Inside The Panthers

E.J. Manuel Calls Out Controversial Slide Call Against Pitt

One ACC Network host believes the Pitt Panthers got a raw deal against Wake Forest.

Stephen Thompson

E.J. Manuel Calls Out Controversial Slide Call Against Pitt
E.J. Manuel Calls Out Controversial Slide Call Against Pitt /
In this story:

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers had a win over Wake Forest in hand after Christian Veilleux appeared to have broken loose for a first down run that would have iced the game. But officials ruled his slide began prematurely and after the ensuing punt, the Demon Deacons marched quickly for a game-winning score. 

That fateful call was a polarizing subject for those who watched the game, and it even led former Florida State quarterback and current ACC Network host, E.J. Manuel to call it "the worst call I have ever seen," during the postgame show. 

Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said following the game that he hadn't yet seen a replay of the slide, but that Veilleux made a "rookie mistake" and needed to dive for the first down to leave no doubt. Veilleux himself said he thought he was beyond the marker and had picked up a first down. 

There were plenty of reasons the Panthers lost that game - they committed far too many penalties, were anemic offensively for most of the afternoon, punted poorly and failed to stand up defensively in the closing minutes. But that final call will continue to loom large as they dissect this loss moving forward. 

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Panthers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more!

Pitt Drops Heartbreaker to Wake Forest

Pitt Gets Two Starting OL Back Against Wake Forest

Injury Forces Pitt To Start True Freshman at LB

Pitt Facing First-Time Starting QB Against Wake Forest

Pitt Missing Two Backup LBs Against Wake Forest

Raptors Waive Former Pitt F Mouhamadou Gueye

Published
Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper.  He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press.  During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.  You can reach Stephen by email at stephenethompson00@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter. Read his latest work:

Home/News