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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
If there was an official slogan for the Pitt Panthers, it would undoubtedly be “Hold My Beer.”
Just when you think there’s no way the Panthers could find another way to lose in unimaginable fashion, they prove you wrong, time after time.
It was bad enough falling to your most hated rivals in West Virginia, considering they were missing their best running back, 2nd best receiver, and best linebacker.
Somehow, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said they were unprepared for that game.
Unprepared for a game against the Mountaineers?
How is that even possible?
Last week, it looked as if Pitt had learned from that gruesome loss, as they started off on fire, and were clobbering Louisville 17-0.
All the momentum was going their way, forcing a punt, and eager to build on that lead.
Then the ACC officials stepped in, as Kenny Johnson waved for a fair catch, only to be ran into by a Cardinals player before he could catch it.
A flag was thrown, and it was a no brainier that this would be a 15 yard penalty for Kick Catch Interference… except the flag was picked up, and it was ruled that a Pitt player had blocked the Louisville player into Johnson, which was really neat considering there wasn’t a Pitt player within 10 yards of the ball or Louisville player.
If that wasn’t bad enough, the joke continued as the refs ruled Louisville ball on the Pitt three yard line.
A disgrace doesn’t describe ACC refs.
So, of course, Louisville scored a play later, and thanks to the refs giving the Cardinals a free touchdown, it was now 17-7.
That changed the momentum of the game. Soon it would be 17-17.
Surprisingly, Pitt shook off the knockdown blow by Louisville, and responded by scoring ten quick points before the half ended, to lead 27-17.
It was looking good for Pitt after all that drama.
But, in the 2nd half, Pitt started doing Pitt things, like being up 27-20, and having a 1st and goal in the 4th quarter.
Smart play would be to run the ball, as the Panthers were gouging Louisville all day. Except the next call ended up resulting in a piss poor throw by Eli Holstein that would be intercepted, and once again, Pitt blew a golden opportunity to all but put the game away.
That’s now three picks by Holstein in the endzone or by the goal-line on the season.
“They’re all concerning down in the red zone,” Narduzzi said. “When you’re in scoring position, you can’t turn the ball over. It’s simple. We’ve got to be better. Kade (Bell, Pitt’s offensive coordinator) has got to be better. And the quarterback’s got to play better.”
Louisville would score twice more, and walk out of Acrisure Stadium with a 34-27 win over the Panthers.
It was an appalling loss by Pitt, once again.
Right now, it feels hopeless for Pitt (2-2), who host the Boston College Eagles (1-3) this Saturday at Noon, at Acrisure Stadium.
With Holstein not living up to expectations, it will be a surprise if Pitt can win more than 2-3 more games this season.
“We’re going to watch tape, watch practice and see where it goes,” Narduzzi said. “Right now, Eli is our starting quarterback.”
Holsteins ill timed interceptions have been a major reason why Pitt is 2-2 instead of 4-0.
It would be fruitless to put senior transfer Cole Gonzales in over Holstein at this juncture.
About the only true move that could breathe new life and expectations into this year and beyond, would be to play freshman Mason Heintschel, who is the future of this program. Let’s see what the kid can do.
There’s rumors out there saying that may very well happen on Saturday, but I’ll believe it when I see it.
Pitt’s offense could get a boost with the return of starting running back Desmond Reid, but his status will likely remain unknown until warm-ups.
It’s frustrating to see Holstein struggling when the offense has plenty of talent available.
Kenny Johnson hasn’t put up the stats we’d like to see so far after four games, but Poppi Williams has been excellent, and Blue Hicks has made several key plays when the ball has been thrown to him.
Holstein’s turnovers, breakdowns by the offensive line, and too many dropped passes have kept this offense from reaching it’s true potential all season long.
3rd down conversions have been nonexistent for Pitt, going 1-for-10 vs Louisville, and 5-for-27 total in the last two games.
