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The Pitt Panthers own a rich tradition of football that began in 1890. The Panthers have won nine National Championships and many of the greatest players in the history of the game began their journey at Pitt.
The program has produced 100 First Team All-Americans, 26 members in the College Football Hall of Fame, and 11 legends that have been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with more to follow in the near future.
NGSC Sports is home to the ultimate Pitt GameDay Guide, the most comprehensive game preview on the planet, where fans come to find everything there is to know about Pitt and their upcoming opponent! Mike Drakulich (@PghSportsNation) brings you inside the locker-room for both teams, with a game story, score prediction, game day & broadcast information, and a complete breakdown of each team’s offense and defense.
Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff. The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform!
PANTHERS LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK AFTER DISAPPOINTING LOSS TO UNC…
IS COREY DAILEY THE ANSWER?
The line between a win and a loss can be very thin for many teams.
Last week, in their first game after losing QB Mason Heintschel for the season, the Panthers had every chance available to sneak out of Acrisure Stadium with a victory over North Carolina.
Instead, Pitt found a way to hand this game to the Tar Heels and lose a game that was a stomach churning defeat for days afterwards.
Late in the first half, the Pitt offense was ridiculously complacent, and that cost the Panthers a chance at kicking a field goal that should’ve added three to the scoreboard at halftime.
The defense created a turnover via an interception to begin the 2nd half, but that drive ended at the UNC 23 yard line, when Pitt went for it on 4th and two, instead of kicking a field goal.
Add those two missed field goal opportunities up and that would have given a 16-7 Pitt lead over the Tar Heels.
Let’s keep in mind, Pitt lost 21-17.
It’s obvious the Pitt offensive staff didn’t have the confidence in Holden Geriner as they would have had in Heintschel.
So, in taking a page from the Bill Cowher playbook, take what you are given when available. Don’t chase points.
Especially in a close game with an inexperienced quarterback. Overall, Pitt was 0-4 in converting on 4th down.
With that loss, Pitt fell to 5-1 overall, and 2-1 in the ACC.
Now the team looks to rebound when they travel to Boston College (2-3) this Saturday at Noon at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
If Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi and offensive coordinator Kade Bell are smart, and want to give their team it’s best chance to win games, it would behoove them to start freshman Corey Dailey at quarterback, and return Geriner to the role of back-up.
Dailey, a four star prospect, is 6’6, 200 pounds, and has a cannon for an arm. Not to mention, he’s pretty mobile for a guy his size.
If you’re going down, do it by utilizing the best players you have available, and that is a choice that you can be comfortable with, whether you win or lose. If the effort and heart is there, it’s a decision that the fan-base can live with.
Playing a mediocre Boston College team is one thing… heading down to South Florida to play the Miami Hurricanes next week is another.
For the season, Geriner has 438 yards passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He’s been sacked twice.
Dailey had one appearance against Bucknell, and has passed for 57 yards and a touchdown.
Cataurus “Blue” Hicks leads the receivers with 21 catches for 365 yards and three touchdowns. Bryce Yates has 17 receptions for 245 yards and a touchdown. Censere Lee has caught 19 passes for 201 yards and a team leading four touchdowns. Demetrice McCray has five catches for 97 yards and two scores. Tyreek Robinson has five catches for 78 yards and a TD. Tony Kinsler has four receptions for 39 yards. Malik Knight, who has played in two games, has 10 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown.
Carson Kent leads the tight ends with 19 catches for 218 yards and a touchdown. Elijah Lagg has seven receptions for 76 yards and a score, but he is out with an injury, as is Max Hunt. Freshman Jordan Fields may get some time this week.
Kent has become a big part of the offense.
“There was one point in my career when I walked on, where all I really wanted was to be a part of the team,” Kent said. “I couldn’t think about actually playing meaningful snaps. To come this far in my career where I’m playing every snap and it’s meaningful, it’s all you can really ask for. … I love this offense and playing in it. It’s a lot of fun.”
Ja’Kyrian “Boosie” Turner has rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown, and has 10 receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown. After returning to action last week, he was nicked up again, and is listed as questionable for this game. La’Vell Wright has 190 yards and four touchdowns. Freshman Damon Ferguson leads the team with 319 yards and three touchdowns, and has 16 receptions for 95 yards and a TD.
