Panther Plunge: What’s Behind Pitt’s 4-Game Losing Streak?

© Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

After a 7-0 start, the Pitt Panthers (7-4, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) have found themselves in an unenviable position, grappling with a skid that has dampened their once-promising season. After their disastrous loss against the Louisville Cardinals (7-5, 5-3),  on Nov. 23, their losing streak has extended to four.

 To understand the reasons behind this downward spiral that started with their Nov. 2 loss to 20th ranked SMU (10-1, 7-1), it's essential to examine the various factors contributing to their recent struggles. Key injuries, defensive lapses and offensive inefficiencies have all played a role in this unfortunate run.

Injuries: A Key Factor Plaguing the Panthers

The Panthers’ slide is due to a confluence of factors, with a big one being injuries piling up as their schedule got tougher. One of the primary reasons for Pitt's losing streak has been injuries to critical players. Most recently, quarterback Eli Holstein suffered a leg injury early against Louisville, significantly impacting the Panthers' offensive rhythm. Holstein's absence forced backup quarterback Nate Yarnell into action once again—he previously had the starting job against No. 17 Clemson (9-2, 7-1). Holstein's injury disrupted the team's offensive chemistry and quickly dashed his team’s hope of ending the skid.

The offensive line has also been hit hard by injuries, losing multiple starters over the past few weeks. Center Lyndon Cooper’s injury during the team’s loss to Clemson is one of the latest reasons for head coach Pat Narduzzi’s employment of 15 offensive line combinations over the past two years. This has further compounded the difficulties for the signal callers, as they have faced increased pressure from opposing defenses. Without a stable offensive line to protect the quarterback and create running lanes, the Panthers' offense has struggled to find consistency.

© Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

Defensive Struggles

Pitt's defense, traditionally a strength of the team, has also shown vulnerabilities during this losing streak. The Panthers have struggled to contain their opponents, allowing big plays that have swung momentum against them. A key factor has been the inability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which has given their opponents ample time to exploit the secondary.

The Panthers have given up an average of 33.3 points per game during this losing streak, not a number any defensive coordinator wants to see. This defensive lapse has put added pressure on the offense to keep up, creating a vicious cycle where both units struggle to complement each other.

Turnovers, Offensive Inefficiencies

Turnovers have been another critical issue for Pitt during their losing streak. The Panthers have committed crucial turnovers at inopportune times, costing them valuable scoring opportunities. Pitt's quarterbacks—Holstein, Yarnell and third-stringer David Lynch—have thrown a combined 7 interceptions in the last four games, for example.

Offensively, the Panthers have struggled to find their rhythm, especially in the red zone. While the team has been able to move the ball between the 20-yard lines, converting those opportunities into points has been a challenge. The only time Pitt reached the end zone against Louisville came in a garbage time touchdown pass from Yarnell to wide receiver Konata Mumpfield in the third quarter. The absence of Holstein at times has been felt acutely in these situations, as his experience and playmaking ability are difficult to replace.

The Pitt Panthers' four-game losing streak is a result of a number of factors. Addressing these issues will be critical for the team to beat Boston College (6-5, 3-4) on Nov. 30 in their regular season finale. Although their earlier hopes for the ACC Championship game and a spot in the College Football Playoff are all but dashed, they can still finish the season on a positive note.