Pittsburgh's unbeaten start reached five games on Friday night, as the Panthers outlasted the Virginia Tech Hokies 35-33. The victory came at a cost, however, with Pitt losing its quarterback to injury during the game.
The Panthers remain unranked despite their 5-0 record, and head coach Pat Narduzzi used the postgame moment to make his pitch to Associated Press Top 25 voters. Narduzzi told ESPN that he has "a helluva football team," a pointed message aimed at those who control the rankings.
The win over Virginia Tech adds a conference victory to Pitt's résumé, strengthening the case Narduzzi is building as the season moves deeper into October. For a program seeking national recognition, a 5-0 mark paired with a win over a traditional ACC opponent represents a significant statement.
The injury to the Panthers' quarterback introduces uncertainty going forward, though the team still found a way to close out the Hokies on Friday night. How Pitt adjusts at the position will shape the weeks ahead as the program pursues the respect Narduzzi believes it has earned.
