# 2021 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

The 2021 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Panthers were led by seventh-year head coach Pat Narduzzi and played their home games at Heinz Field. They competed in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), marking Pitt's ninth season as a member of the ACC. The Panthers won the ACC Championship with a record of 11–2 and a 45–21 victory over Wake Forest in the 2021 ACC Championship Game, becoming the first school other than Clemson or Florida State to win the conference championship since Virginia Tech in 2010.

## Schedule

| Date | Time | Opponent | Rank | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
| September 4 | 4:00 p.m. | UMass* | | Heinz FieldPittsburgh, PA | ACCN | W 51–7 | 41,486 |
| September 11 | 12:00 p.m. | at Tennessee* | | Neyland StadiumKnoxville, TN | ESPN | W 41–34 | 82,203 |
| September 18 | 12:00 p.m. | Western Michigan* | | Heinz FieldPittsburgh, PA | ACCRSN | L 41–44 | 40,581 |
| September 25 | 12:00 p.m. | No. 21 (FCS) New Hampshire* | | Heinz FieldPittsburgh, PA | ACCNX/ESPN+ | W 77–7 | 41,048 |
| October 2 | 12:00 p.m. | at Georgia Tech | | Bobby Dodd StadiumAtlanta, GA | ACCN | W 52–21 | 36,383 |
| October 16 | 3:30 p.m. | at Virginia Tech | | Lane StadiumBlacksburg, VA | ESPN2 | W 28–7 | 58,314 |
| October 23 | 3:30 p.m. | Clemson | No. 23 | Heinz FieldPittsburgh, PA | ESPN | W 27–17 | 60,594 |
| October 30 | 12:00 p.m. | Miami (FL) | No. 17 | Heinz FieldPittsburgh, PA | ACCN | L 34–38 | 46,977 |
| November 6 | 12:00 p.m. | at Duke | No. 25 | Wallace Wade StadiumDurham, NC | ACCN | W 54–29 | 20,693 |
| November 11 | 7:30 p.m. | North Carolina | No. 21 | Heinz FieldPittsburgh, PA | ESPN | W 30–23 $^{OT}$ | 41,687 |
| November 20 | 3:30 p.m. | Virginia | No. 18 | Heinz FieldPittsburgh, PA | ESPN2 | W 48–38 | 45,183 |
| November 27 | 7:30 p.m. | at Syracuse | No. 17 | Carrier DomeSyracuse, NY (rivalry) | ACCN | W 31–14 | 27,939 |
| December 4 | 8:00 p.m. | vs. No. 16 Wake Forest | No. 15 | Bank of America StadiumCharlotte, NC (ACC Championship Game) | ABC | W 45–21 | 57,856 |
| December 30 | 7:00 p.m. | vs. No. 10 Michigan State* | No. 12 | Mercedes-Benz StadiumAtlanta, GA (Peach Bowl) | ESPN | L 21–31 | 41,230 |
| *Non-conference gameRankings from AP Poll and CFP Rankings, after November 2 – Released prior to gameAll times are in Eastern time ||||||||
Source:

## Rankings

Ranking movements Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking — = Not ranked RV = Received votes :
| | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week |
| Poll | Pre | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Final |
| AP | — | — | RV | — | — | RV | RV | 23 | 17 | RV | 25 | 20 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 13 |
| Coaches | RV | RV | RV | — | — | RV | RV | 23 | 19 | 25 | 22 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 13 |
| CFP | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | 25 | 21 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 12 | Not released |

