{
  "id": 11728355,
  "title": "Pat Narduzzi Delivers Fiery Message to Voters After Pitt Survives Virginia Tech",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/pat-narduzzi-delivers-fiery-message-to-voters-after-pitt-survives",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T16:55:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/pat-narduzzi-delivers-fiery-message-to-voters-after-pitt-survives-virginia-tech-12520452"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pittsburgh battled back from a 14-0 deficit to defeat Virginia Tech 35-33 at Lane Stadium, improving their season record to 5-0. The Panthers trailed 24-14 in the second quarter, but pulled away by halftime and built a 35-24 lead in the fourth quarter. Virginia Tech cut the deficit to two points with a safety and a 28-yard touchdown from Ethan Grunkemeyer to Davion Brown. However, a 36-yard field goal attempt by Virginia Tech sailed wide left as time expired. Despite being outgained 499-295, Pitt's defense made a significant impact with four turnovers, including two interceptions and two fumbles. Running back Cataurus Blue Hicks caught two touchdowns and amassed 63 receiving yards on three catches, while Ja Kyrian Turner rushed for 65 yards and a rushing score. Head coach Pat Narduzzi expressed his admiration for his team after the win, telling ESPN sideline reporter Dana Boyle, \"We got a hell of a football team. Any of those voters out there, if they wake their ass up, maybe they might figure that out.\" The win marked Pitt's first statement victory of the season, but they remain unranked due to the quality of their early-season opponents. The team has now won four consecutive games, including a 59-14 rout of Miami (Ohio), a 12-7 victory over UCF, a 27-13 win against Syracuse, and a 59-0 blowout of Bucknell. However, they are still unranked, having faced only teams they were expected to beat. To secure an invitation to the College Football Playoff, the Panthers will need to maintain their momentum in upcoming games, starting with a home game against UNC followed by road games against Boston College and Miami.",
  "summary": "Pittsburgh's gritty win over Virginia Tech in Blacksburg has Pat Narduzzi fired up as the Panthers stay undefeated.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pitt defeated Virginia Tech 35-33, overcoming a 14-0 deficit",
    "Pat Narduzzi praised his team, calling them \"a hell of a football team\"",
    "Panthers improved to 5-0 on the season with four consecutive wins"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}