2016 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

American college football season January 2016 February 2026 2016 Pittsburgh Panthers football Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division ACC 8–5 5–3 Pat Narduzzi 2nd Matt Canada 1st Pro-style Josh Conklin 2nd 4–3 Heinz Field Pinstripe Bowl L 24–31 vs. Northwestern The 2016 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Panthers were led by second-year head coach Pat Narduzzi and played their home games at Heinz Field. They were a member of the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The season marked Pitt's fourth season as a member of the ACC. The Panthers finished the season 8–5, 5–3 in ACC play to finish in a three-way tie for second place in the Coastal Division. The Panthers received an invitation to the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium where they lost to Northwestern 31–24.Temple Jesse December 28, 2016 Northwestern outpaces high-powered Pitt in thrilling Pinstripe Bowl https://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/135410/northwestern-outpaces-high-powered-pitt-in-thrilling-pinstripe-bowl 2017-09-18 ESPN.comhttps://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2016/12/28/pitt-panthers-northwestern-wildcats-pinstripe-bowl-yankee-stadium-james-conner-pat-narduzzi/stories/201612280155 Banged-up Panthers fall to Northwestern in Pinstripe Bowl, 31–24 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2017-09-18 en On September 10, 2016, the Panthers played their in-state rivals Penn State for the first time since 2000, where they were victorious, 42–39. Penn State had won seven of the previous eight games between the two schools. Offseason 2016 NFL draft RoundPickTeamPlayerPosition255Cincinnati BengalsTyler BoydWide Receiver NFL undrafted free agents TeamPlayerPositionArizona CardinalsArtie RowellCenterPittsburgh SteelersKhaynin Mosley-SmithDefensive tackleLos Angeles RamsNicholas GrigsbyLinebackerMiami DolphinsLafayette PittsCornerbackCleveland BrownsJ. P. HoltzTight End Recruiting class no no 2016 Aaron Mathews ATH Clairton, PA Clairton 6 5 195 February 2nd NR 3 3 78 3 Amir Watts DT Chicago, IL Phillips Academy 6 3 270 Jan 25th, 2016 4 4 3 75 3 Brandon Ford OL Pittsburgh, PA Upper St. Clair 6 5 300 March 3rd, 2015 3 3 3 76 3 Bricen Garner S Pittsburgh, PA Central Catholic 6 1 172 June 19th, 2015 3 3 3 75 3 Bryce Hargrove DT Akron, OH Coventry 6 5 255 July 24th, 2015 3 3 3 70 3 Chase Pine LB Williamsburg, VA Lafayette 6 4 220 June 23rd, 2015 3 3 3 76 3 Chawntez Moss RB Bedford, OH Bedford 5 11 198 June 21st, 2015 3 3 3 75 3 Damar Hamlin CB Pittsburgh, PA Central Catholic 6 1 182 February 2nd 4 4 4 83 4 Elias Reynolds LB Brooklyn, NY Poly Prep 6 3 225 January 24th, 2016 3 2 3 72 3 George Hill ATH Hubbard, OH Hubbard 6 0 200 December 18th, 2015 4 4 4 82 4 Henry Miller CB Kissimmee, FL Gateway 6 3 195 December 18th, 2015 3 3 3 77 3 Justin Morgan OT Brooklyn, NY Poly Prep 6 6 335 December 15th, 2015 3 3 3 72 3 Kaezon Pugh LB Aliquippa, PA Aliquippa 6 1 206 October 10th, 2015 3 4 3 79 3 Keyshon Camp DT Lakeland, FL Lake Gibson 6 4 272 February 3rd, 2016 4 3 4 82 4 Maurice Ffrench WR New Brunswick, NJ New Brunswick 5 11 185 June 26th, 2015 3 3 3 71 3 Patrick Jones II DE Chesapeake, VA Grassfield 6 5 228 December 2nd, 2015 3 2 3 75 3 Phil Campbell S Monmouth Junction, NJ South Brunswick 6 1 195 December 13th, 2015 3 3 3 74 3 Rashad Weaver DE Cooper City, FL Cooper City 6 5 247 February 3rd, 2016 3 2 3 77 3 Rashad Wheeler DT Pittsburgh, PA Central Catholic 6 3 279 August 11th, 2015 3 3 3 76 3 Ruben Flowers WR Lima, OH Lima 6 4 190 June 26th, 2015 3 4 3 79 3 Therran Coleman CB Pittsburgh, PA Brashear 6 0 178 August 31st, 2015 3 3 3 79 3 Thomas MacVittie QB Cincinnati, OH Moeller 6 4 210 March 26th, 2015 3 3 3 78 3 Zack Gilbert DE Charlotte, NC South Mecklenburg 6 1 253 November 28th, 2015 3 3 3 78 3 Zack Williams OT Citra, FL Farragut Academy 6 5 269 December 13th, 2015 3 3 3 72 3 no 2016 Pittsburgh Football Commitments 2016 Pittsburgh Football Recruiting Commits Pittsburgh 2016 Football Commits 2016 Player Commits Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pittsburgh 221 26 31 30 31 September 13, 2016 Injuries It was announced that several players would be missing for the upcoming season due to injury. Sophomore tight end Chris Clark underwent knee surgery, while redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Mike Grimm underwent hip surgery; both missed the entire 2016 season. Junior defensive tackle Justin Moody was forced to retire due to a non-football-related cervical spine condition; he remained on the team as a student assistant. Additionally, incoming recruits Zack Gilbert and George Hill, both suffering from heart conditions, also missed the 2016 season.https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2016/08/05/Pitt-coach-Pat-Narduzzi-announces-roster-updates-on-Justin-Moody-Chris-Clark-and-others/stories/201608050172 Five Pitt players, including incoming freshman Hill, to miss season due to medical conditions Meyer Craig August 5, 2016 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 13, 2016 Schedule The Panthers schedule was released on January 26, 2016. The blue team defeated the gold team, 19–17, in the spring game on Saturday April 16, 2016 at Heinz Field. 2016 AP Poll and CFP Rankings after November 1 released prior to game Eastern September 3 1:30 p.m. w y Villanova 23 (FCS) Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ACCN+ 28–7 50,149http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2016-2017/game-01.html Villanova vs. PITT (9/3/16) September 3, 2016 pittsburghpanthers.com September 13, 2016 September 10 12:00 p.m. w y Penn State rivalry Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ESPN 42–39 69,983http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2016-2017/game-02.html Penn State vs. PITT (9/10/16) September 10, 2016 pittsburghpanthers.com September 13, 2016 September 17 3:30 p.m. l y y Oklahoma State Boone Pickens Stadium Stillwater, OK ESPN 38–45 53,514http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2016-2017/game-03.html PITT vs. Oklahoma State (9/17/16) September 17, 2016 pittsburghpanthers.com November 3, 2016 September 24 3:30 p.m. l y North Carolina Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC ESPNU 36–37 54,500http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2016-2017/game-04.html PITT vs. North Carolina (9/24/16) September 24, 2016 pittsburghpanthers.com November 3, 2016 October 1 7:30 p.m. w y Marshall Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ACCRSN 43–27 45,246http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2016-2017/game-05.html Marshall vs. PITT (10/1/16) October 1, 2016 pittsburghpanthers.com November 3, 2016 October 8 12:30 p.m. w y Georgia Tech Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ACCN 37–34 47,425http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2016-2017/game-06.html Georgia Tech vs. PITT (10/8/16) October 8, 2016 pittsburghpanthers.com November 3, 2016 October 15 12:30 p.m. w y Virginia Scott Stadium Charlottesville, VA ACCN 45–31 39,522http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2016-2017/game-07.html PITT vs. Virginia (10/15/16) October 15, 2016 pittsburghpanthers.com November 3, 2016 October 27 7:00 p.m. l Virginia Tech 25 Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ESPN 36–39 40,254http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2016-2017/game-08.html Virginia Tech vs. PITT (10/27/16) October 27, 2016 pittsburghpanthers.com November 3, 2016 November 5 12:30 p.m. l y Miami (FL) Hard Rock Stadium Miami Gardens, FL ACCN 28–51 