By Ray Porter Jr. for Urban Media Today
PITTSBURGH, PA–After 3 consecutive losses, the Pitt Panthers football team desperately needed to get back to their winning ways, and they were hoping that some ‘home cooking’ would help them as they hosted the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets Saturday evening at Acrisure Stadium. And like the Genie to Aladdin the Panthers wish was granted as they dominated the Yellowjackets 34-11 for their 6th win which made them Bowl Eligible.
“Feels good to come in here and get a win. Hat goes off to our guys. Played hard,” said Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi. “Played tough. I thought we had to get out there and be physical. Really impressed with our defensive performance today. I think they were 83% win on third and fourth downs. Made a major emphasis this week getting back to who we were defensively.”
The Panther defense was Steel Curtain-like as they held Georgia Tech to 238 total yards, including 95 rushing and 143 passing. The Yellow Jackets averaged 3.1 yards per play and completed 22 of 43 passes without a touchdown. The Panthers held an opponent below 100 rushing yards for the sixth time this season. They recorded a season-high 10 tackles for loss for 51 yards in losses and recovered two fumbles, with Zach Crothers and Jaeden Moore each recording a recovery. Pitt also recorded five sacks for 36 yards in losses, its first five-sack game since November 1, 2025, at Stanford. Nick James, Raion Strader, Jeremiah Marcelin, Isaiah Neal, and Crothers each recorded a sack. Pitt has recorded at least one sack in every game this season.
“I mean, that’s what great defenses are supposed to do. They got to consistently do that, not just sometimes. I’m happy for them. Like Shawn Lee said, ‘Coach, I told you, we’re back, we’re back.’ But we got to be back here for Florida State in two weeks,” said Narduzzi.
The success on defense definitely complemented the success on offense as they gained 461 yards of total offense, including a season-high 281 rushing yards on 55 attempts with three touchdowns. It was the Panthers’ second game with at least 200 rushing yards this season. RB Robert Ferguson established career highs with 185 rushing yards, 31 carries and two rushing touchdowns. His previous highs were 119 yards at Boston College, 20 carries against UCF and one rushing touchdown. His 185 yards were the most by a Panther since Ja’Kyrian Turner rushed for 201 at Georgia Tech on November 22, 2025.
“Yeah, I mean, Damon had a heck of a game. He’s a beast. La’Vell played well, as well. I was happy with the rush game. Obviously, we need that,” said Narduzzi. “That’s part of taking care of your quarterback, making sure we’re helping him out. There’s nothing better for a quarterback than to have a running game.”
The Panthers surged to a 17-3 halftime lead on TDs by Fergueson and fellow RB LaVell Wright (13 carries, 52 yards) and in the 2nd half, QB Holden Geriner (13/30 for 180 yards) found WR Cataurus Hicks for a 30-yard TD, along with another Fergueson TD to help seal the game.
“I thought Holden was good. He’s getting better. He’s a young quarterback,” said Narduzzi. “I wish he would have made one of those throws down in the red zone. He’s got to complete those things. We have to go look at the tape of why, his feet and stuff. When he threw it to Gavin one time, kind of low and right, he had a guy open in the back of the end zone. He’s got to see it better. Again, that’s coaching. We got to keep making him, give him things. Again, he throws a deep ball to Blue. That’s why I said, ‘Get his butt out of there!’”
The Panthers will go on a bye next week before their final home game against Florida State on 11/13 for a Friday Night matchup.
“But overall, it’s a win. Excited for our guys. Need an open week. Open week at a perfect time,” said Narduzzi.
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