Miami Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Panthers: Week 14 Game Preview

• Matchup: 12 Miami Hurricanes at 22 Pittsburgh Panthers

• Date: Saturday, 11/29/2025

• Time: 12:00 p.m. EST

• Location: Acrisure Stadium

• TV: ESPN

• Last matchup: November 26th, 2022 – Pittsburgh 42, Miami 16

• All-time series record: Miami 29 wins, Pittsburgh 12 wins, 1 tie

• Last 5 meetings at Pittsburgh: Miami is 4-1

The Miami Hurricanes are still in the running for a playoff spot by either an at-large bid or a long-shot ACC title game appearance if certain things go their way on Saturday. Heading into this matchup 8-2, the Canes need to take care of business to boost their resume even more to get the CFP committee’s attention.

Miami may not just be able to win this game; they might have to blow it open to pass the “eye-test” that this committee cares so much about (instead of focusing on head-to-head matchups and common opponents). The good thing is that the Hurricanes have looked great in their recent games.

In November, Carson Beck has been excellent for Miami and is trying to get the team to the College Football Playoffs. He is completing 76% of his passes this month, for 1,132 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has thrown only two interceptions, a significant improvement from September and October, when he had seven combined.

The best player on the offense is still true freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney, who continues to show the country he is one of the most electrifying players in college. He is coming off a career-high game against Virginia Tech last week, recording 12 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown.

Girard Pringle Jr. may continue to get the bulk of the carries, depending on how they view the running game against Pittsburgh on Saturday. Pringle provides more of a speedy option for Miami’s rushing attack. Since the Canes are heading into a cold atmosphere, they may lean on Mark Fletcher Jr. more than last week, which is also a great option. What’s been the backbone of this Hurricanes team is the defense under Corey Hetherman. Miami ranks No. 7 nationally and No. 1 in the ACC, allowing just 14.5 points per game. It will be another big game for Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor up front, trying to wreak havoc.

Suppose Miami comes out victorious. In that case, it’ll have to be because the defense had another tremendous performance, giving the offense chances to blow the game open with excellent field position.

Pitt also has a lot to play for against Miami, as they still have a chance to make the ACC title game. The CFP committee bumped the Panthers back into the top 25 after their win against Georgia Tech last week.

Since rising to the top of the depth chart in the middle of the season, Mason Heintschel, a freshman quarterback, has ignited the Panthers’ offense and led the team to a 6-1 record. In five of those seven games, Heintschel has thrown multiple touchdowns. Since starting in Week 6, he has finished second in the ACC in passing yards (1,863 yards) and third in passing touchdowns (14).

Pittsburgh is scoring 37.6 points (No. 12 nationally) and 406.5 yards per game (53rd). They have a respectable offense, and with the home crowd on their side, it can make things a bit difficult for Miami in the cold weather. It’s the rushing game for the Panthers that is the weakness of this offense. They rank below average in running the ball.

They will look to air it out as much as possible against Miami, but the offensive line has been susceptible to giving up sacks as of late. Notre Dame held Pitt to 16-33 passing and 126 yards with 0 TDs and an INT. They exploited them by putting heavy pressure on them and knocking them out of rhythm.

Pittsburgh’s defense has some great players on it. They have done a great job in forcing turnovers and pressuring the quarterback. It’s led by Jimmy Scott, who has a team-high 4.5 sacks, 8 TFL, Isaiah Neal, Francis Brewu, and Nick James. Their star linebacker, Rasheem Biles, leads the team in tackles despite not playing and finishing every game this season.

The Panthers have a good secondary as well. A star does not lead it; it’s more of a committee, which is more dangerous. They have done a great job making it tough against the opposing receivers and frustrating the quarterback.

There is a real argument to be made that this Pittsburgh team is the most talented ACC team Miami will face this season.

And that presents problems for many defenses across the country. They suffered a 34-14 loss at Florida State last Saturday and look to bounce back at home with some optimistic momentum on their side.

• College Football Dreams: Miami has no other choice but to win this game.

• The “eye-test:” The Hurricanes not only have to win this game, but they have to look good in doing so due to the fact that the CFP committee favors the “eye-test” more than other important points when determining the playoffs.

• Backdoor into the ACC title game: It’s a long shot, but Miami can still backdoor their way into the conference title game, but they have to take care of business first.

Road games in November will always haunt Miami fans, and for good reason. It will be cold in Pittsburgh, and something the Hurricanes haven’t faced yet this season.

The good thing for the Canes is that they are built for the cold. The trenches are elite, as the offensive line should thrive and be physical, per usual, on Saturday. The defensive line should continue to wreak havoc in the cold and expose the Panthers’ offensive line.

Pitt will not go down without a fight, and this game will be close for the majority of it.

Miami still lands the final punch and makes the committee think about their decisions even more.

Final Score Prediction: Miami 24, Pittsburgh 14