KIRK'S CARDIAC CATS
Report by Matt Schmidlin | October 8, 2022
Three Thoughts from the Peanut Gallery
1. The Maine Man
You'd never know that Pitt fifth-year senior DE
Malachi Bordeaux comes from a state nicknamed "Vacationland." The Maine native simply never stops working. That fact was never exemplified more than this evening, as Bordeaux made the play of the game to help salvage Pitt's undefeated season. Trailing 20-13, Bordeaux's second effort at stopping Virginia Tech QB Steve Love saw him rip the ball free, with
Damian Vector pouncing on the loose pigskin for the Panther recovery. The turnover gave the Panthers the ball inside the Tech 30-yard line, which quickly culminated in a
Ceno Rodgers III touchdown grab. Two more quick scores later and Pitt was effectively out of reach and on their way to a stunning comeback victory.
2. Four Score and Fourth Quarter Ago
After Pitt wasted a defensive stand and
DeAnthony Hamilton return to Tech's 21 yard line late in the third quarter, it seemed like nothing could go right for Pitt's offense.
CJ Kirk couldn't find an open
Ceno Rodgers III on fourth and goal, and Pitt trailed 20-6 heading into the final stanza. Then, lightning struck. The next Pitt drive methodically moved down the field until Kirk found safety valve
Christian Klumpp to halve the deficit, and just seconds later a turnover gave the offense the ball right back. A few plays later Kirk hit Rodgers with a pinpoint pass and just like that the score was tied. The next two Pitt possessions saw option plays go for gigantic gains, with Rodgers scampering 64 yards to the inch line before a Kirk keeper score, and
Da'vion Reynolds put the nail in VT's coffin with a bulldozing 63 yard score. You'd like to see the Panthers' offense erupt much earlier, but Pitt fans will surely be saying "better late than never."
3. Hat Trick for Hills
While
Malachi Bordeaux stole the show with a sack and key forced fumble,
Jalen Hills continued his stellar work on the edge, bringing down Steve Love three times, including twice in the final quarter as Pitt's defense held off any Hokie comeback. Hills tied with Bordeaux for the team lead in sacks last season (7) with Bordeaux, and the redshirt junior has picked up right where he left off, leading Pitt's potent pass rush this season well with 9 sacks through 7 games.
Photo Gallery
