Pitt-Central Michigan Preview: Everything You Need to Know
For the first time in history, Pitt football will take on the Central Michigan Chippewas in a non-conference meeting at Acrisure Stadium.
The Panthers are no stranger to facing Mid-American Conference (MAC) teams over the years. This will be the seventh meeting against a MAC team in seven seasons. Pitt is 4-2 in those previous six matchups, including a bowl loss to end last season against Toledo and falling to Western Michigan in 2021.
Pitt Outlook
Pitt is off to a 1-0 start on the 2025 campaign after defeating crosstown foe Duquesne last week, 61-9.
Quarterback Eli Holstein is back for the Panthers as a redshirt sophomore and against the Dukes, he threw a career-high four touchdown passes to go along with 215 yards through the air and an interception.
Two of those touchdown passes were caught by Louisville transfer Cataurus “Blue” Hicks. The speedster showed off his hands with two touchdowns in the end zone, including a smooth one-handed snag.
Desmond Reid showed no signs of rust as a took his first touch on a punt return back for an 88-yard touchdown. In the third quarter, he made a quick cut at the line of scrimmage and flew for a 53-yard rushing touchdown. He totaled 147 all-purpose yards.
Kenny Johnson, Malachi Thomas and freshman Bryce Yates also caught touchdowns passes. Redshirt freshman Juelz Goff scored a 1-yard touchdown.
Defensively, Pitt held Duquesne to 37 yards on the ground. Pitt came up with four sacks, two from returning All-American Kyle Louis, and then one each from Joey Zelinsky and Cameron Lindsey.
With the win, the Panthers put an end to their six-game losing streak that ended the 2024 season for a 7-6 finish.
Duquesne (Northeast Conference)
HEAD COACH
Matt Drinkall (1st season)
Central Michigan becomes Matt Drinkall’s first head coaching job at the Division I level. He joins the Chippewas after six seasons at Army in which he filled a variety of offensive roles from offensive line coach to co-offensive coordinator.
He has 22 years of experience and his last head coaching gig came at Kansas Wesleyan (NAIA) from 2014-19.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN PREVIEW
Central Michigan has posted three consecutive losing season, including a 4-8 mark a year ago.
The Chippewas opened the 2025 campaign with a road win at San Diego State, 16-14. CMU found the end zone just one time thanks to 29-yard run by Trey Cornist in the first quarter. From there, all their points came via field goals and the Chippewas walked away with a win after two late field goal misses from San Jose State. Central Michigan forced three turnovers on defense.
Drinkall has brought over that Army toughness and ground-and-pound offense. The Chippewas will often feature heavy personnel looks, including multiple tight ends.
The Chippewas ran 64 total plays on offense at San Jose State. 51 of them (79%) came on the ground. Another unique layer to the offense is their quarterback usage with three different options.
Joe Labas is their starting quarterback and mainly throws with 10 pass attempts to just two carries on the ground last week. Angel Flores totaled 12 carries for 33 yards on the ground, along with three completions through the air. Redshirt freshman Jadyn Glasser, who stands at 6-2, 230 pounds, only ran with four attempts.
SPREAD
Pitt enters its matchup with Central Michigan as a 21.5-point favorite, according to BetMGM. Pitt is -2500 on the Money line and the over/under is set for 49.5.
GAME TIME
Pitt vs. Central Michigan will start at noon EST at Acrisure Stadium.
TV
You can find Saturday’s game on ESPNU with Brian Custer (play-by-play) and Max Starks (analyst) calling the action.
RADIO
Pitt vs. Central Michigan will be live on 93.7 The Fan as well with Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play), Pat Bostick (analyst) and Dorin Dickerson (sideline) calling the action.
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