## Game summaries
### UMass

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| UMass Minutemen | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Pittsburgh Panthers | 13 | 10 | 14 | 14 | 51 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
* Date: September 4, 2021
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Sunny, 79 °F (26 °C)
* Game attendance: 41,486
* Referee: Jerr Magallanes
* TV: ACCN
| Statistics | UMass | PITT |
| First downs | 11 | 35 |
| Plays–yards | 58–209 | 86–598 |
| Rushes–yards | 27–42 | 41–223 |
| Passing yards | 167 | 375 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 14–31–0 | 34–45–0 |
| Time of possession | 29:12 | 30:48 |
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| UMass | Passing | Tyler Lytle | 14/31, 167 YDS |
| UMass | Rushing | Kay'Ron Adams | 11 CAR, 32 YDS |
| UMass | Receiving | Jermaine Johnson Jr. | 3 REC, 52 YDS |
| PITT | Passing | Kenny Pickett | 27/37, 272 YDS, 2 TD |
| PITT | Rushing | Rodney Hammond Jr | 8 CAR, 45 YDS |
| PITT | Receiving | Lucas Krull | 5 REC, 58 YDS, 1 TD |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | UMass | PITT |
| 1 | 4:56 | 8 | 60 | 3:07 | PITT | Lucas Krull 5-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | 1:31 | 6 | 74 | 1:54 | PITT | Jordan Addison 12-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick no good | 0 | 13 |
| 2 | 5:37 | 9 | 44 | 2:55 | PITT | 35-yard field goal by Sam Scarton | 0 | 16 |
| 2 | 0:36 | 9 | 92 | 2:39 | PITT | A.J. Davis 18-yard touchdown run, Sam Scarton kick good | 0 | 23 |
| 3 | 10:45 | 7 | 38 | 2:34 | PITT | Vincent Davis 6-yard touchdown run, Sam Scarton kick good | 0 | 30 |
| 3 | 6:42 | 11 | 61 | 3:32 | PITT | Israel Abanikanda 12-yard touchdown run, Sam Scarton kick good | 0 | 37 |
| 4 | 13:50 | 8 | 74 | 3:21 | UMass | Tyler Lytle 1-yard touchdown run, Cameron Carson kick good | 7 | 37 |
| 4 | 11:48 | 5 | 53 | 1:52 | PITT | Nick Patti 9-yard touchdown run, Ben Sauls kick good | 7 | 44 |
| 4 | 2:44 | 7 | 80 | 2:11 | PITT | Daniel Carter 6-yard touchdown run, Ben Sauls kick good | 7 | 51 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 7 | 51 |

### At Tennessee

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Pittsburgh Panthers | 0 | 27 | 7 | 7 | 41 |
| Tennessee Volunteers | 10 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 34 |
at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN
* Date: September 11, 2021
* Game time: 12:00 EST
* Game weather: Sunny, 71 °F (22 °C)
* Game attendance: 82,203
* Referee: Stuart Mullins
* TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Dusty Dvoracek (color) and Tom Luginbill (sidelines)
| Statistics | PITT | TENN |
| First downs | 24 | 20 |
| Plays–yards | 82–397 | 66–374 |
| Rushes–yards | 96 | 136 |
| Passing yards | 301 | 238 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 25–37–0 | 22–33–1 |
| Time of possession | 36:05 | 23:55 |
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| PITT | Passing | Kenny Pickett | 24/36, 285 YDS, 2 TD |
| PITT | Rushing | Israel Abanikanda | 12 CAR, 43 YDS |
| PITT | Receiving | Taysir Mack | 4 REC, 100 YDS |
| TENN | Passing | Hendon Hooker | 15/21, 188 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT |
| TENN | Rushing | Joe Milton | 5 CAR, 54 YDS |
| TENN | Receiving | Jimmy Calloway | 3 REC, 59 YDS, 1 TD |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | PIT | TEN |
| 1 | 13:34 | 1 | 2 | 0:03 | TENN | Jabari Small 2-yard touchdown run, Chase McGrath kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | 4:44 | 10 | 31 | 2:53 | TENN | 37-yard field goal by Chase McGrath | 0 | 10 |
| 2 | 14:53 | 11 | 92 | 4:45 | PITT | Melquise Stovall 11-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick good | 7 | 10 |
| 2 | 11:16 | 8 | 44 | 3:37 | TENN | 48-yard field goal by Chase McGrath | 7 | 13 |
| 2 | 9:25 | 5 | 75 | 1:51 | PITT | Lucas Krull 16-yard touchdown reception from Jared Wayne, Sam Scarton kick good | 14 | 13 |
| 2 | 8:34 | 4 | -2 | 0:39 | PITT | 38-yard field goal by Sam Scarton | 17 | 13 |
| 2 | 3:53 | 9 | 39 | 3:50 | PITT | 27-yard field goal by Sam Scarton | 20 | 13 |
| 2 | 2:16 | 4 | 68 | 1:28 | TENN | Jimmy Calloway 44-yard touchdown reception from Hendon Hooker, Chase McGrath kick good | 20 | 20 |
| 2 | 0:19 | 9 | 75 | 1:57 | PITT | Vincent Davis 2-yard touchdown run, Sam Scarton kick good | 27 | 20 |
| 3 | 4:49 | 11 | 60 | 5:14 | PITT | Kenny Pickett 1-yard touchdown run, Sam Scarton kick good | 34 | 20 |
| 3 | 2:32 | 6 | 63 | 2:10 | TENN | Jacob Warren 8-yard touchdown reception from Hendon Hooker, Chase McGrath kick good | 34 | 27 |
| 4 | 12:22 | 6 | 75 | 2:31 | PITT | Jordan Addison 8-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick good | 41 | 27 |
| 4 | 10:09 | 7 | 61 | 2:06 | TENN | Jaylan Wright 1-yard touchdown run, Chase McGrath kick good | 41 | 34 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 41 | 34 |

