Categories: Archives

Pitt wins Insight Bowl, 38-13

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.

Pitt News Staff

Share
Published by
Pitt News Staff

Recent Posts

A look into Trump’s policies as the 47th president of the United States

In the early hours of Wednesday, Nov. 6, former president Donald Trump was elected the…

1 day ago

College Democrats and Republicans at Pitt reflect on 2024 presidential election efforts

As the results trickle in from the 2024 presidential election, College Democrats at Pitt and…

2 days ago

Students, professors prepare for tense election night

Pitt students and professor discuss their plans for watching the 2024 presidential election Tuesday night,…

2 days ago

Guests at Dave McCormick watch party feeling “cautiously optimistic”

Roughly 250 invited guests attended a Dave McCormick watch party event on Nov. 5 at…

2 days ago

Summer Lee re-elected for U.S. Representative in PA’s 12th Congressional District

At 8:12 p.m. on Tuesday evening, incumbent Summer Lee was declared winner against James Hayes…

2 days ago

Photos: Election Day around Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh voters took to polling locations around the city on Election Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.…

2 days ago