Pittsburgh Sports In Review for 2013

Dec 26, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Aaron Donald (97) waves to fans exiting the field after defeating Bowling Green Falcons 30-27 to win the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Pitt Panthers football team had to have been sick of the BBVA Compass Bowl after last season’s 38-17 loss to Ole Miss. It was their straight third year in that bowl. Fortunately for the Panthers joining the ACC meant that there would be no fourth trip. The season started rough when eventual Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston lit up the Panthers to the tune of a 41-13 Pitt loss. From there Pitt had its ups and downs, but the defeat of Notre Dame was huge. Not many saw it coming, but to win 28-21 in front of the home crowd was huge. Equally important was the Panthers 17-16 victory over Syracuse to clinch a bowl.

Aaron Donald had himself a season, just to give you an idea, here are his awards:

• Bronko Nagurski Trophy Winner – Nation’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player
• Rotary Lombardi Award Winner – Nation’s Most Outstanding Lineman or Linebacker
• Chuck Bednarik Award Winner – Defensive Player of the Year
• Outland Trophy Winner – Nation’s Best Offensive of Defensive Interior Lineman
• Walter Camp First Team All-American
• USA Today First Team All-American
• ACC Defensive Player of the Year (coaches)
• ACC Defensive Player of the Year (media)
• First Team All-ACC (coaches)
• First Team All-ACC (media)
• Lott IMPACT Trophy Semifinalist

Donald finished with 59 tackles, 11 sacks and a blocked kick. This was despite being double-teamed for the bulk of the season.

This was Tyler Boyd’s freshman season and I don’t think anyone expected him to be as good as he was early. Boyd had 1,174 receiving yards, 1,776 total yards and nine touchdowns. For his efforts, Boyd made the All-ACC Third Team, while fellow wide receiver, senior Devin Street made honorable mention despite battling injuries. He had 854 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Street is the team’s all-time leader in receptions.

At the Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl, the Panthers won 30-27 over Bowling Green. James Connor ran for 229 yards which is a program best. The previous high was 202 yards from Tony Dorsett. Connor also played defense and originally was not recruited to play running back, however when Rushel Shell left the team, the opportunity became available. Connor has a bright future ahead whether it is offensively or defensively. Boyd added 173 receiving yards and scored on a punt return. The 173 yards also is a program high by 10 yards over Gordon Jones. Pitt also saw some of its future when quarterback Tom Savage went down and Chad Voytik came in. Voytik’s play was huge and impressive considering the situation he was put in.

Although Pitt will have holes to fill, specifically with Donald, Street, Savage and K’Waun Williams among others, the Panthers did get a good glimpse of the future. With Coach Paul Chryst winning his first bowl game with the team, perhaps that will give everyone confidence moving forward.