinking anything. If the coaches want to put me out there, they believe I can do it, so I’ve just got to be confident in myself and lean on all the things I’ve been through in camp and during the spring.”
This one won’t be as easy as the Duquesne game, but by all means, this game could be in the books by halftime.
CMU gave up 383 totals yards last week, 308 thought the air, and 75 on the ground, so Holstein, with his bevy of weapons at hand, along with Reid and Goff on the ground, should be able to pile up some big numbers Saturday afternoon.
It’s basically imposing your will on a weaker opponent, and that’s exactly what Pitt needs to do.
As long as the Panthers focus on this game, and don’t start peeking ahead to next week– that being the Backyard Brawl against their hated rivals in West Virginia, down in Morgantown, Pitt will roll.
Game Prediction: Pitt 45 Central Michigan 10
Pitt Panthers (1-0) vs Central Michigan Chippewas (1-0)
- NCAA Week 2
Vegas line: Pitt -22.5
Game-time: Saturday, September 6th, at 12:00 PM.
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Kentucky Bluegrass
Weather at Kickoff: 62 and Cloudy. Winds out of the West at 5 MPH
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Broadcast Information
TV: ESPNU (Xfinity: 852 | DirecTV: 208 | Dish: 141)
- Announcers: Brian Custer (play-by-play) Max Starks (analyst) | N/A (reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 93.7 The Fan
- Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Pat Bostick (analyst) | Dorin Dickerson (sideline reporter)
National Radio: N/A
- Announcers:
Alternative Broadcasts:
- Online Radio: 937thefan.radio.com
- Satellite Radio: SiriusXM channels 139 or 202
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 1-0 | ACC Record: 0-0 | Rank: n/a
Previous Game: Pitt 61 Duquesne 9
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 11th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 73-56
- ACC Division Titles: 2
- ACC Championships: 1
Pitt Team Links
- Pitt Panthers Roster
- Pitt Coaching Staff
- Pitt Team/Individual Statistics
- Pitt Panthers 2025 Schedule
Pitt Offense
- Offensive Coordinator: Kade Bell
- Offensive System: Up-Tempo Pro Style
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 61
- Total offense yards per game: 460
- Passing yards per game: 302
- Rushing yards per game: 158
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Eli Holstein | #10 | Redshirt Sophomore
Holstein returns as the starter and will have to be a major factor if Pitt is to contend for the ACC Championship Game. Last season he was pretty sharp, throwing for 215 yards and four touchdowns passes. He did throw a garish interception in the end zone, but it was a 4th down play, so it wasn’t like points were given away.
Passing Yards: 215 | TD Passes: 4 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 1
Rushing Yards: 41 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Cole Gonzales | #9 | Senior
Passing Yards: 87 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 2 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Desmond Reid | #0 | Senior
Reid is a dual threat ball of fury. Last week he rushed for just 66 yards, but he averaged 8.3 yards a carry, and also returned a punt 88 yards to the house.
Rushing Yards: 66 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 2 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Juelz Goff | #8 | Redshirt Freshman
Goff, the 5’9, 195 pound freshman, will look to make the most of his opportunities when giving Reid a breather.
Rushing Yards: 31 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jalynn Williams | #35 | Senior
Williams is a senior transfer from Western Carolina who may see time due to various injuries at running back. Rushed for 310 yards and 12 touchdowns in 16 games as a Catamount.
Rushing Yards: 10 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Ja’Kyrian Turner | #25 | Freshman
True freshman that was ranked as one of the Top 100 Athletes by On3, 247Sports and ESPN.
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Caleb Williams | #30 | Redshirt Sophomore
Williams is a Redshirt sophomore from Montour High School.
Rushing Yards: 4 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Kenny Johnson | #2 | Junior
Johnson will be one of Holstein’s top targets in the passing game. Last week he had four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown.
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 47 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Raphael “Poppi” Williams, Jr. | #5 | Senior
Williams will be opposite of Johnson and should expect plenty of action in the passing game. He caught just one pass for 45 yards in the opener.
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 45 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Cataurus ” Blue” Hicks | #3 | Sophomore
Hicks is a transfer from Louisville and is listed as a starter. He caught five passes for 55 yards last week, and scored a touchdown on a filthy one handed snag.
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 55 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Zion Fowler-El | #23 | Redshirt Sophomore
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 7 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Bryce Yates | #80 | Freshman
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 89 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Deuce Spann | #22 | Redshirt Senior
Spann is a transfer from Florida State, with good size at 6’4, 210 pounds.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 12 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tony Kinsler | #17 | Freshman
Kinsler is a name to remember who has opened the eyes of both coaches and fellow teammates in Camp. Don’t be surprised if he makes some early contributions.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jesse Anderson | #16 | Redshirt Sophomore
Anderson played in all 13 games last season on special teams.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Cam Sapp | #84 | Freshman
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 3 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Censere Lee | #11 | Senior
Lee was having a solid 2024 year, with 19 catches for 254 yards and three touchdowns, before suffering a season ending injury against Clemson.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Jake Overman | #87 | Redshirt Senior
Overman provides a nice target at 6’4, 240 pounds. Last season he had 17 receptions for 160 yards and a touchdown.
