The oddsmakers forecast that today’s Pitt-Ohio U. game would be a close one with there being only a four point spread. However, the Panthers overall talent and depth proved to be too much as Pitt defeated Ohio 20-10.
The storyline of the game for the Panthers was the breakout of Mark Whipple’s passing game. After a below average season debut, Pickett responded by going 26-37 for 321 yards , which was a career-high in both completions and passing yards. The junior quarterbacks top target was senior wide receiver Maurice Ffrench who finished the game with 138 yards and earned the first 100-yard game of his career.
Pitt got on the scoreboard first on their second drive of the game with a 27-yard field by Alex Kessman. After having the drive extended on a 3rd down roughing the penalty on Ohio, Pickett connected on passes to Aaron Mathews (twice), Taysir Mack and Tre Tipton before stalling inside the Bobcats 20-yard line.
The Pitt defense stepped up and held Ohio to three-and-outs on two of the next three possessions. Key plays on those drives were:
- A great open field tackle by Phil Campbell and Chase Pine on Julian Ross preventing an Ohio first down.
- A yard tackle for loss by Jason Pinnock and Habakkuk Baldonado on Ohio quarterback Nathan Rourke.
- Deslin Alexandre sacks Rourke on 3rd and 8.
Midway through the second quarter, Pitt scored their first touchdown of the game when Pitt’s most dangerous offensive weapon struck. On a 3rd & 4, Pickett scrambled and found Ffrench who raced down the field for a 74 yard touchdown reception.
On their next possession, Pitt extended their lead to 17-0 when freshman running back Vincent Davis ran it in from 3 yards out. This was the first series and college carry for Davis. The tight ends were a big part of this drive as Pickett connected once with Nakia Griffin-Stewart and and twice with Will Gragg.
After stopping Ohio in the red zone and forcing them to a short field goal, Pitt went to halftime leading 17-3.
The Panthers only scoring in the 3rd quarter came on a 8-play, 55 yard drive, which ended in a Kessman 41-yard field goal. Big plays in the drive were a 11 yard pass to Gragg, 20 yards to Tipton and 22 yards to Mack.
Ohio managed a touchdown drive late in the 3rd quarter and scored what would be their only touchdown of the game on a 7-yard De’Montre Tuggle run at the 4:04 mark.
Pitt took a 20-10 lead going into the fourth quarter, which would end up being the final score.
Pitt has got to get the running game going to go with the passing game.
Must be able to maintain offense and generate points in the second half.
Let’s go Pitt!