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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
A few weeks ago, it appeared as if the Pitt Panthers season was dead in the water.
Back to back losses to West Virginia and Louisville, both games in which Pitt had double digit leads in, saw the team at 2-2 and going nowhere.
The offense was sputtering despite plenty of talent, and even the defense wasn’t playing up to their usual standards.
Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi had a decision to make. Keep banging their collective heads against the wall, or make a major change?
Narduzzi did the latter, benching starting quarterback Eli Holstein, and handing the keys to the ship over to freshman Mason Heintschel.
After trouncing Boston College 48-7, the Panthers traveled south to Tallahassee, and then upset #25 Florida State 34-31, who Vegas laughingly had as a 10 1/2 point favorite.
Heintschel, in his two starts, has passed for 644 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions.
His poise in the pocket, pinpoint accuracy with his cannon of an arm, and confidence, has boosted the entire team, and now the Panthers (4-2) could really start stacking wins, and possibly turn this year into something truly spectacular.
Having a weapon at quarterback does that for a team. Having a weapon like that at quarterback gives his coaches the brashness to go for it three times on 4th down on the opening drive against the Seminoles and converting them all, eventually scoring a touchdown and taking a 7-0 lead on the road.
“When you have three in the first series, that means we were executing and we were ahead of the sticks,” Narduzzi said. “Those weren’t fourth-and-10s we were trying to convert. They were manageable. All three of them may have been fourth-and-1s. That’s a great job by the offense putting us in a position where you’ve got four-down territory.”
As Tony Montana said in Scarface, “All I have in this world is my balls and my word, and I don’t break them for no one.”
Narduzzi and Heintschel showed their balls in that game, and their word is Pitt isn’t going to back down from nobody from here on in.
“We will see and we saw — he’s a competitor,” said Narduzzi of Heintschel. “He does a great job leading the offense. He wasn’t shaken by the road, he wasn’t shaken by throwing a pick, wasn’t shaken by throwing a second pick — he continues to come back. He’s just got a swagger about him.”
This Saturday, Pitt takes on the Syracuse Orange (3-3), at the JMA Wireless Dome at 7:30 PM.
Despite losing two offensive linemen in left guard Keith Gouveia and left tackle Jeff Persi, the Pitt offensive line has refused to make any excuses, as Ryan Carretta and Kendall Stanley have shown the depth the Panthers have is pretty impressive.
“It’s that next-man-up mentality,” said Stanley. “Whoever goes down, we’re gonna step up to the plate. You just have to always stay prepared.”
Their play has allowed Pitt to ramp up their run game, averaging 163.5 yards in their last two wins.
Heintschel has gone for 92 yards in that time, with Ja’Kyrian Turner adding 111 yards to his freshman resume. Juelz Goff has played well when he gets his carries, as he is 3rd on the team with 179 yards rushing.
Then you have Desmond Reid, who returned after missing two games and most of the WVU game, to rush for 45 yards, and catch eight passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
“It comes down to game planning, putting your guys in position and getting your tailback in mismatches where they (defenders) have to run to get him or they lose him,” said Narduzzi. “And they’re running through traffic to get to the guy. If you play man coverage, you’ve got to be alert to No. 0.”
Heintschel has plenty of weapons at his disposal when he drops back to pass.
Poppi Williams leads the team with 24 receptions for 398 yards and four touchdowns. Kenny Johnson has 22 catches for 334 yards and two touchdowns. Blue Hicks is an excellent #3 with 11 receptions for 197 yards and three scores. Either Bryce Yates, Deuce Spann, or Zion Fowler-El could step in and make plays when called upon.
The tight end group is deep and solid. Justin Holmes has 10 receptions for 96 yards and a TD. Malachi Thomas has contributed seven catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. Josh Altsman has five catches for 31 yards and a score. Jake Overman is supposed to be the top guy, but injuries have limited him to four receptions for 26 yards.
Pitt’s defense has hunted down the opposing quarterback 18 times this year.
