Nov 16, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; The Pittsburgh Panthers take the field to warm up against the Clemson Tigers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Watch: Pitt Spring Game Highlights

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Panthers on SI
By Kevin Sinclair | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Following the Pitt Panthers spring game on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium, Pitt's media team put together a short video feature with highlights following footage of Kenny Pickett rallying the troops pregame.

It was a different atmosphere than what Pitt fans have seen in previous spring games. While many college programs have scrapped their spring game altogether, others turning to combines or other competition versus a traditional in-house game, Pitt stuck with the Blue-Gold Game but without full contact.

It was a matchup under 'thud' protocol. If you aren't familiar with thud, it's a level of competing with contact but not full contact where ball carriers are not taken to the ground intentionally.

Spring Practice 2025 ☑️

See you on August 30th... #H2P pic.twitter.com/VSJ5HCKQ3P
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) April 13, 2025

In the spring game, the Blue Team jumped out to a 17-0 lead before the Gold Team closed to gap through a rushing touchdown from converted receiver Justin Cook and a two-yard touchdown catch by early-entry freshman receiver Cameron Sapp.

However, the Blue Team managed to hang on to its lead, pulling off a 17-14 victory.

The first touchdown pass was a surprise as star linebacker Kyle Louis lined up in the backfield, faced pressure quickly after the snap, and launched a left-handed pass that hit returning receiver Zion Fowler-El as he was striding across the goal line.

Later, Louisville receiver import Cataurus "Blue" Hicks snagged a pass from early-entry freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel on a short route. The 5-foot-10 receiver then showed off his breakneck speed as he burst upfield for a 65-yard catch-and-run touchdown. It was the play of the day, according to many in attendance.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Panthers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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