KALAMAZOO, MI — One week after losing to Tennessee 34-27 in the Johnny Majors Classic at Acrisure Stadium, the defending ACC champion Panthers rebounded nicely in a 34-13 road win over Central Michigan.
With starting quarterback Kedon Slovis out due to injury, the Panthers went with third-string QB Nate Yarnell. Yarnell, a 6’6, 215-pounder from Austin, TX completed 9-of-12 for 179 yards and one touchdown under center.
With Slovis and second-string QB Nick Patti out with an ankle injury, Pitt leaned primarily on junior running back Israel Abanikanda, who carried the ball 31 times for 131 yards and a touchdown.
Pitt would add a six-yard touchdown reception from sophomore receiver Konata Mumpfield. Redshirt junior running back would seal the game for the visiting Panthers with a four-yard touchdown run with 3:03 left in the game.
The panthers defense also chipped in by intercepting WMU quarterback Jack Salopek three times, one being returned for a pick-six by redshirt senior cornerback Marquis Williams and two by redshirt senior safety Erick Harlett II.
With the win, the Panthers avenged a 44-41 upset loss that all but ruined their CFP hopes, in the first-ever meeting between the two schools last season at Heinz Field.