51,796http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2016-2017/game-09.html PITT vs. Miami (FL) (11/5/16) November 5, 2016 pittsburghpanthers.com December 18, 2016 November 12 3:30 p.m. w y Clemson 2 Memorial Stadium Clemson, SC ABC 43–42 81,048http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2016-2017/game-10.html PITT vs. Clemson (11/12/16) November 12, 2016 pittsburghpanthers.com March 29, 2023 November 19 3:00 p.m. w Duke Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ACCRSN 56–14 35,425http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2016-2017/game-11.html Duke vs. PITT (11/19/16) November 19, 2016 pittsburghpanthers.com December 18, 2016 November 26 12:30 p.m. w Syracuse rivalry Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA ACCN/WTAE-TV"wtae" This game aired on Pittsburgh ABC affiliate WTAE's main signal, while the one between Michigan and Ohio State aired on ESPN2 and on the This TV digital subchannel the station had at the time.Programming note: Saturday's college football schedule on WTAE https://www.wtae.com/article/programming-note-saturday-college-football-schedule-on-wtae/8360724 2016-11-23 WTAE 76–61 34,049http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2016-2017/game-12.html Syracuse vs. PITT (11/26/16) November 26, 2016 pittsburghpanthers.com December 18, 2016 December 28 2:00 p.m. l y y 23 Northwestern Pinstripe Bowl Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY ESPN 24–31 37,918 Game summaries Villanova Villanova at Pittsburgh Wildcats 0 0 7 0 Panthers 0 14 7 7 September 3 Heinz FieldPittsburgh, PA 1:33 p.m. EDT 3:15 50,149 76 F • Wind NE 4 mph on • Sunny Duane Heydt Play-by-Play: Dave Weekley Analyst: John Gregory ACCN yes 2 07:08 Pittsburgh James Conner 3-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 3:13 7–0 2 00:19 Pittsburgh James Conner 9-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 1:02 14–0 3 14:48 Pittsburgh Quadree Henderson 96-yard kickoff return (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:00 21–0 3 10:35 Villanova Rob Rolle 3-yard fumble return (Gerard Smith kick), Drive: 3 plays, −15 yards, 0:58 21–7 yes 4 06:00 Pittsburgh Jester Weah 16-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 5:24 28–7 2016 Villanova Wildcats football team The Panthers opened the 2016 season against an FCS opponent in Villanova. The Wildcats controlled play for portions of the first half, but three straight drives into Pitt territory failed to produce any points, giving the Panthers time to get going. Running back James Conner, having missed the entire 2015 season due to a torn MCL and after having battled Hodgkin's lymphoma in the off-season, returned to the field and scored 2 touchdowns in the 2nd quarter. The first came on a 3-yard run; the second came on a 9-yard pass from Nathan Peterman. Quadree Henderson returned the second-half kickoff 96 yards for a score to break things open. Rob Rolle returned a Peterman fumble 3 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter for Villanova's only score. Peterman completed 19 of 32 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, including a pretty 16-yard touchdown pass to Jester Weah in the 4th quarter. The Panthers managed just 261 total yards. Defensively, the Panthers only allowed 172 yards and forced 2 turnovers, including a Terrish Webb interception. Dewayne Hendrix and Elijah Zeise were injured during the game; their injuries were initially thought to be not serious, but it was later announced after the Penn State game the following week that both would miss the remainder of the season.Pitt deals with early injuries to Dewayne Hendrix and Elijah Zeise http://www.cardiachill.com/2016/9/4/12791386/elijah-zeise-dewayne-hendrix-injury-pitt-football-vs-penn-state-villanova-pittsbugh-panthers SB Nation September 4, 2016 September 13, 2016Pitt loses Dewayne Hendrix and Elijah Zeise for season http://www.cardiachill.com/2016/9/11/12877902/dewayne-hendrix-elijah-zeise-pitt-football-injuries-pittsburgh-panthers-penn-state-villanova SB Nation September 11, 2016 September 13, 2016 Penn State Penn State at Pittsburgh Nittany Lions 7 7 7 18 Panthers 14 14 7 7 September 10 Heinz FieldPittsburgh, PA 12:01 p.m. EDT 3:15 69,983 85 F • Wind SW 7 mph on • Partly cloudy Jerry McGinn Play-by-Play: Bob WischusenAnalyst: Brock HuardSideline: Allison Williams ESPN yes 1 08:03 Pittsburgh George Aston 1-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 10 plays, 99 yards, 4:43 7–0 1 07:16 Pittsburgh Quadree Henderson 7-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 2 plays, 12 yards, 0:38 14–0 1 02:42 Penn State Saquon Barkley 3-yard run (Tyler Davis kick), Drive: 1 play, 15 yards, 0:09 14–7 2 13:38 Pittsburgh Scott Orndorff 2-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:04 21–7 2 11:54 Pittsburgh George Aston 3-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 3 plays, 30 yards, 1:07 28–7 2 00:42 Penn State Saquon Barkley 1-yard run (Tyler Davis kick), Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 2:35 28–14 3 11:54 Penn State Saquon Barkley 40-yard pass from Trace McSorley (Tyler Davis kick), Drive: 2 plays, 46 yards, 0:39 28–21 3 07:24 Pittsburgh James Conner 1-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:30 35–21 4 13:42 Penn State Saquon Barkley 1-yard run (Tyler Davis kick), Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 2:04 35–28 4 12:04 Penn State Tyler Davis 38-yard field goal, Drive: 4 plays, −9 yards, 1:31 35–31 4 10:24 Pittsburgh James Conner 12-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 3 plays, 10 yards, 1:40 42–31 yes 4 05:00 Penn State Saquon Barkley 2-yard run (DeSean Hamilton pass from Trace McSorley for a two-point conv.), Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 1:30 42–39 2016 Penn State Nittany Lions football team Penn State–Pittsburgh football rivalry Following their victory over Villanova, the Panthers would host in-state rival Penn State. The two schools hadn't played each other since the 2000 season, where Pitt shut out the Nittany Lions 12–0 at the old Three Rivers Stadium. The Panthers jumped out to a 28–7 lead in the first half behind a powerful rushing attack, spearheaded by James Conner. George Aston struck first with a 1-yard touchdown run to give Pitt the lead 7–0. The Panthers scored again on their very next possession on a 7-yard touchdown pass from Nathan Peterman to Quadree Henderson, swelling the lead to 14–0. A 3-yard Saquon Barkley touchdown run cut the Pitt lead to 7 before the end of the 1st quarter. The Panthers scored on the first possession of the 2nd quarter on a 2yard touchdown pass from Peterman to Scott Orndoff. They would add to their lead the very next drive with a George Aston 3-yard touchdown run, putting the lead at 28–7. Just before the end of the half, Saquon Barkley again scored a touchdown for the Nittany Lions, this time from 1 yard out, to pull Penn State within 2 scores at the half. Penn State would score on their first possession of the second half on a 40-yard touchdown pass from Trace McSorley to Saquon Barkley to cut the Pittsburgh lead to a touchdown, 28–21. The Panthers would respond with an 11 play, 75-yard drive, capped off with a 1-yard touchdown run from James Conner. On the following Penn State possession, Dennis Briggs would force Saquon Barkley to fumble the ball, which would be recovered by the Panthers at their own 35-yard line. The offense would fail to capitalize on the turnover, as Chris Blewitt would miss a 50-yard field goal. Following the missed field goal, the Nittany Lions went to work in the 4th quarter, scoring on the first possession on a Saquon Barkley 1-yard touchdown