Narduzzi Praises Team’s Resilience as Pitt Prepares for Stanford
10/27/2025 4:28:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Head coach Pat Narduzzi met with the media Monday to recap Pitt's 53–34 win over NC State (4-4, 1-3 ACC) and preview Saturday's trip to Stanford (3-5, 2-3 ACC). The Panthers (6–2, 4–1 ACC) have won four straight and now turn their focus to maintaining momentum on the West Coast.
With several key starters out of the lineup, Narduzzi praised his team's resilience and called Saturday's effort one of the year's most complete. "Two things we talked about going into that game were playing with great effort and playing tough," he said. "Those are two ingredients we needed, and I think we got both for sure. Our guys have never wavered—next man up, no excuses."
He highlighted the growing impact of Pitt's young players, including linebacker Cameron Lindsey, who made his first start. "For his first start, I think he did a heck of a job," Narduzzi said. "He's only going to get better."
Quarterback Mason Heintschel continued his impressive freshman campaign, throwing for 423 yards and three touchdowns to earn ACC Rookie of the Week honors. "He's learning to take his check-downs," Narduzzi said. "You don't have to throw a 50-yard pass—you can throw a three-yard pass and get 50. That's part of his growth."
Narduzzi also credited wide receiver Kenny Johnson, named ACC Receiver of the Week, and Cataurus "Blue" Hicksfor helping fuel the offensive surge. "Kenny was unstoppable when he was in there," he said. "The development in that receiver room has been special."
As Pitt prepares for Stanford, Narduzzi said he expects a physical, well-coached opponent led by former NFL head coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nate Byham, a former Pitt tight end. "Heck of a Pitt man," Narduzzi said. "They've got fast receivers and they play hard. We'll have to be on our stuff when we head out to California."
The Panthers will travel Thursday ahead of Saturday's 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on ACC Network.
"It's a one-game season right now," Narduzzi said. "Our focus is to go 1–0 this week."
