Pitt Isaiah Neal Celebrates

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published September 6, 2025, 8:29 PM

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Pat Narduzzi called it “audition number two,” and Pitt passed the test. The Panthers moved to 2–0 on the season after a 464-yard offensive showing and a defense that limited its opponent to just 40 rushing yards in Saturday’s win.

“Obviously, a great win by our guys today,” Narduzzi said in his postgame remarks. “Probably the best thing is we had a little adversity in the second half. We go from whatever we were up to, it’s a seven-point game in the third quarter. Our guys didn’t flinch. That’s the adversity that’s going to happen during the season whether you’re up or down.”

Quarterback Eli Holstein continued his strong start to the year, completing 21 of 28 passes for 304 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. He connected most often with Raphael “Poppi” Williams Jr., who turned nine targets into six catches for 121 yards and two scores. Williams’ 45-yard reception helped him eclipse his early-season totals—he now has seven catches for 166 yards and a touchdown in 2025 after finishing with 426 receiving yards last season.

The Panthers were perfect in the red zone (5-for-5) and leaned on their defense to clamp down when it mattered. Pitt held a team that rushed for 273 yards a week ago to just seven at halftime and 40 for the game. “Outstanding job by our defense. Great job by our staff just game planning, again, stopping the run. That was what they like to do,” Narduzzi said.

Special teams provided a spark as well, with Kenny Johnson returning a kickoff out to midfield, though penalties negated some of the explosiveness Pitt was hoping to showcase.

The win marked Narduzzi’s 74th career victory at Pitt, but the Panthers will need a short memory. Their next test comes under the lights in Morgantown.

Pitt now turns its attention to the Backyard Brawl next Saturday against West Virginia, a matchup that always tests resolve, emotions, and execution. “I’m just happy for our kids. We get to move on to Morgantown,” Narduzzi said. “Looking forward to that game on the road. Our first road opportunity. Be exciting down there next weekend.”

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com