That will be key, considering Syracuse quarterbacks have been sacked 16 times total.
The Orange, lost starter Steve Angelli, a transfer from Notre Dame, for the entire season. Rickie Collins is now the QB and hasn’t exactly lit up the scoreboard, passing for 607 yards, three touchdowns, and five interceptions. he’s been sacked five times. In his two starts he has one touchdown, four interceptions, and Syracuse was clubbed 38-3 by Duke, and 31-18 to SMU.
Johntay Cook is the top receiver, leading the team with 31 catches for 390 yards and two touchdowns. Darrell Gill, Jr. is 2nd on the team with 342 yards receiving off of 17 catches. He’s averaging 20.1 yards per catch, and has found the end zone three times. Justus Ross-Simmons is a very solid guy with 18 catches for 294 yards and a team leading five touchdowns. Jaylan Hornsby has eight catches for 103 yards and a score.
Tight end Dan Villari is 2nd on the team with 27 receptions for 311 yards.
Yasin Willis is the top back with 337 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Will Nixon see plenty of actions, rushing for 210 yards and two touchdowns, and adding 15 receptions for 136 yards.
Averaging 10.5 points a game isn’t a good sign for Syracuse, and the Orange shouldn’t expect to elevate those numbers with the Pitt defense giving up 21.5 points per game.
It’s also looking like a rough night ahead for Syracuse with their defense giving up nearly 30 points a game, and Pitt putting up 41 points a game with Heintschel under center.
“We gave two games away,” Narduzzi said. “We gave one conference game away. But we’ve got a really talented football team that’s fun to watch, I think, in all phases, whether it’s blocked punts, return yardage on punts and kickoff, to offense and defense.
“I think we’ve got a talented team that’s fun to watch, and we’ll be at every game the rest of the year. We’ve been at every game so far. It’s not like it’s been 38-10 blowouts, and we’ve lost and you’re coming in here hang-dogging.”
Heintschel delivers again, and the Pitt defense takes care of the rest.
Pitt 38 Syracuse 17
Pitt Panthers (4-2) at Syracuse Orange (3-3)
- NCAA Week 8
Vegas line: Pitt -10.5
Game-time: Saturday, October 18th, at 7:30 PM.
Venue: The JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY.
- Field: FieldTurf
Weather at Kickoff: Dome
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Broadcast Information
TV: ACCN (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 371
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 4-2 | ACC Record: 2-1 | Rank: n/a
Previous Game: Pitt 34 Florida State 31
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 11th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 76-58
- 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: 39.8
- Total offense yards per game: 431.8
- Passing yards per game: 309.3
- Rushing yards per game: 122.5
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Mason Heintschel | #6 | True Freshman
Heintschel was given the keys to the car and he took off like Mario Andretti. The offense, and the team overall, looked completely different. Gifted with a cannon of an arm, and enough quickness to get out of the pocket and gain yards when needed.
Passing Yards: 680 | TD Passes: 6 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 7
Rushing Yards: 92 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Eli Holstein | #10 | Redshirt Sophomore
Passing Yards: 1,058 | TD Passes: 11 | INT’s: 5 | Sacked: 9
Rushing Yards: 83 | Rushing TD’s: 1
RUNNING BACKS
Desmond Reid | #0 | Senior
Reid is a dual threat ball of fury. Currently 2nd on 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: 187 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 226 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Juelz Goff | #8 | Redshirt Freshman
Goff, the 5’9, 195 pound freshman, 3rd on the team with 179 yards rushing.
Rushing Yards: 179 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 63 | 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. Looked great rushing for 67 yards and a touchdown against Boston College. Slowly becoming a force in the run game, is now 2nd on the team with 182 yards rushing.
Rushing Yards: 182 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 70 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jalynn Williams | #35 | Senior
Williams is a senior transfer from Western Carolina who may see time if any additional injuries occur 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
Caleb Williams | #30 | Redshirt Sophomore
Williams is a Redshirt sophomore from Montour High School.
