Pitt Panthers Overcome Costly Turnovers, Pull Away From FIU To Start Season 3-0
By Brett Tunno
Sep 13, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Chad Voytik (16) is tackled by FIU Golden Panthers safety Demarkus Perkins (left) and FIU Golden Panthers defensive end Giovani Francois (9) in the first half at FIU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
The Pitt Panthers traveled to Miami on a very humid Saturday afternoon to meet up with the Golden Panthers of Florida International.
Pitt entered the game ranked 4th in college football with 356 total rushing yards per game. In a battle of Panthers, Pitt faced some adversity for the first time this season, as costly turnovers helped contribute to a 16-14 FIU lead at halftime. Pitt regrouped after halftime and a lightning delay to pull away from FIU for a 42-25 victory.
Pitt was led by sophomore running back James Conner, who surpassed Tony Dorsett’s three game rushing record (487 yards) to open a season. Conner finished the game with 177 yards and 3 touchdowns on 30 carries.
Pitt previously faced FIU in 2010 at Heinz Field and defeated the Golden Panthers 44-17, as running back Ray Graham rushed for 277 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Pitt appeared to sleepwalk through the first quarter, as was seen on the first play of the Panthers’ first possession when Voytik was sacked for the first time this season. On Pitt’s second possession, Voytik sprung open on a 40-yard dash down to the FIU 6-yard line, but on the following play, Conner fumbled on the handoff.
Field position changed course, and Pitt’s next possession was inside the 10-yard line. This lead to a safety, as Voytik was sacked for an 8-yard loss and a 2-0 FIU lead.
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Pitt punter Ryan Winslow shanked the ensuing punt, leading to great field position for the Golden Panthers. True freshman quarterback Alex McGough punched it in from 3 yards to give FIU a surprising 9-0 lead.
Pitt continued to sputter, and McGough connected with Glenn Coleman for a 57-yard TD reception and a jaw-dropping 16-0 FIU lead. All momentum was with FIU at this point.
Pitt showed some composure, regrouped, and methodically drove down the field, but Conner fumbled at the FIU 5-yard line, as he was tackled and stripped by 5 Golden Panthers. I thought his forward progress was stopped, yet FIU got the ball.
The Pitt defense stepped up and began to show some emotion. This was carried over to the offense, as Voytik rushed down the sideline for a 32-yard TD to make it 16-7.
Following another 3-and-out by FIU, Voytik then hooked up with Boyd on an 18-yard TD pass to cut the lead to 16-14. Near the end of the first half, Voytik was intercepted as Pitt was trying to get into field goal position.
Despite the two fumbles, Conner ran for 81 yards on 17 first half carries. Voytik threw for 79 yards and 1 TD on 9 of 13 passing, and Boyd had 3 receptions for 46 yards and 1 TD. For FIU, McGough threw for 106 yards and 1 TD on 4 of 9 passing in the first half.
Sep 13, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) runs the ball in the first half of a game against the FIU Golden Panthers at FIU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
In the first half, Pitt outgained FIU 245 total yards to 143, and the difference was Pitt’s 3 turnovers to 0 by FIU. FIU forced 9 turnovers in the last game and a half, a school record.
In the beginning of the second half, Pitt forced a fumble when Nicholas Grigsby blasted McGough and Anthony Gonzalez recovered it. Pitt was unable to capitalize on the great field position.
On a punt, FIU had a bad snap which lead to a safety to tie the game at 16. Pitt turned on its rushing game with Conner and senior running back Isaac Bennett, wearing down a smaller FIU squad and imposing its will. Conner walked into the end zone to give Pitt a 22-16 lead early in the third quarter.
Then there was a 30-minute lightning delay prior to the extra point kick.
FIU’s punter kicked a 9-yard punt (yes, 9 yards) to set Pitt up inside the 40-yard line, and Pitt only managed to score 3 points from a Chris Blewitt 34-yard field goal.
FIU responded with a 43-yard field goal to cut the Pitt lead to 7 points, and Pitt made a very questionable call switching the quarterbacks in the 4th quarter. New quarterback Trey Anderson was sacked as Pitt was forced to punt, and the Panthers went back to Voytik.
FIU quarterback E.J. Hilliard committed intentional grounding in the end zone, as the third safety of the game was called, giving Pitt a 28-19 lead. This was the first time there were 3 safeties in a college football game since 2005.
On 4th and 1, Conner flew through the hole untouched for a 41-yard touchdown to give Pitt a 35-19 advantage. Pitt decided to go into a prevent defense, and FIU answered with a Jonnu Smith 12-yard touchdown reception, but a failed 2-point conversion.
Conner rumbled 11 yards for another touchdown to secure the win for the Pitt Panthers, extending the lead to 42-25.
Pitt will host the Iowa Hawkeyes next Saturday at Heinz Field, whereas FIU will host ACC-newcomer Louisville.