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Mason Heintschel has thrown seven passes deeper than 20 yards down field and Eli Holstein had significantly more. Pitt isn't taking as many shots, but they are still creating explosive plays.
Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: Mason Heintschel has thrown seven passes deeper than 20 yards down field and Eli Holstein had significantly more. Does Pitt have a chance to make the ACC Championship Game? Five teams in the ACC are unbeaten but will play against each other. Brett McMurphy thinks Matt Rhule and Curt Cignetti are two candidates at PSU. McMurphy said Penn State has more resources and all the above, how long can it continue at Indiana?
From Mason Heintschel and Eli Holstein to a complete game, the run game and more, Pat Narduzzi touched on a lot of topics at his weekly press conference on Monday, and we're breaking down six of the most interesting things he said on today's Morning Pitt.
Pitt took down Boston College 48-7 on Saturday in Mason Heintschel's first career start. A true freshman QB had the offense humming way more than Eli Holstein had in more than a year.
Eli Holstein has been compromised to a permanent end. Mason Heintschel steps in to pummel Boston College, 48-7. Penn State lost to a winless UCLA team. Zack & Ian are here to recap an amazing weekend for Pitt fans. If you liked the podcast, be sure to follow us on Twitter or Bluesky and rate us on your podcast app of choice! It helps out the show tremendously. Hosted & Produced by Zack Kaminski, who writes on Substack and has been featured on Meet at Midfield. Co-hosted by Ian Labatch and Mason Kling. Podcast Art & Logo were commissioned from friend of the show Birdblitz.Contact us by email at semplefipodcast@gmail.com
Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' 48-7 win over Boston College on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. What went into coach Pat Narduzzi's decision to bench Eli Holstein and put in true freshman Mason Heintschel? And why was Heintschel able to have success? How was Heintschel able to rally the whole team around him? What kind of trickle-down effect did that have on the rest of the roster? And what does this say about the freshman QB heading into next week's much tougher task — at Florida State? Our duo answers those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This is a must win game for Pitt against a down Boston College team. The offense has been Pitt's biggest problem. Pitt has turned the ball over in the red zone. Stephen thinks Eli Holstein has been more good than bad this season, but hasn't been good in critical areas. Stephen grades Eli Holstein with a C+ or C-.
Hour 2 with Donny Football: Ray doesn't expect the Steelers to add a wide receiver at this point. "They like Calvin Austin as a No. 2 receiver." Jakobi Meyers for a mid-round pick would make some sense, but Ray thinks adding another big mouth to feed is difficult for Arthur Smith. This is a must win game for Pitt against a down Boston College team. Eli Holstein earns a C+ or C- from Stephen's report.
Some Mullsy Moles have suggested that Eli Holstein is not going to start tomorrow against Boston College and freshman Mason Heintshel will play instead. Pitt spent a lot of money to keep Holstein and are now apparently moving on after 4 games. Holstein has thrown five interceptions this season so far, if he sits, Mullsy says this has been a failure.
Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable preview the Panthers' noon contest on Saturday against Boston College at Acrisure Stadium. Is this a must-win game for the Panthers after their disappointing defeat to Louisville last week? Should we believe coach Pat Narduzzi when he says he's sticking with Eli Holstein as his starting quarterback? Will electrifying All-American Desmond Reid play after sitting out last week and most of the Backyard Brawl? What does the decision to redshirt Censere Lee and Keith Gouveia mean for the future of the Panthers offense? Stephen and Abby also break down all you need to know about Boston College. How can the Panthers get to QB Dylan Lonergan and his favorite WRs Lewis Bond and Reed Harris? Will Pitt have a chance to execute against the Eagles' lackluster red-zone defense? And how can the offense take advantage of the hole left behind by Donovan Ezeiruaku, who now plays for the Cowboys in the NFL? Our duo answers those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Eli Holstein is still the starter for Pitt against Boston College. Holstein has a "normal" leash. Jeff thinks this is a huge game for the Panthers. Jeff does think a two-loss Penn State team can make the playoff. How do the Penguins approach this?
Hour 4 with Bob Pompeani: The MLB playoffs are underway. Mason Miller threw a 104 mph pitch against Chicago. 93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Eli Holstein is still the starter for Pitt against Boston College. Holstein has a "normal" leash. Jeff thinks this is a huge game for the Panthers. Jeff does think a two-loss Penn State team can make the playoff.
