Pitt Football 9/6/25 vs Central Michigan Preview

S. Samek

The Pitt Panthers are hosting Central Michigan this week. Let’s preview the action.

Pitt is coming off of a 61-9 win over Duquesne in the city game. This ended their six-game losing streak that they ended the 2024 season on. Eli Holstein threw four touchdown passes, which were a career high. He completed 15 of 23 passes for 215 yards and rushed for 41 in the win.

Cataurus “Blue” Hicks, caught two of the scores. Desmond Reid rushed for 66 yards on eight carries and scored a touchdown. Reid also returned a punt for a touchdown.

Now granted it wasn’t much of a challenge for Pitt against an FCS, but it was good to see Holstein do well in a return from injury game. It was also good to see the Pitt offense put up some numbers with 460 yards.

Central Michigan defeated San Jose State 16-14 in their opening contest of the season. Nahree Biggins rushed for 102 yards on 18 carries. Trey Cornist rushed for 99 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown. This duo should be one to watch out for in the matchup against Pitt. Though Pitt did hold Duquesne to just 37 total rushing yards. Will the run-stopping continue for the Panthers or will Central Michigan backs continue their strong start to the season.

Who will be at quarterback though for Central Michigan? Joe Labas and Angel H Flores both saw snaps during the San Jose State game. Flores was 3 of 3 passing for 59 yards, while Labas was 5/10 for 56 yards. Could we see both take snaps in this game?

This is the first time the two teams have played in football. However, Pitt does own a 34-6 all-time record against MAC Conference teams. Though the last time Pitt played a MAC team they were defeated by Toledo in last season’s bowl game. Which Pitt will see show up this week?

I’m predicting the former. I’m going to pick Pitt to win something like 34-10.

The game starts at 12 PM ET and Pitt is hosting. Be sure to tune in to the action.