Pittsburgh ends three-game losing streak with 34-11 win over Georgia Tech

The Panthers returned to winning ways on Saturday night.

Pittsburgh defeated Georgia Tech 34-11 to end a three-game losing streak. The victory secured bowl eligibility for the Panthers, who improved to 6-3 overall and 3-3 in conference play. Freshman running back Damon Ferguson led the offense with a season-high 185 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Pitt rushing attack gained a total of 281 yards against a Yellow Jackets defense dealing with injuries. The Panthers outgained their opponents 461-238 in total offensive yardage. Pitt also recorded five sacks, disrupting the Georgia Tech passing game throughout the contest.

Holden Gernier threw for 180 yards and one touchdown. He completed passes to Blue Hicks for a 30-yard score in the fourth quarter. That play extended the Pitt lead to 24 points. The Panthers faced some self-inflicted problems, including a fumble by tight end Carson Kent in the second quarter and drops by wide receiver Malik Knight. Pittsburgh was flagged 10 times for 95 yards and committed three turnovers. Despite these miscues, the offensive line and pass rush controlled the tempo of the game.

Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza completed 16 of 25 passes for 81 yards in the first three quarters. He fumbled three times, with one recovery by the Panthers. The Yellow Jackets switched to Grady Adamson in the fourth quarter. Adamson ran for 63 yards and a touchdown. His rushing performance was not enough to prevent a sixth loss in the last seven meetings between the two teams. Georgia Tech fell to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in conference play.

The defense delivered its best performance of the season. This marked a sharp contrast to the previous week, when Pitt suffered a road loss to No. 1 Miami. The Yellow Jackets face a difficult stretch ahead. They are heavy underdogs in their final four games. A loss to Louisville next Saturday would leave them needing an upset to avoid their worst season since 1994. Pitt hosts Florida State on Nov. 13.

Pittsburgh will look to clean up its penalty count in upcoming games. The team needs to reduce undisciplined play to finish the year strong. Georgia Tech will host Louisville next Saturday to continue its season.