Free-falling Pitt, Louisville lock up with bowl position in play

Teams eager to move past late losses take the field Saturday when the Louisville Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Panthers.

Louisville (6-4, 4-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) returns after allowing Stanford to score 10 points in the final 45 seconds to upset the then-No. 19 Cardinals 38-35.

The Cardinals fell out of this week's College Football Playoff rankings when the selection committee released them on Tuesday night.

The Panthers (7-3, 3-3) lost their third straight when then-No. 20 Clemson scored a touchdown with 1:16 remaining to win 24-20. Pitt outgained the visitors 438-346 yards but committed two turnovers and allowed eight sacks. In addition, coach Pat Narduzzi's team committed a season-high 13 penalties for 100 yards. Three came in succession when the Panthers had a third-and-goal from the Clemson 1. Instead of possibly scoring a touchdown, Pitt settled for a field goal.

Like Pitt, Louisville committed a season-high 13 penalties for 102 yards. Flags negated two interceptions and a sack. Another gave Stanford a second chance for a two-point conversion. Others were even costlier.

Stanford got the ball at its 45 with five seconds remaining after Louisville turned it over on downs. In that time, the Cardinals committed two penalties, allowing Stanford to win on a 52-yard field goal as time expired.

Speaking to reporters Monday, Louisville coach Jeff Brohm said he's fine if the players are still stung from the loss.

"We feel the pain, and you got to let it motivate you to want to not let it happen again," Brohm said.

Pitt will get quarterback Eli Holstein back. He suffered two head injuries in the past month but was medically cleared to play earlier this week. Nate Yarnell started against Clemson and threw for 350 yards and a touchdown.

The Panthers have dealt with a rash of injuries, but the offensive line has especially taken a beating. With three regulars out, there's been a rotation on the line, which is a reason for some of the penalties.

The injuries come at a point in the season when Narduzzi tries to limit practicing to save players.

"We've not cut the practice back yet because we needed to work the last two weeks," he explained.

Louisville may play Saturday without Isaac Brown, who left the Stanford game with a shoulder contusion. Brohm hopes the freshman, whose 7.4 yards per carry ranks second in FBS, can play but was uncertain on Monday.

--Field Level Media