Region 2

Matchup 1

The Panthers win the Sugar Bowl 24-20 on a last minute pass from quarterback Dan Marino to tight end John Brown. The Panthers were down by three to the Bulldogs with 42 seconds to go before Marino connected with the game winning pass.

VS.

Darrelle Revis punt return against WVU

Darrelle Revis had many great moments at Pitt but his best was his thrilling punt return for a touchdown against West Virginia in 2006. On the play, receiver Derek Kinder laid out a devastating block that helped to spring Revis for the score. The return was named ESPN's top college football play of the year.

Matchup 2

Pitt outlasts West Virginia in three overtimes to defeat the Mountaineers, 41-38, in the 1997 Backyard Brawl. Pete Gonzalez completes a fourth and 17 to wide receiver Jake Hoffart to keep the Panthers alive. The Panthers win on a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Gonzalez to wide receiver Terry Murphy in triple overtime.

VS.

Tony Dorsett is elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Tony Dorsett had an outstanding collegiate and professional career, winning a national championship and Heisman Trophy with the Pitt Panthers and a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys. He was elected to the College and Professional Football Hall of Fames in 2004.

Matchup 3

The University of Pittsburgh defeated powerful Georgia Tech, 32-0. The victory over Tech propelled the Panthers to a national championship.

VS.

December 30, 1989 - Pitt beats Texas A&M in the John Hancock Bowl

Led by game MVP Alex Van Pelt's 354 passing yards, the Panthers beat the Aggies, 31-28, in the 1989 John Hancock Bowl. The Panthers recorded 530 total yards of offense, a John Hancock Bowl record, in the comeback victory.

Matchup 4

It was a banner day for the University of Pittsburgh football program. First, Pitt defeated Army then Purdue upset top ranked Michigan, which propelled the Panthers into the number 1 spot.

VS.

December 25, 1979 - Pitt defeats Arizona in Fiesta Bowl

The Panthers finished the 1979 season by defeating the Arizona Wildcats, 16-10, in the Fiesta Bowl. Pitt ended the season on an impressive 10-game winning streak.

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