run, putting the score at 35–28, Pitt. The Panthers would shoot themselves in the foot on the next possession, as James Conner fumbled the ball deep in Pittsburgh territory, giving Penn State favorable field position at the PITT 11 yard line. However, the defense would hold strong in spite of this, holding Penn State to a field goal and not allowing them to tie the game. Early in the 4th quarter, Pitt clung to a 35–31 lead. On the ensuing kickoff, Quadree Henderson would return the ball 84-yards to the Penn State 10-yard line, where a few plays later, Nathan Peterman would shovel pass the ball to James Conner, who would take it into the end zone from 12-yards out, giving the Panthers a 2 score lead once again, 42–31. After trading possessions, Penn State would close the gap to 3 when, again, Saquon Barkley scored on a 3-yard touchdown run. Trace McSorley would connect with DaeSean Hamilton on the 2-point conversion, put the score at 42–39, Pitt, with 5 minutes remaining in the game. After a Pittsburgh 3-and-out, Penn State would receive the ball with under 4 minutes left in the game at their own 29-yard line. They would drive the ball all the way to the PITT 31 yard line before Senior cornerback Ryan Lewis picked off Trace McSorley in the end zone with just over a minute to play, ensuring a 42–39 victory for Pitt. Saquon Barkley accounted for all 5 of Penn State's touchdowns and James Conner ran for 117 yards and a touchdown and caught another; as a team, the Panthers rushed for 359 yards. The game was also played in front of the largest crowd in the history of the city of Pittsburgh to watch a sporting event (69,983).Pitt holds off Penn State rally to win 42–39 https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869436 September 10, 2016 ESPN ESPN September 13, 2016 The Panthers moved to 2–0 on the season, renewing a heated in-state rivalry in the process. At Oklahoma State Pittsburgh at Oklahoma State Panthers Cowboys 10 14 14 0 10 21 7 7 September 17 Boone Pickens StadiumStillwater, OK 3:35 p.m. EDT 5:40 53,514 82 F • Wind 5 mph on • Partly cloudy Gary Patterson Play-by-Play: Jason BenettiAnalyst: Kelly StoufferSideline: Paul Carcaterra ESPN yes 1 14:44 Oklahoma State James Washington 91-yard pass from Mason Rudolph (Ben Grogan kick), Drive: 1 play, 91 yards, 0:16 0–7 1 13:09 Pittsburgh Quadree Henderson 10-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 4 plays, 70 yards, 1:35 7–7 1 05:51 Pittsburgh Chris Blewitt 48-yard field goal, Drive: 9 plays, 38 yards, 4:33 10–7 1 04:26 Oklahoma State Ben Grogan 45-yard field goal, Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 1:25 10–10 2 13:09 Oklahoma State James Washington 29-yard pass from Mason Rudolph (Ben Grogan kick), Drive: 7 plays, 99 yards, 2:33 10–17 2 09:44 Oklahoma State Rennie Childs 1-yard run (Ben Grogan kick), Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 1:53 10–24 2 04:59 Pittsburgh James Conner 1-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 9 plays, 83 yards, 4:45 17–24 2 04:04 Oklahoma State Rennie Childs 67-yard run (Ben Grogan kick), Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:55 17–31 2 01:47 Pittsburgh Jester Weah 60-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 1 play, 60 yards, 0:09 24–31 3 10:25 Pittsburgh Matt Galambos 2-yard fumble return (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 1 play, −9 yards, 0:06 31–31 3 09:01 Oklahoma State Rennie Childs 5-yard run (Ben Grogan kick), Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 1:24 31–38 3 05:28 Pittsburgh Quadree Henderson 50-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 4 plays, 70 yards, 1:57 38–38 yes 4 01:28 Oklahoma State Rennie Childs 1-yard run (Ben Grogan kick), Drive: 3 plays, 88 yards, 0:39 38–45 2016 Oklahoma State Cowboys football team At North Carolina Pittsburgh at North Carolina Panthers Tar Heels 5 14 14 3 0 16 7 14 September 24 Kenan Memorial StadiumChapel Hill, NC 3:33 p.m. EDT 3:31 54,500 92 F • Wind WNW 5 mph on • Mostly sunny Jeff Flanagan Play-by-Play: Clay MatvickAnalyst: Dusty Dvoracek ESPNU yes 1 10:30 Pittsburgh Ejuan Price Safety, Drive: 1 play, −5 yards, 0:00 2–0 1 02:16 Pittsburgh Chris Blewitt 50-yard field goal, Drive: 14 plays, 42 yards, 8:14 5–0 2 12:55 Pittsburgh James Conner 1-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:48 12–0 2 11:40 North Carolina Mack Hollins 39-yard pass from Mitch Trubisky (Nick Weiler kick), Drive: 3 plays, 91 yards, 1:15 12–7 2 06:28 Pittsburgh George Aston 3-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:12 19–7 2 03:12 North Carolina Ryan Switzer 19-yard pass from Mitch Trubisky (two-point pass conv. failed), Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 3:16 19–13 2 00:00 North Carolina Nick Weiler 34-yard field goal, Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 0:43 19–16 3 10:54 Pittsburgh Chawntez Moss 2-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:17 26–16 3 08:32 North Carolina Austin Proehl 1-yard pass from Mitch Trubisky (Nick Weiler kick), Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:22 26–23 3 02:24 Pittsburgh Nathan Peterman 1-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 6:08 33–23 4 11:03 Pittsburgh Chris Blewitt 40-yard field goal, Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:42 36–23 4 05:24 North Carolina Bug Howard 2-yard pass from Mitch Trubisky (Nick Weiler kick), Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 2:10 36–30 yes 4 00:02 North Carolina Bug Howard 2-yard pass from Mitch Trubisky (Nick Weiler kick), Drive: 17 plays, 63 yards, 3:33 36–37 2016 North Carolina Tar Heels football team Mitchell Trubisky kept scanning the field, delivering the ball on target with a cool composure for North Carolina down to when he made the game's biggest play in the frantic final seconds. The junior threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Bug Howard with 2 seconds left to help the Tar Heels rally past Pittsburgh 37–36 on Saturday in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for two teams that finished 1–2 atop the Coastal Division last season. "We had talked about before the game that we had an opportunity to establish the identity of this football team", UNC coach Larry Fedora said. And I can say there's a lot of grit in this football team for one, a lot of toughness all the intangibles that we need to be successful. Trubisky threw for career highs of 453 yards and five touchdowns for the Tar Heels (3–1, 1–0 ACC). His main target was Ryan Switzer, who tied a program record with 16 catches for 208 yards and a score. The Tar Heels never led until the final play and trailed by 13 with 6 minutes left. But Trubisky led a 17-play, 63-yard drive that included three fourth-down conversions in a stunning finish, sending UNC's players running onto the field to celebrate once they stopped Pitt's final-play kick return. Everybody believed, man, Howard said. "We had some fans leaving and stuff, people was giving up on us after they scored that last touchdown. But the defense had our back, we had their back, we told them if they'd get one more stop, we're going to make it happen." Quadree Henderson ran for 107 yards to for the Panthers (2–2, 0–1), who ran for 281 yards but went three-and-out on their last two drives to give UNC its opening. "When something like that (comeback) happens, you have to look at yourself first: Did I do everything I needed to do to get us a victory?" Pitt defensive end Ejuan Price said. "I think that answer is no." Simply put, the Panthers have to get better against the pass. Dating to last week's loss at Oklahoma State, Pitt has surrendered 993 yards through the air couldn't get a stop