“It was bad — awful,” Narduzzi said. “Third down, we’ve got to be better. We practice a lot of third down. I don’t get it. We’ll look at the videotape. … But we didn’t execute well.”
If ever Pitt could right the ship, it should be this week going up against a BC defense giving up nearly 28 points a game, and recording just eight sacks all year. To make matters worse, the Eagles will be missing three starters on defense, that being DE Quintayvious Hutchins, and DB’s Syair Torrence and Amari Jackson.
This week, Pitt’s defense will be facing an Eagles offense scoring 28.8 points a game.
Boston College quarterback Dylan Lonergan has 1,188 yards passing, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. He’s been sacked five times.
Lewis Bond is the leading receiver with 36 receptions for 352 yards. Reed Harris is 2nd on the team with 250 yards receiving off of 15 catches. He’s averaging 16.7 yards per catch and has found the endzone twice. Jaedn Skeete has just five catches for 67 yards, with three of those catches being touchdowns, but he is out this week.
Tight end Jeremiah Franklin has caught 20 passes for 189 yards and one score.
Turbo Richard has rushed for 329 yards and four touchdowns, adding 16 receptions for 168 yards and two more touchdowns.
If the Pitt defense can elevate their play, perhaps some of those Holstein mistakes wouldn’t look as large as they have.
“We’ve just got to finish. All we can do is make the best play and execute,” linebacker Rasheem Biles said. “Obviously the fourth quarter is no time for errors. There’s no plays you can take off. … Our whole team is just preaching finish, finish, finish. That’s what we’ve got to start doing.”
It would help the defense if Kade Bell’s offense would start possessing the ball a bit more. So far, Pitt’s offense is on the field for just 23 minutes and 23 seconds a game.
That means the defense is out there for 36 minutes and 37 seconds a game.
No wonder they are wearing down.
Biles, though, isn’t making any excuses.
“We’ve been able to hold up really good,” Biles said. “There’s nothing that’s been taken as a drain. We’ve just got to be able to make more plays when we’re out there. … We sign up to play football. We want to be on the field.”
When it comes to this game, your guess is as good as mine. Pitt, by all means, is the better team and should win comfortably at home, but you can never count on Pitt to play a full 60 minutes without making you pull your hair out watching them.
Nothing that happens will surprise me, win or lose, but once again I’m putting my faith in a team to rise up to the occasion and stop the two game losing streak.
Pitt 34 Boston College 24
Pitt Panthers (2-2) vs Boston College Eagles (1-3)
- NCAA Week 6
Vegas line: Pitt -6.5
Game-time: Saturday, October 4th, at 12:00 PM.
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Kentucky Bluegrass
Weather at Kickoff: 73 and Sunny. Winds out of the South at 3 MPH.
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Broadcast Information
TV: ACC Network (Xfinity: 1325 | DirecTV: 612 | Dish: 402)
- Announcers: Chris Cotter (play-by-play) Max Browne (analyst) | Kendra Douglas (reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 93.7 The Fan
- Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Pat Bostick (analyst) | Dorin Dickerson and Larry Richert (sideline reporters)
National Radio: N/A
- Announcers:
Alternative Broadcasts:
- Online Radio: www.audacy.com/stations/937thefan
- Satellite Radio: SiriusXM channels 119 or 193
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 2-2 | ACC Record: 0-1 | Rank: n/a
Previous Game: Louisville 34 Pitt 27
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 11th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 74-58
- 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: 39.3
- Total offense yards per game: 403
- Passing yards per game: 301
- Rushing yards per game: 102
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Eli Holstein | #10 | Redshirt Sophomore
Holstein returned for his 2nd season as the starter and needed to be a major factor if Pitt was to contend for the ACC Championship Game. So far, it’s not looking like that is going to happen. Prone to silly mistakes and seems to freeze under pressure when Pitt needs him the most.
