Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 7th 2024

Preview and Prediction

Cincinnati received a boost this week leading up to its highly anticipated "River City Rivalry" game against Pittsburgh.

Dontay Corleone, a redshirt junior defensive tackle and a 2022 All-American, was given the green light by the Cincinnati medical staff after being treated for blood clots in his lungs in June. He was named a preseason All-Big 12 selection this fall and was able to fully participate in practice on Tuesday for the first time this season. His availability for Saturday's game against the Panthers will be determined later in the week.

"I am thrilled to be back on the field with my teammates," Corleone stated. "I will continue to lead both on and off the field. Over the past few months, I have worked tirelessly to make a comeback."

The Bearcats (1-0) could benefit from Corleone's return to the defensive line after giving up 435 yards of total offense to FCS Towson in a 38-20 victory last Saturday. The team had some sloppy moments and allowed several big plays in the first half.

According to Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi, "He is an exceptional football player. He was sidelined during the summer, but I anticipate Dontay to make a comeback. I believe he will be back for us."

The Panthers (1-0), who were upset by the Bearcats at home last year, have implemented a no-huddle spread offense to increase their production from 2023. This new approach resulted in 570 yards in a 55-24 win over Kent State last week, marking Pitt's highest single-game output since their 2021 ACC title season.

In his collegiate debut, redshirt freshman quarterback Eli Holstein threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Desmond Reid, a second team All-American at FCS Western Carolina last year, amassed 234 all-purpose yards in his first FBS game. Reid scored twice, including a 78-yard punt return touchdown.

Narduzzi commented, "A win is a win is a win. We will make the necessary adjustments. The guys are very receptive to coaching, and I am pleased with their attitude at the moment. We will now shift our focus to a formidable Cincinnati football team."

PREDICTION

Pittsburgh Panthers

Cincinnati Bearcats

Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Recap SEP 7TH 2024

Ben Sauls converted a 35-yard field goal with 17 seconds left to cap a dramatic 22-point comeback and lift the visiting Pittsburgh Panthers to a stunning 28-27 win over the Cincinnati Bearcats in the "River City Rivalry" on Saturday.

It was Pitt's largest comeback since Oct. 9, 1971, when they trailed Navy 35-10 at halftime and rallied for a 36-35 win.

The Bearcats (1-1) built a 27-6 lead before a furious fourth-quarter charge from the Panthers (2-0), who were led by Desmond Reid. The running back had 148 yards on 19 carries and six catches for 106 yards, including a 56-yard catch-and-run score over the middle that trimmed the Pitt deficit to 27-25 with 5:40 remaining in regulation.

Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein was 20 of 35 for 302 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He connected with Konata Mumpfield on five receptions for 123 yards and two scores.

Brendan Sorsby threw three touchdown passes and finished 22 of 38 for 298 yards while Corey Kiner ran for 149 yards on 20 carries to lead Cincinnati.

The Bearcats had a chance to seal the game with a defensive stop on third-and-4 from the Pittsburgh 26, but delay of game was called on defensive lineman Kam Wilson, giving the Panthers new life.

Pitt drove to the Cincinnati 17, where Sauls made his third field goal of the game to put the Panthers ahead for the first time with 17 seconds left.

After a touchback on the ensuing kickoff, Sorsby completed one pass for 6 yards, then was sacked by Nate Matlack. On the game's final play, Sorsby completed a pass to Kiner for eight yards and his fumble was recovered by Javon McIntyre.

The game featured the return of Cincinnati standout nose tackle Dontay Corleone, who was sidelined this summer with blood clots in his lungs. He alternated defensive series in the first half as his snap count and game conditioning was closely monitored.

Corleone made a big stop for no gain on third down in the fourth quarter before Pitt made it a one-score game on the next play, a 38-yard Holstein-to-Mumpfield touchdown strike on fourth-and-3 with 10:41 left in the fourth.

After a Cincinnati punt on the opening series, the Panthers drove down the field to the Cincinnati 26. On second-and-7, Holstein threw a pass down the seam that was picked off in the end zone by Josh Minkins.

Cincinnati stopped Pitt on the opening drive of the second half, allowing Sorsby to march the Bearcats 58 yards in 10 plays, capped off by a 16-yard pass over the middle to Ohio State transfer tight end Joe Royer.

The Bearcats led 24-6 and made it 27-6 with 4:50 left in the third quarter on Carter Brown's second field goal of the day from 26 yards.