late, even as coach Pat Narduzzi said he thought the team was "a lot sounder" this week. "I thought our coaches did a great job putting them in position to make plays today," Narduzzi said. "It comes down to, `Is that going to be a catch at the end?" Pittsburgh averaged 5.1 yards per carry even after losing 28 yards on a bad first-quarter snap, with James Conner among four players to rush for TDs. The Panthers held the Tar Heels to 18 yards rushing. The Panthers step out of ACC play to host Marshall in the first meeting between the schools next week.Trubisky, Tar Heels rally past Panthers 37–36 in ACC opener https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869449 September 24, 2016 ESPN ESPN November 5, 2016 Marshall Marshall at Pittsburgh Thundering Herd Panthers 0 0 14 13 20 7 3 13 October 1 Heinz FieldPittsburgh, PA 7:34 p.m. EDT 3:08 45,246 66 F • Wind SW 2 mph on • Cloudy with showers D. Gautreaux Play-by-Play: Bob RathbunAnalyst: Takeo SpikesSideline: Rebecca Kaple ACCRSN/RTPT yes 1 11:17 Pittsburgh George Aston 5-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick failed), Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:43 6–0 1 05:03 Pittsburgh James Conner 1-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 3:22 13–0 1 00:50 Pittsburgh Maurice Ffrench 11-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 5 plays, 96 yards, 1:54 20–0 2 00:53 Pittsburgh Tre Tipton 15-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 3:30 27–0 3 09:12 Marshall Josh Knight 15-yard pass from Chase Litton (Amoreto Curraj kick), Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 5:48 27–7 3 05:20 Marshall Anthony Anderson 11-yard run (Amoreto Curraj kick), Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 3:52 27–14 3 00:30 Pittsburgh Chris Blewitt 20-yard field goal, Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 4:50 30–14 4 14:47 Marshall Michael Clark 83-yard pass from Chase Litton (two-point pass conv. failed), Drive: 2 plays, 86 yards, 0:43 30–20 4 04:01 Marshall Keion Davis 1-yard run (Amoreto Curraj kick), Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 5:02 30–27 4 01:04 Pittsburgh Jester Weah 54-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:57 37–27 yes 4 00:00 Pittsburgh Avonte Maddox 33-yard interception return, Drive: 4 plays, −14 yards, 1:04 43–27 2016 Marshall Thundering Herd football team A four-touchdown lead gone against Marshall on Saturday night, Pittsburgh could have played it safe. Up by a field goal and facing third down near midfield, Pitt quarterback Nathan Peterman lobbed a deep ball to Jester Weah down the sideline. The junior wide receiver pulled it in over a defender and raced to the end zone for a 54-yard touchdown with 1:04 remaining and the Panthers pulled away late for a 43–27 win. "I loved it when they called the play," Weah said. "I knew I had the ability to make the play. I just had to go out there and just do it." And help Pitt (3–2) avoid another late meltdown. Two weeks after giving up the go-ahead touchdown with 2:18 to play in a loss at Oklahoma State and seven days after a 13-point fourth-quarter lead turned into a last-second loss at North Carolina, the Panthers appeared in trouble again when Marshall's Keion Davis scored on a 1-yard run with 4:01 to play to pull the Thundering Herd (1–3) within 30–27. After falling to the Tar Heels, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said his team couldn't afford to become predictable in late-game situations. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada was listening. Peterman hit Scott Orndoff on third down to extend the drive before Peterman's second touchdown of the game let the Panthers exhale. "The best thing is we made plays when we needed to at the end," Narduzzi said. Peterman finished with a season-high 280 yards passing and two scores. Weah caught seven passes for 176 yards and freshman Chawntez Moss ran for 97 yards. Pitt outgained the Thundering Herd 532–344. Still, it wasn't exactly easy. Marshall quarterback Chase Litton returned after missing a loss to Louisville last week and threw for 240 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Michael Clark caught four passes for 147 yards, including an 83-yard touchdown as part of Marshall's methodical rally, one that hardly seemed possible after an opening 30 minutes in which Pitt did whatever it wanted. Pitt entered the game with the 127th-ranked pass defense in the nation, next-to-last in the FBS. While Litton and Clark heated up in the second half, the Panthers got in the final word. Cornerback Avonte Maddox, picked on repeatedly by opponents over the last three weeks, returned a Litton pass 33 yards for a score on the game's final play. "Avonte Maddox needed that", Narduzzi said. Pitt gets back into ACC action when it hosts Georgia Tech next Saturday.Pitt holds off rally, tops Marshall 43–27 https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869373 October 1, 2016 ESPN ESPN November 5, 2016 Georgia Tech Georgia Tech at Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets Panthers 3 17 0 14 7 14 3 13 October 8 Heinz FieldPittsburgh, PA 12:30 p.m. EDT 3:16 47,425 58 F • Wind NNW 9 mph on • Cloudy with showers Jerry Magallanes Play-by-Play: Tom WermeAnalyst: Dave ArcherSideline: Roddy Jones ACCN yes 1 11:52 Pittsburgh Brian O'Neill 24-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:08 7–0 1 03:42 Georgia Tech Harrison Butker 37-yard field goal, Drive: 14 plays, 71 yards, 8:10 7–3 2 12:19 Pittsburgh Qadree Ollison 4-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 6:23 14–3 2 12:04 Georgia Tech J.J. Green 96-yard kickoff return (Harrison Butker kick), Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:00 14–10 2 06:39 Pittsburgh Quadree Henderson 10-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 5:25 21–10 2 01:48 Georgia Tech Ricky Jeune 31-yard pass from Justin Thomas (Harrison Butker kick), Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:51 21–17 2 00:02 Georgia Tech Harrison Butker 41-yard field goal, Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 0:33 21–20 3 02:51 Pittsburgh Chris Blewitt 34-yard field goal, Drive: 11 plays, 48 yards, 5:28 24–20 4 12:19 Pittsburgh Chris Blewitt 41-yard field goal, Drive: 9 plays, 24 yards, 3:38 27–20 4 10:01 Georgia Tech Clinton Lynch 45-yard run (Harrison Butker kick), Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 2:18 27–27 4 05:22 Georgia Tech J.J. Green 10-yard run (Harrison Butker kick), Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:54 27–34 4 03:50 Pittsburgh Scott Orndoff 74-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:32 34–34 yes 4 00:00 Pittsburgh Chris Blewitt 31-yard field goal, Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 1:47 37–34 2016 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team Another fourth-quarter lead gone, Pittsburgh responded with a redemption for its defense to surge past struggling Georgia Tech. First, Scott Orndoff kept his head while hauling in a tipped pass from Nate Peterman the tight end turned into a game-tying 74-yard touchdown with 3:50 to play. Then nose tackle Tyrique Jarrett stuffed Yellow Jackets running back Dedrick Mills on fourth down to give Pitt the ball back with 1:47 left to set up Chris Blewitt's bank shot 31-yard field goal as time expired. "I think it's just about believing and never getting down on yourself or on your team," Orndoff said. "Just hanging in there." Something Pitt (4–2, 1–1 ACC) is getting used to under coach Pat Narduzzi. The outcome has hung in the balance in the final 2 minutes each of the last five weeks, including a last-second loss to North Carolina two weeks ago in which the Tar Heels converted four fourth-downs on the deciding drive. That's what made Jarrett and linebacker Matt Galambos' stop so satisfying. The clock dwindling, Georgia Tech went for it on fourth-and-1 at its own 34 rather than kick it. Galombos—who Narduzzi describes as the defense's "computer"—sensed a dive play was coming and changed the call right before the snap, leading Jarrett to stand up Mills short of the first down. "I happened to guess right," Jarrett said. "It was perfect." Pitt drove to the Georgia Tech 12 to set up Blewitt's winner, which smacked off the right upright and through as time expired. It's the second straight season Pitt topped the Yellow Jackets on a late kick by Blewitt, whose 52 career field goals are a school record. "Called corner pocket," Blewitt joked. Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson defended the decision to go for it rather than kick it and give Pitt's offense, which punted just once all day, another shot. Instead, the Yellow Jackets (3–3, 1–3 ACC) dropped their third straight overall and their sixth straight true road game dating back to 2014. "If I to do over again at the end of the game, I probably still would have gone for it but I would have called a different play," Johnson said. "I felt the way the game was going, I felt like we could make a half-yard and we didn't so that's on me. That's my responsibility and I'll take the blame for it." Peterman finished 14 of 20 for 192 yards and the long score to Orndoff. The Panthers spread the ball around while running for 215 yards, including a 24-yard run by 300-pound Pitt lineman Brian O'Neill on a designed throwback lateral. Pitt offensive coordinator Matt Canada installed the play this week specifically for O'Neill, a former tight end. He caught the ball and was surrounded by teammates while being escorted to the end zone. "(Canada) told me don't do anything stupid when you score a touchdown because you're going to score a touchdown," O'Neill said. Pitt travels to Virginia to take on the Cavaliers. Each team has won on its home field in the series since the Panthers joined the ACC in 2013.Pitt scores twice late, edges Georgia Tech 37–34 https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869458 October 8, 2016 ESPN ESPN November 5, 2016 At Virginia Pittsburgh at Virginia Panthers Cavaliers 14 21 0 10 21 7 0 3 October 15 Scott StadiumCharlottesville, VA 12:30 p.m. EDT 3:38 39,522 Ron Cherry Play-by-Play: Tom WermeAnalyst: Dave ArcherSideline: Roddy Jones ACCN yes 1 10:31 Virginia Albert Reid 5-yard run (Sam Hayward kick), Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 4:29 0–7 1 05:41 Pittsburgh Jester Weah 38-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:07 7–7 1 02:51 Virginia Taquan Mizzell 44-yard run (Sam Hayward kick), Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:50 7–14 1 02:35 Pittsburgh Quadree Henderson 93-yard kickoff return (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:00 14–14 1 01:48 Virginia Olamide Zaccheaus 74-yard pass from Kurt Benkert (Sam Hayward kick), Drive: 2 plays, 78 yards, 0:47 14–21 2 09:08 Pittsburgh James Conner 1-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 5:32 21–21 2 05:57 Virginia Albert Reid 1-yard run (Sam Hayward kick), Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 3:11 21–28 2 00:40 Pittsburgh James Conner 1-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 9 plays, 26 yards, 5:17 28–28 2 00:04 Pittsburgh Jordan Whitehead 59-yard interception return (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 4 plays, 12 yards, 0:36 35–28 4 09:47 Pittsburgh George Aston 5-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 3:55 42–28 4 03:21 Pittsburgh Chris Blewitt 25-yard field goal, Drive: 8 plays, 33 yards, 2:47 45–28 yes 4 02:04 Virginia Sam Hayward 36-yard field goal, Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 1:17 45–31 2016 Virginia Cavaliers football team It was only one play in a game unfolding as a track meet, and it changed the game entirely. Jordan Whitehead, deep in coverage as Virginia was trying to push the issue and sneak in more points before halftime, stepped in front of Kurt Benkert's pass at the Panthers' 41 and never stopped running until Pittsburgh took a 35–28 lead over Virginia into halftime. "It was gigantic. It was gigantic," Panthers coach Pat Narduzzi said after the Panthers won 45–31 Saturday. "We've been waiting for one of those picks in that coverage and we finally got one. ... Tremendous football play by him and then he finds a way to get it in the end zone." The play capped a wild half that saw the teams combine for three touchdowns in one span of 63 seconds on a 44-yard scoring run by Virginia's Taquan Mizzell, a 93-yard kickoff return by Quadree Henderson and Benkert's 74-yard strike to Olamide Zaccheaus. But it left Cavaliers offensive coordinator Robert Anae accepting the blame for getting greedy in the final 33 seconds of the half. The drive began with 12-yard run by Mizzell to move the ball to the Cavaliers' 44. After a spike to stop the clock, Virginia had a receiver wide open on the next play, but Benkert was scrambling, so Anae called exactly the same play, hoping the same opportunity would develop. "It completely backfired on us," Anae said. "That was my fault all the way. I blew the call and put our quarterback in a bad situation." James Conner ran for 90 yards and two touchdowns and Pittsburgh shut Virginia down in the second half. The Panthers (5–2, 2–1 ACC) held the Cavaliers without a completion in a scoreless third quarter, outgaining them 80–15, and limited them to 108 yards and a 36-yard field goal by Sam Hayward with 2:04 remaining. It was Hayward's first career 3-pointer. Virginia (2–4, 1–1 ACC) had its two-game winning streak end. Nathan Peterman threw two touchdown passes for Panthers, the last on a shovel pass to George Aston making it 42–28 with 9:47 left. The Panthers have scored at least 36 points in six consecutive games, a program record, so offense isn't a problem. Their run defense is statistically solid, but might be artificially so because its pass defense is spotty. Kurt Benkert thrived in the first half, when Pitt had no sacks, but the Cavaliers quarterback seemed rattled after the Panthers sacked him three times in four plays early after halftime. Whitehead isn't Pittsburgh's only two-way player anymore. The safety, who also carried the ball three times for 28 yards, was joined in that versatility by Conner, who took a few snaps at defensive end. "We've been kind of working that in and as you guys know, he was recruited as a defensive lineman," Narduzzi said. "... James is a super football player. I was happy he got a hurry on the quarterback and we'll have a little bit more of that." The Panthers have a bye next weekend, and will then play Virginia Tech at Heinz Field on Thursday night.Defense wakes after half, leading Pitt past Virginia, 45–31 https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869465 October 15, 2016 ESPN ESPN November 5, 2016 Virginia Tech Virginia Tech at Pittsburgh #25 Hokies Panthers 6 10 13 10 0 14 7 15 October 27 Heinz FieldPittsburgh, PA 7:00 p.m. EDT 3:32 40,254 52 F • Wind NW 7 mph on • Cloudy Riley Johnson Play-by-Play: Dave FlemmingAnalyst: Jesse Palmer ESPN yes 1 11:05 Virginia Tech Joey Slye 31-yard field goal, Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 4:01 0–3 1 08:05 Virginia Tech Joey Slye 21-yard field goal, Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 2:54 0–6 2 13:08 Virginia Tech Joey Slye 22-yard field goal, Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:05 0–9 2 04:14 Pittsburgh James Conner 