PHOENIX – The Panthers utilized a combination of special teams and an effective running game… PHOENIX – The Panthers utilized a combination of special teams and an effective running game to defeat Pac-10 opponent Oregon State 38-13 in the Insight Bowl Dec. 26 at Bank One Ballpark.

Shawn Robinson returned a punt 66 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter to put Pitt up 24-10, marking the first time the Panthers have returned a punt to the end zone in bowl history.

“That [punt return] was the turning point of the football game,” head coach Walt Harris said. “It was something we’ve had done to us this season that we haven’t been able to do.”

Brandon Miree led the Panthers on the ground as he carried the ball 20 times for 113 yards and a touchdown to walk away with offensive MVP honors. The defense suffocated Beaver running back Steven Jackson, who was limited to just 34 yards on 19 carries. Jackson entered the matchup as the Pac-10’s leading rusher and fifth in the nation.

“It was great to see our defense rise up and get the job done,” Harris said.

Pitt opened the scoring on the first possession of the game with a 40-yard pass from quarterback Rod Rutherford to a diving Larry Fitzgerald to give the Panthers the early 7-0 lead. But Oregon State answered back with a controversial play when Derek Anderson connected with James Newson for a 65-yard touchdown; Newson’s hand touched the ground, and according to college football regulations, signifies the ball is down.

But no call was made and Newson found the end zone to knot the game at 7. The teams exchanged field goals to enter the half tied at 10, but the Panthers proved to be too much for the Beavers, as they picked up the victory to improve to 9-4 before a crowd of 40,533.

Check The Pitt News on Jan. 8, 2003, for complete Insight Bowl coverage.