JotCast | Stephen Thompson's Pitt football chat: 09.02.25

Stephen Thompson's Pitt football chat: 09.02.25

Stephen Thompson

1:00

Good afternoon and thanks for joining me. This is one of my favorite times of the week, when I get to field your questions and have a conversation with PG readers, so I'm excited to be back. And it's even sweeter now that we have some actual football to talk about. Let's get right into it.

Mr Ed

1:00

I’m having a hard time seeing Pitt better than 6-6, 7-5. They likely will be decided underdog in finishing stretch against ND, @GT, and Miami. But I’ll give them 1 win in that stretch because they are usually good for a big upset. But @FLA State, they never beat NC State, Louisville is good, and they usually offset their big upset by having a stinker like Virginia last year. I will feel better about their season chances though if they beat WVU. Am I being overly harsh in that record projection given what you see of their talent level?

Stephen Thompson

1:04

Ed starts us off with a doozy. Frankly, I think you're looking at the worst case scenario, and I can appreciate why. Last year's six-game losing probably sticks in most people's minds more than the seven-game winning streak. But don't underestimate the impact that injuries had on that team. I'd be hard pressed to think of many teams that could overcome 6 different starting offensive line combinations, the use of five different quarterbacks and a star running back who is in and out of the lineup consistently.

The goal of this offseason was to get deeper and I believe Pitt did that, especially up front where it was most necessary. It's also important to remember the 2024 team's core was largely young and in their first years as full time starters. So from my view, there are two forces at play in 2025: a more experienced team and slightly harder schedule.

My advice would be to not make the mistake of thinking this is the exact same team you saw in 2024.

1:05

Please ask Pitt’s new AD 2 questions: Why isn't the Brawl scheduled every year? Ditto the City Hoops game? Pitt seems to avoid games fans want to see and Pitt needs rivalry games! Nice job covering Pitt sports.

Stephen Thompson

1:05

I will make sure to add that to my list of questions, JR. I agree with your point, doubly so as the ACC introduces a new revenue sharing model that rewards teams for television viewership.

Bernie

1:06

I was surprised that our offensive line could not dominate in the run game. Your thoughts?

1:06

IMO Pitt’s O line wasn’t able to creating openings for the running backs. What are your thoughts on this?

Mr. Sam

1:06

What are your thoughts on the OLine play? Can they actually move people off the ball in the future or am I dreaming?

Stephen Thompson

1:09

Bernie, JR and Mr. Sam all have similar questions regarding o-line play, so I'll address them at once.

It certainly wasn't smooth the entire way through Saturday's game for the offensive line. In rewatching the game and reviewing some numbers via Pro Football Focus, Pitt had a lot more success running to the left side of the line than it did the right. Jeff Persi, the new left tackle, was particularly impressive in the run game (his Michigan pedigree stands out in that respect).

Overall, pass protection was good (only one sack allowed) but to be a more complete offense, the Panthers will have to get the right side of the line in gear when running the ball.

cal from nh

1:09

what happenned to konata mumpfield over the summer as a UDFA

Stephen Thompson

1:10

Mumpfield was actually a seventh round pick of the Los Angeles Rams and made their 53 man roster following training camp. If there's anyone who can get the most out of a smooth route runner like Mumpfield, it's Sean McVay. I love the fit.

Bruce

1:10

Well Stephen, game one is the books. The offense was a little slow getting started but definitely showed some potential. Anyone in particular catch your eye?

Stephen Thompson

1:14

Anyone who's followed my training camp coverage knows how big a fan I am of wideout Blue Hicks, so it was exciting to see him score twice, especially via that stellar one-handed catch.

Zach Crothers and Joey Zelinsky popped as pass rushers, which was key with Jaeden Moore out of the lineup at defensive end.

Rashad Battle also played well at cornerback before exiting the game early.

I mentioned Jeff Persi earlier. He was outstanding at left tackle, particularly in the run game.

JuniataKid

1:14

I didn’t get to see the game but watched the highlight recap. Holstein’s throwing didn’t look very impressive to me. How long/short is his leash going to be this year?

