The Youngstown State Penguins marched into Heinz Field looking to surprise the Pitt Panthers. The Penguins last met the Panthers in 2015, where they lost 45-37.
The game did not start ideal for YSU. In fact, the Penguins were blanked at halftime by Pitt.
Qadree Ollison had a big first half, leading the Panthers with two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter. Ollison would already have 109 all-purpose yards after two quarters of play, as the defense of Youngstown State was sorely missing the edge containment of Derek Rivers and Avery Moss.
A.J. Davis plunged into the end zone from the one-yard line with 3:07 left in the second quarter to make it a 21-0 Pitt lead heading into the half.
The second half was a completely different story.
After only earning twenty-eight passing yards in the first half, Youngstown State Quarterback Hunter Wells came out like a man on a mission in the second half.
Following a punt on their first drive of the third quarter, the Penguins got on the board via a Tevin McCaster rushing touchdown from the goal line.
Another defensive stop and missed field goal allowed Wells to go to work, as he found Christian Turner from 25-yards out for his first passing touchdown of the game.
A stripped fumble forced by Justus Reed positioned Wells again. He aired it out to Turner again, this time from forty yards out, to tie the game at 21. The teams would head into overtime.
Following a Max Browne touchdown pass to Jester Weah from the eleven-yard line, Pitt would put an end to the game after Bricen Garner intercepted Wells’ heave into the end zone after the pocket collapsed on him. Pitt would hold on for the 28-21 win at home after the Penguins gave them a scare.
Wells finished with 311 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception, a remarkable effort by him as his running game had a tough go at it. Tevin McCaster only managed to gain 73 yards and a touchdown.
Youngstown State welcomes Robert Morris during their home opener next Saturday.
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