Narduzzi: Panthers Focused on Finishing as ACC Play Continues
9/29/2025 3:04:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Head coach Pat Narduzzi made it clear Monday that while the Panthers showed improvement last week, finishing games remains key as ACC play moves forward.
Reflecting on Saturday's seven-point loss, Narduzzi said the result turned on momentum swings his team couldn't overcome. Pitt built a 17-0 lead and later regained control in the second half, but mistakes kept the Panthers from closing.
"We gained the momentum back in the second half. We're up 10, and we just couldn't hold onto it," Narduzzi said. "Obviously there are reasons. Coaches see the reasons. Players see the reasons. That's what we discuss."
Narduzzi pointed to progress in several areas, especially on defense. Pitt held a strong running team to 1.6 yards per carry after allowing 214 rushing yards in last year's matchup. He also credited his team's effort but noted costly errors on special teams and a second-half offensive slowdown.
"We did make improvement from last week, and that's hard to say because it was another seven-point loss," Narduzzi said. "But it was against a better opponent, and we did some good things."
With ACC play underway, Narduzzi reminded his team that everything they want to achieve is still in front of them.
"Maybe we're not starting so well right now," he said. "How about a finish? That's what we expect."
Pitt now turns its focus to Boston College, led by head coach Bill O'Brien. Narduzzi praised the Eagles' experience and playmakers on both sides of the ball and expects a battle on Saturday.
"They've been tested. They're a good football team," Narduzzi said. "It will be a heck of a game at noon. We'll have our work cut out for us, and we've got to get better."
The Panthers and Eagles will meet Saturday at noon at Acrisure Stadium, with the game televised nationally on ACC.