Pitt Panthers Look to Begin Season With Dominating Win

Pitt Panthers Football — © Jaylynn Nash USA TODAY Sports

Pitt football is back on the field, much to the delight of Panthers fans everywhere. Pitt is looking to recover some pride after last season’s 3-9 showing. Pat Narduzzi and company are expecting a significantly different outcome in 2024 and up first are the Kent State Golden Flashes. Pitt is kicking off this redemption tour at noon EST on Aug. 31.

Pitt Led by Defense

Last season, the Pitt Panther’s defense ranked in the top 10 against the run and pass in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The defense created 10 interceptions and forced 6 fumbles, recovering all of them. The Pitt defense will be aggressive, getting after Kent State early and trying to create turnovers. Senior linebacker Donovan McMillon recorded 105 tackles last season and will lead this Pitt squad which will be very stingy against their inferior opponent.

Pitt Key Player

LB Donovan McMillon: 105 tackles and 1 forced fumble in 2023

Kent State Sky Attack

Kent State struggled last season, finding little success on the field. Their lone victory came at the mercy of an FCS opponent. Second-year head coach Kenni Burns will lean heavily on his standout wide receiver Chrishon McCray. McCray had 610 yards and 4 touchdowns last season and was ranked the No. 8 receiver in the Mid-American Conference. Kent State will benefit from consistency on first and second downs and finding mismatches McCray can exploit in the Pitt secondary.

Chrishon McCray Kent State — © Mike Watters USA TODAY Sports

Kent State Key Player

WR Chrishon McCray: 14.9 average per catch and a top 10 WR in the MAC in 2023

Game Outcome

Although both teams are coming off of less-than-stellar campaigns in 2023 they are still in two different weight classes. Pitt will make the game difficult for Kent State in all three phases of the game. The Pitt defense will make passing difficult and their defensive line’s size and strength will find little resistance from the Kent State offensive line. Kent State will find some success in the pass game but not enough to make a difference. Expect to see Pitt earn their first win of the season 35-10.