Youngstown State Hopes to Spoil Pitt’s Perfect Season Start
Youngstown State Hopes to Spoil Pitt’s Perfect Season Start
This Saturday, the Youngstown State Penguins will travel to Acrisure Stadium to face off against the undefeated Pitt Panthers. Pitt enters the game with a 3-0 record for the first time since 2020, but history shows the Penguins have given the Panthers trouble in the past, including a 28-21 overtime game in 2017 and an upset victory in 2012.
Pitt: The Freshman Standout and Dynamic Offense
Pitt’s offense is led by standout freshman quarterback Eli Holstein, who has already made history as the first Pitt freshman to pass for 300 yards in three consecutive games. Holstein ranks among the national leaders with nine touchdown passes and over 313 passing yards per game, making him a key player to watch.
The Panthers have also found success on the ground, where running back Desmond Reid has rushed for 333 yards and added 167 receiving yards. Senior wideout Konata Mumpfield has been a consistent target for Holstein, hauling in 16 catches for 255 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite their offensive firepower, head coach Pat Narduzzi is demanding more from his team. "We can’t keep relying on winning without playing our best. We’ve got to clean it up," Narduzzi said in his pregame press conference, stressing the importance of playing a complete game.
YSU: Controlling the Clock and Grounding the Offense
The Penguins, led by head coach Doug Phillips, will aim to slow down Pitt’s explosive offense by sticking to their strength: controlling the game with a ground-heavy attack. YSU currently leads the nation in time of possession, averaging an impressive 37 minutes and 18 seconds per game. Quarterback Beau Brungard has been a dual-threat, rushing for 315 yards through three games while also showing efficiency in the passing game. Tailback Tyshon King has chipped in with three rushing touchdowns, making YSU’s run game a potent weapon.
However, Phillips knows his team will need to eliminate mistakes to compete with the Panthers. "We can’t make the mistakes we made this past Saturday. When there are opportunities to score touchdowns, we have to capitalize," Phillips stated, reflecting on their recent 28-25 loss to Duquesne, where they squandered a 17-7 lead.
Key Matchups to Watch
YSU’s Offensive Line vs. Pitt’s Defensive Front: YSU’s offensive line, with 125 career starts, will have to protect Brungard from a Pitt defense that loves to bring pressure. Pitt linebacker Kyle Louis, who had 13 tackles and a game-sealing interception against West Virginia, will be key in containing YSU’s rushing attack. The Panthers' defense prides itself on being aggressive, and Louis is emerging as one of the ACC’s top defenders with 27 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and five quarterback hurries.
Pitt’s Offense vs. YSU’s Ball Control: Pitt’s high-powered offense, averaging 345 yards per game, will have to contend with YSU’s ability to control the clock. YSU will look to keep the ball out of Holstein’s hands and force Pitt into a low-possession game, relying on their strong running game to dictate the tempo.
The Significance of the Game
While the Panthers are heavily favored, Narduzzi isn’t taking this game lightly, particularly given his personal ties to Youngstown State, where he once played and his father coached. "It’s significant for me, but I’m not playing the game. The players need to focus on the game," Narduzzi remarked.
For YSU, this game represents another opportunity to challenge a top-tier FBS opponent. Phillips knows the significance of playing a major program like Pitt, noting, "This game Saturday is going to make us better. It’s going to prepare us better for our league."
Final Thoughts
Both teams have something to prove this weekend. Pitt, looking to continue their undefeated streak, must avoid a letdown and play a complete game. YSU, meanwhile, will try to capitalize on its strengths and pull off another upset in the series. If the Penguins can control the clock and limit mistakes, this could be another close encounter between these two programs. However, Pitt’s explosive offense and emerging young talent make them a tough team to beat, especially at home.