Passing Yards: 1,050 | TD Passes: 11 | INT’s: 5 | Sacked: 9
Rushing Yards: 69 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Cole Gonzales | #9 | Senior
Passing Yards: 118 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 1
Rushing Yards: 1 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Mason Heintschel | #6 | Freshman
Passing Yards: 36 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Desmond Reid | #0 | Senior
Reid is a dual threat ball of fury. Leads the team with 142 yards rushing, and is a factor catching passes out of the backfield, and returning kicks. Personally, I’d love to see him utilized as a slot receiver in this offense, as his stature has lead to too many injuries.
Rushing Yards: 142 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 71 | 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, or if he is out injured.
Rushing Yards: 116 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 35 | 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. Biggest Pitt back at 5’10, 210 pounds.
Rushing Yards: 10 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | 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: 71 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 4 | 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: -1 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Kenny Johnson | #2 | Junior
Johnson was expected to be one of Holstein’s top targets in the passing game. 11 catches in four games isn’t cutting it.
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 137 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Poppi Williams, Jr. | #5 | Senior
Williams will be opposite of Johnson and been Pitt’s best weapon in the passing game. Leads the team with 342 yards receiving and four touchdowns.
Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 342 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Blue Hicks | #3 | Sophomore
Hicks is a transfer from Louisville and is listed as a starter. Made a beautiful one handed touchdown catch in opener, and is 2nd on the team with three TD’s overall.
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 197 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Deuce Spann | #22 | Redshirt Senior
Spann is a transfer from Florida State, with good size at 6’4, 210 pounds.
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 60 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Zion Fowler-El | #23 | Redshirt Sophomore
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 26 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Bryce Yates | #80 | Freshman
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 143 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Cam Sapp | #84 | Freshman
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 7 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Censere Lee | #11 | Senior
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. Has been out since early in the season opener.
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 in season opener, but it was a 34 yard touchdown. Has to eliminate the dropped passes.
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 71 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Justin Holmes | #88 | Senior
Holmes is a 6’3, 245 pound transfer from Marshall. Leads all tight ends with five receptions.
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 56 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Josh Altsman | #85 | Redshirt Junior
Altsman is making the most of his snaps, leading the tight ends with four receptions.
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 44 | Receiving TD’s: 1
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Jeff Persi | #78 | Senior
LG: Ryan Carretta | #71 | 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: 22.8
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 312.8
- Passing yards allowed: 236.8
- Rushing yards allowed: 76
- Sacks: 14
- Interceptions: 3
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Blaine Spires | #10 | Graduate Transfer
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 2
- OR Joey Zelinski | #45 | Senior
- Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 1.5
LDT: Sean FitzSimmons | #55 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 1
- OR Nick James | #1 | Redshirt Junior
- Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0
RDT: Francis Brewu | #95 | Sophomore
Tackles: 16 | Sacks: 2
- OR Isaiah Neal | #2 | Redshirt Sophomore
- Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 1
RDE: Jimmy Scott | #44 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 1
- OR Zach Carothers | #53 | Freshman
- Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 1.5
LINEBACKERS
Money: Raheem Biles | #3 | Junior
Tackles: 41 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
MLB: Braylan Lovelace | #0 | Junior
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
STAR: Kyle Louis | #9 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
SECONDARY
CB: Tamon Lynum | #8 | Super Senior
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
- OR Shawn Lee, Jr. | #28 | Freshman
- Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Javon McIntyre | #7 | Redshirt Senior
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Cruce Brookins | #12 | Redshirt Sophomore
Tackles: 31 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
CB: Rashad Battle | #15 | Super Senior
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
- OR Shadarian Harrison | #21 | Sophomore
- Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Pitt Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Trey Butkowski | #93 | Freshman
Extra Points: 17-18
Field Goals: 8-9
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 3-3
- 30-39 yards: 3-3
- 40-49 yards: 2-3
- 50+ yards: 0-0
KICKOFF RETURNERS
Kenny Johnson | #2 | Junior
Average: 31.8 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Desmond Reid | #0 | Senior
Average: 21.0 | TD Returns: 1
Kenny Johnson | #2 | Junior
Average: 9.8 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Boston College Eagles
Overall Record: 1-3 | ACC Conference Record: 0-2 | Rank: n/a
Previous Game: Cal 28 Boston College 24
Head Coach: Bill O’Brien
- 2nd Season with Boston College
- Lifetime Record: 21-14 | 8-9 at Boston College
Links
Boston College Offense
- 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: Dylan Lonergan | #9
Lonergan is averaging 297 yards a game passing. Not much of a runner with -11 yards rushing.
