Ranked 22 Panthers Edge Golden Bears 17-15: 6-0 for the first time since 1982

Tagged under: Gameday Hub, News, Pennsylvania Colleges

Ryan Thielet | October 13, 2024

The game between the Pitt Panthers and the California Golden Bears was a tightly contested battle, with Pitt emerging victorious in a narrow 17-15 win. Pitt’s offense, led by quarterback Eli Holstein, struggled throughout the game, as Holstein threw two interceptions and failed to convert key third downs. However, running back Desmond Reid provided crucial offensive highlights with two rushing touchdowns. Pitt’s defense played a pivotal role in keeping them in the game, especially as the Golden Bears threatened late. Cal had a chance to steal the victory with a game-winning field goal, but a missed 40-yard attempt sealed the win for Pitt, who remained undefeated, improving to 6-0 for the first time since 1982.

The Panthers received the ball in the first quarter to start the game. However, their opening drive was uneventful, ending in a quick three-and-out, giving possession to the Golden Bears. Cal took over at their 25-yard line and marched 75 yards down the field in a 10-play drive, capped by a 21-yard rushing touchdown from Jaivian Thomas. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving Cal with a 6-0 lead at 8:56 in the first quarter. The Panthers responded swiftly, with Desmon Reid scoring a 5-yard rushing touchdown, giving Pitt a 7-6 lead with 5:08 left in the first quarter. The Panthers’ defense then stifled the Golden Bears’ next drive, forcing a punt. The Panthers held onto the ball as the first quarter ended, with the score standing at 7-6 in their favor.

At the start of the second quarter, the Panthers quickly extended their lead with another rushing touchdown from Desmond Reid, making it 14-6 with 14:49 left in the half. The Golden Bears regained possession but could not score on their ensuing drive. The Panthers then added to their lead on their next possession, though it wasn’t easy—Ben Sauls kicked a 58-yard field goal, tying a record and putting Pitt ahead 17-6 with 10:04 remaining. Cal responded with a 39-yard field goal by kicker Ryan Coe, narrowing the gap to 17-9. This would be the final score of the half, with the Panthers leading 17-9 at halftime.

The third quarter was a tough one for both offenses, as each team struggled against the opposing defense. Eli Holstein threw two interceptions, which allowed the Golden Bears to stay within reach, but they couldn’t capitalize on the turnovers. Neither team managed to put points on the board during the quarter, as both defenses dominated, keeping the score locked and setting the stage for a tense final quarter with a score of 17-9.

The fourth quarter quickly became tense as the Golden Bears closed the gap with a touchdown, a passing score caught by Jack Endries at the 10:23 mark. Cal once again failed on a two-point conversion attempt, leaving the score at 17-15 in Pitt’s favor. On the Panthers’ next drive, their offense stalled, handing the ball right back to Cal. As the Golden Bears drove down the field, tension-filled Acrisure Stadium, with Pitt fans fearing a late-game upset. However, the Panthers’ defense came through, forcing a crucial fourth down at their own 22-yard line. This set up what could have been a game-winning 40-yard field goal for Cal, but Ryan Coe shanked the attempt, sealing Pitt’s 17-15 victory and pushing them to a 6-0 record.

For the first time since Dan Marino was QB1, the Pitt Panthers are 6-0 on the season. This victory was a testament to the strength of Pitt’s defense, which stepped up in a big way when the offense struggled. Despite quarterback Eli Holstein’s tough day, running back Desmond Reid continued his stellar season, rushing for over 100 yards and scoring two touchdowns. With their second bye week coming up, the Panthers will have some time to rest before hosting the Syracuse Orange in a crucial ACC Thursday night matchup.

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