Feasting on smaller programs from the neighboring state of Ohio, the Pittsburgh Panthers have rather quietly opened the 2015 season to a 2-0 start under new head coach Pat Narduzzi.
Following last week’s season-opening victory at Heinz Field against Youngstown State, Pitt (2-0) visited the University of Akron (0-2) on Saturday evening in an attempt to avenge what was considered an upset loss last season to Terry Bowden’s Zips.
The Panther defense, which surrendered 37 points last week to the FCS Penguins of Youngstown State, was much better in the second week of the young season. Akron totaled a meager 110 yards of total offense and just one second quarter touchdown, as the Panthers ran away with a 24-7 victory on a wet night in northeast Ohio.
Akron did lead at one point, 7-3, before Pitt scored a late first half touchdown for a 10-7 advantage heading into the locker room. The second half was all Panthers, as Akron simply could not mount any drives to get back into the game.
For the Panthers, Chris Blewitt capped a 13-play drive with a 25-yard field goal in the first quarter to open the scoring. Former Pitt QB Tra’Von Chapman started for the Zips, but was removed in favor of Kyle Pohl in the second quarter. Not long after Pohl entered, Akron manufactured a quick touchdown drive for a 7-3 lead, briefly striking fear into the hearts of Pitt fans everywhere.
With the Panther offense faltering throughout the first half, Narduzzi removed Chad Voytik from the game and Tennessee transfer Nathan Peterman entered at the QB position. Voytik had been 6 of 8 for 32 yards, but was unable to get much of anything going for the Panthers. Not long after Peterman entered, and right before the halftime break, J.P. Holtz caught an 18-yard TD pass to cap a seven-play drive and earn the lead that would never be relinquished.
In the second half, Qadree Ollison scored from two yards out for a 17-7 lead and, in the fourth quarter, Darrin Hall ran one in from five yards to seal the deal. Peterman finished 12 for 17, totaling 148 yards and one touchdown. Ollison carried 21 times, leading the charge in place of the injured James Conner, for 81 yards. Hall added 52 yards on 12 attempts. Tyler Boyd caught 11 passes for 95 yards to lead all receivers.
Akron’s two quarterbacks combined for just 63 yards, completing only 7 of 22 passes. Akron lost a fumble for the game’s only turnover.
Pitt improved to 2-0 and will continue a three-game road trip next week at Iowa, battling the Big Ten’s Hawkeyes. Iowa improved to 2-0 on Saturday, defeating in-state rival Iowa State. Kickoff is at 8 pm and will be televised by the Big Ten Network.
