In Andy Talley's final season opener, the Villanova Wildcats traveled to Heinz field to take on the Pitt Panthers. As 26 point underdogs not much was expected from the 'Cats, but they held their own for a good part of the game.
The Panthers won the toss and deferred until the second half, giving Villanova the first drive of the game. The 'Cats began the drive on their own 24, and the first play from scrimmage was a Zach Bednarczyk run for 24 yards, putting the Wildcats just around midfield. The drive stalled and on 4th & 3 Coach Talley attempted a fake punt but Ed Shockly fumbled, giving Pitt the ball at their own 41.