Pitt vs. Louisville 2025 Recap: Panthers Blow 17-0 Lead in Loss to Cardinals

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pitt faced off against Louisville for their first ACC game of the 2025 season. At first, it looked like they were poised to start 1-0 in conference play. That is, until the Panthers collapsed in the second half of the game. They were shutout after scoring 27 points in the first half. Ultimately, the team lost 34-27. It was one of the worst collapses ever witnessed in the Pat Narduzzi era. The Panthers overall did not play a bad game, they just had too many mistakes that gave Louisville easy points. With that in mind, let’s dive into this Pitt vs. Louisville 2025 recap.

Pitt vs. Louisville 2025 Recap

The game was filled with big plays and mistakes from both sides. In the end Miller Moss had a great second half and finished with 339 passing yards, and three touchdowns. He propelled the Cardinals to the comeback victory.

However, Pitt had an unbelievable start to this game. They scored three times alone in the first quarter. They had a 30-yard field goal from Trey Butkowski, an amazing 39-yard touchdown catch by Blue Hicks, and a 75-yard pick-six from Rasheem Biles.

Hello @SportsCenter #SCTop10 👋@eli_holstein10 to Blue and Pitt leads by 10‼️

📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/qOcCgILe7j

— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) September 27, 2025

Louisville Answers Back

Then, all the momentum went to Louisville. When the Cardinals were lining up to punt early in the second quarter, Kenny Johnson collided with a Louisville player before he fielded the kick. The flag that was thrown for kick catch interference was picked up because the defender was blocked in to Johnson. This resulted in Louisville recovering the ball at the 3-yard line. Miller Moss ended up sneaking it in from 1-yard for the score.

Louisville scored the next 10 points, finishing the comeback with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Moss to Chris Bell. Bell finished the day with 10 receptions for 135 yards. Yet before the score, Pitt’s Caleb Junko fumbled the snap on the punt attempt. It was one of the many game changing mistakes the Panthers made. Yet, Pitt finished the first half with a bang.

Pitt Reclaims the Lead

After another Trey Butkowski field goal with under two minutes left, Pitt’s defense forced a three-and-out and got the ball back with 51 seconds left. They went 66 yards on four plays. The drive was capped with a 39-yard touchdown pass from Eli Holstein to Poppi Williams. Williams finished the day with four receptions for 57 yards. At the half Pitt led 27-17, and was back in control of the game. Unfortunately for the Panthers, it was all downhill from there.

Mistakes Pile Up

Pitt did not score a single point in the second half, but they did have chances to. After the Cardinals opened the second half with a 57-yard field goal from Nick Keller, Pitt was ready to find the end zone again.

Eli Holstein hit Blue Hicks on a 56-yard connection all the way down to the 2-yard line. On the next play Holstein underthrew the wheel route to the corner of the end zone and was intercepted by Antonio Watts. Pitt was on the verge of going back up by two possessions. Instead, they gave it away. Their next offensive drive ended with a turnover on downs, where running back Ja’Kyrian Turner dropped a pass where he could have made it to the line to gain. Louisville immediately went down the field in six plays, scoring on a 12-yard pass from Moss to tight end Jaleel Skinner. Just like that, the game was tied in the fourth quarter.

On the next possession for Pitt, Holstein threw into double coverage and was intercepted again. The Cardinals scored on six plays yet again. This time Moss found his other tight end Nate Kurisky open for what would be the game winning touchdown.

Eli Holstein Benched

On the next possession for Pitt, Eli Holstein was replaced by Cole Gonzales. The two possessions for Gonzales ended in a turnover on downs and an interception. This was a shocking development, as Holstein had not played bad leading up to this point. And, he was performing well in the first half of the game.

Pat Narduzzi Press Conference Notes

Pat Narduzzi was obviously disappointed in the post game presser. In his opening monologue he stated, “I thought the first half we executed pretty good. Had zero turnovers in the first half except for a punt return that, I don’t know you, guys watched probably up in the press box, and we get the ball at the three-yard line. We’re up at the half. It’s a back and forth game against a good football team, ACC competition.” He went on to say how they did not execute well at all in the second half, and the two turnovers cost them the game.

When asked about the decision to pull Eli Holstein, Narduzzi had this to say about the position going forward.

“We’ll go into next week. I still say Eli is our starting quarterback. That’s what it is. Threw two picks in the second half. It’s tough. We get a big explosive pass, which we had some explosives today, which is great to see, throwing the ball down the field and making some shots, giving the receivers a chance.”

Overall, Holstein did have some very impressive throws, he just needs to somehow limit the turnovers.

Narduzzi noted that Desmond Reid was real close to playing today. All signs are pointing to him returning next week against Boston College.

On the positive side Coach Narduzzi was impressed with his star linebacker Rasheem Biles. He gave his praises to Biles and the defense as a whole.

“I think, overall, as a defense, we played well as a team. But he, as a football player, he made a lot of plays, plays with emotion, plays with an attitude. Love that guy.”

The Panthers will look to bounce back against Boston College next week in another home matchup. As of now expecting to see Eli Holstein and Desmond Reid in action. The offense needs them both desperately.

Shrine Bowl Prospect Watch

Pitt Panthers

Linebacker, Rasheem Biles

Rasheem Biles stood out in all aspects of defense today. He secured 12 total tackles, four TFLs, and the insane pick-six. He was the clear defensive MVP for Pitt today, and is on his way to another All-ACC season.

Linebacker, Kyle Louis

Kyle Louis didn’t have his best game today, but has stood out all season with two sacks and an interception. The preseason All-American is poised to be a prospect in the 2026 draft, currently with a third round grade. He finished the day with six total tackles, and five solo.

Louisville Cardinals

Quarterback, Miller Moss

Miller Moss had a shaky first half with the interception, but responded great in the second half. He finished the day 33-of-51 for 339 yards, three touchdowns, and the lone pick. Moss showed great down field accuracy, and fearlessness on throws over the middle of the field. He understands how to attack when his receivers have the advantage. Moss only has a sixth round grade, so it is very possible that he returns to college in 2026.

Wide Receiver, Chris Bell

Chris Bell was amazing today. He had 10 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown. Bell dominated in 1-on-1 matchups, which Pitt loves to do with their corners. Moss and Bell took advantage all afternoon. Bell currently is a projected 2nd round pick, and could definitely climb into the first if he keeps this up.