Stephen Thompson

1:15

Holstein struggled early, but played clean football following his second quarter interception. He's the Panthers' unquestioned starter and his leash is as long as health allows.

Will

1:20

After watching last weekends games I think the ACC is a bunch of average teams. If Pitt can stay relatively healthy they can and should beat anyone on their schedule. FSU and Miami just caught their opponents early. Your opinion?

Stephen Thompson

1:20

The ACC certainly looks stronger than it did before Week 1 began, in my opinion. I already considered this to be a more difficult schedule for Pitt than 2024, and Florida State's performance confirmed as much.

That said, there are few teams on the slate I believe are demonstrably better than the Panthers and it helps to get some of the most quality opponents (Louisville, Notre Dame and Miami) visiting Pittsburgh. But I'd like to see more from the offensive line before I believe they can compete with what the Irish and Hurricanes have up front defensively.

JuniataKid

1:21

Any of Pitt’s future opponents impress you this past weekend, aside from Florida State, of course?

Stephen Thompson

1:22

I was high on Georgia Tech coming into this season and Friday's win only exasperated that feeling. I'd call their win at Colorado professional -- not dominant, but quality. They have a very real chance of winning the ACC title.

Bruce

1:22

I thought Gonzalez looked good in his limited appearance. That made me feel good. Abby said last week that the quarterback room looked pretty solid

Stephen Thompson

1:24

Abby was spot on. I am a big fan of what Pitt has in the quarterback room behind Holstein. Gonzales has knowledge of the system, which is ideal for a backup, and some talent. Mason Heinstchel has a lot of folks around the facility really excited. The ball looks really pretty coming out of his hand.

Will

1:27

I was holding my breath when Narduzzi had the first team still playing up by 30 points! Duquesne wasn't going to score 40. I realize it was the first game but why does he flirt with disaster by leaving the first team in exposed to injury?

Stephen Thompson

1:29

Narduzzi was asked about that yesterday when he opened Week 2.

His answer was essentially that players need to play. Those game reps, even against an FCS opponent, are valuable and he would hate to arrive at the Backyard Brawl or Louisville game with a team that wasn't prepared to play a full 60 minutes.

h2p 1976

1:38

Why does Pat/Bates always blitz up 14 points, he let's the teams get back in the game after 1 big play. Never forces them to put plays together.

Stephen Thompson

1:40

It's the default for their system. Success is predicated upon creating havoc in the backfield. I would also argue you do run the same risk of allowing your opponent to gain confidence when you play more conservative defense.

The Ham

1:42

What did you think of the OL play on Saturday?

Stephen Thompson

1:43

Everything comes with the "It was Duquesne" caveat, but I saw a first unit that was strong in pass protection and has room for improvement in the run game.

JuniataKid

1:47

Joey Isabella put up some impressive receiving yards for Duquesne. What’s your take on secondary play and how did he get so open so often?

Stephen Thompson

1:50

Isabella is a good player, first and foremost. But he operated out of the slot mostly, which is where Pitt can be liable to surrender a lot of short receptions because there are safeties playing upwards of 10 yards off the line of scrimmage.

It was interesting to hear linebacker Cam Lindsey say this afternoon that he could have been more helpful on Isabella's 59-yard reception in the second quarter. I thought Javon McIntyre, who can sometimes struggle in pass coverage, simply got beat. But sounds like there was some kind of breakdown that will be addressed in practice this week.

Bruce

1:50

What do we know about Central Michigan? I know that this is the first time we've played thej

Stephen Thompson

1:54

It's a team trying to rebuild with a first year head coach, Matt Drinkall, taking over for Jim McElwain.

They are a run-heavy team (225 yards on the ground in a win over San Jose State last weekend) that plays three quarterbacks who can all make plays on the ground.

On defense, they mix in a lot of different players so that everyone's responsibilities are simpler. That way, they can all play faster. They forced three turnovers against the Spartans in that victory.

It's familiar form for a MAC squad: better than the sum of its parts, stingy defensively and centered around ball control on offense.

1:59

Here's where I call it a day. Thanks again for everyone's questions and I hope you'll join the live chat again next week.

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