Nov 223 min read

Louisville, Pitt Hope for Return to Form in Conference Clash

The Louisville Cardinals (6-4, 4-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) are set to host the Pitt Panthers (7-3, 3-3) in a conference battle on Nov.. 23 at 4 p.m. EST in L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Ky. This game could be pivotal in determining bowl placement for the two ACC opponents. Pitt narrowly leads the all-time, head-to-head series 11-9 and won the most recent matchup 38-21 in Pittsburgh last year.

What's at Stake?

Louisville expected to take a step back in head coach Jeff Brohm's second year at the helm after losing much of the production from their 10-win season a year ago. Through nine games, however, they had performed admirably. Louisville earned a spot in the College Football Playoff committee's Top 25 after a dominant win over the No. 17 Clemson Tigers (8-2, 7-1). After a shocking loss to the Stanford Cardinal (3-7, 2-5) in Week 12, though, the excitement around the 2024 Louisville team was greatly dampened. The Cardinals are no longer fighting for a spot in the ACC Championship, but they still have the talent to win out and earn a quality bowl berth.

After a miraculous 7-0 run to start the season, the Panthers have now dropped three games in a row. Still, their turnaround in 2024 has been incredibly impressive after a 3-9 season just a year ago. A win over the Cardinals would keep alive the Panthers' hopes of a 10-win season and give them further belief in the positive direction of the program going forward.

Key Players: Louisville Cardinals

Tyler Shough, Quarterback

Shough has been one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC, ranking third in passing yards per game with 2,774 and throwing 21 touchdowns with just 6 interceptions. The Cardinals' offense has gained notoriety for their talented depth at the running back position, but their offense truly shines when Shough is clicking at the helm. Against a Pitt passing defense that ranks 111th in the country in yards allowed, Shough should have plenty of opportunity to shine.

Ramon Puryear, Defensive Lineman

The senior leader on the defensive line had a quiet game in Louisville's loss to Stanford but will need to rebound quickly. Puryear will be tasked with containing dynamic running back Desmond Reid while slowing down a Pitt passing attack that ranks fourth in the ACC with 284.1 yards per game.

Key Players: Pitt Panthers

Desmond Reid, Running Back

The junior running back has been the key to Pitt's offensive success in 2024. Reid has been unstoppable in both the rushing and receiving attack, and his 157.7 all-purpose yards per game rank fifth nationally. Pitt will need to take full advantage of his versatility to keep up with the high-powered Louisville offense.

Kyle Louis, Linebacker

The sophomore linebacker was electric in the Panthers' loss to Clemson, garnering 7 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. He has 7 sacks on the year to go along with 4 INTs a forced fumble. Louis has been a key part of a Pitt pass rush that averages 8.7 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks per game. The disruptive playmaker will be charged with stifling a Louisville backfield that is deep with explosive talent.

Trends to Watch

Both Pitt and Louisville were penalized 13 times for at least 100 yards in their respective losses a week ago. Both teams have consistently put themselves in positions to win this season. They will need to clean up their sloppy mistakes to earn an important conference victory this week.