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Pitt Stops North Carolina Charge in Overtime for 30-23 Win

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PITTSBURGH — Lucas Krull caught a touchdown pass from Kenny Pickett in overtime and M.J. Devonshire intercepted Sam Howell to seal the victory as Pitt held on to defeat North Carolina, 30-23 in the extra period at Heinz Field on Thursday. 

Pickett threw to Krull near the goal line and he powered his way into the end zone for the go-ahead score.

On North Carolina’s fourth down of overtime, Cam Bright flushed Howell from the pocket and Devonshire hauled in his desperation heave.

Pitt jumped out to a big lead with scores on three consecutive possessions in the first half, but saw that lead whittled away to nothing by the end of regulation.

Vincent Davis rushed for a 2-yard score on Pitt’s second drive. On the third, Pickett threw a 44-yard pass to Melquise Stovall that set Pitt up in the red zone. Pickett then found Gavin Bartholomew on a sprint out pass to his right for a 1-yard score.

After a North Carolina three-and-out, Pickett hit Jordan Addison for a 42-yard strike down field to set up a Sam Scarton 34-yard field goal.

North Carolina started its comeback when Howell found Antoine Green for a 76-yard score after Damarri Mathis fell down in coverage.

Jared Wayne scored on a 32-yard touchdown late in the second quarterback, but Scarton missed the extra point, which proved crucial later.

The Tar Heels then scored two touchdowns to claw to within a score, as Green caught a 23-yard from Howell and the UNC quarterback called his own number on a 4th and goal from one.

Pitt got the ball back with under five minutes to play and a three-point lead, but Pickett was intercepted on a screen pass and North Carolina got the ball back. After a Pitt defensive stand, Grayson Atkins kicked a 20-yard field to force overtime, but the Panthers were able to prevail in the extra period.

Pitt (8-2, 5-1 in ACC) will host Virginia next week. The Panthers need a win and a Miami loss to clinch the ACC Coastal Division.

Sandy Schall, Coldwell Banker
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Krackerjack Kid
Krackerjack Kid
2 years ago

A few questions.

Why does Pitt abandon the run on the second half?

With a huge lead, why is Pitt snapping the ball with 20 seconds left on the play clock? Awful clock management.

Why has the offense stopped any motion?

Timeouts. Will NarDog ever learn how to use them effectively?

Jeff
Jeff
2 years ago

Way to shut em down and walk it off Pitt. Keep it rolling.

Jim Colbert
2 years ago

Games like this , sure seems like the O-Coordinator is trying to have Kenny set all new passing records than call the game based on game situations, led directly to blowing a nice lead and could have lost a game that had no business being in jeopardy. Wonder what running backs are thinking watching that guy call a game.

mugrad_89
mugrad_89
2 years ago

Whipple needs to get a clue. His play calling cost them a chance against Miami and almost cost them a win last nite.

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