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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
It wasn’t the prettiest of games, but in the end, how can you complain? When you rack up over 50 points against any Division I opponent, that’s pretty damn impressive.
Mason Heintschel was amazing once again, passing for 423 yards and three touchdowns, as the Pitt Panthers (6-2) buried North Carolina State 53-34.
The defense could’ve been a bit better, but the game was never in doubt, and with the staggering amount of injuries suffered by the unit already, so be it. The injuries will heal, and this defense will get back to playing up to their standards.
All Pitt has to do is travel across country and take care of business against the Stanford Cardinal this Saturday, and they’ll raise their record to 7-2, and get a much needed bye, before taking on #12 Notre Dame at home on November 15th.
The turkey, they say, is on the table.
First things first, and that is Stanford, who were blown away by Miami last week 42-7. The weekend prior, they did pull a minor upset of Florida State at home, 20-13. The Seminoles, by the way, are mired in a four game losing streak.
The Cardinal have Ben Gulbranson at quarterback, who has 1,585 yards passing,, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He’s been sacked 23 times, and has rushed for -172 yards.
Gulbranson’s top receiver is C.J. Williams, who has 40 receptions for 476 yards and two touchdowns. Bryce Farrell is 2nd on the team with 22 catches for 400 yards and a TD. Caden High is the #3 wide out, catching 19 passes for 255 yards and one touchdown.
Tight end Sam Roush is 2nd on the team with 29 receptions, good for 305 yards and two touchdowns.
The Stanford running game is led by a pair of backs in Micah Ford and Cole Tabb. Ford, who is questionable, has rushed for 425 yards and three touchdowns, while Tabb has added 365 yards and two TD’s.
The Stanford offense is scoring just 17.5 points a game, while their defense is giving up 29.5 points a game, and 419.8 yards a game.
While Heintschel continues to thrive, it’s the Pitt run game that is helping to balance out the offense, and paving the way for the passing game. Desmond Reid is the top back, but injuries have limited him this year to 266 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while catching 17 passes for 254 yards and two more TD’s.
It’s Ja’Kyrian Turner who now leads the team with 274 yards rushing and six touchdowns. Juelz Goff is doing great with 192 yards on the ground, and four touchdowns, but the emergence of Turner is a big reason why Pitt is now averaging 119.8 yards a game on the ground.
Heintschel, the freshman from Oregon, Ohio, has passed for 1,246 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions, while rushing for 122 yards and a touchdown. He’s been sacked 14 times.
Heintschel has plenty of weapons at his disposal when he drops back to pass.
Poppi Williams is 2nd the team with 32 receptions for 488 yards and five touchdowns. Kenny Johnson leads the team with 33 catches for 505 yards and three touchdowns. Blue Hicks is an excellent #3 with 17 receptions for 336 yards and four 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 12 receptions for 118 yards and a TD. Malachi Thomas has contributed nine catches for 118 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 six receptions for 41 yards.
This one is simple… Get the job done.
I totally understand that this could be thought of as a trap game for the Panthers. They’re traveling across country, they’re facing a below average team, they have a bye week upcoming, then it’s the game of the year going up against Notre Dame on November 15th.
Not this time. Pitt doesn’t have the luxury to overlook Stanford, especially knowing they’re more than likely to be missing Rasheem Biles and Kyle Louis on defense, and that Desmond Reid and or Kenny Johnson also won’t be suiting up.
Stanford is there for the kill, and if Pitt wants to prove they are who they believe they are, you go out there and take care of business, injuries and all.
I expect the defense to keep the Cardinal offense right about where they normally are, around 17-14 points. It’s well past time to get the pass rush back on track, considering that Gulbranson has been sacked 23 times.
On offense, what can you say about Heintschel? He’s turned this entire season and team around, and I highly doubt he’s going to have the yips playing at Stanford Stadium.
Expect Ja’Kyrian Turner and Juelz Goff to have a big day on the ground, opening up the passing lanes for Heintschel and his weapons to exploit.
Hell, if I were Narduzzi, I’d tell my team that if they play to their expectations, and have this game in hand without any stress, we’re gonna take an extra day down in Southern California as a reward, and then head home for the bye, and begin preparations to take down Notre Dame in two weeks.
Pitt 41 Stanford 17
Pitt Panthers (6-2) at Stanford Cardinal (3-5)
- NCAA Week 10
Vegas line: Pitt -14.5
Game-time: Saturday, November 1st, at 3:30 PM.