6-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 4:01 7–9 2 02:00 Virginia Tech Chris Cunningham 11-yard pass from Jerod Evans (Joey Slye kick), Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 2:14 7–16 2 00:14 Pittsburgh James Conner 1-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 5 plays, 81 yards, 1:46 14–16 3 11:27 Pittsburgh James Conner 1-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:33 21–16 3 07:00 Virginia Tech Joey Slye 26-yard field goal, Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 4:27 21–19 3 02:44 Virginia Tech Joey Slye 37-yard field goal, Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 2:03 21–22 3 00:07 Virginia Tech Marshawn Williams 2-yard run (Joey Slye kick), Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 1:37 21–29 4 13:25 Pittsburgh Brian O'Neill 5-yard run (Nathan Peterman pass to James Conner for two-point conv.), Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:42 29–29 4 09:39 Virginia Tech Joey Slye 22 yard field goal, Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 3:46 36–29 4 07:20 Virginia Tech Isaiah Ford 16 yard pass from Jerod Evans (Joey Slye kick), Drive: 3 plays, 57 yards, 0:31 39–29 4 02:31 Pittsburgh Jester Weah 7 yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 7 plays, 90 yards, 1:32 39–36 yes 2016 Virginia Tech Hokies football team At Miami (FL) Pittsburgh at Miami (FL) Panthers Hurricanes 7 14 0 7 17 10 7 17 November 5 Hard Rock StadiumMiami Gardens, FL 12:30 p.m. EDT 3:34 51,796 79 F • Wind 12 mph on • Light rain Gary Patterson Play-by-Play: Evan LeplerAnalyst: Takeo Spikes ACCN yes 1 12:46 Miami (FL) David Njoku 12 yard pass from Brad Kaaya (Michael Badgley kick), Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:14 0–7 1 12:30 Pittsburgh Quadree Henderson 100 yard kickoff return (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:00 7–7 1 07:33 Miami (FL) Stacy Coley 1 yard pass from Brad Kaaya (Michael Badgley kick), Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 4:57 7–14 1 02:26 Miami (FL) Michael Badgley 46 yard field goal, Drive: 10 plays, 23 yards, 3:18 7–17 2 13:44 Pittsburgh James Conner 12 yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:42 14–17 2 11:18 Miami (FL) Michael Badgley 48 yard field goal, Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 2:26 14–20 2 08:45 Pittsburgh George Aston 23 yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:33 21–20 2 06:05 Miami (FL) Brad Kaaya 1 yard run (Michael Badgley kick), Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 2:40 21–27 3 13:33 Miami (FL) Stacy Coley 3 yard pass from Brad Kaaya (Michael Badgley kick), Drive: 3 plays, 8 yards, 0:43 21–34 4 13:38 Miami (FL) David Njoku 5 yard pass from Brad Kaaya (Michael Badgley kick), Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:49 21–41 4 13:27 Pittsburgh Jester Weah 75 yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:11 28–41 4 03:21 Miami (FL) Michael Badgley 25 yard field goal, Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 4:54 28–44 4 02:12 Miami (FL) Mark Walton 55 yard run (Michael Badgley kick), Drive: 3 plays, 62 yards, 0:28 28–51 yes 2016 Miami Hurricanes football team At Clemson Pittsburgh at Clemson Panthers #3 Tigers 14 13 7 9 14 14 14 0 November 12 Memorial StadiumClemson, SC 3:30 p.m. EST 3:50 81,048 63 F • Wind E 6 mph on • Clear Duane Heydt Play-by-Play: Steve LevyAnalyst: Brian Griese ABC yes 1 13:08 Pittsburgh George Aston 15-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:52 7–0 1 07:19 Clemson Wayne Gallman 1-yard run (Greg Huegel kick), Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 1:53 7–7 1 05:28 Pittsburgh James Conner 46-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:51 14–7 1 00:40 Clemson Wayne Gallman 1-yard run (Greg Huegel kick), Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 4:48 14–14 2 10:06 Clemson Mike Williams 15-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Greg Huegel kick), Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 3:42 14–21 2 09:33 Pittsburgh Scott Orndoff 55-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt PAT failed), Drive: 3 plays, 65 yards, 0:33 20–21 2 02:23 Pittsburgh George Aston 1-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 10 plays, 86 yards, 4:17 27–21 2 01:09 Clemson Artavis Scott 13-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Greg Huegel kick), Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:14 27–28 3 09:53 Clemson Deon Cain 27-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Greg Huegel kick), Drive: 3 plays, 47 yards, 0:55 27–35 3 04:35 Pittsburgh Scott Orndoff 7-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:18 34–35 3 01:37 Clemson Wayne Gallman 1-yard run (Greg Huegel kick), Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 2:58 34–42 4 05:17 Pittsburgh James Conner 20-yard run (two-point pass conv. failed), Drive: 3 plays, 30 yards, 0:25 40–42 4 00:06 Pittsburgh Chris Blewitt 48-yard field goal, Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 0:52 43–42 yes 2016 Clemson Tigers football team Pittsburgh was happy to once again shuffle up the national championship picture. "Hey, sorry to do that. But we wanted this one bad," said Conner, who had two touchdowns and ran for 132 yards in the Panthers' 43–42 stunner over No. 2 Clemson on Saturday. Conner's 20 yard TD run with 5:17 left inched the Panthers into striking range and Chris Blewitt, after a kiss on the cheek from coach Pat Narduzzi, struck a perfect 48 yard field goal with six seconds left for the winning points. "We'll remember this one forever," Conner said. So, too, will Clemson (9–1, 6–1 Atlantic Coast Conference, No. 3 AP) which saw its run at perfection halted after escaping so many other jams this season. A fourth-down stop a yard shy saved the Tigers' 42–36 win over Louisville on Oct. 1. North Carolina State's missed field goal at the end of regulation boosted Clemson to a 24–17 overtime win. This time, it was the Panthers (6–4, 3–3) who made the critical plays. When Clemson was driving for a touchdown already up 42–34, linebacker Saleem Brightwell picked off quarterback Deshaun Watson, his third interception and returned it 70 yards to set up a 20-yard TD by Conner that drew Pitt within 42–40. When Clemson attempted to run out the clock, the Panthers defense (despite allowing 630 yards) stuffed Wayne Gallman a yard short on third and fourth downs to take over near midfield with 58 seconds left. "We had a chance to put the game away and they stopped us," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. "We had been making those kinds of plays this year." Nathan Peterman moved Pitt to the Clemson 30 and Blewitt steadily knocked through. It was Pitt's highest-ranked win since defeating Backyard Brawl rival, No. 2 West Virginia, 13–9 in 2007 and spoiling the Mountaineers' chances at playing for the national title. "Our team had a lot of guts tonight," Narduzzi said. And a whole lot of playmakers to topple the defending ACC champs. Peterman had a career-best five TD passes and 308 yards. Conner rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown. He also caught one of Peterman's scoring throws. Blewitt, who had a kick blocked at the end of the opening half, was steely-eyed and ready. Narduzzi gave his senior a kiss on the cheek and sent him out for the winning kick. "As soon as I saw the kick go up, I knew it was going in," Scott Orndoff said. "It was jubilation." Clemson had its offense going. Watson threw for an ACC record 580 yards and three touchdowns. Gallman ran for three TDs and Mike Williams had 15 catches for 202 yards and a touchdown. In the end, it was Clemson's first loss to an unranked