Panthers Secure Win, Cal's Last Minute FG Attempt Fails

© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The outcome of a hard-fought battle in the Atlantic Coast Conference sends No. 22 Pitt (6-0, 2-0) and Cal (3-3, 0-3) in different directions. With a 17-15 victory over the Golden Bears, the Panthers find themselves atop the conference standings, while Cal descends into the conference cellar.

The first meeting between these two programs since 1966 came down to the final moments, and in the words of Sports Illustrated, "Cal suffer[red] its third straight agonizing loss in a two-point defeat on the road."

Game Summary

Cal and Pitt both scored two touchdowns and one field goal. However, the Golden Bears missed an attempted two-point conversion after their first TD. That failed attempt proved significant in the end.

© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Although Cal had a chance to take the lead in the waning moments of the game, placekicker Ryan Coe missed a 40-yard field goal. A high snap from the center appeared to throw off the timing of the attempt.

Pitt's freshman quarterback Eli Holstein came into the game on a hot streak, but the Golden Bears' stout defense kept him in check throughout most of the game. Holstein credited the Panthers' defense for the victory: “They had a great night,” Holstein said of the defense. “I think our team needed a win like this, with as bad as I played. We still pulled out a win and I think that’s going to help us get wins against good teams.

Cal QB Fernando Mendoza completed 27 passes for 272 yards, including a 19-yard TD to tight end Jack Endries early in the fourth quarter.

However, Pitt sacked Medoza 6 times, 3 of which were delivered by sophomore defensive lineman Jimmy Scott.

In the end, it was a defensive struggle. Led by Scott and sophomore linebacker Kyle Louis, who tallied 12 tackles, Pitt narrowly prevailed.

Panthers Pounce

Endries' fourth-quarter TD for Cal brought the Golden Bears within two points. Thus, Cal attempted to draw even with another two-point attempt. They brought in backup QB Chandler Rogers and ran a QB draw. However, Pitt LB Braylan Lovelace sniffed out the play, forcing the second failed two-point conversion by Cal. That defensive stop and Cal's botched FG at the end of the game were the decisive plays.

Next Up

On Oct. 19, the Golden Bears host the North Carolina State Wolfpack (3-3, 0-2) in Berkeley, Calif. The Panthers have a bye in Week 8 before hosting the Syracuse Orange (4-1, 1-1) on Thursday, Oct. 24.