Pitt has a chance to conclude its non-conference slate unbeaten for the first time in program history, but the Youngstown State Penguins stand in the way.
There’s history between the Panthers and the Penguins, and Pat Narduzzi and the Penguins specifically, and while some might not like “feelin’ blue,’ the Panthers are trying to channel that feeling into a win.
Pitt will break out a blue uniform combo against Youngstown State, wearing gold helmets with a blue Cathedral stripe and blue Pitt script, blue jerseys with gold numbers and blue pants.
The matchup will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra/ESPN+ for those who will not be attending the 3:30 p.m. kickoff at Acrisure Stadium.
Pitt opened as a four-point favorite against Youngstown State. The line has moved slightly more in favor of the Panthers, set at 25.5 points. The total point spread has been set at 61.5 and the money line odds at -4000.
Pitt is 4-1 all-time against Youngstown State, dating back to an inaugural 41-0 win against the Penguins at Heinz Field in 2005. The Panthers took down the Penguins rather easily in 2009, but the last three contests have been much closer.
Youngstown State earned its first and only win of the series in 2012, spoiling the first game of the Paul Chryst era. The Penguins outgained the Panthers, won the turnover battle and dominated time of possession.
Pitt won each of its last two matchups by just one score, a 45-37 victory in 2015 and a 28-21 overtime win in 2017.
Youngstown State hasn’t had a strong start to the 2024 season, dropping early games against Villanova and Duquesne. The lone win this season came against Valparaiso in Week 2, but despite the early struggles, the Penguins are still ranked 25th in the most recent FCS Coaches Poll.
Pitt is coming off its second straight fourth quarter comeback, but with all due respect to Cincinnati, the 38-34 win against West Virginia meant just a little bit more.
“I love that locker room to death,” Pat Narduzzi said Saturday in his postgame presser. “Our players never gave up. I’m sure some of the fans kind of gave up, and I thought, oh, there’s no way. But our guys didn’t give up. And if you didn’t learn that from last week, then hopefully you learned it from this week. And we’ll move on to the next.
Pitt erased a 10-point deficit with just under five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter as WVU wasn’t able to stop Eli Holstein and the Pitt offense — after limiting the Panthers to just four yards in the second half prior. Holstein threw for 301 yards and three touchdowns — and added 59 rushing yards — in another incredible performance.
A 1-yard touchdown dive by Derrick Davis Jr. with just over 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter, as Holstein was on the sideline after having his helmet ripped off, clinched the massive win for the Panthers.