Rushing Yards: 8 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Kenny Johnson | #2 | Junior
Johnson looked like the top weapon we all expected with Mason Heintschel at quarterback. All he did was catch nine passes for 115 yards and a touchdown vs BC.
Receptions: 22 | Receiving Yards: 334 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Poppi Williams, Jr. | #5 | Senior
Williams will be opposite of Johnson and been one of Pitt’s best weapon in the passing game. Leads the team with 398 yards receiving and four touchdowns.
Receptions: 24 | Receiving Yards: 398 | 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: 9 | Receiving Yards: 72 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Zion Fowler-El | #23 | Redshirt Sophomore
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 46 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Bryce Yates | #80 | Freshman
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 165 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Cam Sapp | #84 | Freshman
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 7 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tony Kinsler | #17 | Freshman
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 4 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Jake Overman | #87 | Redshirt Senior
Overman provides a nice target at 6’4, 240 pounds. Hopefully, now that he’s healthy, he’ll start putting up some bigger numbers on the stat sheet.
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 26 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Malachi Thomas | #82 | Sophomore
Thomas played primarily on special teams last year, but has become a big part of the rotation of tight ends in 2025.
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 93 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Justin Holmes | #88 | Senior
Holmes is a 6’3, 245 pound transfer from Marshall. Leads all tight ends with 10 receptions.
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 96 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Josh Altsman | #85 | Redshirt Junior
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 31 | Receiving TD’s: 1
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Kendall Stanley | #53 | Redshirt Junior
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: 21.5
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 312.3
- Passing yards allowed: 230.2
- Rushing yards allowed: 82.2
- Sacks: 18
- Interceptions: 4
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Blaine Spires | #10 | Graduate Transfer
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 2
- OR Joey Zelinski* | #45 | Senior
- Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 1.5
LDT: Sean FitzSimmons | #55 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 1
- OR Nick James | #1 | Redshirt Junior
- Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 1
RDT: Francis Brewu | #95 | Sophomore
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 2
- OR Isaiah Neal | #2 | Redshirt Sophomore
- Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 1
RDE: Jimmy Scott | #44 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 2
- OR Zach Carothers* | #53 | Freshman
- Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 1.5
LINEBACKERS
Money: Raheem Biles | #3 | Junior
Tackles: 52 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
MLB: Braylan Lovelace | #0 | Junior
Tackles: 40 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
STAR: Kyle Louis | #9 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 41 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
SECONDARY
CB: Tamon Lynum | #8 | Super Senior
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
- OR Shawn Lee, Jr. | #28 | Freshman
- Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Javon McIntyre | #7 | Redshirt Senior
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Cruce Brookins | #12 | Redshirt Sophomore
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
CB: Rashad Battle | #15 | Super Senior
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
- OR Shadarian Harrison | #21 | Sophomore
- Tackles: 23 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
Pitt Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Trey Butkowski | #93 | Freshman
Extra Points: 27-28
Field Goals: 12-13
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 4-4
- 30-39 yards: 5-5
- 40-49 yards: 3-4
- 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: 8.6 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Syracuse Orange
Overall Record: 3-3 | ACC Conference Record: 1-2 | Rank: N/A
Previous Game: SMU 31 Syracuse 18
Head Coach: Fran Brown
- 2nd Season with Syracuse
- Lifetime Record: 16-5 | 16-5 at Syracuse
Links
Syracuse Offense
- Offensive System: Spread
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 29
- Total offense yards per game: 432.3
- Passing yards per game: 320.7
- Rushing yards per game: 111.7
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Steve Angelli | #9
Angelli transferred from Notre Dame, but suffered a season ending injury.
Passing Yards: 2,160 | TD Passes: 19 | INT’s: 6 | Sacked: 11
Rushing Yards: -12 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Rickie Collins | #10
Collins is definitely not on the level of Steve Angelli, throwing three TD’s to five interceptions and sacked five times. Averaging 254 yards a game since becoming the starter.
