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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 100 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, including the latest injury report.
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 all comes down to one game… with a little help Saturday night.
After carving up #16 Georgia Tech 42-28 in Atlanta last week, the Pitt Panthers (8-3) set their sights on the #12 Miami Hurricanes (9-2), this Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. Kickoff is at Noon.
To make the ACC Championship Game on December 6th, Pitt has to defeat Miami, and then hope either Virginia loses to Virginia Tech, or SMU loses to Cal. Even though all three teams would have identical 7-1 records with victories, the ridiculous ACC tiebreakers would award a trip to Charlotte to Virginia and SMU.
It’s beyond frustrating considering in reality, Virginia should have two conference losses, but their loss to N.C. State didn’t count in the ACC standings, as the contest was a non-conference conference game.
The loss to Louisville could come back to haunt them, a game that Pitt lead 17-0. The Panthers were on the verge of being up 34-20 late in the game, but an Eli Holstein interception on 1st and goal turned the game around, and the Cards would score twice more to stun Pitt 34-27.
Out of the ashes of that loss rose a true freshman quarterback in Mason Heintschel, who Pitt head Coach Pat Narduzzi would start the next week against Boston College, and the rest is history, as Pitt won six of their next seven to be in the position they are now. Aside from the deplorable game against Notre Dame, Heintschel and the Pitt offense have been on fire, averaging 40.3 points a game in their wins.
When Pitt has the ball: Mason Heintschel, the freshman from Oregon, Ohio, has passed for 1,902 yards, 14 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown. He’s been sacked 26 times.
Kenny Johnson leads the team with 47 catches for 694 yards and four touchdowns. Poppi Williams is 2nd on the team with 41 receptions for 587 yards and six touchdowns. Blue Hicks is an excellent #3 with 22 receptions for 378 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 18 receptions for 168 yards and two TD’s. Malachi Thomas has contributed 10 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Altsman has five catches for 31 yards and a score. Overman is supposed to be the top guy, but injuries have held him to eight receptions for 61 yards and one touchdown.
Desmond Reid is considered the #1 back, but injuries have limited him this year to 278 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while catching 23 passes for 317 yards and two more TD’s.
It’s Ja’Kyrian “Boosie” Turner who now leads the team with 617 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. Juelz Goff has done well with 256 yards on the ground, and five touchdowns, but the emergence of Turner is a big reason why Pitt is now averaging 125.1 yards a game on the ground.
Kicker Trey Butkowski, who has missed the last two games, is listed as questionable. Sam Carpenter will kick if Butkowski remains out.
Pitt is averaging 37.6 points a game.
When Miami has the ball: Carson Beck, the transfer from Georgia, has 2805 yards passing, 22 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He’s been sacked seven times.
Mark Fletcher, Jr. is the #1 back with 655 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. CharMar Brown has 374 yards on the ground and five TD’s. Girard Pringle, Jr. is 3rd on the team with 280 yards rushing and four touchdowns.
Malachi Toney is the undeniable top wideout with 71 receptions for 844 yards and six touchdowns. Keelan Marion is 2nd on the team with 39 catches for 544 yards and one touchdown. C.J. Daniels has 33 receptions for 351 yards and is tied with Toney with six TD’s. Joshua Moore has done well, averaging 13.9 yards a catch with 14 receptions for 194 yards.
Tight end Elijah Lofton has caught 20 passes for 186 yards and two TD’s.
The Hurricanes are averaging 33.7 points a game.
The Panther path to victory: Rise up and take what’s yours. Pitt will have to elevate their play on both sides of the ball to take down the vastly talented Hurricanes. They cannot repeat the mistakes they made against Notre Dame.
First and foremost, the Pitt offensive line has to protect their star quarterback, and open up some running lanes for Desmond Reid (if he plays), Boosie Turner, and Juelz Goff to exploit.
Turner has become a key weapon in the Pitt rushing attack since Reid started missing time due to injuries.