The Pitt offense is scoring 34.8 points a game and giving up just 14.7 defensively.
Boston College comes into this week off a bye. The Eagles lost 25-16 to SMU in their last game.
Mason McKenzie is the quarterback, passing for 967 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions. He has been sacked 14 times, but is a huge threat on the ground, leading the team with 437 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
Javarius Green is the leading receiver with 18 catches for 169 yards. Dawson Pough has caught 10 passes for 158 yards and a score. Johnathan Montague, Jr. has eight receptions for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Landon Wright has five catches for 91 yards. Jaedn Skeete has eight catches for 84 yards. Reed Swanson has a catch for 18 yards.
Tight end Zeke Moore has four receptions for 51 yards. Brady Clough has caught six passes for 50 yards. Danny Edgehill has two receptions for 26 yards and a TD.
Evan Dickens is the top back with 236 yards and three touchdowns, and has caught 11 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown. Bo MacCormack III has rushed for 54 yards, and has three receptions for 31 yards.
The Eagles average 19 points a game and allow 23.4 defensively.
This is a must win game for Pitt– no matter who is under center, but one can only think that the team’s confidence and swagger will be higher with Dailey as the guy.
That’s not to take anything away from Geriner. He made some nice throws in the game, but he was missing receivers by miles when the game was on the line.
The Pitt rushing attack should be strong enough behind Turner (if he plays), Wright, and Ferguson to open up some passing lanes downfield. Dailey certainly has the arm to take some deep shots and keep the Eagles defense from stacking the box, and he has a myriad of weapons at his disposal to throw to.
The Pitt defense will focus on containing McKenzie, who is the lifeblood of the Eagles offense. The pass rush has to be smart and keep him in the pocket, and limit his running ability.
There is a possibility that defensive lineman Nick James misses the game as he is questionable. James has 13 tackles and two sacks for the year.
Again, the Panthers had better figure out how to extinguish the splash plays, especially with the Hurricanes looming.
Pitt had all the momentum after taking a 17-14 lead, only to allow a 2nd string tight end in Shamar Easter to go 75 yards for a touchdown on the next play by UNC.
To paraphrase Officer Bimbeau in The Hollywood Knights, “That sh*t is waaaaaay out of line!”
Other than those killer plays given up, the defense has played lights out.
The linebackers continue to be the backbone of an aggressive defense, and like in past years, they thrive off of being labeled “the sharks”.
“We come to hunt you,” said linebacker Alex Sanford Jr. “We call ourselves the ‘sharks’ for a reason.”
It’s a safe bet Pitt will take care of business this Saturday, especially if Dailey is the starter, and like Newbomb Turk and crew, the team will be celebrating their sixth win in Chestnut Hills’s version of Tubby’s Drive-In afterwards.
Game Prediction: Pitt 27 Boston College 17
GameDay Information
Week 7: Pitt Panthers (5-1) at Boston College Eagles (2-3)
Game-time: Saturday, October 17th, at 12:00 PM.
Venue: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA.
- Field: AstroTurf
Vegas line: Pitt -6.5
Weather at kickoff: 49 and partly sunny. Winds out of the NW at 15 MPH.
