After back to back losses in the season opener for the Pitt Panthers under Paul Chryst, the Panthers made sure it would not be three in a row, as they began their 2014 campaign against the University of Delaware at Heinz Field.
Rushing out to a 21-0 first quarter lead, the Panthers never looked back in a 62-0 blowout, the largest margin of victory for the Panthers ever at Heinz field. The Panthers amassed 409 yards rushing, and held the visiting Blue Hens to 57 total net yards.
Based on such an impressive team performance, it would have been easy to come up with any number of Panthers for PSN Player of the Week. Ultimately, running back James Conner, who rushed for 153 yards on 14 carries, and scored four first half rushing TD’s was the unquestionable choice for the honor.
Conner, a sophomore from Erie, Pa, has now combined for 382 yards and five touchdowns in his last two games, which includes a 229-yard game against Bowling Green in the Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl. That total broke the Panthers all-time bowl game record previously held by the legendary Tony Dorsett.
At the rate Conner is going, not only will he continue to rise up the Panthers all-time rushing list, he will also begin to gain consideration for prestigious national awards like the Doak Walker Award, given to the most outstanding college running back and dare I say it, the Heisman Trophy. Keep in mind that Conner is also expected to get reps at defensive end this season, which will only add to the potential notoriety nationally.
Conner will get his next opportunity to continue his outstanding play as the Panthers open ACC play when the travel to Boston College this Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 PM and will be televised nationally on ESPN.