Pitt loses again. If you liked the podcast, be sure to follow us on Twitter or Bluesky and rate us on your podcast app of choice! It helps out the show tremendously. Hosted & Produced by Zack Kaminski, who writes on Substack and has been featured on Meet at Midfield. Co-hosted by Ian Labatch and Mason Kling. Podcast Art & Logo were commissioned from friend of the show Birdblitz.Contact us by email at semplefipodcast@gmail.com
Post-Gazette insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable tackle the biggest questions around Pitt football following an ugly loss to Louisville over the weekend. Does coach Pat Narduzzi have a QB controversy on his hands amid Eli Holstein's recent struggles? When could we see more of Cole Gonzales or Mason Heinstchel? What's the plan at left guard after Kieth Goueva went down with a season-ending injury? And what should fans make of concerning quotes from the Cardinals' D'Angelo Hutchinson and co-DC Ron English about facing Pitt and what worked for them in their Acrisure Stadium victory? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' 34-27 loss to Louisville on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. What went wrong for Pat Narduzzi's team after the Panthers leapt out to a 17-0 lead in the early going? What's next for the quarterback position in Kade Bell's offense after Eli Holstein was benched in the fourth quarter? Could we really see Cole Gonzales or even freshman Mason Heintschel start over him? How can the Panthers clean up many of the issues that plagued them against the Cardinals, including penalties and a lack of execution, especially on third downs? Where do the Panthers stand injury-wise? And what does this loss in their ACC opener mean for them going forward? Our duo answers those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable continue to sort through the issues the Panthers' Backyard Brawl loss to West Virginia revealed. And look ahead to the start of ACC play this week against the Louisville Cardinals. Was Pat Narduzzi's coaching or player execution the bigger issue against the Mountaineers? Can fans reasonably expect the team to improve when veterans like QB Eli Holstein and OL Lyndon Cooper are the guys making the big mistakes? Are there any personnel changes Narduzzi, OC Kade Bell or DC Randy Bates should consider this week? What's Desmond Reid's status at RB? And how does our duo see the WR situation playing out with Blue Hicks and others? Stephen and Abby tackle those questions and more. Try ZipRecruiter for FREE at ZipRecruiter.com/audio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Zack, Mason, and Ian are crashing out over last week's debacle in Morgantown. The Pat Narduzzi Dilemma (2022): https://meetatmidfield.com/pat-narduzzi-dilemma-pitt-panthers-football/ If you liked the podcast, be sure to follow us on Twitter or Bluesky and rate us on your podcast app of choice! It helps out the show tremendously. Hosted & Produced by Zack Kaminski, who writes on Substack and has been featured on Meet at Midfield. Co-hosted by Ian Labatch and Mason Kling. Podcast Art & Logo were commissioned from friend of the show Birdblitz.Contact us by email at semplefipodcast@gmail.com
Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable go through who's lived up to expectations and who's underwhelmed them through the first three games of the Panthers' season. Which young players have taken advantage of their newfound playing time and carved out a role for themselves? How have Deuce Spann and Bryce Yates helped to elevate Pitt's passing game? How has Zach Crothers found production along the defensive front? And, on the other side of the spectrum, who hasn't lived up to expectations this season? Should fans expect more from All-American Kyle Louis and the Pitt linebackers? What about Lyndon Cooper on an offensive line that has struggled to protect the quarterback and open running lanes for Desmond Reid? What can get Kenny Johnson going in the receiver corps? And where does Eli Holstein fit into this discussion? Our duo answers those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
After struggling in Pitt's loss at West Virginia on Saturday, quarterback Eli Holstein has to make some much-needed improvement to help the Panthers going forward. What do we make of his play so far this season and in his career? And do Pat Narduzzi and Kade Bell have a big decision to make? All that and more in today's Morning Pitt.
Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable sort through an ugly Backyard Brawl loss to West Virginia for the Panthers and how coach Pat Narduzzi and Co. can bounce back ahead of ACC play. Can coordinators Kade Bell and Randy Bates get the penalties cleaned up? What's the latest on the health of RB Desmond Reid and DB Cruce Brookins? Can Bell get QB Eli Holstein back into rhythm with some easy throws to names like Kenny Johnson and Blue Hicks? And what are the other biggest concerns that need to be rectified? From mental errors along the offensive line to the secondary's shaky play? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' 31-24 overtime loss to West Virginia on Saturday in the 108th edition of the Backyard Brawl. How did the Panthers let this game slip away in such embarrassing fashion, when they had so many chances to win? Did coach Pat Narduzzi fail to prepare his team for the rivalry game environment? How can the Panthers clean up the penalties that plagued them in Morgantown? And how can Eli Holstein and the offense capitalize on the many trips to the red zone they squandered on Saturday? Does the defense's performance leave any positives to glean from Saturday's game? How will injuries to Desmond Reid and a variety of defenders affect the Panthers heading into ACC play? And did fatigue play a part in the Panthers crumbling late? Our duo answers those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey joins host Adam Bittner to sort through the controversy surrounding the future of the Backyard Brawl rivalry between Pitt and West Virginia. Who shares more blame for the future for the series going on hiatus? Pat Narduzzi, Allen Greene and the Panthers? Or Rich Rodriguez, Wren Baker and the Mountaineers? Would both teams benefit from some non-conference scheduling flexibility? Or should this game be played every year? And how should College Football Playoff resume conversations influence the conversation? Our duo tackles those questions and more before the teams square off Saturday. How much pressure will Narduzzi be under if Pitt loses the game as a 7.5-point favorite? How encouraged should fans be by a possible 3-0 start for the Panthers? And who will prove to be the hero for Pitt on Saturday? Eli Holstein? Braylan Lovelace? Desmond Reid? Or someone else?
Nate thinks this will be the best road atmosphere Eli Holstein and Kade Bell have worked in. Desmond Reid is one of the most dynamic players in college football. A big special teams play can be the difference. Pitt's linebackers play 95% of the snaps. The offensive line hasn't had a great push through the first two days and Nate thinks that's where a ton of questions are.
Hour 2 with Donny Football: Teryl Austin said he thought his defense was physically dominated against Baltimore, but didn't think that against the Jets. The Steelers have given up 100 or more yards rushing in 10 of their last 20 games. Keeanu Benton hasn't shown what it takes to play nose tackle. Nate thinks this will be the best atmosphere Eli Holstein and Kade Bell have worked in. The offensive line hasn't had a great push through the first two games.
Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable preview the Backyard Brawl between heated rivals Pitt and West Virginia. What are the keys to the game from both sides? How is West Virginia sorting out its quarterback situation between Nicco Marchiol and Jaylen Henderson after a lifeless performance last week vs. Ohio? Will the Mountaineers find production on the ground after their star running back Jahiem White was lost for the season due to injury? How will the Pitt secondary do against Mountaineers star receiver Cam Vaughn? On the offensive side of the ball for Pitt, are Eli Holstein and his unit ready for Saturday's bitter rivalry game? What kind of challenges does the stout West Virginia defense pose for the Panthers? Will Desmond Reid be able to find space to make plays on the road? Stephen and Abby also make their game picks and give predictions for Saturday's contests.
Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable react postgame after the Panthers' 45-17 win over Central Michigan on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. What led to QB Eli Holstein having another solid game statistically, and should fans be concerned about some turnover snafus leading into tougher games like next week's Backyard Brawl and the ensuing ACC schedule? How was the Pitt defense, with names like Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles, able to stop Central Michigan's potent rushing attack led by Trey Cornist and Nahree Biggins? How will the emergence of players like Poppi Williams and Blue Hicks help the WR depth behind Kenny Johnson? And what allowed the defensive line depth to show with big performances from guys like Zach Crothers? Our duo answers those questions and more.
Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey joins host Adam Bittner to react to Pitt football's season-opening beating of Duquesne and look ahead to a Week 2 matchup with Central Michigan. Is Eli Holstein proving he belongs in the conversation with Miami's Carson Beck and Clemson's Cade Klubnik as the best QBs in the ACC? Should coach Pat Narduzzi and OC Kade Bell be concerned about the lack of rushing production beyond Desmond Reid? What does Duquesne receiver Joey Isabella's big day mean for the Pitt secondary? And why was Blue Hicks among the standouts at receiver for Jason? Our duo tackles those questions and more.
Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable look ahead to the Panthers' matchup against Central Michigan on Saturday. After a dominant performance by Eli Holstein against Duquesne in their season opener, how will he react to the Chippewas defense? Should Kyle Louis be concerned about the run game? How will Kade Bell use the receiving group to keep his offense on the field? And what do Javon McIntyre and Pitt's defense need to do to avoid challenges created by Central Michigan's offense? Our duo tackles those questions and shares their game picks for this matchup.
