#17 Pitt falls to Miami, 38-34; ends 4-game winning streak
[Pittsburgh,Pa] Fresh off their huge victory against Clemson, there were concerns all week that their next game against the Miami Hurricanes would be a trap game (A game against an opponent that a team could overlook, under-prepare, and lose). It is also a proven fact that Pitt has not fared well against the Hurricanes, having only won 2 times since 2014 and 3 times since 1997. Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi has only won once against Miami.
Well, unfortunately the predictions were correct as Pitt came up short to the Hurricanes, 38-34 in front of 46,977 fans at Heinz Field.
“Obviously, a disappointing game. I thought our kids played their tails off. Didn’t keep their composure at times, which we’ve got to do, and you know, just a tough game.” Said Narduzzi. “They made one more play than we did. I thought they played hard. We lost the turnover margin by one, minus 1, probably the difference in the game. We only had one turnover. Tyler (Van Dyke) made that because I told you he was a good football player, could throw it well. I thought we just started slow, especially defensively. Just didn’t make enough plays. Some cover busts early, I thought two of them. We’ll look at the tape and find out.”
Just like the loss to Western Michigan, the Pitt defense was unable to find an answer to the opposing team’s QB-in this case, the Hurricanes Tyler Van Dyke who was fresh off an impressive victory over NC State. Van Dyke’s quick passes and smart decisions propelled Miami to a 21-7 first quarter lead and eventually a 31-17 first half lead. He finished the game passing for 428 yards, 3 TDs and an interception. RB Jaylan Knighton (17 carries, 80 yards) caught one of Van Dyke’s TDs and rushed for another. WR Charleston Rambo caught 7 passes for 101 yards)
“You know, at times crappy tackling on some of their routes, just taking a shot and going and making plays. We didn’t make plays. Again, give them credit.” Said Narduzzi. “They’ve got some good skill guys out there, and we didn’t make plays on the edge making tackles. Just gave them too many yards there.
Then I know the fake reverse, I’m not sure who kind of wheeled out, I know Mallory wheeled out and we didn’t cover that one early, but just some little things like that, and we’ll look at the tape and evaluate. I’ll have more answers on Monday.”
Although they fell short, Pitt’s offense did all they could to win the game as they overcame both first-half deficits. QB Kenny Pickett set a Pitt record by passing for 519 yards that included 3 TDs, but his two interceptions proved costly, especially the one with only 4 minutes left in the game in which he overthrew intended WR Jordan Addison (8 rec, 145 yards). The Panthers took an early 7-0 lead on RB Israel Abinaknda’s 1-yard TD, but it would be the last time the Panthers led all game. Pickett’s TD passes went to Abinakanda, WR Jared Wayne and WR Jaylon Barden.
“It’s frustrating, no doubt about it. We could throw a couple more touchdown passes, as well. If it’s going to be a shootout, it’s going to be a shootout.” Said Narduzzi. “But they’ve got good talent, we’ve got good talent, and the goal of the game is to score one more, and we didn’t do that today.”
But there was also controversy late in the fourth quarter as the Panthers appeared to force a Safety as they tackled Miami RB Cody Brown, only for the officials to overturn it after a review. It was clear that Brown was tackled in the end zone, but it was ruled as forward progress giving Miami the ball at the 1. Van Dyke then got 2 first downs and eventually ran out the clock for the victory to improve their record to 4-4 (2-2 ACC)
When asked about the Official’s explanation on the Safety, Narduzzi replied: “Next question.”
The Panthers (6-2, 3-1 ACC) most now learn from this loss, shake it off and get ready to travel to Durham, NC to face the Duke Blue Devils as endeavor to clinch their 2nd ACC Coastal Title in 4 years.
“But just got far behind, could never catch up. Never had a lead in the game, and I thought we were going to take it in the fourth quarter and (we) fell short at the end. Tough one to swallow, but we will bounce back. All our goals are still in front of us. Still disappointing.”-Said Narduzzi.
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