Passing Yards: 607 | TD Passes: 3 | INT’s: 5 | Sacked: 5
Rushing Yards: 60 | Rushing TD’s: 1
RUNNING BACKS
Yasin Willis | #6
Willis leads the Orange with 337 yards on the ground.
Rushing Yards: 337 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 24 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Will Nixon | #24
Nixon provides more of a dual threat, rushing for 210 yards and two scores, while adding 15 receptions for 136 yards.
Rushing Yards: 210 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 136 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Johntay Cook | #2
Cook is 1st on the team with 31 receptions for 390 yards and two touchdowns.
Receptions: 31 | Receiving Yards: 390 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Darrell Gill, Jr. | #82
Gill has the 2nd most receiving yards for the Orange. Averaging 20.1 yards per catch.
Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 342 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Justus Ross-Simmons | #12
Ross-Simmons has just 18 catches, but has found the endzone five times.
Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 294 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Jaylan Hornsby | #3
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 103 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TIGHT ENDS
Dan Villari | #89
Villari is the top tight end, and has the 2nd most receptions on the team with 27.
Receptions: 27 | Receiving Yards: 311 | Receiving TD’s: 0
David Clement | #0
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 13 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/Out
Syracuse Defense
Defensive Scheme: 2-4-5
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 29.9
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 448.8
- Passing yards allowed: 291.2
- Rushing yards allowed: 157.7
- Sacks: 8
- Interceptions: 4
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Denis Jaquez, Jr. | #11
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 1
NT: Dion Wilson, Jr. | #4
Tackles: 10 | Sacks: 0
DT: George Rooks | #91
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 0
JACK: David Reese | #8
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 0.5
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Antoine Deslauriers | #5
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 1
MLB: Gary Bryant III | #15
Tackles: 34 | Sacks: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Demetres Samuel, Jr. | #1
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Devin Grant | #23
Tackles: 16 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Duce Chestnut | #2
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
RCB: Chris Peal | #16
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
NB: Berry Buxton III | #29
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Syracuse Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Woody Tripp | #47
Extra Points: 17-17
Field Goals: 7-8
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 3-3
- 30-39 yards: 3-3
- 40-49 yards: 1-2
- 50+ yards: 0-0
KICKOFF RETURNER
Tylik Hill | #39
Average: 23.7 | TD Returns: 0
Tyshawn Russell | #8
Average: 18.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Davien Kerr | #10
Average: 6.0 | TD Returns: 0
Pitt vs Syracuse History
Series Began: 1916
Overall Record: 44-33-3
- At Home: 26-11
- On Road: 18-19-3
- Neutral Site: 0-3
ACC Series: 10-2
Streak: Pitt won the last game.
Last Game: Oct. 24, 2024 (Pitt 41, Syracuse 13)
Injury Report (10/16/25)
Pitt Panthers
Out: LB Jeramiah Marcelin, LB Jayden Bonsu, DL Zach Carothers, DL Jaeden Moore, DL Denim Cook, DB Nigel Maynard, G Keith Gouveia, RB Jaylin Brown, RB Synkwan Smith, RB Derrick Davis, TE Adam Howanitz,
Doubtful: None
Questionable: RB Desmond Reid, DB Cruce Brookins, DB Rashan Murray, DL Joey Zelinsky, LS Nilay Uphadhiyayula, TE Justin Holmes, OL Jeff Persi, OL Jackson Brown
Probable: None
Syracuse Orange
Out: WR Tyshawn Russell, QB Steve Angelli, LB Derek McDonald, DB Nate Prater, RB Malachi James, OL Jackson Iak, OL Byron Washington, WR Nate Edwards, DL Rashard Perry
Doubtful: None
Questionable: WR Justus Ross-Simmons, LB Gary Bryant III, WR Darius Johnson, OL T.J. Ferguson, OL Trevion Mack
Probable: WR Demetrius Samuel, Jr., WR Johntay Cook, DL Dennis Jaquez, Jr., DB Chris Peal, TE Dan Villari, DL Kevin Jobity, Jr.
Pitt Schedule (4-2)
ACC Standings
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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