PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The Pitt defense burned for big plays and an inability to make a stop on a third and four from the Miami 25 with 2:46 to play. Miami upsets the Panthers 38-34 Saturday at Heinz Field.
It was a wild final drive for the Hurricanes, getting the ball off an interception at their own two. Running back Jaylan Knighton barely crossed the goal line then pushed back and tackled yards deep in the end zone. After a review, the officials stuck with the original call of the ball placed at the one-yard line.
On the third and four, freshman quarterback Tyler Van Dyke hit tight end Will Mallory who gained the first down, but Brandon Hill forced a fumble. The ball rolled back to an original spot short of the first down. After another officials’ review, the ball moved forward and marked as a first down. Miami able to run out the clock on kneel downs as Pitt had no time outs left.
Panthers defense allowed 492 yards total offense and 428 yards passing to Van Dyke (a player the Panthers offered a scholarship to out of high school).
Pitt QB Kenny Pickett threw for a school record 519 yards, but threw a pair of costly interceptions. One on the final drive and another as the Panthers got the ball at the Miami 45-yard line in the second quarter. It resulted in another quick-strike Miami scoring drive.
Panthers are now 3-1 in ACC play and 6-2 overall. Miami improves to 2-2 and 4-4 on the season.
Up Next
After a pair of games at home, Pitt goes to Duke next Saturday for another noon kickoff. Blue Devils are 3-1 at home this season with wins over North Carolina A&T, Northwestern and Kansas.