In a dramatic college football game, No. 9 Notre Dame secured a 37-15 victory over No. 22 Pittsburgh, featuring an unusual defensive exchange where Pittsburgh scored a pick-six, only for Notre Dame to immediately respond by returning an interception on the two-point conversion for two points.
The highly anticipated Top-25 showdown took place on November 15, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Notre Dame, riding an eight-game winning streak, faced a tough Pitt team that had started the season strong. The game was crucial for both teams’ postseason aspirations, with Notre Dame aiming to solidify its College Football Playoff chances and Pitt looking to boost its ACC standing.
The turning point came in the third quarter when Pittsburgh’s defense made a spectacular play. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr attempted a screen pass, but Pitt’s Rasheem Biles intercepted the ball and returned it for a touchdown, marking his third career pick-six. This reduced Notre Dame’s lead and gave Pitt a momentary boost in momentum.
Immediately after the touchdown, Pitt opted for a two-point conversion to cut the deficit further. However, the attempt backfired when Mason Heintschel’s pass was intercepted by Notre Dame’s Adon Shuler, who returned it 100 yards for two points. This rare sequence highlighted the defensive prowess of both teams and effectively sealed the game for Notre Dame.
Throughout the game, Notre Dame’s offense was led by quarterback CJ Carr, who threw two touchdown passes to Malachi Fields, and running back Jeremiyah Love, who rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown. The Irish defense was dominant, holding Pitt to just 219 total yards and forcing multiple turnovers, showcasing their strength on both sides of the ball.
For Pittsburgh, the loss dropped them to 7-3 on the season, dealing a blow to their ACC title hopes. Despite the pick-six, their offense struggled, with quarterback Mason Heintschel completing only 9 of 21 passes for 74 yards and an interception. The Panthers’ inability to sustain drives and capitalize on opportunities proved costly against a superior Notre Dame squad.
Notre Dame’s victory extends their winning streak to eight games after an 0-2 start, positioning them as a strong contender for the College Football Playoff. The team’s balanced attack and stout defense have been key factors in their resurgence, with coach Marcus Freeman emphasizing consistency and improvement as they head into the final weeks of the season.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame will aim to maintain their momentum in upcoming games, while Pittsburgh must regroup to finish the season strong and secure a favorable bowl bid. This game not only highlighted individual defensive plays but also underscored the competitive nature of college football, where moments of brilliance can shift the outcome in an instant.
