When Pitt nearly upset fourth-ranked Notre Dame in 2012, the Panthers did it the old-fashioned way — with a running back (Ray Graham) who could break tackles and occasionally run away from defenders and a solid offensive line, led by a veteran coach (Jim Hueber).

Actually, there were many contributing elements that contradicted Pitt’s standing as a 161⁄2-point underdog.

There was a quarterback who seldom threw interceptions (Tino Sunseri), a reliable tight end who could block and catch (J.P. Holtz), a cornerback (K’Waun Williams) who is still in the NFL and a secondary coach (Matt House), who is now the defensive coordinator for No. 15 LSU. Plus, a junior defensive lineman from Penn Hills who was destined for greatness (Aaron Donald).

The Pitt team lining up against No. 14 Notre Dame (6-2) on Saturday doesn’t have a lineman of Donald’s ilk, but it does have players similar to that 2012 team who are capable of making the Irish sweat.

Guided by another smart position coach (Dave Borbely), the offensive line started to round back into shape last week when Jake Kradel returned from an injury and running back C’Bo Flemister rushed for 105 yards. Quarterback Christian Veilleux has a modest streak of 71 passes without a pick, cornerbacks M.J. Devonshire, Marquis Williams and A.J. Woods are capable of splash plays, and tight end Gavin Bartholomew, who can contribute in the passing game when given an opportunity.

But there also are differences.

This year’s Pitt team is 2-5, a loser in five of the past six games and a 201⁄2-point underdog. In 2012, first-year coach Paul Chryst rallied the team to a 4-4 record before the Notre Dame game after losing to Youngstown State in the opener.

Notre Dame had a better team 11 years ago, carrying an 8-0 record into the Pitt game and eventually advancing to the national championship game.

On paper, Saturday’s game appears to be a mismatch, but if Pat Narduzzi can shut off that running spigot of penalties, perhaps the Panthers can make it interesting.

Here are five thoughts to ponder before the 3:30 p.m. kickoff.

1. You know them; they know you

The first time Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman confronted Pitt’s defense, he threw four interceptions and was sacked five times in Wake Forest’s 48-21 loss in the 2021 ACC championship game.

Hartman took advantage of the transfer portal this season and landed at Notre Dame, where he has completed 64.5% of his passes for 1,838 yards and 18 touchdowns.

He might be pleased to know that of the four Pitt players who sacked him that night in Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., three are gone. The fourth, defensive end Dayon Hayes, has two sacks this season but none in the past five games.

Credit to Hartman, he’s thriving in a new offense.

“He’s in a pro-style offense. He’s huddling up and taking snaps under center,” Narduzzi said. “If he’s going to play in the NFL, it’s going to be in that type of offense, not what they are doing at Wake Forest.

“I think he’s probably enjoying it. He’s going to have an opportunity just by being able to make run checks, sit underneath the center and do all the things that they ask him to do there.”

Because of the differences between the Notre Dame and Wake Forest offensive systems, Pitt wouldn’t get much benefit from reviewing the championship game video.

“If we’re focused on what happened in ’21, we’re nuts,” Narduzzi said.

2. Lookin’ good

During video study, Notre Dame caught Narduzzi’s eye for many reasons, mostly because they have talented players.

But he also noticed something else.

“When you put the tape on and watch those shiny gold helmets, they fly around, they look good. They are probably as good-looking a team as you are going to walk out on game day and see, and they play fast.”

One other — more practical — Narduzzi observation:

“All the receivers look like tight ends,” he said.

Indeed, three of the top four wide receivers in terms of receptions and yards are at least 6-foot and more than 200 pounds. The leading pass catcher is tight end Mitchell Evans (6-5, 251), who has 24 receptions for 356 yards and a touchdown. Seven players have caught at least 10 balls.

3. WPIAL flavor

The Irish recruit all over the U.S., but they often venture into Western Pennsylvania. This season, they have three from the WPIAL.

Central Catholic graduate Donovan Hinish has made an impact in the defensive line rotation, recording a sack from the tackle position in the N.C. State game. His brother, Kurt, also an alum of Central Catholic and Notre Dame, plays for the Houston Texans.

Offensive linemen Andrew Kristofic of Pine-Richland and Michael Carmody of Mars are backups.

4. C’Bo speaks, when necessary

Flemister, a 23-year-old senior, did not set out to become a team leader, but it’s happening naturally — which is the best way.

“Most of the time I want to lead by example with how I work every day and trying to be consistent,” he said, “but when there are opportunities that I feel like I can speak up or maybe should say something, I’ll take advantage of those. It’s nothing that I plan to do or try to do. Thanks to the guys. They listen.

“It’s more of an honor than anything because it wasn’t intentional. I feel like the less you speak, the more your word means.”

5. It’s in their blood

A final note on that 2012 Pitt team: Three members — Sunseri, wide receiver Mike Shanahan and safety Jarred Holley — are on the James Madison coaching staff. Shanahan is the offensive coordinator, Sunseri coaches quarterbacks and Holley is in charge of cornerbacks. All work for coach Curt Cignetti, brother of Pitt OC Frank Cignetti Jr.

And, oh, by the way, James Madison (7-0) is ranked No. 25 in the Associated Press poll and leads the Sun Belt Conference in only its second FBS season.

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