By Ray Porter Jr.
PITTSBURGH, PA–For the first time since 1966, the Pitt Panthers played the California Bears and unlike that outcome (Cal beat Pitt 30-15), it was the #22 ranked Panthers who prevailed in a 17-15 victory in front of a Nationally Televised audience and 49,773 Screaming fans at Acrisure Stadium.
The Panthers are now 6-0 (2-0 ACC) for the first time since 1982. Behind Dan Marino, Pitt finished 9-3 that year and ranked No. 10 in the country.
“What a ballgame. Heck of a ballgame you guys got to watch and enjoy,” said Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi. “Want to start off just thanking the crowd. I thought the crowd was loud, especially in that fourth quarter. The Panther Pit was outstanding. I think they caused an illegal procedure on the count, maybe the second to last drive, but they did an outstanding job. Proud of our team. They just find ways to win football games.”
Unlike their previous victories, this wasn’t won by the offense or QB Eli Holstein as California’s defense did what it could to keep them in check. “Obviously the offense didn’t play great today,” said Narduzzi “I mean, it’s good. Eli is a man. He gets it.” Said Narduzzi “He’s going to get credit when things are going great, and he’s going to get bashed when they don’t. But we knew that coming in. We knew that coming in. He had stuff wide open and he needs to throw it and not try to be the hero all the time. They did throw a lot of different stuff at him. Especially with the tempo they did a nice job. Again, he will learn from it. That’s the great thing.”
After falling behind 7-0, The Panthers QB led his team on three scoring drives that resulted in a 17-9 lead. Two of those scoring drives came on the feet of RB Desmon Reid, who scored on a 5-yard TD run in the first quarter and an incredible 72-yard TD run on 4th and 1 in the second quarter. Reid would finish the game rushing 16 times for 120 yards.
K Ben Sauls provided the other points after nailing a 58-yarder, the longest in school history.
But Holstein didn’t fare well through the air as he finished 14/28 for 133 yards and two interceptions. Easily his most-challenging game of the season, though not a losing effort. “I mean, Justin Wilcox is a defensive guru. That’s why he’s got the head job at Cal and been there eight seasons. He does a nice job,” said Narduzzi.” That’s the problem when you play these teams just once; you don’t know how they’re going to play, what they’re going to do. That’s why I always liked that Coastal Division, because you get used to playing people and find out, but obviously the next time we get to play them, we’ll know a little bit more about how they’re going to try to defend you, and that’s part of the chess match out there.”
Despite giving up two scores, it was the Panthers defense that saved the day as they held not only held the Bears offense to 15 points, but also kept them from a fourth quarter in which the offense had the momentum and did all they could to score the winning points and pull of a huge upset. California’s most stinging moment came with over a minute left to play as K Ryan Coe’s go-ahead 40-yard FG attempt sailed right, in addition to a blocked FG attempt. They also missed a 2-point conversion attempt that would’ve tied the game. California QB Fernando Mendoza passed for 272 yards and a touchdown and tight end Jack Endries finished with eight receptions for 119 yards and a 19-yard score as the Bears fell to 3-3 (0-3 ACC) on the year.
“The defense played lights out, and that’s what you want to have. I know you guys have been asking for some sacks, so we got some today for you. Jimmy Scott, heck of a day; Lovelace just finding ways,” said Narduzzi. “Again, our defense is out there in a two-minute situation. I wish we would have ended the game in a four-minute situation. Had kind of a bad snap, as well.”
The Panthers will go on another Bye of sorts as they are off the following week and won’t play their next game until Thursday 11/24 vs. Syracuse.
“So, it didn’t happen today for us offensively, it just — sometimes when it rains, it pours. But we’ll learn from our mistakes on offense today, and again, it’s just great to maybe not play well on offense and find a way to get a win. Defense played lights out,” Said Narduzzi.
Notes: The Panthers begin the new week ranked #20 in the Associated Press Poll and the AFCA Coaches Poll.
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