UNC-Pitt live updates: Tar Heels look for first road win against third-straight ranked opponent
North Carolina travels to face ACC Coastal Division leader Pitt Thursday night at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The No. 25 Panthers (7-2, 4-1 ACC) are the third-straight ranked opponent for the Tar Heels. A loss would officially eliminate UNC (5-4, 3-3) from contention in the Coastal. Even with a win, the chances are still very slim and a lot would have to play out. Pitt, Virginia and Miami would all still have to lose an additional game and the Heels would have to win the regular season finale at No. 19 N.C. State. Barring that improbably scenario, UNC coach Mack Brown has emphasized his desire to get the seniors back to another bowl game and beating Pitt would secure eligibility. News & Observer UNC beat writer C.L. Brown is at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh for all the action. Check back here for updates during the game.
Live updates have concluded. For game result and analysis, click here.
Krull catch. Pitt 30, UNC 23. OT
Lucas Krull caught an 11-yard touchdown to put the Panthers back ahead.
Atkins field goal. UNC 23, Pitt 23. 4Q
Grayson Atkins tied the game with a 20-yard field goal. But Carolina had the ball first and goal at the Pitt 2 and could not score a touchdown to take the lead.
Gemmel interception. 4Q
Kenny Pickett threw an interception on a ball tipped by Isreal Abanikanda and intercepted by UNC linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel at the Pitt 35. Carolina has the ball with 5:26 left in the game.
Howell run. UNC , Pitt 23. 4Q
Sam Howell ran a quarterback keeper for a 1-yard score on fourth down to pull the Heels within a field goal with 5:34 left in the game.The touchdown was set up by a 46-yard completion to Josh Downs.
Scarton missed field goal
Pitt’s kicking woes continued after Sam Scarton’s 52-yard attempt came up short. The Panthers had reached the UNC 25, but Carolina’s defense had back-to-back sacks from Cedric Gray and Tomon Fox to force the long field goal attempt.
Green catch. UNC 13, Pitt 23. 3Q
Antoine Green caught a 23-yard touchdown in a play that was confirmed. Howell was stuffed on a two-point conversion attempt as he tried to scramble for a score.
Carolina turnover on downs. 3Q
UNC took its opening drive of the second half down to the Pitt 23. But facing a fourth-and-1, Sam Howell was stopped short when he kept the ball on a quarterback option play.
Scarton kick blocked. 2Q
UNC’s Jahlil Taylor blocked a 31-yard field goal attempt by Pitt’s Sam Scarton with 26 seconds left in the first half.
Wayne catch. Pitt 23, UNC 7. 2Q
Jared Wayne caught a 32-yard touchdown as Pitt answered Carolina’s scoring drive. UNC didn’t help its cause with a holding penalty on Storm Duck when Pitt faced third-and-2. Sam Scarton missed the point after attempt.
Green catch. Pitt 17, UNC 7. 2Q
Carolina had 23 total yards in offense before Sam Howell connected with Antoine Green for a 76-yard touchdown pass.
Scarton field goal. Pitt 17, UNC 0. 1Q
Jordan Addison caught a 42-yard pass, but the Panthers’ drive stalled out at the UNC 16. Pitt’s Sam Scarton kicked a 34-yard field goal to give Pitt scores on their last three drives..
Bartholomew catch. Pitt 14, UNC 0. 1Q
Pitt started its drive in UNC territory after Jordan Addison’s 20-yard punt return. Gavin Bartholomew’s 1 -yard catch put the Panthers up two touchdowns.
Davis run. Pitt 7, UNC 0. 1Q
Tight end Gavin Bartholomew’s 11-yard reception on third down set up Vincent Davis for as a 1-yard scoring run for Pitt. The Panthers are 3-for-3 on third down conversions on their first two drives.
This story was originally published November 11, 2021 at 7:14 PM.