“He’s such a dawg, it’s unbelievable,” said Heintschel about Turner. “I knew as soon as we got here that he was going to be special. Just the amount of work and hours that he puts in in the film room and on the field — I think that’s a testament to what you saw him do versus Georgia Tech. Missing Des, but he makes up for it in so many big ways. He’s such a special player.”
Miami’s defense has recorded 30 sacks, led by defensive lineman Rueben Bain, who has three to his credit this season.
“You gotta bring your A-game,” said Pitt offensive tackle Ryan Baer. “Playing college football, your goal is to make it to the league, and this is an elite game for not just us tackles, but I know they have some good guys on the offensive ball, they have some good defensive backs. So these are the games that you look forward to.
“Two of the best defensive ends in college football, and they’re really good all around. They can hit you anywhere they want, so you’ve got to bring your A-game or they’ll have themselves a day.”
If the Pitt offense can do what they do best, that would pressure Miami’s Carson Beck to go toe to toe with Heintschel, and if that happens, Pitt’s opportunistic defense will be waiting to play takeaway.
The Panthers terrorized Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King, forcing two interceptions– one that was returned 100 yards for a touchdown by linebacker Braylan Lovelace. That doubled King’s total for the entire season.
“They’ve been very impactful, just changing the game,” cornerback Rashad Battle said of creating turnovers. “This year, we’re more versatile in the coverages that we run. We run a lot more adjustments than we made last year, and it’s helping the backs, even with the linebackers. Coaches have been doing a great job with putting us in situations, and players have been making plays.”
As good as Beck is, he threw six interceptions in Miami’s two losses.
Shutting down Beck’s top weapon would help, too. Malachi Toney is the undeniable top option in the Canes passing attack, leading the team with 71 catches for 844 yards and six touchdowns. That’s 32 more catches than the U’s #2 receiver in Keelan Marion.
Mark Fletcher, Jr. is a tough back with 655 yards rushing and nine touchdowns, but Pitt is stout against the run, giving up just 93.1 yards a game.
It’s going to be a cloudy, cold day in Pittsburgh, with the temps hanging around freezing the entire game. That’s not weather the Hurricanes enjoy being in. Pitt needs to start fast and keep Miami on their heels all game. Maybe if Heintschel and the Panther offense can build a nice lead, Miami might become more interested in returning to a warmer climate than making a comeback.
Unlike the disaster that was Notre Dame, this time I believe Heintschel and Pitt will be up to the challenge. The sad part is they might not get rewarded for their efforts.
If you’re not reading a Pitt ACC Championship GameDay Preview next week, it won’t be because Pitt didn’t take down the Hurricanes… That, they’re going to accomplish on the arm of Heintschel, the legs of Turner, and a relentless Pitt defense.
Prediction: Pitt 35 Miami 28
#22 Pitt Panthers (8-3) vs #12 Miami Hurricanes (9-2)
NCAA Week 14
Vegas line: Miami -7
Game-time: Saturday, November 29th, at 12:00 PM.
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Natural Grass
Weather at Kickoff: Cloudy and 33. Winds out of the SSW at 4 MPH.
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Broadcast Information
TV: ABC (Xfinity: Local Channel 804 )
- Announcers: Bob Wischusen (play-by-play) Louis Riddick (analyst) | Kris Budden (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 139 or 202
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 8-3 | ACC Record: 6-1 | CFP Rank: #22
Previous Game: Pitt 42 Georgia Tech 28
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 11th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 80-58
- 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: 37.6
- Total offense yards per game: 407
- Passing yards per game: 281.9
- Rushing yards per game: 125.1
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: 1,902 | TD Passes: 14 | INT’s: 6 | Sacked: 26
Rushing Yards: 121 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Back-up: Eli Holstein | #10 | Redshirt Sophomore
Passing Yards: 1,081 | TD Passes: 12 | INT’s: 6 | Sacked: 9
Rushing Yards: 88 | Rushing TD’s: 1
RUNNING BACKS
Desmond Reid | #0 | Senior
Reid is a dual threat ball of fury. Currently 2nd on the team with 278 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: 278 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 317 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Ja’Kyrian “Boosie” 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 617 yards rushing and seven touchdowns.
