University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Narduzzi, Panthers Turn the Page to Georgia Tech
11/17/2025 3:19:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH — Two days removed from Pitt's setback against No. 10 Notre Dame, head coach Pat Narduzzi met with the media Monday and emphasized both accountability and urgency as the Panthers prepare for a primetime ACC road test at Georgia Tech.
Narduzzi opened by praising last Saturday's environment, calling it a "heck of a day for Pitt and for the city of Pittsburgh," but noted that the Panthers didn't play well enough in key moments to capitalize. "We just didn't make plays when we needed to," he said. "Eleven guys have to play as one, and that didn't happen consistently on offense, defense, or special teams."
Attention now shifts to a major challenge Saturday night in Atlanta. Georgia Tech enters at 9-1 with the nation's No. 1 offense, led by quarterback Haynes King, player Narduzzi said should be firmly in the Heisman conversation. "He's their leading rusher and their leading playmaker," Narduzzi said. "For a quarterback to run like a tailback and throw like a quarterback—that's different. The No. 1 key to victory is stopping Haynes King."
True freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel, coming off his first career loss as a starter, drew praise for his maturity and self-awareness. "He doesn't have an ego. He knows he can play better, just like everybody else. Even the best quarterbacks make mistakes. He'll learn from it."
As Pitt prepares for its final road game of the regular season, Narduzzi said he trusts his team's resolve. "Our guys are strong. If something snowballs, blame me, not them. They'll be motivated. If you can't get motivated to play this one, you've got problems."
Pitt and Georgia Tech kick off at 7 p.m. Saturday on ESPN.
