Pittsburgh enters a civil war on Saturday as the “City Game,” the historic rivalry between Pitt and Duquesne, returns for the first time since 1939. The two Pittsburgh-based schools played six times from 1932 to 1939, with Pitt hosting each meeting and holding a 4-2 record.
Fans of early 20th-century football had to sit through many shutouts, and they would have seen four during the City Game — Pitt held the Dukes to zero points in all of its victories. The final game of the series was the only one in which both teams scored.
This Saturday’s contest should match that last game with both teams scoring at some point during the four quarters. The Panthers could win by one or 100 — and it would all count the same — but winning against the Dukes isn’t just about a victory this Saturday. It’s about setting the tone for the season.
The Panthers play some big-time opponents over the course of the 2025-26 season. Each week brings new challenges and, therefore, new keys to victory, so I’ll come back each week to address those keys. Given Pitt is a heavy favorite against the Dukes, this week is more about how Pitt can maximize the opportunity rather than just earn a win.
First Key: Hold Duquesne scoreless
A victory is mandatory. Although Duquesne is the two-time defending NEC regular-season champion heading into Saturday, the Panthers have won their last 13 home games against non-FBS opponents, and the streak must continue.
This is the first key for a reason. It’s still pre-season, so they might as well shoot for the stars. Football teams are more efficient now than they were in the 1940s. Offenses are rarely shut out, but the Panthers need to show it’s still possible on Saturday. They haven’t held an opponent scoreless since their 55-0 victory in the 2020 season opener against Austin Peay.
Not only would a shutout against Duquesne give Pitt a huge morale victory to start the season, but it would also put the nation on notice that Pitt’s defense is as good as advertised. With all the excitement from a summer lacking sports, a dominant performance in week one, regardless of the opponent, can put the Panthers up on the national stage.
Second Key: Offense starts hot
Pitt lost some of their most valuable offensive players to the pros last season — Branson Taylor, one of Pitt’s best offensive linemen; Konata Mumpfield, Pitt’s leading receiver; Ben Sauls, Pitt’s kicker known for the big moments; and Gavin Bartholomew, one of the most productive tight ends in Pitt football history.
Given the losses, new Panthers will have to step up. A key constant, though, is redshirt sophomore quarterback Eli Holstein. The former Alabama quarterback threw three touchdown passes in his first five games and led the Panthers to a 7-0 start in 2024.
However, compounding injuries left Holstein sidelined, and the Panthers sputtered, ending the season 7-6. The correlation of Holstein’s injuries and Pitt’s success is clear. Starting the 2025 campaign healthy, Holstein has to prove last season’s start wasn’t a fluke.
Helping Holstein is redshirt sophomore wide receiver Cataurus “Blue” Hicks, who transferred from Louisville looking for a bigger opportunity after last season and has made some noise in the offseason. Junior wide receiver Kenny Johnson is poised to take over Mumpfield’s role as WR1 and redshirt senior Raphael “Poppi” Williams Jr. could continue as Holstein’s favorite redzone target.
In the backfield is senior running back Desmond Reid, who has earned a long list of preseason accolades and is expected to perform as one of the best backs in the country this season.
Overall, the offense has to show efficiency at some point on Saturday. Pitt football was known for slow starts last season. Against an FCS opponent, the offense should click immediately.
Third Key: Show enthusiasm and life
Football observers often forget the amount of teamwork and emotional investment required to win. Like other aspects of life, celebrating peers’ accomplishments can bring a group together, and that’s what I’d like to see from the Panthers on Saturday.
On Pitt’s first touchdown — maybe even the first first down — I want to see everyone on the field and on the sideline visibly encouraging the players and excited about the achievement.
This key is third for a reason — it’s likely the least important. But this will be a long season. As a 37.5 point favorite according to the Action Network, an excellent outing isn’t enough to strengthen the bond among these Panthers when difficulty crosses their path. They’ve got to fight for each other, show some enthusiasm and show some life.
The Panthers and Dukes are scheduled to kick off under sunny skies at noon on Saturday, Aug. 28, at Acrisure Stadium.
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