Region 4

Matchup 1

The Pitt Panthers defeat the South Carolina Gamecocks, 37-9, in the 1980 Sugar Bowl. The defense, led by Hugh Green and Rickey Jackson, kept star South Carolina running back George Rogers in check all game.

VS.

Antonio Bryant wins 2000 Biletnikoff award

Antonio Bryant had a great career at the University of Pittsburgh. Bryant's best year with Pitt was in 2000 when he was won the Biletnikoff award, given to college football's most outstanding receiver

Matchup 2

In one of the most unbelievable comebacks in Pitt Stadium and Panther history, the Panthers scored four times in the second half to defeat West Virginia, 36-35. The Panthers were down 35-8 at the half but dominated the final 30 minutes of play.

VS.

December 20, 2001 - Pitt wins 2001 Tangerine Bowl

The Panthers win the 2001 Tangerine Bowl by defeating the North Carolina State Wolf Pack, 34-19. The Panthers victory was their first bowl win since the 1989 season.

Matchup 3

The Panthers defeated their arch rival Penn State, 12-0, at Three Rivers Stadium. Freshman Rod Rutherford scores the only touchdown of the game on a 62-yard pass from quarterback John Turman.

VS.

September 30, 1989 - Pitt ties West Virginia on last second kick

The Panthers mounted a furious comeback to tie their arch rival West Virginia, 31-31 at Mountaineer Field. Pitt found itself down 31-9 after three quarters of play before scoring 22 unanswered points against the Mountaineers.

Matchup 4

The Panthers defeat the West Virginia Mountaineers in the 2004 Backyard Brawl, 16-13, at Heinz Field. Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko sneaks in from 2 yards out for the winning score. The win lifts Pitt to its first BCS Bowl Berth and a share of the Big East Title.

VS.

October, 29 1960 - Pitt stops Syracuse win streak

The Panthers pulled the upset over the favored Orange, 10-0. Syracuse came into the game with the nation's longest winning streak at 16 games.

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