In Week 2, Pitt rolled to a 45-17 win over Central Michigan at Acrisure Stadium, improving to 2–0 under head coach Pat Narduzzi. Quarterback Eli Holstein again threw four touchdown passes for the second straight week, and the Panthers’ defense suffocated the Chippewas’ rushing attack. From start to finish, Pitt showcased the balance and resiliency that Narduzzi has emphasized all offseason.
Holstein completed 21 of 28 passes for 304 yards and four touchdowns, sustaining a 75 percent completion rate despite an interception late in the first half. His performance extended his streak to eight TD passes in as many contests. “Offensively, Eli played really good,” Narduzzi said. “Completed 75 percent of his passes. One critical error at the end of the half… neither of us are happy with that. Just can’t have it.”
The defensive front dominated, holding Central Michigan to seven rushing yards by halftime and a scant 40 yards on the ground all game. Eleven Panther defenders combined for tackles for loss, while the staff’s game plan neutralized the Chippewas’ strength. “I think they had seven yards rushing at the half. Forty yards total for the game,” Narduzzi praised. “Outstanding job by our defense. Great job by our staff just game planning, again, stopping the run.”
Even when Central Michigan closed within seven early in the third quarter, Pitt refused to falter. After surrendering a quick score, the Panthers answered instantly with a two-play touchdown drive that put the game firmly out of reach. “Our guys didn’t flinch,” Narduzzi noted. “That’s the adversity that’s going to happen during the season whether you’re up or down. It’s good to have that in one of your first two games.”
With a 2–0 start secured, Pitt now heads to Morgantown for its first road test against West Virginia next weekend. The hostile environment presents a new challenge, but if Holstein’s accuracy and the defense’s toughness hold up, Narduzzi’s squad will arrive ready to keep the momentum rolling.
(photo courtesy of cbs news)