Game Week: Pitt Hits the Road To Take on Cincinnati

PITT (1-0, 0-0 ACC) vs. Cincinnati (1-0, 0-0 Big 12)

September 7, 2024 • Noon 

Nippert Stadium (38,088/Motz 24/7 Field System) • Cincinnati, Ohio

ESPN2 • 93.7 The Fan • Pitt Panthers Radio Network 

PittsburghPanthers.com • @Pitt_FB 

GAME STORYLINES

• Following a 55-24 season-opening win over Kent State, Pitt plays its first road game of the 2024 campaign at Cincinnati.
• The Panthers and Bearcats met annually as Big East foes from 2005-12. The series was revived in 2023 when Cincinnati defeated host Pitt, 27-21.  
• Pitt holds an 8-5 series edge but has lost the last three encounters.
• Pat Narduzzi spent three years as defensive coordinator at Cincinnati (2004-06) under Coach Mark Dantonio, helping the Bearcats to a pair of bowl appearances.
• Pitt linebacker coach Ryan Manalac was a standout player at that same position for Cincinnati from 2005-08, compiling nearly 200 career tackles and helping the Bearcats to the 2008 Big East title. 
• Pitt rolled up 570 yards last week, its highest single-game output since the 2021 ACC title season.
• Making his collegiate debut, redshirt freshman Eli Holstein threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns. 
• Running back Desmond Reid, an All-American at Western Carolina last year, compiled 234 all-purpose yards in his initial FBS game. Reid scored twice, including a dazzling 78-yard punt return touchdown.
• Pitt collected five sacks and 12 total tackles for loss against Kent State. The Panthers are 27-2 under Pat Narduzzi when they collect at least five sacks in a game.
•  Pitt will play Big 12 foes in consecutive weeks. In addition to Cincinnati, the Panthers host West Virginia for the “Backyard Brawl” on September 14.

SERIES IN BRIEF

Series Began: 1921

Series Overall: Pitt leads 8-5

At Pittsburgh: Pitt leads 5-3

At Cincinnati: Pitt leads 3-2

Last Meeting (at Pitt): Sept. 9, 2023 (Cincinnati 27, Pitt 21)

Last Meeting at UC: Sept. 6, 2012 (Cincinnati 34, Pitt 10)

Longest Pitt Win Streak: 7 games (1921-2007)

Longest Cincinnati Win Streak: 3 games (2011-12, ’23)

Largest Pitt Victory Margin: 38 points (38-0, 1922)

Largest Cincinnati Victory Margin: 24 points (34-10, 2012)

COACHING MATCHUP

Pitt’s Chris Bickell ’97 Head Football Coach Pat Narduzzi

Overall…