James Conner (24) celebrates a late touchdown reception by teammate Jester Weah (85). Steve Rotstein | Contributing Editor
Quadree Henderson (10) leads the NCAA with four combined kick and punt return touchdowns on the season. Steve Rotstein | Contributing Editor
Pitt WR Jester Weah (85) sprints into the end zone for the Panthers’ first touchdown on a 59-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt QB Nathan Peterman finished the regular season with 2,351 passing yards and 22 passing touchdowns to go with only five interceptions. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorRedshirt junior RB James Conner takes the field for what may have been his last game at Heinz Field as a Pitt Panther. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt redshirt sophomore WR Rafael Araujo-Lopes makes a tackle on special teams in the first half against Syracuse. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt QB Nathan Peterman ran for 79 yards and a touchdown on six carries to go with 251 passing yards and four additional scores in a 76-61 win. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt QB Nathan Peterman accounted for 330 yards and five touchdowns in his final game at Heinz Field. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt RB James Conner scores the first of his three touchdowns on a 35-yard reception in the first half against Syracuse. The score, and the Panthers’ subsequent win, would push Pitt to become ranked for the first time this season. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt defeated Syracuse for the 13th time in the last 15 matchups of a series that has been played every year since 1955. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt RB James Conner breaks through a hole in the first half against Syracuse. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorQuadree Henderson (10) racked up a career-high 257 all-purpose yards on only 12 touches against Syracuse. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorQuadree Henderson (10) breaks off a 39-yard punt return in the first half against Syracuse. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt defensive end Ejuan Price (5) and linebacker Matt Galambos (47) each played the final home game of their college careers at Heinz Field Saturday. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt sixth-year senior DE Ejuan Price (5) notched his 12th sack of the season against Syracuse, giving him back-to-back seasons with double-digit sacks. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt redshirt freshman CB Dane Jackson’s 20-yard touchdown return on his first career interception gave Pitt a 42-21 lead early in the second half against Syracuse. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt RB James Conner (24) hugs QB Nathan Peterman (4) after Peterman’s 13-yard touchdown run late in the first half. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorMaurice Ffrench (25) follows a block from Brian O’Neill (70) on his way to a 77-yard touchdown run. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt OL Brian O’Neill (70) helps pave the way to the end zone for Maurice Ffrench. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorMaurice Ffrench’s 77-yard touchdown run was Pitt’s third touchdown of the game to come on the opening play of a drive. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt redshirt freshman Maurice Ffrench (25) scored the second touchdown of his career on a 77-yard run against Syracuse. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorQuadree Henderson is greeted in the end zone by Pitt fans after a 66-yard touchdown run in the second half of the Panthers’ 76-61 win. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt RB James Conner (24) tallied 115 yards and two rushing touchdowns along with 45 receiving yards and another score through the air against Syracuse. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt QB Nathan Peterman (4) and RB James Conner (24) combined for eight total touchdowns in Pitt’s 76-61 victory. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt senior WR Dontez Ford (19) runs back to the sideline after a 79-yard TD catch against his former school. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt senior WR Dontez Ford breaks loose for a 79-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt QB Nathan Peterman signals for a touchdown after a 42-yard run. Referees initially ruled the play a touchdown, then ruled Peterman out of bounds at the 1-yard line after a review. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt RB James Conner (24) celebrates a late touchdown reception by teammate Jester Weah (85). Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt RB James Conner went over 1,000 yards rushing for the second time in Pitt’s 76-61 win against Syracuse. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorFans brought signs thanking several of Pitt’s 19 seniors for their final home game, as well as redshirt junior James Conner, who will decide after Pitt’s bowl game whether he will turn pro or return for one more season. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorJames Conner smiles after scoring his third touchdown of the game against Syracuse. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt RB James Conner leaps over the goal line for his third touchdown of the game. Steve Rotstein | Contributing EditorPitt RB James Conner tallied 160 total yards and three touchdowns in Pitt’s 76-61 win over Syracuse. Steve Rotstein | Contributing Editor