Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi spent part of the week grousing about his defense, the one that had served as more bystander than difference-maker during the Panthers' unbeaten start.His players were listening.

The speed in Desmond Reid’s legs, the power in Ben Sauls’ left foot and Pat Narduzzi’s risk-taking on fourth down were vital elements in Pitt’s 17-15 victory against California. Give Pitt credit for all three.

It was only a matter of time before Desmond Reid took over against Cal. Pitt faced a 4th-and-1 from its own 28 to open the second quarter, and Eli Holstein handed the ball off to Reid and watched him race 72 yards to the end zone.

Pat Narduzzi stressed earlier this week that it's important to win games in different ways throughout the season and he probably won't complain how his team moved to 6-0 for the first time since 1982 Saturday evening at Acrisure Stadium with a 17-15 victory over ACC-newcomer,

PITTSBURGH — It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t pretty, but Pitt is 6-0 for the first time since 1982 after defeating Cal, 17-15, at Acrisure Stadium.

PITTSBURGH – Desmond Reid ran for 120 yards and two touchdowns, and No. 22 Pitt held off California 17-15 on Saturday.

Desmond Reid ran for 120 yards and two touchdowns, and No. 22 Pitt held off California 17-15 on Saturday. The Panthers improved to 6-0 for the first time since 1982 by relying on a defense that racked up six sacks on a day their revamped offense struggled.

Desmond Reid ran for 120 yards and two touchdowns, and No. 22 Pitt held off California 17-15 on Saturday. The Panthers improved to 6-0 for the first time since 1982 by relying on a defense that racked up six sacks on a day their revamped offense struggled.

The No. 22 Pitt Panthers held on for a slim, 17-15 win over the Cal Golden Bears in their ACC home opener at Acrisure Stadium, giving their fans much to cheer for. The Panthers improve to 6-0 for the first time since 1982 with the victory.