Rushing Yards: 617 | Rushing TD’s: 7
Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 131 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Juelz Goff | #8 | Redshirt Freshman
Goff, the 5’9, 195 pound freshman, 3rd on the team with 256 yards rushing.
Rushing Yards: 256 | Rushing TD’s: 5
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 44 | 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 694 yards receiving.
Receptions: 47 | Receiving Yards: 694 | Receiving TD’s: 5
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 578 yards receiving has caught a team leading six touchdowns.
Receptions: 41 | Receiving Yards: 578 | Receiving TD’s: 6
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 3rd on the team with four receiving TD’s.
Receptions: 22 | Receiving Yards: 378 | 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: 13 | Receiving Yards: 142 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Zion Fowler-El | #23 | Redshirt Sophomore
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 60 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Bryce Yates | #80 | Freshman
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 190 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Censere Lee | #11 | Senior
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 48 | 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. Caught his 1st touchdown vs Stanford.
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 61 | Receiving TD’s: 1
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: 11 | Receiving Yards: 156 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Justin Holmes | #88 | Senior
Holmes is a 6’3, 245 pound transfer from Marshall. Leads all tight ends with 19 receptions.
Receptions: 19 | Receiving Yards: 187 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Josh Altsman | #85 | Redshirt Junior
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 31 | 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
Pitt Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Randy Bates
- Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 23.7
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 330
- Passing yards allowed: 236.9
- Rushing yards allowed: 93.1
- Sacks: 26
- Interceptions: 14
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Blaine Spires | #10 | Graduate Transfer
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 2
OR Joey Zelinski | #45 | Senior
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 2
LDT: Sean FitzSimmons | #55 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 1
OR Nick James | #1 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 2
RDT: Francis Brewu | #95 | Sophomore
Tackles: 32 | Sacks: 1
OR Isaiah Neal | #2 | Redshirt Sophomore
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 2.5
RDE: Jimmy Scott | #44 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 4.5
LINEBACKERS
Money: Raheem Biles | #3 | Junior
Tackles: 75 | Sacks: 2.5 | INT: 2 | TD: 1
MLB: Braylan Lovelace | #0 | Junior
Tackles: 61 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2 | TD: 1
STAR: Kyle Louis | #9 | Redshirt Junior
Tackles: 65 | Sacks: 3 | INT: 2
OR Cameron Lindsey | #24 | Redshirt Freshman
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 2
SECONDARY
CB: Tamon Lynum | #8 | Super Senior
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
OR Shawn Lee, Jr. | #28 | Freshman
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Javon McIntyre | #7 | Redshirt Senior
Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
SS: Cruce Brookins | #12 | Redshirt Sophomore
Tackles: 39 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Rashad Battle | #15 | Super Senior
Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
OR Shadarian Harrison | #21 | Sophomore
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
NB: Kavir Bains-Marquez | #23 | Super Senior
Tackles: 51 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 3
Pitt Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Trey Butkowski | #93 | Freshman
Extra Points: 40-41
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
Sam Carpenter | #94 | Sophomore
Extra Points: 6-6
Field Goals: 1-3
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-1
- 30-39 yards: 0-1
- 40-49 yards: 0-0
- 50+ yards: 0-1
*Injured/Out
Scouting the Miami Hurricanes
Overall Record: 9-2 | ACC Conference Record: 5-2 | CFP Rank: #12
Previous Game: Miami 34 Virginia Tech 17
Head Coach: Mario Cristobal
- 4th season at Miami
- Lifetime Record: 93-78 | 31-18 at Miami
Links
Miami Offense
- Offensive System: Air Raid
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 33.7
- Total offense yards per game: 426.8
- Passing yards per game: 275.8
- Rushing yards per game: 151
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Carson Beck | #11
Beck, the transfer from Georgia, has done what he can for the Hurricanes, averaging 255 yards a game passing. Had six interceptions in the two losses Miami has suffered.
