PITTSBURGH — Desmond Reid showcased his skills by rushing for 120 yards and scoring two touchdowns, leading No. 22 Pitt to secure a narrow victory over California with a score of 17-15 on Saturday.
The Panthers achieved a flawless record of 6-0 for the first time since 1982, largely thanks to a defensive unit that tallied six sacks, despite the offense struggling throughout the game. Pitt gained only 277 total yards, which is nearly 250 yards less than their season average, and struggled significantly in the second half.
Nevertheless, the Panthers held onto their lead as Cal, now at 3-3 overall and 0-3 in the ACC, squandered multiple late-game opportunities. Ryan Coe attempted a 40-yard field goal to potentially take the lead with just 1:54 left on the clock, but his attempt was a low and off-target shot. Cal regained possession with 44 seconds remaining, yet they were unable to secure a first down, allowing Pitt to achieve bowl eligibility after last year’s disappointing 3-9 record, which prompted head coach Pat Narduzzi to revamp the offensive coaching team.
The recent addition of offensive coordinator Kade Bell, with his fast-paced style, has moved Pitt into a more modern offensive scheme, but throughout most of the game, it was the strong defensive play that made the difference.
Fernando Mendoza from Cal threw for 272 yards and one touchdown. Tight end Jack Endries had a substantial outing with eight receptions totaling 119 yards and a 19-yard touchdown with 10:30 remaining in the game, but the Bears failed to convert a crucial two-point conversion attempt afterward, keeping them winless in the ACC. All three of Cal’s losses in their new conference have come by a mere combined seven points.
Pitt’s redshirt freshman quarterback Eli Holstein faced his first significant challenge of the season, completing only 14 of 28 passes for a total of 133 yards while also throwing two interceptions within Cal territory during the third quarter as the Panthers sought to widen their lead.
Despite this, Reid, who followed Bell from Western Carolina, propelled Pitt to victory alongside some bold play-calling in the first half. Pitt decided to go for it on fourth-and-1 from their own 28 yard line early in the first quarter. Holstein initially seemed to be attempting to draw California offside before reconfiguring the play and handing off to Reid, who dashed 72 yards to score. Additionally, during Pitt’s next possession, kicker Ben Sauls successfully converted a 58-yard field goal, marking the longest made field goal by a college player at Acrisure Stadium.
In terms of performance insights:
Cal: The Bears continued to face misfortune, especially after a late-game collapse the previous week against Miami, often functioning as their own worst enemies. They incurred 12 penalties totaling 110 yards, with eight penalties accounting for 90 yards in just the first half.
Pitt: Coach Narduzzi lamented the team’s recent lack of sacks, which is atypical of the Panthers during his decade-long tenure. In the second half, the defense stepped up remarkably to compensate for an offense that faltered for the first time this season.
Looking at the rankings, the Panthers will likely maintain their spot in the lower end of the top 20 when the new poll is released on Sunday after a frustrating but hard-fought victory.
Next on the schedule for Cal is a matchup against North Carolina State next Saturday, while Pitt will prepare to host Syracuse on Thursday, October 24.