Pitt Panthers football team wins first ACC game against Duke

Sep 21, 2013; Durham, NC, USA; Pitt Panthers head coach Paul Chryst applauds his team during a game against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

If you wanted to see offense, then you came to the right place as the Pittsburgh Panthers and Duke Blue Devils engaged in a shootout that ultimately will result in victory lights.

The 58-55 victory was a coming out party by the Panthers offense. Quarterback Tom Savage had his best game of the season throwing for a career high 424 yards and six touchdowns, one off the school’s record.

Devin Street had his first career multi-touchdown performance catching six passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns. He is now sixth on Pitt’s all time receiving list.

Meanwhile Tyler Boyd had another successful afternoon with 154 receiving yards, 239 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. Earlier this week on Twitter, a fan posted over or under for how Boyd would fare in this contest. I honestly thought that it was too early, however Boyd is making me a believer. He raises his game every week even when opposing teams now know to game plan for him.

In terms of my opinion, it remains very similar to last week. The Panthers scored at least 20 points in the opening quarter, at least 30 points in the half Special teams remains a concern to me. Last week, the Panthers allowed too many long returns against New Mexico and today, gave up an 82 yard punt return to Jamison Crowder. This is inexcusable and Head Coach Paul Chryst knows that needs to change.

The defense did have four interceptions and that is a great sign, however the yardage they allowed 541 yards including 222 on the ground of shutting down New Mexico there last week. The Panthers also jumped out to a large lead before they went into that lull and allowed 20 fourth quarter points. More often than not, that will lose you the game.

The Panthers are fortunate that these past couple of weeks they have played from ahead. When they face Virginia Saturday at 12:30. They have to become a more consistent football team. Still they have responded well from the Florida State loss and one win has turned into two. You never know.

Of note: For the second straight week Todd Thomas broke up a fake punt.

Pitt vs Duke scoring info 9/21

1st Quarter

Pitt – James Conner 3 yd run (Chris Blewitt kick failed), 9:48 6 – 0
Pitt – Tyler Boyd 27 yd pass from Tom Savage (Chris Blewitt kick), 4:11 13 – 0
DU – Max McCaffrey 16 yd pass from Brandon Connette (Ross Martin kick), 1:43 13 – 7
Pitt – Devin Street 67 yd pass from Tom Savage (Chris Blewitt kick), 0:29 20 – 7

2nd Quarter

Pitt – Tyler Boyd 69 yd pass from Tom Savage (Chris Blewitt kick), 14:33 27 – 7
DU – Jamison Crowder 62 yd pass from Brandon Connette (Ross Martin kick), 12:24 27 – 14
Pitt – Chris Blewitt 24 yd field goal, 9:25 30 – 14
DU – Jamison Crowder 7 yd run (Ross Martin kick), 6:12 30 – 21
DU – Jamison Crowder 82 yd punt return (Ross Martin kick) 3:08 30 – 28
Pitt– Tyler Boyd 14 yd pass from Tom Savage 0:24 (Chris Blewitt kick), 37 – 28

3rd Quarter

Pitt – Devin Street 21 yd pass from Tom Savage (Chris Blewitt kick), 11:06 44 – 28
Pitt Scott Orndoff 17 yd pass from Tom Savage (Chris Blewitt kick), 3:18 51 – 28
DU – Brandon Braxton 75 yd pass from Brandon Connette (Ross Martin kick), 3:05 51 – 35

4th quarter

DU – Brandon Connette 1 yd run (Brandon Connette rush failed), 13:36 51 – 41
Pitt – Anthony Gonzalez 37 yd interception return (Chris Blewitt kick) 8:30 58 – 41
Pitt – Braxton Deaver 6 yd pass from Brandon Connette (Ross Martin kick), 5:30 58 – 48
Duke – Brandon Connette 4 yd run (Ross Martin kick), 3:43 58 – 55