Well, that was fun.
After an impressive 44-17 last week against South Florida, Pitt took a huge step back, falling at Rutgers, 34-10 in the team’s second Big East game of the season.
Pitt could do little offensively all day long. Todd Graham played both quarterbacks, but neither was particularly effective. Starter Tino Sunseri was 14-28 for 127 yards with three interceptions and backup and Trey Anderson, was 2-5 for four (yes, four) yards and a pick.
The lone bright spot on the day was running back Ray Graham. Graham broke a few big runs and ended with 165 yards and a touchdown on the afternoon.
But other than that, Pitt could do little right.
The defense played well in the first half, allowing only six points. But in the second half, they gave up three touchdowns and allowed true freshman Gary Nova to get on track in his first career start.
Special teams was also a problem spot for Pitt. Kicker Kevin Harper missed a field goal, but the big play came after Pitt scored a touchdown to cut Rutgers’ lead to 20-10 early in the fourth quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Pitt promptly gave up a long return to Jeremy Deering and the Scarlet Knights started on Pitt’s 14-yard line. In three plays, they were back in the end zone.
This game was a big letdown for Pitt and the Panthers will try to regroup with a homecoming game against Utah next weekend. For more post-game reaction, visit SB Nation Pitt blog Cardiac Hill.