Pittsburgh Defense Comes Up Big Against UConn: Panthers Headed To Sun Bowl

After a slow first half with the Pittsburgh offense gaining only five yards, the Pittsburgh defense came up big during the second half with five picks to put the offense in good position to score 31 points in the second half.

Senior linebacker, Scott McKillop was thrilled with the performance of the Pittsburgh defense today.

"This was a great team effort today," said McKillop. "The defense made a lot of plays while Greg Williams had two picks.  We played one of our best games all season."

Which is no exaggeration.  Along with senior linebacker Greg Williams' two interceptions (one of which was taken in for a touchdown from the UConn 20-yard line), junior defensive backs, Aaron Berry and Jovani Chappel and sophomore Dom DeCicco also came up with picks.

And not only did the defense come up with the picks, but they also put the offense in good position.  Williams' non-scoring interception brought the ball to the UConn six-yard line, Chappel's placed the ball at the UConn 45-yard line, and Berry's was picked off at the UConn 48.

The offense then took off to score 31 points in the second half, including a LeSean McCoy 47-yard touchdown run, a Conor Lee 21-yard field goal, and a 28-yard Bill Stull pass to TE Nate Byham.

With the win, the Panthers will be heading to the Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX, where they will likely meet Oregon State, if the Southern Cal Trojans hold on to their lead over the UCLA Bruins to win the PAC-10.

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