Before a crowd of 51,161 at Heinz Field today Pitt gave up its most points since 1996 and the Panthers 10th ranked pass defense (nationally) couldn’t contain Rutgers quarterback Mike Teel who came into the game with only 3 touchdowns in seven games. Teel had his biggest game of the season connecting with Kenny Britt on scoring plays of 79, 7 and 26 yards, Tim Brown for 60 and 36 yards and Kevin Brock for 3 yards.
Teel‚Äôs 36-yard pass to Brown made it 41-31 and came one play after Aaron Berry’s fumbled punt midway through the third quarter and not long after LeSean McCoy got the Panthers within 3 points on his fourth touchdown run of the day. Down 41-31, Pitt was dealt a serious blow when starting quarterback Bill Stull‚Äôs neck snapped backward as he was hurried by defensive back David Row on an incompletion. Stull lay motionless for several minutes and flashed a thumbs-up with his left hand while being taken off the field on a stretcher.
Pat Bostick took over for Stull and drove Pitt to the 17 yard line but was intercepted by to Kevin Malast who returned the ball 74 yards to set up Kordell Young’s 8 yard TD run that made it 48-31 early in the fourth quarter. Young later added a 4 yard TD run and Rutgers left Pitt with a 54-34 win
Post Game Stats
LeSean McCoy rushed for 146 yards and scored four touchdowns.
Pitt outgained Rutgers 486 – 442