Tino Sunseri and Ray Graham ended their career at Pittsburgh with a 38-17 loss to Ole Miss in the BBVA Compass Bowl. The loss gives Pitt losses in the BBVA Compass Bowl in the past two seasons.
The Pitt offense never really got anything going. After throwing an interception on their first possession, the Panthers posted two three-and-outs followed by another turnover on a sack fumble. Pitt finally got on the board on their sixth possession with a 10-yard pass from Sunseri to Devin Street.
Sunseri threw another touchdown late in the game to Mike Shanahan and finished 16-of-32 for 185 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, only his third of the season. Graham finished his career on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Backup running back Rushel Shell carried the ball 25 times for the Panthers, posting 79 yards in the process. Street led all receivers with seven receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown.
Ole Miss’ offense was clicking right out of the gate. After scoring on the first two possessions, the Rebels went on to post 24 first half points. Their rushing attack ate up yards all game. Between three backs and two quarterbacks, Ole Miss piled up 222 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. I’Tavius Mathers led all rushers with six carries for 96 yards and a 62-yard touchdown run.
Both teams played solid defense, with both teams accruing two turnovers. In the end, it was Pitt’s rush defense that allowed Bo Wallace to open up the passing game near the end zone for three scores.
Pitt only converted four of their 16 third down attempts, posting four three-and-outs and two failed conversions on fourth down.
Pitt will move to the ACC next season and Head Coach Paul Chryst hopes to get his team back on track in the upcoming offseason.
Photo Credits: AP Photo/Dave Martin
