PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There were a couple of sloppy series early and missed opportunities in the first half, but Pitt's defense got stop after stop. Eventually the offense started cashing in as Pitt won their opener 51-7 over UMass.
"This was a good scrimmage," said Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi. "It's scrimmage number three. You only have two during camp. That was scrimmage number three and you can find out the live bullets are flying who is going to make a play and who is not."
Kenny Pickett would survive a targeting hit to go 20 of 26 in the first half for 228 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the first half. He was also the team's leading rusher in the first half with 39 yards, including a long of 18. Pickett would throw for 262 yards overall and 301 total yards.
The fifth year senior hit 10 different receivers including tight end Lucas Krull, playing only one game in 2020 due to injury, for a 5-yard touchdown and sophomore Jordan Addison for a 12-yard TD. Addison an All-ACC selection as a freshman led the team with five receptions in the first half. Jared Barden had a 47-yard catch.
Despite a slow start, the Panthers would rush for 222 yards and 5 touchdowns, all by different players. Freshman Rodney Hammond, Jr. led all rushers with 44 yards.
In his seventh season, Central Catholic grad John Petrishen had a pair of sacks as two of six tackles and Calijah Kancey had five tackles and noticeable on a number of other plays. Linebacker SirVocea Dennis chipped in five tackles.
"Awesome," Petrishen said. "Unbelievable for me. I feel like I've envisioned things like this and manifested things like that. I'm more confident that I've ever been. Having more fun than I ever had."
Junior free safety Erick Hallett forced a fumble he would recover as the only Pitt recovered turnover.
Panthers at Tennessee on Saturday at noon on 93.7 The Fan. Vols beat Bowling Green 38-6 on Thursday.
