Week 4 of the college football season brings a highly anticipated matchup as the Louisville Cardinals, clad in their iconic football uniforms, travel to Heinz Field to face the No. 21 ranked Pitt Panthers. This ACC clash pits two traditionally strong programs against each other in a game that holds significant early-season implications.
The Louisville Cardinals (1-1, 0-1 ACC) are looking to rebound after a tough 47-34 loss to Miami. Meanwhile, the Pitt Panthers (2-0, 1-0 ACC) are riding high after a 21-10 victory over Syracuse and are aiming for their first 3-0 start since 2014. This game marks only the second ACC meeting between these two teams, with Pitt winning the inaugural conference matchup in 2015. Historically, Pitt holds a 9-8 edge in the overall series against Louisville, adding extra weight to this already important contest.
For Pitt, a 3-0 start could be a crucial springboard to a successful season. Historically, their three previous 3-0 starts since 2000 (in 2000, 2009, and 2014) all culminated in bowl game invitations. Coach Pat Narduzzi has quietly built a strong ACC record at Pitt, securing 25 conference wins since 2015, placing him third in the ACC during that period, only behind powerhouses Clemson and Miami.
Pitt’s defense has been a major strength early in the season. Defensive end Rashad Weaver made a spectacular return after missing the 2019 season due to injury, racking up two sacks, three tackles for loss, and seven total tackles against Syracuse, earning him Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week honors. Safety Paris Ford has also been a standout, grabbing two interceptions in the young season, tying him for first nationally in total interceptions and third in interceptions per game. As a unit, the Panthers boast impressive national rankings, including first in rushing defense (26.0 avg.), third in total defense (154.0 avg.), fourth in pass defense (128.0 avg.), and sixth in scoring defense (5.0 ppg.). Louisville’s offense, known for its explosiveness, will face a stern test against this dominant Pitt defense.
The game is set for September 26, 2020, at Noon ET at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Series History in Detail
- Series Began: 1976
- Overall Series: Pitt leads 9-8
- At Pittsburgh: Pitt leads 6-5
- At Louisville: Series tied 3-3
- At Neutral Sites: N/A
- ACC Series: Pitt leads 1-0
- Big East Series: Series tied 4-4
- Current Streak: Pitt has won 1
- Last ACC Meeting: November 21, 2015 (Pitt 45, Louisville 34)
- Last Big East Meeting: October 13, 2012 (Louisville 45, Pitt 35)
- Longest Pitt Win Streak: 4 games (twice: 1976-83; 2008-11)
- Longest Louisville Win Streak: 7 games (1990-2007)
- Largest Pitt Victory: 49 points (63-14, 1982)
- Largest Louisville Victory: 24 points (48-24, 2006)
Broadcast Information
This Week 4 ACC matchup will be nationally televised, providing a great opportunity for fans to see Louisville’s football uniforms in action.
- Television: ACC Network
- Commentators: Wes Durham (play-by-play), Roddy Jones (analyst), Kelsey Riggs (reporter)
- Pitt Radio: 93.7 The Fan & Pitt Panthers Radio Network
- Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play), Pat Bostick (analyst), Larry Richert (reporter)
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio: Sirius 135, XM 194, Internet 956
- WPTS Radio (Pitt Student Station): 92.1 FM
- Online Audio: 937thefan.radio.com
The ACC Network is widely available through various cable and streaming providers, including Altice, AT&T, Charter/Spectrum, Cox Cable, DIRECTV, DISH, Google Fiber, Hulu Live TV, Optimum, Sling, Verizon Fios, Vidgo, and YouTube TV. Authenticated cable subscribers can also stream all ACCN games on the ESPN App. For more information about the ACC Network, visit GetACCN.com.
About the ACC Network
Launched in 2019 as a partnership between ESPN and the Atlantic Coast Conference, the ACC Network is a 24/7 channel dedicated to ACC sports. It broadcasts approximately 450 live events annually, including football, men’s and women’s basketball, and various other sports from the conference. ESPN has a long-standing relationship with the ACC, televising conference content since 1979 and holding exclusive rights to all conference-controlled games.
