Pitt Dominates in Week 2 with 45-17 Win Over Central Michigan

Pitt welcomed Central Michigan to Acrisure Stadium for their second non-conference game of the season in Week 2. The Panthers started out hot, but then for the first time this season, they faced adversity.

After an Eli Holstein interception and two Central Michigan scores, it was a one-possession game. Then Pitt’s offense put the game out of reach. Raphael “Poppi” Williams had a career day and Holstein stuffed the stat sheet yet again.

Pitt vs. Central Michigan 2025: Week 2 Recap

Unlike a week ago, Pitt’s offense started out with intensity in this game. On the first drive of the game they marched down the field in seven plays going 72 yards in less than three minutes. The drive was capped off with a 3-yard pass to Poppi Williams from Eli Holstein.

After a field goal from Central Michigan on the next possession, Pitt scored 17 unanswered points to make it a 24-3 game late in the second quarter. From there, things got interesting.

Momentum Turns to the Chippewas

After a Central Michigan punt, quarterback Eli Holstein made his only mistake of the day. He was intercepted by linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski. This was a huge momentum switch in this game, as it lead to a 2-yard run by Jayden Glasser, one of the three quarterbacks the Chippewas featured today. Central Michigan quarterbacks Joe Labas and Angel Flores both saw significant action too, in what was a true three-way split at the position.

The first score of the second half didn’t come until Labas found Decorion Temple for a 6-yard score. Just like that, it was 24-17  and Pitt was on the ropes.

Pitt Answers Back

Kenny Johnson returned the ensuing kickoff all the way to Central Michigan’s 48-yard line. Two plays later, Eli Holstein scrambled to his right and found Poppi Williams for a 48-yard score; an immediate answer to Central Michigan’s surge.

Williams finished the day with six receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Holstein was 21-of-28 for 304 yards, four touchdowns, and the one interception. Holstein nearly has more than double the amount of touchdowns passes this season (8) than he had a year ago (17).

After that score, the Pitt defense did not surrender another point. Even though it didn’t look like it, Pitt won 45-17, and the defense held Central Michigan to 40 yards rushing. The Chippewas ran for over 200 yards in their win last week over San Jose State.

Press Conference Notes

Poppi Williams was the first Panther to answer questions today. He was asked about his connection with Eli Holstein, and how it has developed in their second season together.

“We had a big off-season together,” began Williams. “I know where he wants me to be, he knows I’m gonna be open, and it’s just trust from there.”

He finished his portion of the presser with his famous catchphrase, “…And I’m always open.”

Meanwhile, Holstein was asked about his interception, and what went wrong. He kept it simple and just said he missed the throw. He did say he could have tucked it and ran for the first down, but claimed he had an open man and just threw the ball too low where the linebacker was able to reach it.

Head coach Pat Narduzzi was very impressed with the defense’s overall performance in the game. However, he stressed that they need to limit the penalties and win the turnover battle.

Coach seemed calm with bitter rival West Virginia waiting for them next week, but said they have plenty of film to watch before they’ll be ready to attack their first P4 opponent of the season.

Looking Ahead to the Backyard Brawl

West Virginia was stunned in Ohio today, losing 17-10 in a game where they only accumulated 250 total yards. However, Pitt should not take the Mountaineers lightly.

In a game like this, the players will be fired up and have a different attitude with their home crowd behind them. With that said, Pitt’s offense has been impressive, and on the surface they should win this game. Yet if they hurt themselves with turnovers and penalties, they could be in a war late in Morgantown.