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Are Panthers back in running for bowl?
PITTSBURGH - In LeSean McCoy, Pitt boasts the most productive freshman running back in major college football.
McCoy ranks second to Rutgers' Ray Rice in the running back-heavy Big East Conference in rushing yards (805) and rushing yards per game (115.0). Even more impressive, McCoy has started just four games and still ranks ahead of West Virginia's Steve Slaton in both categories.
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McCoy and Stephens-Howling showed how potent Pitt's run game can be when blocks are made on a consistent basis as they were during the Panthers' 24-17 win over then No. 23 Cincinnati Saturday at Heinz Field. It was Pitt's first win over a ranked opponent during the Dave Wannstedt coaching era.
"This win gives us confidence," McCoy said. "This game showed us what we can do. We know how good we are and we know we've got good players."
Possibly none better than McCoy, who rushed for 137 yards, his fourth 100-yard game of the year. He spearheaded an offensive attack that produced a season-high 260 rushing yards and 26 first downs. Cincinnati's run defense was ranked 13th nationally before the Panthers tore through it.
Stephens-Howling, who started the first two games, rushed for 100 yards on 13 carries and his play triggered Pitt's game-winning drive which he capped with a seven-yard touchdown run.
"The touchdown felt great. I knew I could do it all along and I'm glad they have the confidence in me to do it," Stephens-Howling said. "It feels great just to know that the coaches have the confidence in me. I work hard every day in practice and I'm glad they had that confidence in me to do my job."
The combined performance of McCoy and Stephens-Howling could provide a big lift for a Pitt offense that ranks near the bottom of the Big East in many categories. The Panthers are seventh in total offense, scoring offense and first downs. They rank last in pass efficiency, turnover margin and third-down conversions.
"It's big to have two runners over 100 yards," McCoy said. "LaRod motivates me all the time. I know how good he is. When he gets the ball, he knows what to do. We had a great week of preparation for this game and we came out and we just executed."
That wasn't the case during a four-game losing streak.
Some problems were attributed to quarterback struggles, though freshman Pat Bostick continues to progress since becoming the starter. The offensive line, which has suffered several injuries, also has struggled.
"We knew we had a good challenge ahead of us, and we came out and played well," senior right tackle Mike McGlynn said. "I think our conditioning really showed in the fourth quarter. This win feels great. When you lose four in a row and come back and beat the 23rd-ranked team in the nation, it's great. We really needed it."
Pitt needs more performances like that, particularly from the offensive line, if it is to get back into contention for a bowl game. The Panthers play at slumping Louisville (4-4, 1-1) Saturday at noon.
And it's likely the Cardinals' defense, which yields 429 yards per game, has a new-found respect for Pitt's running game.
"We are going to win right now with the running game," Wannstedt said. "We all know about Shady McCoy and we have to give our offensive line credit. LeSean and those two first downs at the end were big, but the player that really needs to be recognized is LaRod Stephens-Howling. Put yourself in his place. You're the starter here for two years, you come in and have a freshman take your job. Then, you show up when the chips are down and you play your heart out. He's a special guy."
