It’s a top 25 matchup in the ACC when #21 Pitt Panthers (2-0) welcome the #24 Louisville Cardinals (1-1) to Heinz Field Saturday noon est. on the ACC Network. The Panthers are coming off a 21-10 win against Syracuse while the Cardinals were outscored by Miami 47-34.
This game is only the second in the ACC with Pitt winning 45-34 in 2015. Pitt leads the overall series 9-8. If the Panthers win, it would be the first time since 2014 that they started 3-0. Head coach Pat Narduzzi is looking for his 25th victory in ACC play. The third-highest win total since 2015. Only Clemson (39) and Miami (26) have more.
The Panthers will look to eliminate some of the costly mistakes they made last week against Syracuse. Pitt turned the ball over twice (a fumble and an interception) and committed seven penalties for 70 yards.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett went 25/36 for 215 yards and two touchdowns for the Panthers. Running back Vincent Davis had 17 carries for 66 yards. Receivers Jared Wayne and Jordan Addison each had a touchdown reception for the Panthers.
Through two games, Pickett has completed nearly 70% of his passes (39/56) for 492 yards and three touchdowns and just one interception. Pickett is 7th in Pitt history of all-time passing yards.
On defense, the Panthers are first nationally against the run, only allowing 26.0 yards a game. They are third in total defense with 154.0 yards allowed. Preseason All-American defensive back Paris Ford already has two interceptions on the year for Pitt.
For the Louisville Cardinals, this is the first game on the road in the young 2020 season. Despite losing their ACC opener last week, quarterback Malik Cunningham went 26/36 for 307 yards and three touchdowns. Cunningham on the year is 45/70 for 650 yards and six touchdowns with two interceptions.
Running back Javian Hawkins had 27 carries for 164 yards. It was his ninth career 100-yard rushing game and his third against a ranked opponent.
Wide Receiver Tutu Atwell had eight receptions and two scores, his fourth career multi-touchdown game. Despite the 516 total offense the Cardinals had, they were only 4-14 on third down. They also committed seven penalties for 70 yards and turned the ball over three times. Like the Panthers, they look to limit the mistakes.
Linebacker Monty Montgomery has ten tackles and two sacks on the year for the Cardinals. Head coach Scott Satterfield is in his second year and is looking for his 10th win with the Cardinals.
