Tag: pittsburgh

Oct 13, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) celebrates after the Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 32-13 at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Steelers RG Mason McCormick (hand) could play vs. Ravens

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh starting right guard Mason McCormick fractured his hand in the regular-season finale against Cincinnati, but the rookie could play in Saturday’s playoff game, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Monday.

The Steelers finished 10-7 after a four-game losing streak to end the regular season, and they’ll visit AFC North champion Baltimore on Saturday in the AFC wild-card round.

McCormick, 24, broke his hand and was replaced by Spencer Anderson as the Steelers lost to the Bengals last Saturday, but Tomlin said McCormick might be able to play.

“He’ll be sized for a cast and/or a brace and check functionality there,” Tomlin said. “And so his participation and the quality of his participation will kind of be an indication of his potential availability as we push forward.”

Pittsburgh selected McCormick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of South Dakota State. He has started 14 of 17 games and played on 83 percent of the offensive snaps.

Tomlin also said that starting cornerback Donte Jackson, who sat out Sunday’s game because of lingering back issues, is possible to return on Saturday.

“He feels good this morning, but again, we’ll watch him throughout the course of the week and see what his participation does in terms of the possibility of his inclusion,” Tomlin said.

Jackson, 29, has started all 15 games that he has played this season and has 38 tackles, a career-high five interceptions and eight passes defended. He played the previous six seasons for Carolina before being traded to Pittsburgh last March. He has 19 career interceptions — one returned for a touchdown — 341 tackles and 54 pass breakups in 95 games (91 starts).

The Panthers selected Jackson in the second round of the 2018 draft.

–Field Level Media

Dec 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) calls out in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

AFC North-leading Steelers attempt to get even with Browns

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Browns stunned the Pittsburgh Steelers last month when a snowstorm greatly affected the scene in Cleveland.

When the teams reconvene 17 days later, the elements will be more conducive to playing football as the Browns visit the Steelers in an AFC North battle on Sunday.

The Browns upset Pittsburgh in the snowy conditions, wasting a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter to trail 19-18 before scoring in the final minute for the 24-19 victory.

However, the odds aren’t good for a Cleveland sweep as the Browns have dropped 20 consecutive regular-season road games in Pittsburgh.

Cleveland did register a victory in Pittsburgh in an AFC wild-card playoff game following the 2020 season. However, the Browns’ last regular-season triumph there came on Oct. 5, 2003, when Tim Couch (Browns) and Tommy Maddox (Steelers) were the starting quarterbacks and Cleveland prevailed 33-13.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is not concerned about the long drought.

“We look forward to the challenge,” Stefanski said. “That’s the fun part of this business — going on the road and trying to get a win.”

Cleveland (3-9) is far removed from the AFC playoff picture, while Pittsburgh (9-3) leads the North by 1/12 games over the Baltimore Ravens.

The stumble in the snow was the Steelers’ lone loss in the past seven games. Pittsburgh bounced back with a 44-38 shootout win over the host Cincinnati Bengals last week.

The Steelers totaled 520 yards in the wild contest, but the guy enjoying it the least was Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin.

The defensive-minded coach didn’t like seeing his squad involved in a game in which 82 points were scored.

“I don’t know that I’m ever comfortable planning to shoot out,” Tomlin said. “It’s just my background and my expertise. To be quite honest with you, I respect offenses and talented players, and I acknowledge when we’re faced with stiff challenges, but it doesn’t mean that I’ll ever be comfortable in those circumstances.

“I have certain expectations because of my professional journey on defense, that I expect us to slow those things down and minimize some of that and the rare instances that we don’t, I’m thankful that we have an offense that’s capable of matching it.”

Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson threw for three touchdowns and had a season-best 414 passing yards against Cincinnati.

“It gives us a lot of momentum and everything else, but we have to use it for good,” Wilson said of the offensive splurge. “We have to be able to respond.”

Cleveland has been playing better on offense with James Winston at quarterback instead of injured Deshaun Watson (Achilles).

The Browns have scored 24 or more points in three of Winston’s five games as starter. The highest output with Watson was 18.

Winston established a franchise record with 497 passing yards on Monday in a 41-32 road loss against the Denver Broncos. He passed for four touchdowns but also threw three interceptions — two of which were returned for touchdowns.

“It’s about executing when your team needs you the most,” Winston said. “I take pride in that and I’m going to keep working, I’m going to fix it. I will apologize to the guys, but I’m still good.

“Nothing’s going to change from a mental perspective, but the physical perspective, I will continue to work. I will be better, especially in the fourth quarter, when you have to be the best.”

Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy tormented the Broncos — his former team — with career highs of nine catches and 235 yards. Star defensive end Myles Garrett had three sacks in the recent win over Pittsburgh and is 1.5 away from 100 for his career.

Steelers star T.J. Watt (9.5 sacks) will receive help from fellow linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle), who is back after missing three games. Highsmith was limited in practice on Wednesday, as was receiver Calvin Austin III (concussion).

Receivers Cedric Tillman (concussion) and Jamari Thrash (shoulder) sat out Wednesday for Cleveland. Also missing practice were offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee), defensive tackle Sam Kamara (concussion) and safety Juan Thornhill (calf).

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2024; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles wide receiver Reed Harris (4) celebrates his touchdown reception with quarterback Grayson James (14) during the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Ascending BC aims to stay strong against reeling Pitt

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With bowl eligibility clinched for the second straight fall, Boston College looks to end its regular season with a third win in four games Saturday against Pitt in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Last week’s 41-21 triumph over North Carolina helped the Eagles (6-5, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) continue their late-season peak, while the Panthers (7-4, 3-4) have dropped four straight following a 37-9 loss at Louisville.

Boston College’s offense has continually developed in two full weeks with Grayson James taking over under center for the departed Thomas Castellanos. That has helped the Eagles extend their season beyond the task of facing a tough, physical Pitt team this week.

“For us in our first year, to be able to qualify for a bowl, says a lot about the players and the coaching staff. Those guys did a great job,” Boston College coach Bill O’Brien said. “We got hired in February. We’re just very proud of the fact that we’re able to go to a bowl.”

James threw for 192 yards and a touchdown while also running for a score last week. The FIU transfer targeted Lewis Bond for a career-high nine catches and 81 yards, and freshman Johnathan Montague grabbed his first career touchdown.

“He’s seeing it all (in the game),” O’Brien said of James. “That’s one of the things that you see with him — the more reps you get, the more improvement you’ll see. He works very, very hard.”

At stake is the Eagles’ first seven-win regular season since 2018.

Injuries have riddled Pitt of late, resulting in a skid dating back to an Oct. 24 win over Syracuse. Redshirt freshman quarterback Eli Holstein missed the Clemson game, a 24-20 loss, two weeks ago before being carted off with a leg injury in the first quarter against Louisville.

However, Holstein has not been ruled out moving forward.

“(The injury) is not season-ending,” coach Pat Narduzzi said. “It’s not as bad as the one that he took a week ago.”

Nate Yarnell entered into both situations, producing a 350-yard game against Clemson before throwing for 96 with a touchdown versus Louisville. In the latter contest, the Panthers were outgained 507-265 and trailed 27-0 before scoring and threw three interceptions.

Attitude and effort have not wavered despite the depleted depth chart, which has also lost veteran lineman Branson Taylor.

“We’ve been unhealthy — we’ve been unable to stay healthy, really, since the Cal game (a 17-15 win on Oct. 12),” Narduzzi said. “It’s a perfect storm (at Louisville). I felt coming out, attitude was great. I think our guys played with great effort for four quarters. Our guys never quit, never gave up.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs away from Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (92) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

QB Russell Wilson stays in the moment as Steelers take on Browns

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Though the Steelers are well on their way to an AFC North title, Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson realizes there is still plenty of work to do.

Wilson is starting to feel like he might be part of something special as the Steelers prepare for a meeting with the host Cleveland Browns on Thursday night, but he also doesn’t want Pittsburgh to get ahead of itself.

“I definitely think that we have a chance (to make a deep playoff run),” said Wilson, who has played in two Super Bowls. “I think the biggest thing for us is continuing to just take each week as the most important week of it all.

“I think that it’s not really even just the week, it’s just the day, it’s just the moments in between. I think the greatest teams, the greatest players, in any sport, especially the teams I’ve been on, is the moment — it’s never too far away. It’s right here, right now. And you’re just locked into that.”

The Steelers (8-2) have certainly been locked in. They are currently riding a five-game winning streak, most recently edging the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 on Sunday.

Chris Boswell booted six field goals against Baltimore, while Wilson completed 23 of 36 passes for 205 yards and an interception.

Meanwhile, Cleveland (2-8) continues to go through the wringer. The Browns ended up on the wrong end of a 35-14 blowout while facing the host New Orleans Saints on Sunday, marking their seventh loss in the past eight games.

Cleveland now has to go up against one of the most unforgiving defenses in the league. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is determined to direct a fundamentally sound performance against Pittsburgh, which allows the second-fewest points per game in the NFL (16.2).

