The Keystone Classic this past weekend was a much anticipated one. The 100th and possibly final meeting between these two bitter, historic rivals was incredibly close in scoring and a nail-bitter throughout all four quarters. The last two minutes of the fourth were utter chaos if you are a Penn State fan.
4th & 1
Combined, there was 100% efficiency with the teams going for it on fourth down. The Pitt Panthers were 3 for 3, while the Penn State Nittany Lions were 1 for 1. That statistic alone is absurd. But this was a rivalry. Coaches Pat Narduzzi (Pitt) and James Franklin (PSU) were going to go down swinging if it killed them. To top this off, neither team had a turnover. Total yards for Pitt: 396. Total yards for PSU: 389. What?! If I let anyone guess what the score was, I bet they would say it came down to a field goal. You’d be more or less correct, but not how you think.
The Miss
Pitt’s kicker missed a 19-yards field goal to essentially, but not totally, seal the deal for Narduzzi’s team in the fourth. The Penn State crowd erupted with the “We Are” chant. The importance of that miss cannot be understated. It changed the atmosphere of the game completely.
Pitt’s March to the End-zone
(Photo: Barry Reeger/Associated Press )
While Penn State’s defense did a good job at keeping the Pitt receivers in front of them, they let up a good chunk of yards in the process. Pitt methodically marched down the field with a precise QB in Kenny Pickett and a cabal of good receivers. Screen plays were Pitt’s go to in a tight spot, often resulting in a first down. This was true throughout the game. Fortunately for Penn State, as Pitt inched closer to the end-zone, PSU hardened their resolve. A third down stop that led to the missed field goal from above was crucial in securing Penn State’s win.
The 2-Minute Warning
(Photo: Matthew OHaren, Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports)
Yet again, Pitt was knocking on the door. Getting a first down after going for their third 4th down attempt, Pitt was in striking distance. I can assure you I had heart palpitations. With 9 seconds left, Pitt lined up for a 3rd and 10 on Penn States 26 yard line. This is where things got crazy. I don’t believe this was shown on TV due to commercials, but essentially a catch was made and the ball was placed 1 yard from the actual 1st down mark. Great! Pitt has no timeouts and a running clock. They line up, snap the ball, time expires, and nothing for Pitt. The Keystone Classic appeared to end then and there.
However, it turns out that not only did Pitt actually get the first down, but Franklin also called a timeout after he realized it was a first down. From a fan P.O.V., this is all very confusing. Time is out, but now for some reason after no explanation from the referees, Pitt now has both a 1st down and 9 seconds left to play…..Huh? Pitt ran two more play where Pickett was pressured and over threw the ball resulting in the win for Penn State.
Overall
(Photo: Matthew OHaren, Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports)
Ok, so maybe I’m biased but overall this was a great game and the fact that it was so close made it even better/worse depending on your inclination. Penn State and Pitt has always been a historic match and this game was no different. On offense and defense both teams shined. Penn State’s defense showed that when things got tough they can produce great stop. Pitt prove that a well designed screen play can work wonders. This game had tense moments and better commentary from the, well let’s just rowdy, fans.
The Keystone Classic gave us a great sendoff. It will be missed.