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Broadcast Information
TV: ESPN 2 (Xfinity: Channel 851 | Dish: 143 | DirecTV: 2o9)
- Announcers: Anish Stroff (play-by-play) Jay Walker (analyst) | Morgan Uber (sideline 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: www.audacy.com/stations/937thefan
- Satellite Radio: SiriusXM channels 176 and 236
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 5-1 | ACC Record: 2-1 | Rankings: N/R
Previous Game: North Carolina 21 Pitt 17
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 12th Season with Pitt
Lifetime Record: 85-62
Bowl Record: 2-6
ACC Division Titles: 2
ACC Championships: 1
Pitt Team Links
Pitt Offense
Offensive Coordinator: Kade Bell
Offensive System: Up-Tempo Pro Style
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 34.8 (66th)
- Total offense yards per game: 459.8 (37th)
- Passing yards per game: 299.8 (26th)
- Rushing yards per game: 160 (130th)
- Time of Possession: 32:27 (60th)
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Holden Geriner | #15 | 6’3, 215 | 5th Year
Passing Yards: 438 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: 22 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Corey Dailey | #16 | 6’6, 200 | FR
Passing Yards: 57 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Injured: Mason Heintschel* | #6 | 6’2, 215 | SO
Passing Yards: 1,304 | TD Passes: 14 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 5
Rushing Yards: 112 | Rushing TD’s: 1
RUNNING BACKS
Starter: Ja’Kyrian “Boosie” Turner | #9 | 5’9, 195 | SO
Rushing Yards: 131 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 104 | Receiving TD’s: 1
RB#2: La’Vell Wright | #11 | 5’11, 215 | Grad Transfer
Rushing Yards: 190 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 51 | Receiving TD’s: 0
OR
Damon Ferguson, Jr. | #26 | 5’11, 190 | FR
Rushing Yards: 319 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 16 | Receiving Yards: 95 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Depth Backs
Justin Cook | #5 | 5’10, 175 | SR
Rushing Yards: 88 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 7 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Synkwan Smith | #20 | 5’7, 185 | SO
Rushing Yards: 47 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 14 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jaylin Brown | #27 | 5’10, 210 | SO
Rushing Yards: 41 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 16 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
X Split End Starter: Malik Knight | #7 | 6’1, 185 | 5th Year
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 135 | Receiving TD’s: 1
OR
Tony Kinsler | #2 | 5’11, 175 | SO
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 39 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Rushing Yards: 13 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Z Flanker Starter: Censere Lee | #10 | 5’11, 170 | SR
Receptions: 19 | Receiving Yards: 204 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Z Flanker Starter: Cataurus “Blue” Hicks | #3 | 5’10, 185 | SR
Receptions: 21 | Receiving Yards: 365 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Y Slot: Bryce Yates | #80 | 6’0, 185 | SO
Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 245 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Z Flanker: Tyreek Robinson | #24 | 5’10, 180 | JR
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 78 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Rushing Yards: 2 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Z Flanker: Demetrice McCray | #87 | 6’0, 205 | FR
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 97 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Depth Receivers
WR: Bryan Hamilton | #22 | 5’11, 165 | FR
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 36 | Receiving TD’s: 1
WR: Dylan Wester | #83 | 5’9, 175 | SO
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 19 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Starter: Carson Kent | #86 | 6’4, 250 | 5th Year
Receptions: 19 | Receiving Yards: 218 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TE#2: Elijah Lagg* | #17 | 6’2, 235 | SR
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 76 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TE#3: Max Hunt* | #18 | 6’4, 225 | SO
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TE#4: Jordan Fields | #49 | 6’4, 265 | FR
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
PLACEKICKER
Antonio Chadha | #48 | 5th Year
Extra Points: 25-25
Field Goals: 6-7
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 1-1
- 40-49 yards: 2-2
- 50+ yards: 1-2
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Nerinho Olivieri | #74 | 6’4, 310 | 5th Year
LG: Kendall Stanley | #53 | 6’5, 305 | 5th Year
C: Ryan Carretta | #71 | 6’5, 320 | SR
RG: B.J. Williams | #55 | 6’4, 320 | SR
RT: Ryan Baer | #70 | 6’7, 325 | 5th Year
Pitt Defense
Defensive Coordinator: Cory Sanders
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 14.7 (21st)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 291 (33rd)
- Passing yards allowed: 241.3 (223rd)
- Rushing yards allowed: 49.7 (3rd)
- Sacks: 15
- Interceptions: 7 (27th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Isaiah Neal | #2 | 6’2, 250 | 5th Year
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 1.5
OR Zach Crothers | #5 | 6’4, 265 | JR
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0
