Behind Enemy Lines: Louisville
9/24/2025 3:38:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH — Each week, as Pitt prepares for its next opponent, we'll look at what the other side is saying about the Panthers. Here's a snapshot of how Louisville is sizing up Pitt ahead of Saturday's ACC opener at Acrisure Stadium.
"A Team That Knows How to Play Good Football"
While Jeff Brohm is still early in his Louisville tenure, he's no stranger to Pitt. Two years ago, his Cardinals fell in Pittsburgh, and this week, he made it clear this one has been circled.
"We did not have success there two years ago, and we will have to play much better this time around," Brohm said.
A major focus for the Cardinals will be protecting quarterback Miller Moss, especially against Pitt's pressure.
"Last year [against Pitt], we executed early and got ahead," Brohm recalled. "That let us control the ball and forced them to throw more. But this year's going to be different—we've got to earn everything against a defense that blitzes from everywhere and plays with real confidence."
Pressure Points
Louisville defenders spent the week preparing for a Pitt offense that spreads the ball around, starting with quarterback Eli Holstein.
"Holstein is definitely a talented dude," said defensive lineman Rene Konga. "We all know he was highly recruited coming from Alabama. He can throw the ball, no doubt."
But the Cardinals say their focus goes beyond one game.
"This is the first opportunity we get to show our skills and take that first step toward achieving our goal," Konga added. "The ACC Championship is what we're working toward, and this is where it starts."
"This Will Set the Tone"
Inside the locker room, Louisville players are fully aware of what's at stake.
"This definitely sets the tone," Konga said. "Pitt is a very talented team, so going to Pittsburgh and doing our best could catapult the rest of the season."
Wide receiver Dacari Collins, who had a stellar performance last week against Bowling Green, echoed that mindset.
"We treat every game the same—play with tenacity and compete to win," Collins said. "Now I just need to stay consistent and keep moving forward."
The Cardinals and Panthers are set to kick off at noon this Saturday. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN2.