Venue: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CA.
- Field: Natural Grass
Weather at Kickoff: Sunny and 67. Winds out of the Northwest at 5 MPH.
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Broadcast Information
TV: ACCN (Xfinity: 1325 | DirecTV: 612 | Dish: 402)
- Announcers: Chris Cotter (play-by-play) Max Browne (analyst) | Sherree Burruss (reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 93.7 The Fan
- Announcers: Jeff Hathhorn (play-by-play) Pat Bostick (analyst) | 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: 6-2 | ACC Record: 4-1 | Rank: n/a
Previous Game: Pitt 53 N.C. State 34
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 11th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 78-58
- 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: 40.3
- Total offense yards per game: 422.5
- Passing yards per game: 302.8
- Rushing yards per game: 119.8
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: 1,246 | TD Passes: 9 | INT’s: 3 | Sacked: 14
Rushing Yards: 122 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Eli Holstein | #10 | Redshirt Sophomore
Passing Yards: 1,058 | TD Passes: 11 | INT’s: 6 | Sacked: 9
Rushing Yards: 87 | Rushing TD’s: 1
RUNNING BACKS
Desmond Reid* | #0 | Senior
Reid is a dual threat ball of fury. Currently 2nd on the team with 266 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: 266 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 254 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Ja’Kyrian Turner | #25 | Freshman
True freshman that was ranked as one of the Top 100 Athletes by On3, 247Sports and ESPN. Steadily becoming a force in the run game, now 1st on the team with 274 yards rushing and six touchdowns.
Rushing Yards: 274 | Rushing TD’s: 6
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 83 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Juelz Goff | #8 | Redshirt Freshman
Goff, the 5’9, 195 pound freshman, 3rd on the team with 189 yards rushing.
Rushing Yards: 192 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 74 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Kenny Johnson | #2 | Junior
Johnson looked like the top weapon we all expected with Mason Heintschel at quarterback. Now leading the team with 505 yards receiving.
Receptions: 33 | Receiving Yards: 505 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Poppi Williams, Jr. | #5 | Senior
Williams will be opposite of Johnson and has been one of Pitt’s best weapon in the passing game. 2nd on the team with 488 yards receiving has caught a team leading five touchdowns.
Receptions: 32 | Receiving Yards: 488 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Blue Hicks | #3 | Sophomore
Hicks is a transfer from Louisville and is one of three starters. Made a beautiful one handed touchdown catch in the opener, and is 2nd on the team with four receiving TD’s overall.
Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 336 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Deuce Spann | #22 | Redshirt Senior
Spann is a transfer from Florida State, with good size at 6’4, 210 pounds.
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 102 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Zion Fowler-El | #23 | Redshirt Sophomore
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 60 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Bryce Yates | #80 | Freshman
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 173 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Censere Lee | #11 | Senior
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Jake Overman | #87 | Redshirt Senior
Overman was thought to be the top tight end, but injuries have limited his stats so far.
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 41 | 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: 9 | Receiving Yards: 118 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Justin Holmes | #88 | Senior
Holmes is a 6’3, 245 pound transfer from Marshall. Leads all tight ends with 12 receptions.