LDT: Sean FitzSimmons | #55 | 6’3, 300 | 5th Year
Tackles: 16 | Sacks: 1
RDT: Nick James | #11 | 6’2, 295 | 5th Year
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 2
RDE: Jimmy Scott | #44 | 6’3, 265 | 5th Year
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 1
OR
Jaeden Moore | #8 | 6’4, 250 | SR
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 2.5
LINEBACKERS
STAR: Braylan Lovelace | #0 | 6’2, 225 | SR
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
OR
DeMarco Ward | #7 | 6’2, 225 | SR
Tackles: 23 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 0
MIKE: Jeremiah Marcelin | #32 | 6’2, 235 | JR
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 0.5 | INT: 0
MONEY: Alex Sanford, Jr. | #10 | 6’1, 235 | SR
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 0
OR
Cameron Lindsey | #24 | 6’1, 210 | JR
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
SECONDARY
CB: Shawn Lee, Jr. | #3 | 5’10, 180 | SO
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Cruce Brookins | #12 | 6’2, 205 | SR
Tackles: 37 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Josh Guerrier | #14 | 5’10, 185 | SO
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
OR
Cole Woodson | #10 | 6’1, 210 | SO
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Raion Strader | #6 | 6’0, 190 | SO
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
*Injured/Out
Scouting the Boston College Eagles
Overall Record: 2-3 | ACC Conference Record: 0-2 | Rankings: N/R
Previous Game: SMU 25 Boston College 16
Head Coach: Bill O’Brien
- 3rd season at BC
Lifetime Record: 26-28 | 11-19 at BC
Links
Boston College Offense
Offensive System: Pro Style
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 19 (229th)
- Total offense yards per game: 346.4 (183rd)
- Passing yards per game: 193.4 (190th)
- Rushing yards per game: 153 (140th)
- Time of Possession: 30:13 (133rd)
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Mason McKenzie | #10 | 6’1, 200
Passing Yards: 967 | TD Passes: 5 | INT’s: 5 | Sacked: 14
Rushing Yards: 437 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Back-up: Grayson Wilson | #15
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
RB#1: Evan Dickens | #23 | 5’10, 195
Rushing Yards: 236 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 106 | Receiving TD’s: 1
RB#2: Bo MacCormack III | #24 | 5’10, 200
Rushing Yards: 54 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 31 | Receiving TD’s: 0
RB#3: Nolan Ray | #2 | 6’0, 210
Rushing Yards: 6 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 4 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
WR#1: Javarius Green | #1 | 5’10, 205
Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 169 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WR#2: Reed Swanson | #80 | 6’6, 210
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 18 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WR#3: Jaedn Skeete | #1 | 6’2, 200
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 84 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WR#4: Dawson Pough | #3 | 6’0, 205
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 159 | Receiving TD’s: 1
WR#5: Johnathan Montague, Jr. | #8 | 6’2, 210
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 150 | Receiving TD’s: 2
TIGHT ENDS
TE#1: Zeke Moore | #48 | 6’1, 245
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 51 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TE#2: Brady Clough | #84 | 6’3, 240
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 50 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TE#3: Danny Edgehille | #86 | 6’5, 255
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 26 | Receiving TD’s: 1
PLACEKICKER
Luca Lombardo | #99
Extra Points: 8-8
Field Goals: 5-6
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 3-3
- 30-39 yards: 0-1
- 40-49 yards: 1-1
- 50+ yards: 1-1
Boston College Defense
Defensive Scheme: 4-2-5
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 23.4 (108th)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 316.2 (58th)
- Passing yards allowed: 164.6 (38th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 151.6 (152nd)
- Sacks: 12
- Interceptions: 6 (45th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Onye Nwosisi | #8
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 0
NT: Chris Marable, Jr. | #6
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0
DT: K.J. Sampson | #90
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 0
JACK: Kris Jones | #4
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKER
WLB: Anthony Palano | #1
Tackles: 43 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 2
MLB: Bodie Kahoun | #36
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Max Tucker | #3
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: KP Price | #2
Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
FS: Carter Davis | #7
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
RCB: Syair Torrence | #10
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
*Injured/Out
Pitt vs Boston College History
Series Began: 1959
Overall Record: 19-16
- At Home: 11-7
- On Road: 8-9
- Neutral Site: 0-0
ACC Series: 3-3
Streak: (1) Pitt won the last game.
Last Game: Oct. 4th, 2025 (Pitt 48 BC 7)
Injury Report (10/15/2026)
Pitt Panthers Schedule (5-1)
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.
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