University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
1-0 , 0-0
UMass
0-1 , 0-0
Panthers Mash UMass to Open 2021 Season, 51-7
9/4/2021 8:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Kenny Pickett threw for two touchdowns passes and the Pitt defense held Massachusetts to 209 yards of total offense as the Panthers cruised to a 51-7 season-opening victory on Saturday.
Pickett linked up with Lucas Krull and Jordan Addison for first-quarter touchdowns as the Panthers jumped out to a two-score lead in the first 15 minutes.
The fifth-year senior directed the offense efficiently, completing 27 of 37 passes for 272 yards and the two scores. Pickett also rushed six times for 39 yards on a combination of scrambles and designed runs.
After taking an early lead, the Panthers leaned on the rushing game, with five different players finding the end zone on the ground. A.J. Davis scored from 18 yards out in the second quarter.
In the third, Vincent Davis rushed in from six yards out and Israel Abanikanda scored from 12 yards to extend the lead.
Pickett exited late in the third quarter. Nick Patti added a rushing touchdown and was 5 of 5 for 58 yards. Daniel Carter scored late in the fourth. Pitt rushed 41 times for 222 yards.
The Minutemen were kept from the end zone until the fourth quarter, when Tyler Lytle scored on a one-yard keeper. He threw 26 times, completing 11 for 139.
THE TAKEAWAY
Pitt's defense seems to be up to its 2020 standard, despite losing five starters to the NFL. The Panthers held UMass to 209 yards of total offense, sacking Lytle five times, making six tackles for loss and forcing a fumble. The Panthers finished No. 20 among FBS teams, allowing 339.5 yards per game last season.
UP NEXT
Pitt will travel to Tennessee next Saturday in the first matchup between the teams since 1983. UMass hosts Boston College on Saturday. The Minutemen have lost 10 straight against the Eagles.
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Team Stats
MAS 0, PIT 7
PIT - Krull,Lucas 5 yd pass from Pickett,Kenny (Scarton,Sam kick) 8 plays, 60 yards, TOP 03:07
MAS 0, PIT 13
PIT - Addison,Jordan 12 yd pass from Pickett,Kenny () 6 plays, 74 yards, TOP 01:54
MAS 0, PIT 16
PIT - Scarton,Sam 35 yd field goal 9 plays, 47 yards, TOP 02:55
MAS 0, PIT 23
PIT - Davis,A.J. 18 yd run (Scarton,Sam kick), 9 plays, 92 yards, TOP 02:39
MAS 0, PIT 30
PIT - Davis,Vincent 6 yd run (Scarton,Sam kick), 7 plays, 38 yards, TOP 02:34
MAS 0, PIT 37
PIT - Abanikanda,Israel 12 yd run (Scarton,Sam kick), 11 plays, 61 yards, TOP 03:32
MAS 7, PIT 37
MAS - Lytle,Tyler 1 yd run (Carson,Cameron kick), 8 plays, 74 yards, TOP 03:21
MAS 7, PIT 44
PIT - Patti,Nick 9 yd run (Sauls,Ben kick), 5 plays, 53 yards, TOP 01:52
MAS 7, PIT 51
PIT - Carter,Daniel 6 yd run (Sauls,Ben kick), 7 plays, 80 yards, TOP 02:11
