KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Entering his first football game since Nov. 29, 2019, Nate Yarnell knew he didn't need to be perfect.
Coming off an overtime loss the previous week where No. 23 Pitt saw its top two quarterbacks on the depth chart suffer injuries, Pat Narduzzi formulated a game plan behind the redshirt freshman that would be just enough to squeak out a road victory — and it was successful.
Led by a consistent rushing attack and a solid defensive effort, the Panthers (2-1) were able to get back in the win column Saturday evening, defeating Western Michigan, 34-13, at Waldo Stadium.
From start to finish, Pitt's objective was clear. With a young quarterback making his first start, the Panthers relied upon their experienced members to step up and make a difference.
It started on the defensive side of the ball.
Redshirt senior Marquis Williams gave the Panthers their first touchdown of the game, intercepting a bubble screen and returning it 22 yards for a score in the opening quarter. Fellow redshirt senior Erick Hallett II also made a significant impact, intercepting Broncos (1-2) quarterback Jack Salopek twice in the second half, with one of the picks coming on 3rd-and-goal.
Western Michigan received its one touchdown of the night thanks to a trick play where sophomore receiver Anthony Sambucci connected with A.J. Abbott for 31 yards near the end of the fourth quarter.
When it was all said and done, the Broncos were held to just 180 yards of offense, a sizable drop-off from the 517 yards produced in their 44-41 win over Pitt last fall.
A dependable defense allowed for Pitt to play conservative when it had the football. Fourteen of the Panthers' first 15 offensive snaps were runs, resulting in long, clock-killing drives that allowed Narduzzi's squad to control the game's tempo.
The game plan didn't change much in the second half, as the Panthers backfield finished with 238 collective yards on the ground. Israel Abanikanda had the heaviest workload out of all Pitt running backs, going for 133 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries.
When he was needed, Yarnell delivered, completing 9 of 12 pass attempts for 179 yards and a score in the Panthers win.
Key stat
Similar to last year, the Pitt defense is showing its ability to put points on the board.
Williams' first quarter pick-six gave the Panthers defense its fourth touchdown in its last five contests. Pitt scored five defensive touchdowns in 2021, which was tied for fourth most in the country.
Up next
The Panthers return home next weekend to face their head coach's alma mater: Rhode Island.
The Rams (2-1) were dealt their first loss of the season Saturday, falling 42-21 at home to Delaware in Colonial Athletic Association competition. The matchup marks the first time Pitt and Rhode Island will face off in the history of their programs.
The game is set to kick off Saturday, Sept. 24 at noon and will be aired on the ACC Network.
