The Broncos upset the Panthers in a shoot out at Heinz Field
[Pittsburgh, Pa] Pitt (2-0) entered this afternoon’s game against Western Michigan (1-1) riding high after defeating the Tennessee Vols 41-34 in Knoxville a week ago. The Panthers probably didn’t expect to be in a shootout with a feisty Broncos all afternoon but found themselves on the short end of a 3 point loss.
Pitt’s defense got clobbered for 516 yards. The offense had 3 turnovers and W.Michigan took full advantage.
Pitt had many chances, the panthers needed a defensive stop to get the ball back for the offense, but the upstart Broncos converted on a 3rd and 7 followed by Running back Sean Tyler breaking free for 34 yard gain on 2nd and 11 to assure Western Michigan’s victory.
A Kaleb Eleby lead WMU offense scored on 3 straight possessions in the 1st half. The 2nd was after a costly fumble by Pitt QB Kenny Pickett who was injured on the play and the 3rd after Pitt turned the ball over on downs.
W.Michigan seemed to move the ball up and down the field all game against the Panthers defense with an awesome air attack. The team from the Midwest averaged 13 yards per completion and converted 7 of 17 3rd downs.
The WMU aerial attack was engineered with Eleby taking the snaps, throwing for 323 yards and 3 touchdowns with no interceptions. The 6’1″ 210 pound Red-shirt Sophomore executed the run- pass option schemes well. The offensive plan seemed to puzzle Pitt’s defense and the Panthers appeared to have no answer! One of the main targets at the end of the Eleby passes was wide out Skyy Moore (11 catches for 124 yards and a TD )who grew up not to far from Heinz field.
Pitt’s offense was lead by Pickett who also lit up sky with 6 touchdown passes. 1 short of the record held former Pitt QB Pete Gonzalez. It was only the 3rd time in school history a Pitt QB threw for 6 or more Touchdowns. Pickett finished 23 of 31 for 386 yards. But he was responsible for all 3 Pitt turnovers. 2 fumbles and 1 interception. The Broncos were the beneficiaries of Blue and Gold miscues garnering 14 points.
Pitt’s super sophomore WR Jordan Addison had 6 catches for 124 yards and 3 touchdowns. and Panthers Tight End Lucas Krull hauled in 2 touchdown catches.
The Panthers fall to 2-1 on the season and hope to bounce back next week hosting New Hampshire at Heinz Field. Meanwhile Western Michigan gets its 1st win against a Power 5 team since defeating Virginia in 2016.
Keith Platt Jr.
Urban Media Today Sports
