Pitt Returns to Nippert Stadium After 12 Years
This Saturday marks the Pittsburgh Panthers’ first trip to Nippert Stadium in over a decade. Currently, Pitt is part of the Atlantic Coast Conference, while the Cincinnati Bearcats compete in the Big 12.
From 2005 to 2012, both teams were members of the Big East. Pitt holds an 8-5 advantage in the series, with a 5-3 record in Pittsburgh and 3-2 in Cincinnati. However, Cincinnati has won the last three matchups, including a 27-21 victory at Acrisure Stadium last year. The Bearcats also claimed victory in their last visit to Nippert, defeating Pitt 34-10 when coached by Butch Jones.
Brian Kelly led the Bearcats to two Big East titles in 2008 and 2009, while Jones captured two in 2011 and 2012. Both teams struggled last season, finishing at 3-9, with Cincinnati going 1-9 after starting the season with a win in Pittsburgh. The Bearcats have been favored slightly throughout the week.
Here are five key points to watch as Cincinnati faces off against Pittsburgh.
1. Impact of Dontay Corleone on UC’s Defensive Line
Will Dontay Corleone make a difference for UC’s defensive line? Nicknamed “The Godfather,” he returned to full practice on Tuesday after recovering from blood clots in his lungs since mid-June. After receiving treatment, he quickly resumed weightlifting and conditioning with the team. Although he participated in daily practices, he had been sidelined from team hitting drills. Now, he rejoins a defensive line that notched two of the team’s three sacks during the opening win over Towson, although the UC defense allowed 438 total offensive yards.
Head coach Scott Satterfield believes Corleone will be ready to contribute and noted that he has been able to participate fully in practice. The plan includes giving him some breaks. Last week, redshirt junior Rob Jackson and redshirt freshman Kamari Burns made their first starts alongside veteran Eric Phillips. Several linemen participated.
“Cam Roetherford stood out during that game,” defensive line coach Walter Stewart remarked. “Rob Jackson performed well, and it was Kamari Burns’ first taste of college football, while Kam Wilson was also active. I think any of these players can build on their performances and become key contributors for us.”
2. Quarterback Showdown: UC’s Sorsby vs. Pitt’s Holstein
Which quarterback will excel—UC’s Sorsby or Pitt’s Holstein? Sorsby earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors, while Holstein was named ACC Rookie of the Week. Sorsby threw for 383 yards, with 328 coming by halftime, while Holstein finished with 336 yards. Sorsby didn’t throw any interceptions and wasn’t sacked, whereas Kent State intercepted Holstein once and sacked him four times.
Holstein’s performance marked the most passing yards by a Pitt quarterback since Kenny Pickett’s 340 yards in 2021. Sorsby, on the other hand, achieved the 10th-most passing yards in the NCAA last week, the highest for a UC quarterback since Gunner Kiel’s 386 yards in 2015.
At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Holstein was a three-star transfer from Alabama, rated four stars by 247Sports. Sorsby was a three-star prospect who gained a four-star rating as a transfer from Indiana, where he started seven Big Ten games.
“We wanted to see how Sorsby would respond out of the pocket during unexpected plays,” Satterfield noted. “He did an excellent job of dumping the ball off and keeping his eyes downfield.”
Satterfield praised Sorsby for connecting with Sterling Berkhalter for a first-quarter sideline catch, marking Berkhalter’s first reception at UC.
3. Will Bearcats Fans Recapture the Atmosphere of Past Big East Matchups Against Pitt?
Can Cincinnati Bearcats fans recreate the excitement reminiscent of past Big East games against Pitt? When UC first defeated Pitt in 2008, it was a night game in front of a packed crowd of about 35,000, during which special red jerseys were debuted—similar to what will be worn this weekend. Fan attendance surged during the Brian Kelly years, particularly in the student section. Satterfield mentioned that some fans left at halftime, expressing his wish they would stay to support the team. In a matchup like this, fan presence can be vital, as those who witnessed the Big East days and recent AAC success know how electric the atmosphere can be.
“I’m impressed by how close everyone is,” new UC running back Evan Pryor said. “It really feels like you’re in the midst of everything. The fans were incredibly loud. They stayed for three, three and a half quarters before some started trickling out. I’m optimistic that more people will show up this weekend.”
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