PITT-OK. State: Redemption Game?

Yes, everyone involved with the PITT football program would rather be going into this game at 2-0 and coming off another big rivalry game victory.  But, we all knew that 1-1 was a real good possibility heading into this season.  But, unlike Penn State, PITT has another big game coming up this Saturday against Oklahoma State that they should have no problem getting up and preparing for.

First, let’s take a look back at last season’s 45-38 loss in Stillwater where it is safe to say the defense, and the secondary in particular, would like to forget rather quickly.  Cowboys QB Mason Rudolph and WR James Washington had themselves a day to remember as Rudolph threw for 540 yards and 2 Touchdowns and Washington had 296 of those yards and both touchdown receptions.

PITT’s offense was able to keep up with Oklahoma State and actually tied the game at 38 heading into the 4th Quarter and seemed to have most of the momentum for the final 15 minutes of the game.  But, after a lengthy thunderstorm delay, Oklahoma State was able to score 1 more touchdown and force a last minute turnover to ice the game and give the Panthers the loss.

Moving on to this year, and paraphrasing what Head Coach Pat Narduzzi said in his weekly press conference, he talked about this game on Saturday being a redemption game for the secondary.  I would go one farther and say it is a redemption game for the entire defense as the Oklahoma State running backs, specifically Rennie Childs, had themselves a good day as well.

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