Game Recap
It may have taken overtime to finish the job, but the Pittsburgh Panthers ultimately got the result they were hoping for on Thursday with a 30-23 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels. That result was just more of the same for the Panthers, who also won the last time these teams played (Nov. 14 of 2019).
Pitt started the contest off right with 23 first-half points. UNC wasn't quite able to keep up, and the score was 23-7 heading into the break. Pitt let their lead slip in the second half to bring about an overtime, but they still came out alive.
Pitt's QB Kenny Pickett did his thing and passed for three TDs and 347 yards on 44 attempts.
Pitt's defense was a presence as well, as it got past the Tar Heels' offensive line to sack QB Sam Howell five times for a total loss of 30 yards. It was a group effort with five guys contributing.
UNC's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of WR Antoine Green, who caught three passes for two TDs and 108 yards, and Howell, who passed for two TDs and 296 yards on 33 attempts in addition to punching in one rushing touchdown. Howell's 76-yard touchdown toss to Green in the second quarter made for one of the most memorable moments of the night.
The Panthers' win brought them up to 8-2. The loss dropped the Tar Heels back to even at 5-5.
Pitt has the luxury of staying home another week and will welcome the Virginia Cavaliers at noon ET Nov. 20 at Heinz Field. UNC will look to defend their home turf next week against the Wofford Terriers at noon ET.