Week in Review
Pitt Panthers Week 2 Ultimate Wrap-up – ‘It’s A Rivalry’ Edition
THE BIG LEAD:
The rivalry is back. The first game of the rebooted Pitt-Penn State series was everything Pitt fans could have asked for.
- Post-Gazette: In renewal of intrastate rivalry, Pitt powers past Penn State
- SI: James Conner, Pitt hold off Penn State in thrilling renewal of storied rivalry
- Penn Live: Renewal of Penn State-Pitt, “well worth the wait”
- Trib: Largest crowd in Pittsburgh sports history
PHOTOS:
DOMINATION IN THE TRENCHES:
Pitt racked up 341 yards rushing on 56 attempts and held a 35:29 to 24:31 edge in time of possession. James Conner, who wasn’t happy with his performance against Villanova, rushed for 117 yards (5.3 YPC) and a TD, and added 29 yards plus a TD through the air.
- Lance Lysowski (DK): Panthers ground game helps deliver riveting win
- Rob Rang (CBS Sports): Pitt’s elite left side confirms NFL Draft stock by dominating Penn State
- Tony DeFazio (Beaver County Times): Pitt’s offensive line leads the way
- Penn State expected Pitt to run different style of offense
CALL IT A RIVALRY:
Shot:
- Onward State: Penn State deserves a better rival than Pitt
Chaser:
- Sean Gentille (Sporting News): Sorry, Penn State – Now Pitt is your rival, whether you like it or not
- Tim Benz: Does Penn State think it’s a rivalry now?
- Dejan Kovacevic: It is a rivalry
- Penn Live: Pitt used Penn State’s downplaying of rivalry as motivation
- Black Shoe Diaries: Rivalry renewed
AFTERMATH:
.@JamesConner_ bringing entire offensive line to podium for press conference #WTAE pic.twitter.com/bmOjYSlzBQ
— Andrew Stockey (@astockeyWTAE) September 10, 2016
- James Franklin says Pitt’s clapping confused them
- Rob Rossi: In battle of coaches, Pitt’s Narduzzi outclasses PSU’s Franklin
- Ryan Lewis finds success after long road
- Joe Starkey: Lewis a fitting hero
THE CELEBRATION:
- Anson Whaley: Pitt tops Penn State … and it was glorious
Those #VictoryLights look extra bright tonight. pic.twitter.com/gjZJeEoQ0j
— Dave DiCello (@DaveDiCello) September 11, 2016
It was a close one but we got it done @Pitt_FB!! #H2P https://t.co/fGq7qq0PM4
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) September 11, 2016
#Pitt fans…
Enjoy those Victory Lights tonight!#H2P #ThePursuit pic.twitter.com/Jtz4UAxNJQ— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) September 11, 2016
This will never get old! Let's go Pitt. Let's go Pitt. #H2P pic.twitter.com/CrYeiJDiS0
— Dann Kabala (@DannKabalaPSU) September 11, 2016
LOOKING AHEAD/KNOW YOUR ENEMY:
Next week Pitt travels to Stillwater, OK for their first ever meeting vs. the Cowboys, who literally had a game taken away from them by the officials.
- How the Cowboys respond will be crucial
- Cardiac Hill: Going scouting
- OK State has too many running backs
EXTENDED COVERAGE:
There has been very little coverage of Pitt-OK St. so far, which is understandable after the emotions of Pitt-Penn State week. Are the Panthers due for an emotional let down? Will OK St. roll over after a crushing loss. It’s an important game for both teams as they find themselves fighting to break into (Pitt) and back (OK St.) into the top 25.