“It’s precision passing. Getting the ball out on time. Elite operation and just doing our job. It’s the simple things,” Winston said. “This team (the Steelers) is not going to try and fool you. They’re going to line up and say, ‘Give us your best, we’re going to give you our best.’”

Winston threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns on 30-for-46 passing in the setback against New Orleans, with Jerry Jeudy hauling in six catches for 142 yards and a score. Star running back Nick Chubb continued to struggle since his return from a knee injury that cut his 2023 season short, finishing with 50 yards on 11 carries.

Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski is looking forward to the challenge that Pittsburgh presents.

“Great challenge playing the Steelers on Thursday night,” Stefanski said. “Well-coached team, great players on offense, defense and special teams, so we have to have a great week here to get ready for that game.”

The Browns could be without standout defensive end Myles Garrett, who missed practice on Tuesday because of a hip injury. Wide receiver Elijah Moore (shoulder), guard Joel Bitonio (pectoral) and cornerbacks Denzel Ward (ribs/ankle) and Greg Newsome II (shoulder) were among those limited during the session.

Linebacker Alex Highsmith is dealing with an ankle issue and missed the Steelers’ practice on Tuesday. Cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring) participated in full.

–Field Level Media

Nov 16, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) passes against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Cade Klubnik’s mad dash gets No. 20 Clemson past Pitt

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Cade Klubnik broke two tackles and scrambled up the field for a 50-yard go-ahead touchdown as No. 20 Clemson kept its College Football Playoff hopes alive by escaping Pittsburgh with a 24-20 road victory on Saturday.

Pitt used a 13-0 scoring run in the fourth quarter to take a 20-17 lead with 1:36 remaining after a 47-yard field goal from Ben Sauls capped off an eight-play, 26-yard drive that burned nearly three minutes off the clock.

Clemson (8-2, 7-1 ACC) needed three plays to move back in front. Klubnik dropped back to pass and took off at midfield zig-zagging and then sprinting up the field for the longest touchdown of the game.

The Panthers (7-3, 3-3) had 76 seconds and two timeouts to respond, but their potential game-winning drive ended on fourth-and-1 at the Clemson 26-yard line when Nate Yarnell’s pass was intercepted by Khalil Barnes.

Klubnik completed 27 of 41 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns. He also finished as Clemson’s leading rusher on the day with a net 41 yards after he was sacked eight times. Antonio Williams hauled in 13 of Klubniks passes for 149 yards and both of Clemson’s scores through the air.

Yarnell, starting in place of an injured Eli Holstein for Pitt, completed 34-of-54 passes for 350 yards and a touchdown. Panthers tight end Gavin Bartholomew had the TD reception during Pitt’s fourth quarter comeback.

Pitts’ offense was also boosted by running back Desmond Reid, who piled up 176 yards of total offense on 24 touches, that included 10 receptions for 108 yards

Clemson had a 17-7 lead at the end of the first half after Klubnik’s 28-yard score with Williams early in the second quarter and after Nolan Hauser kicked a 51-yard field goal.

Pitt had the ball for about nine minutes longer than Clemson, but turned the ball over twice and had 13 penalties for 100 yards.

–Field Level Media

Nov 2, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Eli Holstein (10) in action during the game between the Southern Methodist Mustangs and the Pittsburgh Panthers at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Pitt QB Eli Holstein to miss game vs. No. 20 Clemson

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Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein will be sidelined Saturday against No. 20 Clemson as he continues to recover from apparent head injuries, ESPN reported.

Per the report, Holstein has not been medically cleared after leaving two of the Panthers’ past three games with injuries.

In his place, junior Nate Yarnell will make his fourth career start — first this season — for Pitt.

Yarnell has appeared in 12 games for the Panthers and is 2-1 as a starter. He has completed 65.3 percent (81 of 124) of his passes for 1,104 yards with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions in his career.

In six games this season, he has thrown for 314 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.

Holstein won the starting job in training camp. A transfer from Alabama, Holstein has a completion rate of 61.9 percent (177 of 286) and thrown for 2,177 yards with 17 TDs and six interceptions in nine games.

He is also Pitt’s second-leading rusher with 323 yards and three touchdowns.

The Atlantic Coast Conference foes both are 7-2 on the season. Pitt is 3-2 in ACC games; Clemson is 6-1.

–Field Level Media

Nov 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Eli Holstein (10) scrambles with the ball as Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Kam Robinson (5) chases during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

No. 20 Clemson faces Pitt, maintains pursuit of CFP

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A week ago, it seemed as if Saturday afternoon’s matchup between No. 20 Clemson and host Pitt wouldn’t have any real stakes regarding the College Football Playoff.

