Kenny Pickett threw two touchdown passes and ran 58 yards for another as Pitt walloped Wake Forest, 45-21, to win the ACC championship. The Panthers’ defense had five sacks and four interceptions.
It looked like it would be another Pitt shootout, as Wake Forest took a 21-14 first quarter lead, but the Panthers’ defense then asserted itself, shutting down vaunted Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman the rest of the way.
Sam Scarton’s 41-yard field goal gave Pitt a 24-21 lead at the break, then Israel Abanikanda scored from 12 yards out around the right side late in the third to make it a two-possession lead and send the Panthers on their way.
Pitt defensive back Erick Hallet was named the championship game MVP for his two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The Panthers had reached the ACC title game in 2018 before losing a blowout loss to Clemson. They’re leaving Charlotte this time with the program’s first ACC title after sharing the Big East title in 2004 and 2010.
Pitt is now 11-2 and looking forward to its bowl game invitation.
Image distributed by Pitt and the ACC, and a photo of Pickett in post-game.
