McKILLOP AND BRYTUS EARN BIG EAST WEEKLY HONORS

The pair helped Pitt to a 21-20 victory over Iowa.



Dave Brytus with Coach Dave Wannstedt
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Sept. 22, 2008

       PITTSBURGH--Two Pitt football players were honored today by the Big East Conference for their roles in the Panthers' 21-20 victory over previously unbeaten Iowa this past weekend.

                                                                                    

       Senior middle linebacker Scott McKillop was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season, while senior punter Dave Brytus was selected the league's Special Teams Player of the Week.

 


 

 

       McKillop (Export, Pa./Kiski Area) collected a game-high 10 tackles, was in on three tackles for loss and had a quarterback sack. The All-American spearheaded a defensive effort that held Iowa 15 points under its season scoring average.

 

       Brytus (McDonald, Pa./West Allegheny) averaged 47.8 yards on eight punts, including punts of 60 and 57 yards, and made a critical play late in the contest.

 

       With Pitt clinging to a one-point lead with 2:28 to go and facing a 4th-and-9 at its own 42, Brytus boomed a 57-yard punt that rolled out at the Iowa one-yard line. Starting in the shadow of its own goal post, Iowa never got beyond its own 16 as Pitt clinched the victory by forcing and recovering a Hawkeye fumble with 50 seconds left.

 

       Brytus' season average of 43.8 ranks third in the Big East and 16th nationally. This is the second Big East weekly special teams honor of his career.

 

       In addition to his high production, McKillop was responsible for one of the game's most significant defensive plays. Pitt trailed late in the third period, 17-14, when an Iowa interception gave the Hawkeyes possession at the Panthers 47. McKillop immediately snatched momentum away by sacking Iowa QB Jake Christensen for a seven-yard loss, ultimately leading to a three-and-out for the Hawkeyes. The Panthers responded on their next possession with an 80-yard touchdown drive to seize the lead for good.

 

       McKillop leads the Big East in tackles (tied, 10.3 tackles/game) and tackles for loss (1.67 TFL/game). He ranks second in the conference in passes defended (1.0 passes defended/game). This is the third Big East weekly honor of his career and second of 2008. He was honored two weeks ago for his 15-tackle performance against Buffalo.

 

        For more information on McKillop, go to www.ScottMcKillop40.com.

 

       Pitt (2-1) opens Big East play this Saturday at Syracuse (1-3). The game will be televised by ESPN Regional as part of its "Big East Network Game of the Week" package and shown locally on WTAE-TV, channel 4.

 

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