Deadspin: Pitt Runs Past Georgia Tech to Snap Skid and Clinch Bowl Eligibility

Ferguson powers Pitt’s offense

Pitt opened the scoring with Antonio Chadha’s 45-yard field goal midway through the first quarter. A 15-play, 86-yard drive ended with Ferguson scoring from 3 yards out, and La’Vell Wright later added a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 17-0.

Georgia Tech falls behind

Georgia Tech got on the scoreboard late in the first half after Pitt’s Justin Cook fumbled. Aidan Birr kicked a 49-yard field goal in the closing seconds, leaving the Yellow Jackets trailing 17-3 at halftime.

Pitt seals the victory

Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza fumbled on the next play from scrimmage, and Jaeden Moore recovered at the Yellow Jackets’ 15-yard line. Pitt did not score on the opportunity, failing on fourth-and-goal from the 1.

After Georgia Tech’s eighth punt, Geriner threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Cataurus Hicks, making it 27-3 with 11:20 remaining. Grady Adamson replaced Mendoza and scored on an 18-yard run, then added a two-point conversion to cut the margin to 27-11. Pitt finished with a 34-11 win.

Teams move in opposite directions

Pitt improved to 6-3 overall and 3-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, snapping a three-game skid and becoming bowl eligible. The Panthers outrushed Georgia Tech 281-95. Georgia Tech dropped to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in the ACC, extending its losing streak to three games. Mendoza threw for 81 yards before being replaced; Adamson passed for 62 yards and rushed for 63.