opponent in five seasons, a span of 46 games. "Come Monday, we'll start over because it's a long season," Watson said. "Get ready for Wake Forest. Hopefully, we can clinch the ACC (Atlantic) and punch our ticket" for the championship game next week.Pitt stuns No. 2 Clemson on Chris Blewitt's 48 yard field goal https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869485 November 12, 2016 ESPN ESPN December 18, 2016 Duke Duke at Pittsburgh Blue Devils Panthers 7 7 0 0 14 14 14 14 November 19 Heinz FieldPittsburgh, PA 3:00 p.m. EST 3:01 35,425 38 F • Wind W 7 mph on • Cloudy and cool Jeff Maconaghy Play-by-Play: Wes DurhamAnalyst: James Bates ACCRSN/RTPT yes 1 13:33 Pittsburgh Dontez Ford 16-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 3 plays, 17 yards, 0:54 7–0 1 11:11 Duke Chris Taylor 6-yard pass from Daniel Jones (AJ Reed kick), Drive: 5 plays, 59 yards, 2:22 7–7 1 07:33 Pittsburgh James Conner 1-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 3:38 14–7 2 14:08 Pittsburgh Quadree Henderson 52-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 2 plays, 56 yards, 0:46 21–7 2 05:34 Duke Bryon Fields 36-yard interception return (AJ Reed kick), Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 1:13 21–14 2 02:17 Pittsburgh Jester Weah 56-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:17 28–14 3 12:04 Pittsburgh James Conner 1-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:56 35–14 3 11:01 Pittsburgh Quadree Henderson 65-yard punt return (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 3 plays, 0 yards, 1:03 42–14 4 09:01 Pittsburgh Scott Orndoff 48-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 2:52 49–14 4 05:06 Pittsburgh Qadree Ollison 2-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 3:45 56–14 yes 2016 Duke Blue Devils football team Syracuse Syracuse at Pittsburgh Orange Panthers 14 7 13 27 14 21 21 20 November 26 Heinz FieldPittsburgh, PA 12:30 p.m. EST 3:43 34,049 38 F • Wind W 13 mph on • Cloudy with showers Jeff Heaser Play-by-Play: Tom WermeAnalyst: Dave Archer ACCN/WTAE-TV"wtae" yes 1 07:42 Syracuse Zack Mahoney 2-yard run (Cole Murphy kick), Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:13 0–7 1 06:29 Pittsburgh Jester Weah 59-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 1:13 7–7 1 03:35 Pittsburgh James Conner 35-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 1 play, 35 yards, 0:08 14–7 1 00:28 Syracuse Dontae Strickland 5-yard run (Cole Murphy kick), Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 3:07 14–14 2 10:36 Pittsburgh George Aston 6-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:52 21–14 2 06:57 Pittsburgh James Conner 9-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 4 plays, 69 yards, 1:40 28–14 2 01:36 Syracuse Amba Etta-Tawo 5-yard pass from Zack Mahoney (Cole Murphy kick), Drive: 14 plays, 68 yards, 5:21 28–21 2 00:10 Pittsburgh Nathan Peterman 13-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 1:26 35–21 3 11:37 Pittsburgh Dane Jackson 20-yard interception return (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 3 plays, 5 yards, 1:03 42–21 3 08:59 Pittsburgh Quadree Henderson 66-yard run (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 1 play, 66 yards, 0:11 49–21 3 07:54 Syracuse Moe Neal 42-yard run (Cole Murphy PAT blocked), Drive: 4 plays, 85 yards, 1:05 49–27 3 07:30 Pittsburgh Maurice Ffrench 77-yard run (Chris Blewitt Kick), Drive: 1 play, 77 yards, 0:24 56–27 3 01:53 Syracuse Amba Etta-Tawo 12-yard pass from Zack Mahoney (Cole Murphy kick), Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 2:03 56–34 4 11:16 Syracuse Zack Mahoney 19-yard run (Cole Murphy kick), Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 2:11 56–41 4 09:33 Pittsburgh Dontez Ford 79-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 3 plays, 78 yards, 1:43 63–41 4 07:21 Syracuse Amba Etta-Tawo 7-yard pass from Zack Mahoney (Cole Murphy kick), Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 2:12 63–48 4 05:06 Pittsburgh Jester Weah 6-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 2:15 70–48 4 03:47 Syracuse Amba Etta-Tawo 49-yard pass from Zack Mahoney (Cole Murphy kick), Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 1:19 70–55 4 03:15 Pittsburgh James Conner 1-yard run (Chris Blewitt PAT failed), Drive: 2 plays, 43 yards, 0:32 76–55 yes 4 00:58 Syracuse Amba Etta-Tawo 13-yard pass from Zack Mahoney (Cole Murphy PAT failed), Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 2:17 76–61 2016 Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh football game 2016 Syracuse Orange football team Pittsburgh–Syracuse football rivalry The Panthers would play rival Syracuse in their season finale in a wild shootout at home. James Conner would rush for 115 yards with 2 TDs, while Nathan Peterman would only complete 9 passes, but 4 of them would go for touchdowns to go along with 251 passing yards and 1 rushing touchdown. Jester Weah finished the game with 4 reception for 99 yards and 2 TDs. Syracuse QB Zack Mahoney would complete 43 of 61 passes for 440 yards and 5 TDs, targeting a Pitt secondary that had been susceptible to giving up big plays all year; all 5 of his touchdown passes were caught by Senior WR Amba Etta-Tawo who, along with the 5 TD receptions, would finish with 13 total receptions with 178 yards receiving. The two teams combined 1,312 yards and 137 points, breaking the record for most combined points in a game. The previous record was set by Navy and North Texas during a November 10, 2007 meeting between the two teams in which they combined for 136 points. The 76 points surrendered by the Syracuse defense was also the most points given up in program history. Northwestern (Pinstripe Bowl) Pittsburgh vs Northwestern #22 Panthers Wildcats 3 7 7 7 0 14 7 10 December 28 Yankee StadiumBronx, NY 2:00 p.m. EST 3:34 37,918 42 F • Wind WNW 17 mph on • Mostly Cloudy Dan Romeo Play-by-Play: Ryan RuoccoAnalyst: Mike Golic ESPN yes 1 11:53 Pittsburgh Chris Blewitt 46-yard field goal, Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 1:14 3–0 2 14:31 Northwestern Justin Jackson 8-yard run (Jack Mitchell kick), Drive: 10 plays, 99 yards, 4:19 3–7 2 3:08 Northwestern Justin Jackson 16-yard run (Jack Mitchell kick), Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 2:35 3–14 2 2:51 Pittsburgh Jester Weah 69-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 1 play, 69 yards, 0:11 10–14 3 13:13 Pittsburgh Nathan Peterman 5-yard run (Chris Blewett kick), Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 1:46 17–14 3 7:47 Northwestern Justin Jackson 40-yard run (Jack Mitchell kick), Drive: 14 plays, 89 yards, 5:18 17–21 4 13:15 Pittsburgh George Aston 6-yard pass from Ben DiNucci (Chris Blewitt kick), Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 3:20 24–21 4 8:23 Northwestern Garrett Dickerson 21-yard pass from Clayton Thorson (Jack Mitchell kick), Drive: 14 plays, 76 yards, 4:44 24–28 yes 4 6:17 Northwestern Jack Mitchell 37-yard field goal, Drive: 5 plays, 9 yards, 1:57 24–31 2016 Northwestern Wildcats football team 2016 Pinstripe Bowl Roster 2016 Pittsburgh Panthers football rosterQuarterback  3 Ben DiNucci – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'2, 215)  4 Nathan Peterman – senior (6'2, 225)  7 Thomas MacVittie – freshman (6'5, 225)  8 Manny Stocker – senior (6'2, 215) 12 Bo Schneider – sophomore (6'3, 225) Tailback 22 Darrin Hall – sophomore (5'11, 225) 24 James Conner – junior (6'2, 235) 26 Chawntez Moss – freshman (5'11, 210) 29 Rachid Ibrahim – junior (6'1, 195) 36 Shawn Wood – freshman (6'0, 210) 37 Qadree Ollison – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'2, 230) 39 Kyle