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 118 | 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: 22
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 317.4
- Passing yards allowed: 225.1
- Rushing yards allowed: 92.3
- Sacks: 19
- Interceptions: 7
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Blaine Spires | #10 | Graduate Transfer
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 2
- OR Joey Zelinski | #45 | Senior
- Tackles: 10 | Sacks: 1.5
LDT: Sean FitzSimmons | #55 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 1
- OR Nick James | #1 | Redshirt Junior
- Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 2
RDT: Francis Brewu | #95 | Sophomore
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 1
- OR Isaiah Neal | #2 | Redshirt Sophomore
- Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 2
RDE: Jimmy Scott | #44 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 2
LINEBACKERS
Money: Raheem Biles* | #3 | Junior
Tackles: 52 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
- OR Nick Lapi | #31 | Senior
- Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0
MLB: Braylan Lovelace | #0 | Junior
Tackles: 51 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
STAR: Kyle Louis | #9 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 41 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
- OR Cameron Lindsey | #24 | Redshirt Freshman
- Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 1
SECONDARY
CB: Tamon Lynum | #8 | Super Senior
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
- OR Shawn Lee, Jr. | #28 | Freshman
- Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Javon McIntyre | #7 | Redshirt Senior
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Cruce Brookins | #12 | Redshirt Sophomore
Tackles: 37 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Rashad Battle | #15 | Super Senior
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
- OR Shadarian Harrison | #21 | Sophomore
- Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
Pitt Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Trey Butkowski | #93 | Freshman
Extra Points: 35-36
Field Goals: 19-21
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 4-4
- 30-39 yards: 9-9
- 40-49 yards: 6-8
- 50+ yards: 0-0
KICKOFF RETURNERS
Kenny Johnson | #2 | Junior
Average: 31.8 | TD Returns: 0
Deuce Spann | #22 | Redshirt Senior
Average: 21.5 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Desmond Reid | #0 | Senior
Average: 21.0 | TD Returns: 1
Kenny Johnson | #2 | Junior
Average: 13 .6| TD Returns: 1
Scouting the Stanford Cardinal
Overall Record: 3-5 | ACC Conference Record: 2-3 | Rank: N/A
Previous Game: Miami 42 Stanford 7
Head Coach: Frank Reich
- 1st Season with Stanford
- Lifetime Record: 3-5 | 3-5 at Stanford
Links
Stanford Offense
- Offensive System: Multiple/Spread
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 17.5
- Total offense yards per game: 303.5
- Passing yards per game: 211.9
- Rushing yards per game: 91.6
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Ben Gulbranson | #15
Gulbranson is averaging just 198.1 yards per game passing, and has been sacked 23 times.
Passing Yards: 1,585 | TD Passes: 8 | INT’s: 7 | Sacked: 23
Rushing Yards: -172 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Elijah Brown | #2
Passing Yards: 110 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 1
Rushing Yards: -3 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Micah Ford | #20
Ford is the lead back, averaging 60.7 yards a game.
Rushing Yards: 425 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 77 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Cole Tabb | #33
Tabb is Stanford’s change of pace back, 2nd on the team with 365 yards rushing.
Rushing Yards: 365 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 20 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Sedrick Irvin | #26
Rushing Yards: 56 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 8 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
C.J. Williams | #3
Williams leads the team with 40 catches for 476 yards.
Receptions: 40 | Receiving Yards: 476 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Bryce Farrell | #11
Farrell is averaging 18.2 yards per catch.
Receptions: 22 | Receiving Yards: 400 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Caden High | #0
Rogers is 4th on the team with 19 receptions.
Receptions: 19 | Receiving Yards: 255 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Myles Libman | #18
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 64 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jordan Onovughe | #4
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 17 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Sam Roush | #86
Roush is the top tight end, and is 2nd on the team with 29 receptions.
Receptions: 29 | Receiving Yards: 305 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Benji Blackburn | #88
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 19 | Receiving TD’s: 1
*Injured/Out
Stanford Defense
Defensive Scheme: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 29.5
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 419.8
- Passing yards allowed: 292.3
- Rushing yards allowed: 127.5
- Sacks: 14
- Interceptions: 1
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Anthony Franklin | #94
Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 0
NT: Zach Rowell | #97
Tackles: 10 | Sacks: 0
RDT: Clay Patterson | #91
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 3
LINEBACKERS
LOLB: Tevarua Tafiti | #11
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 1
LILB: Matt Rose | #35
Tackles: 68 | Sacks: 1
RILB: Jahsiah Galvan | #0
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 0
ROLB: Wilfredo Aybar | #14
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Che Ojarikre | #22
Tackles: 20 | Sacks 0 | INT: 0
SS: Jay Green | #5
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Mitch Leigber | #32
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
RCB: Collin Wright | #6
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
Stanford Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Emmet Kenney | #13
Extra Points: 14-14
Field Goals: 10-12
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 5-5
- 30-39 yards: 4-5
- 40-49 yards: 1-2
- 50+ yards: 0-0
KICKOFF RETURNER
Caden High | #0
Average: 18.8 | TD Returns: 0
Cole Tabb | #33
Average: 13.2 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Liam Thorpe | #13
Average: 9.7 | TD Returns: 0
Pitt vs Stanford History
Series Began: 1922
Overall Record: 2-2
- At Home: 1-0
- On Road: 1-0
- Neutral Site: 0-2
ACC Series: 0-0
Streak: Stanford won the last game.
Last Game: Dec. 31st, 2018 (Sun Bowl- Stanford 14, Pitt 13)
Injury Report (10/30/25)
Pitt Schedule (6-2)
ACC Standings
Author Profile
- Your source for Pittsburgh sports!
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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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