We're back with the weekly episodes, baby. We're proud to announce Ian Labatch (da Pitt Pope) as Semple Fi's new third mic #ThankYouKent as we recap Pitt's 61-9 win over Duquesne, preview their Week 2 matchup against CMU (not Carnegie Mellon), and talk the CFB slate in Week 2. Boogie time. If you liked the podcast, be sure to follow us on Twitter or Bluesky and rate us on your podcast app of choice! It helps out the show tremendously. Hosted & Produced by Zack Kaminski, who writes on Substack and has been featured on Meet at Midfield. Co-hosted by Ian Labatch and Mason Kling. Podcast Art & Logo were commissioned from friend of the show Birdblitz.Contact us by email at semplefipodcast@gmail.com
Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable react to the Panthers' 61-9 season-opening win over crosstown rival Duquesne. What can we learn about Pat Narduzzi's team after a blowout win over an inferior opponent? Is Eli Holstein back to his best after starting last season hot and petering off at the end because of injuries? Is Desmond Reid already staking his claim to another All-American season? Will the special teams give the Panthers a boost this season after Reid's punt return TD and Kenny Johnson's long kick return? And what can the defense led by Kyle Louis take from this contest into games against more challenging opponents in the ACC? Our duo answers those questions and more.
Semple Fi's 2025 Pitt Panther Season Preview, with friends of the show Stephen Thompson (Post-Gazette) and Dom Campbell (On SI).Find the written version of this preview on Substack. If you liked the podcast, be sure to follow us on Twitter or Bluesky and rate us on your podcast app of choice! It helps out the show tremendously. Hosted & Produced by Zack Kaminski, who writes on Substack and has been featured on Meet at Midfield. Co-hosted by Ian Labatch and Mason Kling. Podcast Art & Logo were commissioned from friend of the show Birdblitz.Contact us by email at semplefipodcast@gmail.com
Today's case: Will Pitt win more than 6.5 games?
Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable react to the team's Week 1 depth chart, revealed by coach Pat Narduzzi on Monday. How should fans feel about the starting offensive line of tackles Jeff Persi and Ryan Baer; guards Keith Gouveia and B.J. Williams; and center Lyndon Cooper? Are Kenny Johnson, Blue Hicks and Poppi Williams Jr. prepared to fill the void left by CJ Lee? Does the defense have enough linebacker depth behind and Braylan Lovelace? And how is the secondary shaping up? Our duo ponders those questions, plus reasonable expectations for QB Eli Holstein as he begins his second season as the starter in OC Kade Bell's offense.
Pitt man Pat Bostick joined the show. Pat, part of the broadcast booth for Pitt football, will also be the new host for the Pat Narduzzi Show this season. Pat said there are a number of reasons why Kenny Pickett has struggled in the NFL. Pat isn't writing off the rest of his career, citing what he did in Philly. Pat doesn't rule out Pickett having a career turnaround like Baker Mayfield or Geno Smith, but said ‘a lot would have to go right.' Pat thinks the trials and tribulations Pickett went through at Pitt made him prepared for being moved around in the NFL. The guys asked Pat about the Panthers going into 2025 and what we could see from Eli Holstein this season. Pat is excited for another college football season. He gave his Steelers season prediction and had them winning a game.
The Steelers have released Robert Woods, who never suited up in a regular season game with the team. A few friends of Aaron Rodgers got cut today and could be on their way to Pittsburgh. Adam Schefter reported today that the Raiders do not intend on trading Jakobi Meyers, despite the player asking for that yesterday. There is another receiver who may be available that is coming off a pretty good season. Pitt man Pat Bostick joined the show. Pat, part of the broadcast booth for Pitt football, will also be the new host for the Pat Narduzzi Show this season. Pat said there are a number of reasons why Kenny Pickett has struggled in the NFL. Pat isn't writing off the rest of his career, citing what he did in Philly. Pat doesn't rule out Pickett having a career turnaround like Baker Mayfield or Geno Smith, but said ‘a lot would have to go right.' Pat thinks the trials and tribulations Pickett went through at Pitt made him prepared for being moved around in the NFL. The guys asked Pat about the Panthers going into 2025 and what we could see from Eli Holstein this season. Pat is excited for another college football season. He gave his Steelers season prediction and had them winning a game. Black & Gold Auction House – Round 5.
Wes Durham, thinks Clemson can stay in the top five all year. Wes thinks a lot of the verbiage around Pitt being 9th in the ACC preseason poll is with how the season ended. Wes thinks we will know who Pitt is in the first month to build trust. Wes thinks Eli Holstein being picked 12th is someone not knowing the league. Wes thinks there are 12-14 teams that can win the national championship.
Hour 4 with Jason Mackey: Bubba Chandler is being promoted and could make his MLB debut out of the bullpen. The Pirates are scheduled to pitch him in a bulk relief role. There is a different mentality out of the bullpen Chandler will need and has to always attack hitters. Pitt has named its captains. Desmond Reid, Kyle Louis, Eli Holstein, and the secondary is key. How do you replace Ben Sauls?