Passing Yards: 2,805 | TD Passes: 22 | INT’s: 9 | Sacked: 7
Rushing Yards: 56 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Emory Williams | #8
Passing Yards: 156 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: 19 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Mark Fletcher, Jr. | #4
Fletcher is a big back at 6’2, 225, averaging 5 yards a carry.
Rushing Yards: 655 | Rushing TD’s: 9
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 107 | Receiving TD’s: 1
CharMar Brown | #6
Brown steps in when Fletcher needs a break. Has found the endzone five times.
Rushing Yards: 374 | Rushing TD’s: 5
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 106 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Girard Pringle, Jr. | #22
Pringle is the 3rd option in the Canes run game, averaging 46.7 yards a game.
Rushing Yards: 280 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 53 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Chris Wheatley-Humphrey | #25
Rushing Yards: 108 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jordan Lyle | #2
Rushing Yards: 108 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 22 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Malachi Toney | #10
Toney is the undeniable top option in the Canes passing attack, leading the team with 71 catches for 844 yards.
Receptions: 71 | Receiving Yards: 844 | Receiving TD’s: 6
Rushing Yards: 59 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Keelan Marion | #0
Marion is 2nd on the team with 39 receptions, averaging 13.9 yards a catch.
Receptions: 39 | Receiving Yards: 544 | Receiving TD’s: 1
C.J. Daniels | #7
Daniels is tied with Toney with six touchdowns receptions.
Receptions: 33 | Receiving Yards: 351 | Receiving TD’s: 6
Joshua Moore | #3
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 194 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Tony Johnson* | #17
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 162 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Joshisa Trader | #1
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 158 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Daylyn Upshaw | #13
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 94 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Elijah Lofton | #9
Lofton is the top tight end… but averaging just 9.3 yards a game.
Receptions: 20 | Receiving Yards: 186 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Alex Bauman | #87
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 68 | Receiving TD’s: 1
KICKER
Carter Davis | #38
Extra Points: 37-37
Field Goals: 13-15
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 3-3
- 30-39 yards: 4-4
- 40-49 yards: 5-7
- 50+ yards: 1-1
Miami Defense
Defensive Scheme: 4-2-5
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 14.5
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 282.2
- Passing yards allowed: 190.2
- Rushing yards allowed: 92
- Sacks: 30
- Interceptions: 11
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Rueben Bain, Jr. | #4
Tackles: 32 | Sacks: 3 | INT: 1
NT: David Bilay, Jr. | #11
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 0
DT: Ahmad Moten, Sr. | #99
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 3
RDE: Akheem Mesidor | #3
Tackles: 44 | Sacks: 7
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Mohamed Toure | #1
Tackles: 52 | Sacks: 1
MLB: Wesley Bissainthe | #31
Tackles: 40 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
SECONDARY
LCB: OJ Frederique, Jr. | #29
Tackles: 10 | Sacks 0 | INT: 0
SS: Jakobe Thomas | #8
Tackles: 43 | Sacks: 3 | INT: 4
FS: Zach Poyser | #7
Tackles: 42 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
RCB: Damari Brown | #15
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
NB: Keionte Scott* | #0
Tackles: 44 | Sacks: 3 | INT: 1
*Injured/Out
Pitt vs Miami History
Series Began: 1950
Overall Record: 12-29-1
- At Home: 6-16
- On Road: 6-13-1
- Neutral Site: 0-0
ACC Series: 3-7
Streak: Pitt won the last game.
Last Game: Nov. 28th, 2021 (Pitt 42 Miami 16)
Injury Report (11/27/25)
Pitt Schedule (8-3)
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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