Pitt’s comeback bid falls short in 34-27 loss

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Pitt faced a 24-point deficit in the third quarter Saturday, but a comeback bid fell short as the second punt returned for a touchdown by North Carolina receiver Ryan Switzer broke a tie and proved the deciding blow as the Panthers lost 34-27.

“We knew Ryan Switzer was a good returner,” head coach Chryst said. “I think we had enough levels of coverage to stop long returns. We tried to spread the net, but it wasn’t much of a net.”

Pitt (5-5, 2-4 ACC) enters its final games against Syracuse and Miami with bowl hopes in jeopardy as a result of the loss to the Tar Heels (5-5, 4-3).

“They beat us,” Chryst said. “They made more plays than we did. Obviously, we didn’t do a very good job in the first half.”

Pitt took an early 3-0 lead on a field goal by Chris Blewitt, but missed a chance to reach the end zone as a 10-play, 64-yard drive stalled in the red zone.

From there, North Carolina scored 27 unanswered points to take a commanding 27-3 lead in the third quarter. The Tar Heels took momentum on Pitt’s second drive of the game when Tom Savage fumbled in the red zone.

North Carolina capitalized on the turnover, driving 76 yards and taking a 7-3 lead on a 16-yard touchdown run by quarterback Marquise Williams.

Early in the third quarter, North Carolina extended its lead to 24 points on a field goal and seemed to have control of the game. But behind James Conner, Pitt’s offense stormed back with 24 unanswered points to tie the game at 27-27.

“We were tired of feeling sorry for ourselves,” Conner said. “We came out thinking this is an important game and we want to become bowl eligible.”

Conner finished with 102 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. But Conner’s efforts were negated by a strong pass rush led by Kareem Martin who sacked Savage 3.5 times, half of North Carolina’s seven total sacks Saturday.

“I was riding Kareem all game and then I found it he had 3.5 sacks,” North Carolina head coach Larry Fedora said. “He was a difference-maker.”

Savage completed 23-of-38 passes for 313 yards and two touchdowns, but the offense couldn’t take advantage of opportunities late in the game to take a lead.

Then, with 4:46 left in the game, Switzer received a punt from Matt Yoklic and weaved through Pitt’s special teams to give North Carolina the game-winning touchdown.

“It hurts,” safety Jason Hendricks said about the loss. “ We had the momentum on our sides and thought we were going to make a comeback.”