Pitt 20, UB 6
Game Analysis: Pitt yielded small-chunk yardage to the Bulls but didn't yield the big play. The Panthers had their struggles against UB's D, managing just 20 points a week after producing 35 against 16th-ranked Louisville. A 41-yard screen play and a 23-yard INT return slanted the field Pitt's way in what was otherwise a virtual stalemate. UB's still starving for the home run. Offense had possessions of 11, 12, 13 and 18 plays.
Turning Point: Free safety Jason Hendricks slipped in to intercept a Alex Zordich sideline pass and returned it 23 yards to the UB 27. That set up a shot touchdown drive that put Pitt up 13-0 midway through the second quarter.
What It Means: Pitt improved to 3-5 while UB (1-6) saw its losing streak hit five games.
Player of the Game: UB LB Khalil Mack was in on 12 tackles, seven of them solo, although the Panthers ran just 59 plays -- 22 fewer than the Bulls. He covered half the field in catching Rushel Shell from behind at the Buffalo 6 on a screen play.
Stat Watch I: UB's 1 of their last 6 on red zone chances after opening the season 14 for 14.
Stat Watch II: John Dunmore's team-high seven catches were four more than he had coming in.
He Said It: "It feels good to get a win. We had to fight through some things to get it."" -- Pitt coach Paul Chryst.
In the House: The announced crowd was 17,021. When the hard rains hit in the fourth quarter there maybe have been 1,500 braving the elements.
Next Up: Toledo and Lockport native Dave Fluellen, one of the MAC's top running backs, visit UB Stadium at 3:30 Saturday.
-- Bob DiCesare
tagged
College football | Mid-American Conference | University at Buffalo
