"

As the scent of steel mixed with images of glistening gold in “The Burgh,” College GameDay knew
that they had to roll into town. This game marked Notre Dame’s 41st appearance on GameDay and a classic matchup against the Fighting Irish and the Pittsburgh (Pitt) Panthers. Pitt entered the contest ranked No. 22 with a 7-2 record, but was undefeated with freshman sensation Mason Heintschel as the starting quarterback. Notre Dame was also 7-2 but was ranked No. 9 in the nation, and was looking for their first ranked victory since Southern California four weeks prior. Pairing the Panthers newfound momentum with Heintschel under center with a sold-out crowd, College GameDay set up right outside of Acrisure Stadium without hesitation.

While Notre Dame fans made their presence in Pittsburgh known, Panthers fans offered all but a warm welcome. For the first time since the Kenny Pickett days, Pitt completely sold out Acrisure Stadium. Whether Pitt fans flocked in due to College GameDay being in town for the first time since 2005, Aaron Donald’s appearance and subsequent jersey retirement at halftime, or the 50th anniversary of Pitt legend Tony Dorsett hanging 303 rushing yards against Notre Dame during his 1975 Heisman campaign... something magical seemed to be brewing for the University of Pittsburgh. That magic, however, seemed to end with Pitt students’ two shanked field goals on Pat McAfee’s kicking contest.

After Notre Dame and Pitt both exchanged short-lived drives for their first two possessions, the Irish forced the Panthers to a three-and-out and called on star running back Jeremiyah Love. In arguably the greatest Heisman display of his record-breaking season, it took Love one play to spin around Pitt defenders for a 56-yard touchdown, putting any Panther momentum at bay. When it came time for Heintschel to rally the Pitt offense in response, Notre Dame freshman All- American Safety Tae Johnson had other plans. On the first-snap of the Panther’s offensive drive, Johnson jumped Heintschel’s pass and took it 49-yards to the endzone for Notre Dame’s second touchdown in just 17 seconds of play. Within just seven minutes of game time, the Irish already had a 93% chance to win the contest according to ESPN FPI. Spoiler: that percentage only increased for the rest of the contest. Momentum was all Notre Dame’s to control and build upon, which they did, but not immediately after Johnson’s interception.

While many may look upon this matchup and remember the rapid start and sudden change of momentum in the Irish’s favor, it’s important not to write off C.J. Carr’s two interceptions. Furthermore, Pitt’s defense was not particularly known for having a strong pass-defense, as they ranked 99th in the NCAA in pass least passing yards allowed - for reference, there are 134 teams in division-one FBS football. Thus, it was a somewhat uncharacteristic game for Notre Dame’s often surgical quarterback, and his interceptions were a large reason the victory was not larger than it was. For example, after Johnson’s interception, the Irish defense forced the Pitt offense to stall once again. C.J. Carr then built upon an Irish beatdown by sailing a pass for an immaculate Malachi Fields catch downfield, just to follow that highlight up with an uncharacteristic pick thrown short across the middle.

Besides the last-second timeout called by head coach Pat Narduzzi, allowing a garbage time touchdown for the Pitt Panthers, the rest of their scoring opportunities came as a direct result of CJ Carr’s interceptions. The interception thrown across the middle set up Pitt in field goal position, so despite the Irish defense holding them to a three-and-out, the Panthers were able to secure their first points of the contest. Carr's later pick in the third quarter directly led to Panther points, as Pitt linebacker Rasheem Biles returned the interception 10 yards for a Panther score. However, despite Carr’s (tied) highest interception game in the 2025 season, Notre Dame was able to play complementary football not just to beat Pitt, but dominate them on their home turf, where so many of the greats have played before.

The Fighting Irish left Acrisure Stadium with a 37-15 victory and proved their ability this season to take down competent opponents that lie in their way of another postseason appearance. Of course, this game would forever remain as Notre Dame’s last-ranked matchup of the season, as Notre Dame missed the playoffs. One cannot help but wonder what would have been different if Notre Dame
had won this game by more, or if Pitt had finished their season out stronger against ACC competition, which Pat Narduzzi argued was so important.