Both Penn State and the Pitt Panthers kicked off their 2024 college football seasons with impressive wins. Penn State defeated West Virginia 34-12, showcasing their new offensive strategy while also highlighting a strong defensive performance that included contributions from returning defensive end Smith Vilbert. Coach James Franklin emphasized the importance of the defense, which statistically outperformed the previous year's effort. Meanwhile, Pitt achieved a commanding 55-24 victory over Kent State, led by quarterback Eli Holstein, who threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns in his debut. The Panthers' new offensive coordinator Kade Bell's uptempo strategy paid off, with running back Desmond Reid contributing significantly with 231 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Both teams demonstrated potential for a successful season ahead, with key players making impactful performances.