Hour 2 with Jason Mackey: Ray Fittipaldo thinks the Steelers would be ok in the short term with Yahya Black in the short term. Black has the potential to be a solid player. Calvin Austin hasn't practiced or done much in the last three weeks. Pat Narduzzi said the maturity level is different for this team and the players. Pat thinks the secondary is deep and some people don't talk enough about them and also Eli Holstein. Narduzzi thinks Dez Reid is the toughest guy on the team.
Jason Mackey is in for Joe and Bob and is live from the Pitt Football Kickoff Luncheon. The expectations for Dez Reed and Kyle Louis are very high and are both preseason All-Americans. All eyes are on Eli Holstein for another year for his second season as a starter with OC Kade Bell. The Steelers are clearly thin on the defensive line and if they lose a starter, like Derrick Harmon, it's going to be an issue.
Pat Narduzzi said the maturity level is different for this team and the players. The mentality and mental toughness of being "locked in" is there. Narduzzi appreciates how players are taking ownership. Pat thinks the secondary is deep and some people don't talk enough about them and also Eli Holstein. Narduzzi thinks Dez Reid is the toughest guy on the team. Should Bubba Chandler start in the rotation or bullpen?
Pitt has named its captains. Austin has questions at wide receiver and Jason thinks they can surprise some people. Dez Reid, Kyle Louis, Eli Holstein, and the secondary is key. How do you replace Ben Sauls?
Hour 4 with Joe Starkey and Jeff Hathhorn: Kyle Lewis is a preseason All-American who can be a star for the Panthers. Eli Holstein is in his second season for Pitt. Jeff believes Pitt can win 8-9 games. The Big Ten is discussing a 28 game College Football Playoff. No. 2 receiver isn't as much of a topic with Jonnu Smith.
Kyle Lewis is a preseason All-American who can be a star for the Panthers. Eli Holstein is in his second season for Pitt. Jeff believes Pitt can win 8-9 games. Jeff thinks Pitt people are relatively confident with their spot in the ACC. The Big Ten is discussing a 28 game College Football Playoff. We want to see Roman Wilson and Jaylen Warren have big games.
Should there be hype or concern for Eli Holstein? What is Pitt's deepest position? Who is the Panthers' best college linebacker since 2001? All that and more in this week's Morning Pitt Mailbag.
Paul Catalina breaks down five teams flying under the radar heading into the 2025 college football season. From a revitalized Iowa State squad with Rocco Becht and a confident Matt Campbell, to a loaded Duke team led by $4 million QB Darian Mensah and Manny Diaz's upgraded defense this list goes beyond the usual playoff contenders. We also spotlight TCU's high-potential offense under Josh Hoover, Pitt's hopes riding on Eli Holstein, and a quietly dangerous Illinois team returning key starters. Don't miss this dive into programs that could shake up the Power 5 landscape this fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pitt Football head coach Pat Narduzzi and Pitt Football QB Eli Holstein come on with Adam Crowley to talk about what they expect from themselves and their team for the upcoming 2025 season!
The Athletic ranked every starting quarterback in the country this week. Where does Pitt's Eli Holstein check in? And how does he compare to the rest of the ACC? We're talking about Holstein's place in the conference on today's Morning Pitt.
Could Eli Holstein have a monster year? Who is footing the bill for the back pay? Which underrated WPIAL recruit could be the best? And what's up with the comically oversized hat? Answers to those questions and more in this week's Morning Pitt Mailbag.
Bud Elliot sits down with Panther-Lair's Chris Peak to preview Pitt's 2025 season. (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:00) - Vibe Heading Into 2025 (00:02:30) - Offensive Changes (00:04:30) - Eli Holstein (00:06:15) - Wide Receivers & Offensive Line (00:09:00) - Desmond Reid (00:11:30) - Defensive Changes (00:13:55) - Secondary (00:16:00) - Recruiting Style (00:21:10) - Defensive Name To Know (00:23:30) - 2025 Expectations Cover 3 is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest in sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos for betting on college football. Watch Cover 3 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cover3 Follow our hosts on Twitter: @Chip_Patterson, @TomFornelli, @DannyKanell, @BudElliott3 For more college football coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's Morning Pitt Mailbag, we're taking questions on how transfers develop, whether there's a panic level with Eli Holstein and a lot more. Plus: a send-off to long-time Pitt SID E.J. Borghetti.