The Pitt Panthers lost for the first time on Saturday, as North Carolina came from behind to edge the Panthers 21-17.
Pitt took a 10-0 lead on a La’Vell Wright two-yard touchdown run and Antonio Chadha’s 41-yard field goal. But the Tar Heels answered with a 7-yard TD pass from Billy Edwards Jr. to Jelani Thurman, followed by a one-yard touchdown run Demon June with 22 seconds left in the third quarter, leaving Pitt trailing 14-10 entering the fourth.
Pitt’s Holden Geriner’s 40-yard pass to Malik Knight set up another touchdown by Wright, from one yard out on a direct snap, giving the Panthers a 17-14 lead early in the fourth quarter. However, on the first play of the ensuing possession, North Carolina’s Edwards launched a 75-yard scoring toss to Shamar Easter for the winning score.
Pitt outgained North Carolina, 369-271. Making his first start as a Panther, Geriner was 27-of-42 passing for 219 yards with two interceptions.
Pitt returns to action next Saturday at Boston College.
