Region 6

Matchup 1

The Panthers upset the Mountaineers in the Backyard Brawl. Pitt's defense is outstanding all game. The victory keeps the Mountaineers out of the national championship game.

VS.

Mark May wins 1980 Outland Trophy

Mar May was a great player for the Panthers, winning the Outland Trophy for best lineman in the nation his senior year and eventually had his number, 73, retired by the team.

Matchup 2

The Panthers defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions, 24-7 at Three Rivers Stadium behind another outstanding performance by running back Tony Dorsett. Dorsett ended the game with 224 yards and two touchdowns.

VS.

Dan Marino is elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005

Dan Marino, born and raised in south Oakland, grew to become one of the best quarterbacks in Pitt and NFL history. Marino had an excellent pro career, leading the Miami Dolphins to several playoff appearances and setting numerous NFL passing records.

Matchup 3

The Panthers lead an explosive offensive attack in a 34-3 victory over the Clemson Tigers in the 1977 Gator Bowl. The Panthers received contributions on offense from numerous players as they set 5 Gator Bowl records in the victory. Quarterback Matt Cavanaugh led the Panthers to victory and was named game MVP.

VS.

October 25, 1947 - Pitt ends Big Nine supremacy with victory

Pitt's only win of the 1947 season was a large one as it defeated Ohio State, 12-0, at Pitt Stadium. The Panther victory ended a nine game losing streak but more importantly stopped a 24 game losing streak to Big Nine conference teams.

Matchup 4

The Panthers surprised the heavily favored Bulldogs by keeping the score close all afternoon, finally settling for a 7-7 tie against Georgia. It was the first games for both head coach Jonny Majors and running back Tony Dorsett.

VS.

November 14, 1987 - Special teams help Pitt shut out Penn State

The Panthers used three special team plays to propel them past rival Penn State, 10-0, at Pitt Stadium. Pitt safety Billy Owens cemented the Panther victory when he returned an interception for a touchdown with 20 seconds remaining. It was Pitt's first shutout of Penn State since 1955.

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