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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
Anytime you can walk away with a win on the road, no matter who the opponent, you’re heading home happy.
Last week’s 30-13 victory over Syracuse wasn’t pretty, but the Pitt Panthers (5-2) rose above the injuries, sloppy offensive line play, and endless penalties to stay in control of their destiny in the ACC Conference.
13 calls went against the Panthers, five of which were committed by offensive lineman Kendall Stanley, who must’ve dreamed about yellow flags jumping a fence when he hit the sack later that night.
“I think we got a little bit frazzled,” said Pitt head Coach Pat Narduzzi. “It was noisy, and like I said, I’ll put that on me. That’s not Kendall’s fault. I’ll blame myself. I just didn’t have the crowd noise (during practices) loud enough, I guess. Maybe we should have gone to a silent cadence, I guess.”
The penalties, combined with poor protection of the quarterback, lead to Mason Heintschel having his worst outing since taking over the job from Eli Holstien before the Boston College game. Heintschel completed 13 of 24 passes for just 143 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. He was under pressure all game, and was sacked seven times, which is beyond unacceptable by anyone’s standards.
“They were trying to overload our protection,” said Pitt offensive line coach Jeremy Darveau. “They would bring four or five guys to a side, drop all to one side out of it and try to overload us. I’d say we numbered things up pretty decently, but we just didn’t win all of our blocks.
“That’s what a lot of teams will try to do is get one-on-one matchups. You’ve got to win those one-on-one matchups and, unfortunately on Saturday, we didn’t win as many times as we wanted to.”
It’s an issue Darveau and his line had better correct before this week’s game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack (4-3).
“What’s causing the problems? It trickles back to first down,” Darveau continued. “You’ve got to have success on first down and you’ve got to have success on second down so that you can stay on schedule. I think 90%-plus of our third downs were third-and-5 or plus. That allows a defense to now play their random fronts, put their ears back and go and play with confusion.”
Unlike against Florida State when the offense was in many 3 or 4th and short situations, against the Orange, Pitt averaged 3rd and 9.2 yards to go.
No matter what defense you face, even as bad as Syracuse’s was, the odds aren’t going to be in your favor to be successful.
I’m guessing we will see much better execution this weekend.
Though Heintschel wasn’t quite Dan Marino, the offense still produced 23 points, and if those issues get corrected, you can expect the Panther offense to keep lighting up the scoreboard, especially with the run game coming into it’s own, and providing excellent balance to the offensive game plan.
Desmond Reid is still “the dawg” when Pitt hands the ball off, but Juelz Goff and Ja’Kyrian Turner, especially Turner, have elevated their games to take the weight off of Reid’s shoulders.
Turner is now 2nd on the team with 224 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Reid still leads the way with one one yard at 225 yards, but he is more dangerous when he’s catching passes in space, with one man to beat. Reid has caught 14 passes for 226 yards and a TD. Goff is doing great with 189 yards on the ground, and three touchdowns.
Heintschel has passed for 823 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions, while rushing for 115 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 leads the team with 27 receptions for 426 yards and four touchdowns. Kenny Johnson has 26 catches for 393 yards and two touchdowns. Blue Hicks is an excellent #3 with 13 receptions for 216 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 eight catches for 113 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.
Pitt’s defense has tracked down the opposing quarterback 19 times this year.
Injuries to the defense, however, continue to mount. Against Syracuse, linebacker Rasheem Biles was already out with an undisclosed injury. Soon, the leader of the defense in Kyle Louis, would join him on the sidelines injured. Louis suffered what looked like a neck injury, but thankfully walked off on his own power.
It was next man up time for the Panthers.
Those “next men” happened to be Cam Lindsey and Nick Lapi.
“When we’re in practice and when we’re in the meetings, everyone’s at full attention,” said Braylon Lovelace, the only remaining starting linebacker that’s healthy. “We don’t got guys slacking off and stuff like that. So when those guys go in there, they don’t need my help. They know exactly what they’ve got to do, what they’re looking at.”
Lapi, a former walk-on, and Lindsey, a four star recruit from Aliquippa, stepped up big time.
“I thought he started off really good and I thought he got a little tired and maybe mentally exhausted,” Narduzzi said of Lindsey. “But that comes from experience, so he will be better for it. He played well.”
As of Thursday night, Louis and Biles are listed as questionable on the injury report.
