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Louisville vs. Pitt: Panthers lead Cardinals 21-17 at halftime

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On Homecoming, Pitt heads into the half leading Louisville 21-17. Despite the fact that Pitt is the underdog, you could actually make a good argument that the Panthers should be leading by a touchdown instead of four points.

With about a minute left, and Pitt facing a 4th and 1 on the Louisville 43-yard line, head coach Paul Chryst inexplicably decided to go for it rather than let time wind down and then punt it away. That would have left Louisville with only about 30 seconds and, presumably, deep in their own territory after Pitt would kick it away. Instead, the Panthers were stopped and Louisville took over on a short field.

Charlie Strong then decided to gamble with approximately 20 seconds left and facing a 4th and 7. But the Cardinals converted on a 27-yard pass play, setting up a 45-yard field goal by John Wallace that was good.

Despite the gaffe by Chryst, Pitt holds the lead at halftime. The big play of the first half was a punt block and ensuing recovery in the end zone by Todd Thomas. Pitt's Rushel Shell leads the team in rushing with 11 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown.

Both quarterbacks are playing well. Pitt's Tino Sunseri is 10-12 for 108 yards and a score and Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater is 10-16 for 132 yards.

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.