When the Pitt Panthers meet the Boston College Eagles, the two teams aren’t expected to throw the ball often. This year’s meeting is going exactly as planned.
The Panthers lead the Eagles 20-7 through two quarters of play, and the teams combined to throw the ball 24 times for 99 yards. But both teams gained chunks of yardage courtesy of their ground attacks.
It starts with James Conner‘s performance. The Pitt running back already has 130 rushing yards on 15 carries. It’s his sixth 100-yard performance of his career and third-straight effort.
The 250-pound tailback set the tone early with his physical running style and unwillingness to be tackled by the first defender. Conner was aided by stellar play by Pitt’s offensive line, which stymied an aggressive Boston College defensive front. Although, Pitt’s junior center, Artie Rowell, had to leave the game in the second quarter due to an undisclosed injury.
Pitt ran for an impressive 207 yards in the first half.
Boston College countered with 92 rushing yards, but the bulk of their yardage came courtesy of a 51-yard scamper from quarterback Tyler Murphy.
Ironically, both of Pitt’s touchdowns came through the air.
Tyler Boyd already proved he was one of the nation’s premier wide receivers as a freshman. He continues to shine when his team needs him the most. Boyd capped a nine-play drive with a 15-yard touchdown catch to give the Panthers a 10-7 lead early in the second quarter. Boyd soared above Boston College’s cornerback to snag the jump ball.
With 18 seconds remaining before the half, Pitt quarterback Chad Voytik found Boyd crossing the middle of the endzone for their second touchdown connection of the night.
In the second half, Pitt has to maintain its strong running attack and solid defensive performance to win. Boston College needs to establish enough of a passing threat to loosen up Pitt’s defense and give Murphy more room to operate.
