Pitt Felt the Senior Night Magic with a 24-16 Win over Boston College

Tagged under: Gameday Hub, News, Pennsylvania Colleges, pfn

Ryan Thielet | November 17, 2023

For the third time this season, the Pitt Panthers executed a quarterback switch, inserting redshirted sophomore Nate Yarnell into the game. The Boston College Eagles initiated the scoring with a 42-yard field goal from Liam Connor, putting them ahead 3-0. Pitt quickly responded, leveling the score at 3 points each with a 42-yard field goal courtesy of Ben Sauls. A pivotal defensive stop by Pitt set the stage for their next scoring opportunity. Nate Yarnell took matters into his own hands, rushing for a 4-yard touchdown, propelling the Panthers to a 10-3 lead in the second quarter. The Eagles managed to narrow the gap with a 45-yard field goal from Liam Connor, bringing the score to 10-6 at halftime. In the third quarter, Boston extended their lead as quarterback Thomas Castellanos connected with Lewis Bond on a 24-yard pass, making it 13-10 in favor of the Eagles. Pitt swiftly answered with a four-play drive, featuring a 61-yard pass play from Nate Yarnell to Senior Bub Means, reclaiming the lead at 17-13. The fourth quarter saw a scoring exchange. Boston College initiated with a 33-yard kick from Liam Connor, closing the gap to 17-16 in Pitt’s favor midway through the quarter. Pitt sealed the game with a decisive touchdown on the subsequent drive, a 66-yard run by Rodney Hammond Jr, securing a 24-16 victory over the Eagles.

The opening quarter witnessed an exchange of scores. The Eagles embarked on a 14-play drive, featuring a crucial 4th-down conversion. However, the Panthers’ defense halted their progress, forcing them to settle for a 3-point field goal kicked by Liam Connor, bringing the score to 3-0 with 8:45 remaining in the first quarter. Pitt responded by reclaiming possession and orchestrating a scoring drive of their own. In a 9-play sequence, the Panthers secured a 42-yard field goal courtesy of Ben Sauls, leveling the score at 3 apiece. The Eagles, back in possession, embarked on a 6-play drive that concluded with a punt to Pitt. Taking over with 2:03 on the clock, the Panthers held onto the ball until the second quarter. The first quarter concluded with a tied score of 3-3.

The second quarter commenced with Pitt taking possession of the ball. Following a 15-play sequence, the drive culminated in a remarkable 4-yard scrambling touchdown by Nate Yarnell, propelling Pitt to a 10-3 lead with 9:07 remaining in the half. Boston’s subsequent offensive effort lasted only 6 plays, as Pitt’s defense executed a formidable sack that abruptly halted the drive. Regaining possession, Pitt was unable to add to their lead. Boston, determined to close the gap, embarked on a 10-play drive that resulted in a 3-point contribution, narrowing the margin to 10-6. The remaining moments of the half transpired without further scoring, as Pitt opted to take a knee with 26 seconds left, concluding the first half with a 10-6 score in favor of Pitt.

The third quarter unfolded with both teams contributing to the scoreboard. Following a Pitt 3-and-out, Boston regained possession with 13:52 remaining. The Eagles orchestrated a 9-play drive culminating in a touchdown pass from Thomas Castellanos to Lewis Bond, giving the Eagles a 13-10 lead with 8:49 left in the third. Pitt quickly responded, reclaiming possession and needing just 4 plays to score. Senior Bub Means showcased his skills with a 61-yard catch-and-run touchdown, propelling the Panthers to a 17-13 lead with 7:22 left in the third quarter. Boston College embarked on a promising drive that unfortunately ended in disappointment as Phillip O’Brien Jr. intercepted the ball. With the ball back in their hands, Pitt successfully navigated the remainder of the quarter, concluding the third with a score of 17-13 in favor of the Panther.

The fourth quarter unfolded with a mix of successes and challenges for both teams. Pitt started with a missed 52-yard field goal attempt, giving Boston an opportunity. Both teams exchanged punts before Boston, in possession, executed a 9-play drive that consumed 4:10 of the clock. The drive concluded with a field goal by Liam Connor, narrowing the lead to just one point at 17-16 in the fourth quarter. Pitt, determined to secure the win, responded with a game-changing touchdown in just two plays. Rodney Hammond Jr. showcased his speed with a 66-yard run, extending the Panthers’ lead to 24-16 late in the fourth quarter. Both teams had quick drives, but Boston found themselves with the ball and 1:12 remaining, trailing by 8 points. Boston’s final drive faced adversity from the start. The first play, an incomplete pass to Dino Tomlin, son of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. The second play resulted in a 6-yard sack by Senior Samuel Okunlola. On third down, a 5-yard pass to Lewis Bond was nullified due to an illegal forward pass. Facing fourth down and 20 from their own 7-yard line, Aliquippa native Senior M.J. Devonshire secured his third interception of the season, sealing Pitt’s 24-16 victory on Senior Night.

Pitt secured a crucial victory, with quarterback Nate Yarnell showcasing strength and composure. Yarnell completed 11 of 19 passes for 207 yards and contributed one touchdown, displaying confidence and poise in orchestrating Pitt’s offense throughout the game. The defense played a pivotal role, tallying an impressive 6 sacks for the night. Safety Donovan McMillion continued his standout performance, recording 13 total tackles in the game, bringing his season total to 99. This achievement places him in elite company, tying him with New York Jets’ safety and WPIAL alum Jordan Whitehead for the most tackles in a season. The Pitt team looks to maintain this winning momentum as they prepare to travel to Durham for a matchup against Duke, with the game time yet to be determined.

On the other hand, Boston College will conclude the game with a 6-5 record after this loss. Their next challenge awaits them at home against Miami as they aim to finish the year on a positive note.