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 3 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Malachi Thomas | #82 | Sophomore
Thomas played primarily on special teams last year, but looks to see more time on the field in 2025. Thomas had one catch last week, but it was a 34 yard touchdown.
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 34 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Justin Holmes | #88 | Senior
Holmes is a 6’3, 245 pound transfer from Marshall. Last season he caught one pass for 13 yards.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Josh Altsman | #85 | Redshirt Junior
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 13 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Max Hunt | #86 | Freshman
Hunt is a freshman that has caught the attention of head coach Pat Narduzzi. Big target at 6’4, 215 pounds.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Jeff Persi | #78 | Senior
LG: Keith Gouveia | #66 | Senior
C: Lyndon Cooper | #56 | Senior
RG: B.J. Williams | #55 | Junior
RT: Ryan Baer | #70 | Junior
*Injured/Out
Pitt Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Randy Bates
- Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 9
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 208
- Passing yards allowed: 171
- Rushing yards allowed: 37
- Sacks: 4
- Interceptions: 0
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Blaine Spires | #10 | Graduate Transfer
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0
- OR Jaeden Moore | #56 | Redshirt Sophomore
- Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
LDT: Sean FitzSimmons | #55 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 1 | Sacks: 0
- OR Nick James | #1 | Redshirt Junior
- Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
RDT: Francis Brewu | #95 | Sophomore
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0
- OR Isaiah Neal | #2 | Redshirt Sophomore
- Tackles: 1 | Sacks: 0
RDE: Jimmy Scott | #44 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 1 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKERS
Money: Raheem Biles | #3 | Junior
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
MLB: Braylan Lovelace | #0 | Junior
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
STAR: Kyle Louis | #9 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
FCB: Tamon Lynum | #8 | Super Senior
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Javon McIntyre | #7 | Redshirt Senior
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Cruce Brookins | #12 | Redshirt Sophomore
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
CB: Rashad Battle | #15 | Super Senior
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Pitt Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Trey Butkowski | #93 | Freshman
Extra Points: 7-8
Field Goals: 2-2
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 0-0
- 40-49 yards: 0-0
- 50+ yards: 0-0
KICKOFF RETURNERS
Kenny Johnson | #2 | Junior
Average: 78.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Desmond Reid | #0 | Senior
Average: 26.3 | TD Returns: 1
Kenny Johnson | #2 | Junior
Average: 21.3 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Central Michigan Chippewas
Overall Record: 1-0 | MAC Conference Record: 0-0 | Rank: N/A
Previous Game: Central Michigan 16 San Jose State 14
Head Coach: Matt Drinkall
- 1st Season with Central Michigan
- Lifetime Record: 1-0 | 1-0 at Central Michigan
Links
Central Michigan Offense
- Offensive System: Pro Style/Option
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 16
- Total offense yards per game: 351
- Passing yards per game: 115
- Rushing yards per game: 236
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Joe Labas | #2
Listed as starter, but was one of three to play QB last week for the Chippewas. Only threw for 56 yards.
Passing Yards: 56 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 7 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Angel Flores | #7
Passing Yards: 59 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 30 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Jadyn Glasser | #15
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 7 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Trey Cornist | #6
Corniest was one yard shy of 100 in CMU’s win over San Jose State last week. Looks to be in a dual role with Nahree Biggins in the Chippewa’s rushing attack.
Rushing Yards: 99 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Nahree Biggins | #5
Biggins, along with Cornist, combined for over 200 yards rushing last week.
Rushing Yards: 102 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Tommy McIntosh | #19
McIntosh led the team with two receptions last week for 61 yards.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 61 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Langston Lewis | #20
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tyson Davis | #3
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 6 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Colin Payne | #86
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 3 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Justin Ruffin, Jr. | #9
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Camden Kruisenga | #35
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
DeCorion Temple | #8
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 22 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Nathan Van Timmeren | #48
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/Out
Central Michigan Defense
Defensive Scheme: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 14
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 383
- Passing yards allowed: 308
- Rushing yards allowed: 75
- Sacks: 1
- Interceptions: 2
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Joey Van Wetzinga | #95
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
NT: Jonathan Decker | #98
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
RDE: Michael Heldman | #97
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 1
LINEBACKERS
LOLB: Xavier White | #45
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
WLB: Lawai’a Brown | #40
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
MLB: Jordan Kwiatkowski | #12
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
ROLB: Dakota Cochran | #1
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Brenden Deasfernandes | #3
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
SS: Caleb Spann | #15
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Elijah Rikard | #2
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
RCB: Jaion Jackson | #4
Tackles: 1 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
- OR Kalen Carroll | #6
- Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Central Michigan Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Cade Graham | #47
Extra Points: 1-1
Field Goals: 3-4
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 1-1
- 40-49 yards: 0-0
- 50+ yards: 0-1
KICKOFF RETURNER
Nahree Biggins | #5
Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Caleb Spann | #15
Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Pitt vs Central Michigan Game History
Series Began: 2025
Overall Record: 0-0
- At Home: 0-0
- On Road: 0-0
- Neutral Site: 0-0
ACC Series: n/a
Streak: N/A
Last Game: N/A
Injury Report (9/4/25)
Pitt Panthers
Out: LB Jeramiah Marcelin, LB Jayden Bonsu
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Central Michigan
Out: TE Rory Callahan
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Pitt Schedule (1-0)
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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.
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