The Wolfpack has CJ Bailey as their quarterback, who has thrown for 1,846 yards passing, 14 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He has rushed for 64 yards and three touchdowns, and has been sacked 13 times. Bailey wasn’t too sharp against the Notre Dame defense, completing 17 of 30 passes for just 186 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
Terrell Anderson leads all receivers with 24 receptions for 445 yards and four touchdowns. He should be healthy and ready to go despite missing most of the Notre Dame game. Wesley Grimes has caught 14 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown. Noah Rogers is 5th on the team with 15 catches for 235 yards and a touchdown. Keenan Jackson is 3rd on the Pack with 20 receptions for 214 yards and two scores. Teddy Hoffman has collected 13 catches for 155 yards.
Tight end Justin Joly is the team leader with 30 catches for 264 yards and three touchdowns.
Hollywood Smothers leads the ACC with 739 yards rushing, with five touchdowns. He’s also caught 25 passes for 145 yards and one TD. Duke Scott is the backup with 211 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
Smothers will be a priority for the Pitt defense to key on.
Back-up quarterback Will Wilson comes in on short yardage situations and rushes about 2-3 times a game, finding the end zone three times.
It’s Homecoming for Pitt, so the adrenaline could be pumping a bit more for Pitt as they start this game.
From top to bottom, Pitt is the better team, so… unlike last week, as long as there aren’t more flags on the field than you see at the United Nations building, and the Pitt offensive line can elevate their play and provide Heintschel time to throw, and open up some lanes for the run game, Pitt should cruise.
I’m expecting Reid, Turner, and Goff to gash a subpar NC State run defense, opening up the passing game for Heintschel to get back on track through the air.
Despite the injuries on defense, the depth will continue to show, and allow the Panthers to keep the Wolfpack offense under wraps, just as Notre Dame did two weeks ago.
One game at a time… execute, win, move on.
Pitt 38 NC State 20
Pitt Panthers (5-2) vs North Carolina State Wolfpack (4-3)
- NCAA Week 9
Vegas line: Pitt -6.5
Game-time: Saturday, October 25th, at 3:30 PM.
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Kentucky Bluegrass
Weather at Kickoff: Partly sunny and 54. Winds out of the West at 3 MPH.
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 160 or 193
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 5-2 | ACC Record: 3-1 | Rank: n/a
Previous Game: Pitt 30 Syracuse 10
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 11th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 77-58
- 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: 38.4
- Total offense yards per game: 407.3
- Passing yards per game: 285.6
- Rushing yards per game: 121.7
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: 823 | TD Passes: 6 | INT’s: 3 | Sacked: 14
Rushing Yards: 115 | Rushing TD’s: 1
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: 225 | 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 189 yards rushing.
Rushing Yards: 189 | Rushing TD’s: 4
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 224 yards rushing.
Rushing Yards: 224 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 70 | 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: 26 | Receiving Yards: 393 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Poppi Williams, Jr. | #5 | Senior
Williams will be opposite of Johnson and has been one of Pitt’s best weapon in the passing game. Leads the team with 426 yards receiving and four touchdowns.
Receptions: 27 | Receiving Yards: 426 | 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: 13 | Receiving Yards: 216 | 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: 10 | Receiving Yards: 74 | 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: 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: 8 | Receiving Yards: 113 | 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: 20.3
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 299.1
- Passing yards allowed: 216.7
- Rushing yards allowed: 82.4
- Sacks: 19
- Interceptions: 7
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Blaine Spires | #10 | Graduate Transfer
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 2
- OR Joey Zelinski | #45 | Senior
- Tackles: 9 | 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: 19 | Sacks: 1
- OR Isaiah Neal | #2 | Redshirt Sophomore
- Tackles: 16 | Sacks: 2
RDE: Jimmy Scott | #44 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 10 | 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: 45 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
STAR: Kyle Louis | #9 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 41 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
- OR Cameron Lindsey | #24 | Redshirt Freshman
- Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 1
SECONDARY
CB: Tamon Lynum | #8 | Super Senior
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
- OR Shawn Lee, Jr. | #28 | Freshman
- Tackles: 16 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Javon McIntyre | #7 | Redshirt Senior
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Cruce Brookins | #12 | Redshirt Sophomore
Tackles: 35 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Rashad Battle | #15 | Super Senior
Tackles: 21 | 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: 30-31
Field Goals: 15-16
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 4-4
- 30-39 yards: 7-7
- 40-49 yards: 4-5
- 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: 14.3 | TD Returns: 1
Scouting the North Carolina State Wolfpack
Overall Record: 4-3 | ACC Conference Record: 1-2 | Rank: N/A
Previous Game: Notre Dame 36 North Carolina State 7
Head Coach: Dave Doeren
- 12th Season with N.C. State
- Lifetime Record: 114-72 | 91-68 at N.C. State
Links
North Carolina State Offense
- Offensive System: Multiple
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 30
- Total offense yards per game: 417
- Passing yards per game: 268
- Rushing yards per game: 149
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: CJ Bailey | #11
Bailey is averaging 263.7 yards per game passing.
