Pittsburgh rallies from 21 down to beat Cincinnati 28-27
- Eli Holstein threw for 305 yards and three touchdowns, leading Pittsburgh's comeback.
- Cincinnati initially dominated the game, leading 27-6 after three quarters.
- Pittsburgh's victory showcased their resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
In a thrilling college football matchup on Saturday, Pittsburgh overcame a significant 21-point deficit to secure a 28-27 victory against Cincinnati. The game saw Pittsburgh's Eli Holstein struggle initially, throwing for only 66 yards in the first half, including an interception. However, he rebounded in the second half, finishing with 305 yards and three touchdown passes, leading his team to a remarkable comeback. Coach Pat Narduzzi praised his players for their resilience and determination to win in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati started strong, with quarterback Brendan Sorsby throwing for two touchdowns and 139 yards in the first quarter, ultimately finishing with 289 yards and three touchdowns. The Bearcats dominated the game for the first three quarters, leading 27-6. However, a critical delay of game penalty on Cincinnati's defense allowed Pittsburgh to convert a crucial third down during their game-winning drive. Special teams played a pivotal role in the game's outcome, as Cincinnati's kicker Carter Brown missed a 25-yard field goal just before halftime. This miss allowed Pittsburgh to capitalize, as they quickly moved downfield to set up a successful 53-yard field goal attempt by Ben Sauls, narrowing the score before halftime. The missed opportunities on special teams proved costly for Cincinnati. In the final moments, Pittsburgh's defense held strong, with Javon McIntyre recovering a fumble as Cincinnati attempted a desperate lateral play. The victory improved Pittsburgh's record to 2-0, while Cincinnati fell to 1-1, highlighting the importance of execution in high-pressure situations.