PITTSBURGH — As Pitt football’s electric offense went dormant against the California Golden Bears, the Panthers’ defense stepped up in a 17-15 victory that improved Pitt to 6-0 for the first time since 1982.
In 1982, Pitt jumped out to a 7-0 start after defeating North Carolina, Florida State, Illinois, West Virginia, Temple, Syracuse and Louisville. Pitt would go 9-3 that season with a Cotton Bowl 7-3 loss to SMU on New Year’s Day.
That season, Pitt legend Dan Marino threw for 2,432 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Pitt continues to crush its preseason expectations following a 3-9 season, and after receiving a No. 22 ranking in the AP Top 25, Pitt pulled out a nerve-racking win at Acrisure Stadium Saturday afternoon.
The Panthers now have four Power Four wins this season over Cincinnati, West Virginia, North Carolina and Cal as they now sit 2-0 in ACC play.
It was the first meeting between Pitt and ACC newcomer Cal since 1966 and the first matchup in the Steel City since 1963.
While redshirt freshman quarterback Eli Holstein and the offense struggled outside of a pair of touchdown runs from Desmond Reid, including a 72-yard explosive score, the defense shut down the Golden Bears.
The defense came up with its first six-sack game of the season. Last season the Panthers recorded just one six-sack effort against Boston College. On top of that, Pitt limited Cal to 19 yards on the ground in the second half.
Jimmy Scott recorded three sacks for the Panthers, while Kyle Louis, Brandon George and Donovan McMillon all recorded double-digit tackles.
Pitt has its second bye of the season before taking on Syracuse on Thursday, Oct. 24 at Acrisure Stadium with kick set for 7:30 p.m.
Hail to the defense ! They stepped up when the team really needed them. H2P !!!