Game Week: Undefeated and Nationally Ranked Panthers Host California

#22/24 PITT vs. CALIFORNIA

October 12, 2024 • 3:30 p.m. 

Acrisure Stadium (68,400/Natural Grass) • Pittsburgh, Pa.

ESPN • 93.7 The Fan • Pitt Panthers Radio Network

PittsburghPanthers.com • @Pitt_FB

GAME STORYLINES

• Pitt is 5-0 for the first time since 1991. A win over California would give the Panthers their first 6-0 start since 1982.

• Pitt made its 2024 debut in the national polls, earning a No. 22 ranking from Associated Press and placing No. 24 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. 

• Pitt is nationally ranked for the first time since concluding the 2022 season with a No. 22 listing in both final polls.

• Redshirt freshman quarterback Eli Holstein is a viable contender for ACC Player and Rookie of the Year accolades.

• Holstein ranks third nationally in total offense (366.4 avg.), fifth in TD passes (15) and eighth in passing yards (313.4 avg.)

• Holstein is the first Pitt QB to win his initial five starts since Dan Marino in 1979.

• Holstein is piloting an explosive Pitt offense that is averaging 522.2 yards (fourth nationally) and 45.6 points (sixth nationally) per game.  

• Running back Desmond Reid, an All-American at Western Carolina last year, ranks second nationally and first in the ACC with an average of 193.5 all-purpose yards per game.

• Reid has two 100-yard receiving games this season, the first time on record a Pitt running back has achieved that feat.

• Ben Sauls is perfect on 35 placements (9-9 FG, 26-26 PAT) for a team-high 53 points. He is one of 14 FBS kickers to boast a perfect field goal percentage in 2024.

• Pitt and Cal meet for the first time in nearly six decades. The Panthers and Golden Bears last played in 1966. Cal last visited Pittsburgh in 1963.

SERIES IN BRIEF

Series Began: 1955

Series Overall: Pitt leads 3-2

ACC Series: First meeting

At Pittsburgh: Pitt leads 2-0

At Cal: Cal leads 1-2

At Neutral Sites: DNA

Last Meeting (at Cal): Oct. 1, 1966 (Cal 30, Pitt 15)

Last Meeting at Pitt: Oct. 5, 1963 (Pitt 35, Cal 15)

Current Series Streak: Cal has won 1 (1966)

Longest Pitt Series Win Streak: 2 games (1962-63)

Longest Cal Series Win Streak: 1 game (twice)

Largest Pitt Victory Margin: 20 points (twice)

Largest Cal Victory…