Miami then was upset by Georgia Tech, and so the Hurricanes and Tigers are tied with one loss each in Atlantic Coast Conference play as mid-November approaches.

As the Tigers (7-2, 6-1) travel to Pittsburgh this weekend, a Clemson berth in the ACC title game is still possible, which means an automatic berth in the 12-team CFP remains attainable.

SMU stands alone in first place in the conference with a 5-0 recodr.

“We’ve talked about how great it would be to get to 7-1 (in ACC play). That’s the best we can finish at this point, so that’s what we can control,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said this week. “We’re still in the thick of it. We don’t control what other teams are doing, but we focus on what we can control.”

Clemson scored a 24-14 win at Virginia Tech last week. Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik threw for 211 yards and three touchdowns, while Phil Mafah rushed for 128 yards on 26 carries.

But Swinney was especially frustrated with Klubnik holding the ball too long and taking unnecessary sacks.

“Just stuff that we needed him to do as a quarterback and decisions. He took four sacks, every sack was on him, and none of them should have happened,” Swinney said. “He just tried to do a little too much a couple times, just frustrating, (and) was a couple of plays there that we didn’t pull the trigger on.”

The quarterback position also is concerning for Pitt (7-2, 3-2), which started the season with seven consecutive wins but has back-to-back losses, dropping out of the playoff rankings this week.

Redshirt freshman QB Eli Holstein, a transfer from Alabama, left in the third quarter of a 24-19 loss to Virginia on Saturday with an apparent head injury. Holstein was hit while sliding on a second-and-4 scramble, and Cavaliers linebacker Trey McDonald was ejected for targeting on the play.

When asked about Holstein’s status for the Clemson game, Pitt coach Patt Narduzzi was non-committal.

“Our doctors make all those decisions,” he said. “I wish I could tell you. I don’t even go down to the training room to see. I stay out of the training room. That’s not my job. My job is to coach football and let some of the best medical trainers in the country take care of (it).”

If Holstein is sidelined, it’s likely that Nate Yarnell will start at quarterback. He completed only 4 of 12 passes for 44 yards and threw two interceptions in the loss to Virginia.

Since Pitt joined the ACC in 2011, the Panthers and Tigers have met four times. The series is 2-2. Pitt leads the all-time series 3-2 and won the recent meeting 27-17 in 2021.

After Saturday’s game, Clemson will close the regular season at home against the Citadel and No. 21 South Carolina, while Pitt will end with road games against No. 19 Louisville and Boston College.

–Field Level Media

Nov 2, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) and running back Brashard Smith (1) celebrate a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

No. 20 SMU hands No. 18 Pittsburgh its first loss in blowout fashion

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Kevin Jennings threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns Saturday night as No. 20 SMU stayed unbeaten in the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 48-25 drubbing of No. 18 Pittsburgh in Dallas.

Jennings completed 17 of 25 passes as the Mustangs (8-1, 5-0) joined No. 5 Miami atop the conference standings while handing the Panthers (7-1, 3-1) their first defeat. The result was never in doubt after SMU scored 24 points in the second quarter to take a 31-3 halftime lead.

Eli Holstein hit 29 of 47 attempts for 248 yards with an interception for Pittsburgh, which could fall out of the top 25 after the lopsided loss. The Panthers yielded a season-high 467 yards, turned it over twice and committed six penalties for 66 yards.

The Mustangs wasted little time putting their stamp on the game, scoring less than three minutes into it when LJ Johnson punched it in from the 2-yard line. Ben Sauls then got Pittsburgh on the board with a 44-yard field goal at the 5:55 mark of the first quarter.

But it was all SMU for the rest of the half. Roderick Daniels made it 14-3 less than a minute into the second quarter on a 3-yard touchdown run and Brashard Smith, who rushed for 161 yards and two scores on 23 carries, zoomed 71 yards to paydirt on the first play of the Mustangs’ next possession.

Jennings and Smith hooked up for a 3-yard touchdown pass on the first play after the two-minute timeout, followed by Collin Rogers’ 50-yard field goal with two seconds remaining.

Rogers added a 27-yard field goal on SMU’s first drive of the third quarter before Desmond Reid scored on a 1-yard run for the Panthers with 38 seconds left in the period.

Smith’s 18-yard touchdown run and Jennings’ 80-yard scoring strike to Matthew Hibner upped the Mustangs’ advantage to 48-11 with 9:56 remaining in the game.

