Pitt brought a large squad to Chapel Hill, N.C., for the conference opener, but the travel roster is notable for notable absences and several players returning from injury.
Nick James did not go to North Carolina, becoming the only starter left in Pittsburgh. It was an unexpected loss for the Panthers, who lost perhaps their best defensive tackle, but the team was strengthened by the return of Sean Fitzsimmons.
Fitzsimmons missed the first four games of the season due to an injury sustained during fall camp, but was on the road to Chapel Hill and is expected to make his season debut.
Key Thompson and Braylan Loveless did not play in the game against Youngstown State two weekends ago, but both linebackers made the trip to Chapel Hill. This is the first healthy linebacker corps since the game against Cincinnati.
A significant number of true freshmen have made this journey, both scholars and walk-ons.
Cameron Monterio, Tyreke Robinson, Davin Brewton, Jashia Whittington, Allen Bryant, Benny Haselrig, Jeremiah Marceline, Malachi Thomas, Cynthia Edwards and Frances Belew all made the trip.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon, already the third noon kickoff of the season after the 2023 season when the Panthers only received one game. ESPN2 will broadcast the game between the Panthers and Tar Heels.
Pitt’s travel directory. Nick James did not travel. But Sean Fitzsimmons is here. So is Rodney Hammond. pic.twitter.com/5WYzV3yfJK
— Stephen Thompson (@stephenethom) October 5, 2024