Passing Yards: 1,188 | TD Passes: 9 | INT’s: 3 | Sacked: 5
Rushing Yards: -11 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Grayson James | #3
Passing Yards: 190 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 9 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Turbo Richard | #2
Lead back for the Eagles, averaging 5.7 yards a carry.
Rushing Yards: 329 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 16 | Receiving Yards: 198 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Jordan McDonald | #5
Rushing Yards: 50 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 34 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Anthony Ferrucci | #33
Rushing Yards: 14 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Lewis Bond | #11
The Eagles unquestioned top receiver, 1st on the team with 36 receptions.
Receptions: 36 | Receiving Yards: 352 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Reed Harris | #4
Harris is the #2 receiver, averaging 16.7 yards a catch.
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 250 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Dawson Pugh | #88
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 111 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jaedn Skeete* | #1
Skeete may have just five receptions, but three of them have found the endzone.
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 67 | Receiving TD’s: 3
VJ Wilkins | #21
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 105 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Luke McLaughlin | #83
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 51 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Jeremiah Franklin | #17
Franklin is 2nd on the team with 20 receptions.
Receptions: 20 | Receiving Yards: 189 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Kaelan Chudzinski | #85
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 28 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/Out
Boston College Defense
Defensive Scheme: 4-2-5
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 27.5
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 329.8
- Passing yards allowed: 205.8
- Rushing yards allowed: 124
- Sacks: 8
- Interceptions: 2
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Edwin Kolenge | #17
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 0
NT: Kwan Williams | #55
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0
DT: Sedarius McConnell | #88
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 1
RDE: Quintayvious Hutchins* | #15
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 1
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Daveon Crouch | #1
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
MLB: Owen McGowan | #33
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Amari Jackson* | #24
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: KP Price | #20
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Omar Thornton | #0
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
RCB: Syair Torrence* | #10
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
NB: Cameron Martinez | #29
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Boston College Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Luca Lombardo | #99
Extra Points: 18-18
Field Goals: 6-6
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 3-3
- 40-49 yards: 1-1
- 50+ yards: 2-2
KICKOFF RETURNER
Bo MacCormack III | #24
Average: 18.2 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Isaiah Farris | #16
Average: 8.1 | TD Returns: 0
Pitt vs Boston College History
Series Began: 1959
Overall Record: 18-16
- At Home: 10-7
- On Road: 8-9
- Neutral Site: 0-0
ACC Series: 2-3
Streak: Boston College won the last game.
Last Game: Nov. 30, 2024 (Boston College won, 34-23)
Injury Report (10/2/25)
Pitt Panthers
Out: LB Jeramiah Marcelin, LB Jayden Bonsu, G Keith Gouveia, RB Derrick Davis, RB Jaylin Brown
Doubtful: None
Questionable: RB Desmond Reid, DB Tamon Lynum, DL Zach Carothers, DB Javon McIntyre, DB Rashan Murray, DL Blaine Spires
Boston College Eagles
Out: WR Jaedn Skeete, WR Jonathan Montague, LB Jaylen Blackwell, DB Syair Torrence, CB Amari Jackson, DL Quintayvious Hutchins
Doubtful: None
Questionable: LB Daveon Crouch, CB Ashton McShane, DB Max Tucker, LB Bryce Steele, DB Isaiah Farris, LB Palaie Faoa, DL Sterling Sanders, DT Kwan Williams, DT Owen Stoudmire
Pitt Schedule (2-2)
ACC Standings
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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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