Backup quarterback Nate Yarnell made the final margin a bit more respectable with a pair of touchdown passes for Pittsburgh in the last four minutes.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (45) during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Steelers RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) doubtful against Giants

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Veteran running back Cordarrelle Patterson is listed as doubtful and rookie center Zach Frazier has been ruled out — both with ankle injuries — for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ home game Mondy night against the New York Giants.

The Steelers (5-2) also will be without outside linebacker Nick Herbig and rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson because of hamstring issues. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich (hamstring) and offensive tackle Dylan Cook (foot) each are in the 21-day window to return from injured reserve and are out against the Giants (2-5).

Patterson, 33, was a limited practice participant on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. He has not played since Sept. 29 in a 27-24 loss at the Indianapolis Colts. A running back and wide receiver, he has one start in four games and has 16 carries for 92 yards and five receptions for 34 yards.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time All-Pro first-team honoree as a kick returner, Patterson is in his first season with Pittsburgh after playing for the Minnesota Vikings (2013-16), Oakland Raiders (2017), New England Patriots (2018), Chicago Bears (2019-20) and Atlanta Falcons (2021-23).

Frazier, 23, a 2024 NFL second-round selection out of West Virginia, has started six games and played 95 percent of the offensive snaps (378). He missed last Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.

Herbig, 22, will miss his third straight game. He has played in five games (two starts) this season and has eight tackles and 2.5 sacks. He is in his second season with the Steelers.

Wilson, 23, a third-round pick in the 2024 draft out of Michigan, has played in one game this season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Eli Holstein (10) passes against the California Golden Bears during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

No. 19 Pitt prepares for Syracuse tilt as schedule gets tougher

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No. 19 Pitt is off to its best start in more than 40 years, but Syracuse should present a formidable challenge when the teams match up Thursday night on the Panthers’ home field.

The Panthers (6-0, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) have not been 7-0 since 1982, but they can continue their splendid season with a win over the Orange (5-1, 2-1). Syracuse, which landed two spots out of the Top 25 this week, likely will join the rankings with a win over Pitt, adding an element of intrigue to Thursday’s affair.

Both teams are coming off a bye week, as each squad is taking the field for the first time since Oct. 12.

That day, Pitt survived a 17-15 nailbiter against Cal as Desmond Reid ran for two touchdowns in the first half and the Panthers’ defense stepped up with six sacks. However, Pitt managed just 277 yards of total offense — nearly 250 below its season average entering the day — and did not score a point in the second half.

Coach Pat Narduzzi was glad to escape with the win, but he said Monday that he knows his team must continue to improve.

“I’m not surprised (that we’re undefeated),” Narduzzi said. “I’m never surprised at anything in this world, but we need to respond.”

With a tough stretch of games coming up — including ranked foes SMU and Clemson in November — the Panthers cannot afford to go through a tough stretch. Beginning this week, they’ll likely need to be at their best to defeat the talented Orange.

“It’s great we’re undefeated,” defensive tackle Sean FitzSimmons said, “but we’re focused on the week that we’re going to. We’ve got Syracuse and we’ve got to go 1-0 vs. them.”

That won’t be easy, given the play of Orange quarterback Kyle McCord. The Ohio State transfer ranks in the top 10 nationally in passing yards (2,160) and passing touchdowns (19). He threw for 346 yards and two scores in a 24-17 triumph over North Carolina State in Syracuse’s most recent game.

The Orange need one more victory to match their win total from 2023. In either case, their first season under coach Fran Brown has already been a major step in the right direction.

“He’s transformed that football team,” Narduzzi said. “I think they’re elite.”

Brown was also quite complimentary about Narduzzi’s squad this week. In particular, Reid — who has been dynamic in the rushing game and the passing game — has caught Brown’s eye.

“I think he’s a complete running back,” Brown said, “so that’s why he’s having success. … I like what I see on film from him. He’s a really good football player.”

Eli Holstein has passed for 1,697 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Panthers, while six different players have between 16 and 26 receptions for Pitt. Konata Mumpfield leads the team in catches (26) and receiving yards (463).

“We’ve got a lot coming,” Brown said. “We’ve got a lot to handle.”

Syracuse snapped a five-game losing streak in the series with a 28-13 victory at Yankee Stadium last season. The Orange compiled 392 rushing yards, while the Panthers committed four turnovers — all in the second half.

“Every loss burns,” FitzSimmons said, “but we’re looking to get that game back. I have confidence in us that on Thursday, we’re gonna have a day.”

–Field Level Media