Passing Yards: 1,846 | TD Passes: 14 | INT’s: 7 | Sacked: 13
Rushing Yards: 64 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Back-up: Will Wilson | #10
Passing Yards: 16 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 29 | Rushing TD’s: 3
RUNNING BACKS
Hollywood Smothers | #3
Smothers is the top back for the Pack, rushing for 6.6 yards per carry.
Rushing Yards: 739 | Rushing TD’s: 5
Receptions: 25 | Receiving Yards: 145 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Duke Scott | #4
Scott is NC State’s change of pace back, 2nd on the team with 211 yards rushing.
Rushing Yards: 211 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 70 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Terrell Anderson | #9
Anderson is 2nd on the team with 24 catches for 445 yards.
Receptions: 24 | Receiving Yards: 445 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Wesley Grimes | #6
Grimes is averaging 17.4 yards per catch.
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 243 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Noah Rogers | #5
Rogers is 5th on the team with 15 receptions.
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 235 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Keenan Jackson | #8
Jackson is one of a variety of weapons used by the Pack. Averages 10.7 yards per catch.
Receptions: 20 | Receiving Yards: 214 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Teddy Hoffman | #12
Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 155 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Justin Joly | #7
Joly is the top tight end, and leads the team with 30 receptions.
Receptions: 30 | Receiving Yards: 264 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Cody Hardy | #44
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 46 | Receiving TD’s: 1
*Injured/Out
North Carolina State Defense
Defensive Scheme: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 26.6
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 390.7
- Passing yards allowed: 257.3
- Rushing yards allowed: 133.4
- Sacks: 11
- Interceptions: 4
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Sebastian Harsh | #54
Tackles: 23 | Sacks: 2.5
NT: Brandon Cleveland | #44
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 1
DT: Travali Price | #13
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 2.5
LINEBACKERS
JACK: Cian Slone | #8
Tackles: 32 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
WLB: Kenny Soares | #33
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 0
MLB: Caden Forham | #1
Tackles: 69 | Sacks: 2
SLB: Sean Brown | #0
Tackles: 44 | Sacks: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Devon Marshall | #6
Tackles: 23 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: JJ Johnson | #16
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Ronnie Royal III | #2
Tackles: 34 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
RCB: Jamel Johnson | #21
Tackles: 16 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
NB: Asaad Brown, Jr. | #26
Tackles: 23 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
North Carolina State Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Kanoah Vinsett | #94
Extra Points: 24-25
Field Goals: 2-3
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-2
- 30-39 yards: 1-1
- 40-49 yards: 0-0
- 50+ yards: 0-0
KICKOFF RETURNER
Duke Scott | #4
Average: 19.6 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Teddy Hoffman | #12
Average: 4.0 | TD Returns: 0
Pitt vs N.C. State History
Series Began: 1952
Overall Record: 5-5-1
- At Home: 4-2
- On Road: 0-2-1
- Neutral Site: 1-1
ACC Series: 0-2
Streak: NC State won the last three games.
Last Game: Oct. 3, 2020 (NC State 30, Pitt 29)
Injury Report (10/23/25)
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 Derrick Davis, OL Jeff Persi
Doubtful: None
Questionable: LB Rasheem Biles, LB Kyle Louis, DL Blaine Spires, LB Nick Lapi, LS Nilay Upadhyyayula
Probable: DB Rashan Murray, DB Shardarian Harrison
N.C. State Wolfpack
Out: LB Sean Brown, S Rente Hinton, DB Isaiah Crowell, WR Jonathan Paylor, CB Jaren Sensabaugh, LB AJ Richardson, S JJ Johnson, LB Cole Wilson, S Daemon Fagan, LB Sterling Dixon, S Brody Barnhardt, OL Tyler West, OL Trent Mitchell
Doubtful: None
Questionable: OL Spike Sowells, OL Anthony Carter, Jr.
Probable: None
Pitt Schedule (5-2)
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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