Narduzzi Calls for Recognition After Panthers’ Victory

Pat Narduzzi, head coach of the Pittsburgh Panthers, has a pointed message for the college football top-25 voters: it’s time to pay attention.

His remarks came after the Panthers secured a nail-biting 35-33 away win against Virginia Tech, who had been unbeaten until that point, bringing their record to 5-0.

“We have a really strong football team,” Narduzzi stated in his postgame interview with ESPN. “Maybe if those voters would just wake up, they might start to see that.”

This brings up an interesting discussion, particularly given Pitt’s now unblemished record this season.

Despite being one of the few undefeated teams left, the Panthers still find themselves outside the Associated Press Top 25, having garnered just 52 points in the latest poll.

Conversely, Virginia Tech was not ranked either, though they were closer, with 86 points.

Pitt faced a tough environment in Blacksburg, yet managed to pull off a victory through a thrilling game.

The match was quite eventful, starting with Virginia Tech racing to a 14-0 lead. Pitt finally scored with only 10 seconds remaining in the first quarter, keeping their hopes alive. They nearly entered halftime down by 10 points but managed to score just before the break, narrowing Virginia Tech’s lead to 24-21.

The Panthers took their first lead shortly into the third quarter, expanding it to 35-24 with just under 14 minutes left in the game, but the Hokies countered with a safety soon after.

As the game wound down, both teams exchanged plays without changing the score, leaving it at 35-33.

Despite being outgained in total yardage—499 to 295—Pitt’s defense forced four turnovers, playing a crucial role in their victory.

In the final moments, Virginia Tech kicker John Love attempted a field goal for the win but it was ruled wide left, even though many, including Love himself, initially thought it was good.

Coach James Franklin of Virginia Tech expressed uncertainty about the call during a postgame discussion. “From my viewpoint, I thought it was going to go in,” he said. “But at the end of the day, they ruled it no good, and that’s what counts.”

Ja’Kyrian Turner led Pitt’s rushing attack with 65 yards and a touchdown, while Cataurus Hicks contributed two touchdown receptions, leading in receiving yards with 65.

This victory marks the Panthers’ first 5-0 start since 1991, and they’re already three wins ahead of their total from last year’s 8-5 season.

This season, Pitt has also recorded victories against UCF and Syracuse, and they scored 59 points in games against both Miami (Ohio) and Bucknell.