UB vs. Pittsburgh
at Heinz Field
First Quarter
9:10 -- Pitt 7-0 -- Panthers strike first, marching 54 yards in eight plays on their second possession. Zach Brown's 6-yard run caps the drive, which took just 2:04 as Pitt ran the no-huddle to perfection, maintaining a sharp tempo throughout. . . . Freshman LB Lee Skinner's already been in on six tackles for Bulls. He got the starting job when John Syty was declared out for season with a concussion.
End of First: Panthers driving and have a second-and-seven from the UB 13. Kevin Harper ends up missing 32-year field goal wide right after Colby Way produces first career sack on third down. Bulls getting little going offensively after opening drive on which Branden Oliver ran for 23 yards. Drive starts haven't helped. Bulls have opened series on own 5, 9, 26 and 40. Last three series have been three and out.
Second Quarter
What is it with Buffalo receivers against Pittsburgh teams? Wide-open Ed Young drops a TD pass from Anderson at the Pitt goal line. I mean, there was no one within 10 yards of him on the play from the Pitt 33. Stevie Johnson can emphathize. Bulls end up with a 40-yard Pete Fardon FG to draw within 7-3 with 4:33 until the half. It was first career attempt for Fardon.
Third Quarter
Bulls looked dead when Pitt went up 14-3 shortly after Chas Alecxih intercepted a Chazz Anderson screen and rambled 47 yards to UB 20. How did Anderson responded? By leading Bulls on a 13-play, 76-yard TD drive that ended with 4:22 left in the second quarter. Nothing like having a fifth-year senior under center.
Strong safety Issac Baugh is out (shoulder). The injury occurred on the play before Pitt's last touchdown.
Pitt answers UB touchdown and leads, 21-10. Graham rushes in from short distance. Panthers covered 74 yards in eight plays and 2 minutes, 29 seconds.
Fourth Quarter
Chazz Anderson's the real deal. Bounce-back from INT off screen has been impressive. Great poise. Doesn't rattle. Bulls open quarter with second-and-4 from Pitt 21.
What a catch by Alex Neutz, outbattling DB Saheed Imoru for an Anderson pass good for a 20-yard gain to the 3. Oliver takes it in from there. Bulls then go for two and misfire. That was a mistake. Too early to be playing the math game. There's still 13:27 left.
Pitt 28-16. Panthers go 60 yards in six plays, needing just 1:36. Sunseri to Shanahan from 6 caps it off. There's still more than 11 minutes left.
-- Bob DiCesare
tagged
Big East | College football | Mid-American Conference | University at Buffalo
