Rutgers had an opportunity to run away with the Big East title today. All the Scarlet Knights had to do was defeat Pitt, which had just four wins on the season.
But, if there’s one thing Pitt is good at, it’s throwing a wrench in other teams’ championship hopes (right, West Virginia?). The Panthers pulled the upset over No. 21 Rutgers, winning 27-6. Panthers QB Tino Sunseri, as embattled as any QB in the history of the Pitt program, finished his career with a 227-yard performance and two touchdowns. Running back Ray Graham added another 113 yards and a score.
The loss keeps the Big East race alive for another week when Rutgers takes on Louisville. The No. 19 Cardinals lost in three overtimes to UConn this afternoon 23-20. QB Teddy Bridgewater turned in a gutsy performance, but was banged up with both wrist and knee injuries. His availability for next week’s game against the Scarlet Knights will definitely be a point of interest.
The Big East race is coming down to its two best teams in the final week . The conference should be excited about that. However, I’m not sure anyone was planning on Louisville and Rutgers to be entering the game coming off upset losses.