Vreen – freshman (5'10, 180) Fullback 35 George Aston – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'0, 245) 40 Colton Lively – junior (6'0, 240) Wide receiver  2 Maurice Ffrench – freshman (5'11, 185)  5 Tre Tipton – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'0, 190)  6 Aaron Mathews – freshman (6'4, 195) 10 Quadree Henderson – sophomore (5'8, 190) 11 Ruben Flowers III – freshman (6'3,190) 19 Dontez Ford – senior (6'2, 210) 48 Kellen McAlone – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'2, 205) 80 Zach Challingsworth – junior (6'2, 195) 82 Rafael Araujo-Lopes – 10px|Redshirt Soph. (5'9, 185) 85 Jester Weah – junior (6'3,210) Tight end 31 Jaymar Parrish – senior (6'2, 260) 45 Devon Edwards – junior (6'4, 255) 81 Nathan Bossory – junior (6'3, 235) 83 Scott Orndoff – senior (6'5, 255) 84 Zach Poker – junior (6'4, 240) 87 Chris Clark – sophomore (6'6, 255) 98 DeAndre Schifino – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'2, 235) Offensive lineman 50 Mike Grimm – OL – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6’6, 320) 53 Dorian Johnson – OG – senior (6’5, 315) 55 Jaryd Jones-Smith – OT – junior (6’7, 325) 56 Brandon Ford – OL – freshman (6’5, 300) 59 Tony Pilato – OL – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6’5, 320) 60 Aaron Reese – OT – junior (6’5, 310) 62 John Guy – OG – senior (6’7, 310) 63 Alex Officer – C – junior (6’4, 335) 64 Aaron Britton – OL – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6’5, 280) 67 Jimmy Morrissey – OL – freshman (6’3, 295) 68 Kyle Benbrook – OL – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6’3, 295) 69 Adam Bisnowaty – OT – senior (6’6, 305) 70 Brian O'Neill – OT – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6’6, 300) 71 Bryce Hargrove – OL – freshman (6’4, 300) 72 Carson Baker – OG – junior (6’5, 320) 76 Connor Dintino – C – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6’3, 310) 77 Justin Morgan – OL – freshman (6’6, 365) 77 Alex Galiyas – OL – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6’2, 290) 78 Alex Bookser – OG – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6’6, 315) Defensive line  5 Ejuan Price – DE – senior (6’0, 255)  6 Tyrique Jarrett – NT – senior (6’3, 335)  8 Dewayne Hendrix – DE – sophomore (6’4, 260) 10 Keyshon Camp – DT – freshman (6’4, 275) 17 Rashad Weaver – DL – freshman (6’5, 255) 34 Amir Watts – DT – freshman (6’3, 270) 40 James Folston Jr. – DE – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6’3, 245) 52 Shakir Soto – DT – senior (6’3, 290) 66 Mike Herndon – NT – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6’4, 315) 70 Calvin Hamilton – DL – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6’0, 315) 90 Rashad Wheeler – DL – freshman (6’3, 290) 91 Patrick Jones II – DL – freshman (6’5, 250) 92 Rori Blair – DE – junior (6’4, 245) 93 Shane Roy – NT – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6’4, 280) 94 Jeremiah Taleni – DL – junior (6’2, 290) 95 Zack Gilbert – DL – freshman (6’1, 240) 96 Allen Edwards – DE – junior (6’4, 245) Linebacker  4 Bam Bradley – senior (6’2, 220) 25 Elijah Zeise – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6’2, 225) 27 Nico Lodovico – junior (6’1, 230) 28 Anthony McKee Jr. – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6’2, 210) 29 Oluwaseun Idowu – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6’0, 215) 30 Mike Caprara – senior (6’0, 225) 31 Kaezon Pugh – freshman (6’1, 210) 36 Chase Pine – freshman (6’2, 220) 37 Erik Sellers – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6’1, 230) 39 Saleem Brightwell – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6’0, 210) 41 Jalen Williams – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6’2, 215) 44 Elias Reynolds – freshman (6’2, 225) 47 Matt Galambos – senior (6’2, 245) 50 Dom Cuono – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6’2, 235) 51 Jim Medure – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6’2, 220) 53 Brian Popp – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'0, 235) 58 Quintin Wirginis – junior (6'2, 240) Defensive backs  2 Terrish Webb – FS – senior (5’11, 195)  3 Damar Hamlin – DB – freshman (6’1, 185)  7 Henry Miller – DB – freshman (6’3, 205)  9 Jordan Whitehead – SS – sophomore (5’11, 190) 11 Dane Jackson – CB – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6’0, 180) 14 Avonte Maddox – CB – junior (5’9, 175) 15 Reggie Mitchell – FS – senior (6’0, 200) 16 Therran Coleman – DB – freshman (6’0, 190) 20 Dennis Briggs – SS – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (5’10, 190) 21 Malik Henderson – DB – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6’0, 185) 24 Phil Campbell – DB – freshman (6’1, 195) 27 Bricen Garner – DB – freshman (6’1, 175) 32 Phillipie Motley – CB – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (5’10, 175) 34 Mark Bernsdorff – DB – junior (5’11, 185) 35 Rob Boatright – DB – junior (5’10, 185) 38 Ryan Lewis – CB – senior (6’0, 200) 46 Rimoni Dorsey – DB – 10px|Redshirt (6’0, 190) Specialists 12 Chris Blewitt – K – senior (5'9, 195) 18 Ryan Winslow – P – junior (6'5, 210) 45 Nick Goldsmith – P – 10px|Redshirt sophomore (6'2, 210) 55 Conrad Blake – LS – freshman (6'0, 230) 57 Jake Knight – LS – 10px|Redshirt freshman (6'3, 225) 61 Pat Quirin – LS – senior (6'1, 230) 97 Alex Kessman – K – freshman (6'3, 180) Rankings 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings 15 9 RV RV RV RV RV RV NR NR NR NR NR NR NR RV RV RV RV RV NR RV NR NR NR NR RV RV NR RV RV NR 24 RV 25 22 RV 23 RV NR Coaching staff 2016 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff Coaching staff Pat Narduzzi – head coach Matt Canada – Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks Josh Conklin – Defensive coordinator Andre Powell – Running backs/special teams Tom Sims – Defensive line John Peterson – Offensive line Renaldo Hill – Cornerbacks Tim Salem – Tight ends Kevin Sherman – Wide receivers Rob Harley – Linebackers   Support staff Chris Lasala – Associate Athletic Director/football operations Bob Junko – Director of player development and High School Relations Ben Mathers – Director of football operations Mark Diethorn – Director of Recruiting Dave Bucar – Offensive graduate assistant Dan Gerberry – Offensive graduate assistant Rob Greene – Defensive graduate assistant Phil Decapito – Defensive graduate assistant   Strength and conditioning staff Dave Andrews – Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Freddie Walker – Associate Strength and Conditioning Coach Austin Addington-Strapp – Assistant strength and conditioning coach 2015 Pittsburgh Football Spring Prospectus http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pitt/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/prospectus/prospectus.pdf University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics April 18, 2015 April 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150421021357/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pitt/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/prospectus/prospectus.pdf dead Records 69,983 fans attended the Pitt-Penn State game making it the largest attended sporting event. Pitt's 76–61 victory over Syracuse set a new record for most combined points (137). Team players drafted into the NFL Player Position Round Pick NFL club James Conner Running back 3 105 Pittsburgh Steelers Dorian Johnson Guard 4 115 Arizona Cardinals Nathan Peterman Quarterback 5 171 Buffalo Bills Adam Bisnowaty Offensive Tackle 6 200 New York Giants Ejuan Price Linebacker 7 234 Los Angeles Rams Notes References Pittsburgh Category:Pittsburgh Panthers football seasons Pittsburgh Panthers football