### Western Michigan

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Western Michigan Broncos | 14 | 13 | 7 | 10 | 44 |
| Pittsburgh Panthers | 7 | 20 | 7 | 7 | 41 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
* Date: September 18, 2021
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Sunny, 81 °F (27 °C)
* Game attendance: 40,581
* Referee: Tim O'Dey
* TV: ACCRSN
| Statistics | WMU | PITT |
| First downs | 27 | 25 |
| Plays–yards | 85–517 | 58–508 |
| Rushes–yards | 48–160 | 24–93 |
| Passing yards | 357 | 415 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 26–37–0 | 25–34–1 |
| Time of possession | 40:15 | 19:45 |
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| WMU | Passing | Kaleb Eleby | 23/34, 337 YDS, 3 TD |
| WMU | Rushing | Sean Tyler | 14 CAR, 84 YDS, 1 TD |
| WMU | Receiving | Corey Crooms | 8 REC, 161 YDS, 1 TD |
| PITT | Passing | Kenny Pickett | 23/31, 382 YDS, 6 TD, 1 INT |
| PITT | Rushing | Kenny Pickett | 9 CAR, 57 YDS |
| PITT | Receiving | Jordan Addison | 6 REC, 124 YDS, 3 TD |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | West Michigan | PIT |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 0 | 0 |

### No. 21 (FCS) New Hampshire

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| No. 21 (FCS) New Hampshire Wildcats | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Pittsburgh Panthers | 28 | 21 | 21 | 7 | 77 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
* Date: September 25, 2021
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 66 °F (19 °C)
* Game attendance: 41,048
* Referee: Ricky Johnson
* TV: ACCNX/ESPN+
| Statistics | UNH | PITT |
| First downs | 8 | 35 |
| Plays–yards | 53–160 | 82–707 |
| Rushes–yards | 29–100 | 49–252 |
| Passing yards | 60 | 455 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 10–24–1 | 29–33–0 |
| Time of possession | 24:37 | 35:23 |
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| UNH | Passing | Bret Edwards | 9/20, 42 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| UNH | Rushing | Carlos Washington Jr. | 9 CAR, 91 YDS |
| UNH | Receiving | Griffin Helm | 2 REC, 24 YDS |
| PITT | Passing | Kenny Pickett | 24/28, 403 YDS, 5 TD |
| PITT | Rushing | Rodney Hammond Jr. | 17 CAR, 100 YDS, 3 TD |
| PITT | Receiving | Jordan Addison | 6 REC, 179 YDS, 3 TD |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | New Hampshire | PIT |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 0 | 0 |

### At Georgia Tech

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Pittsburgh Panthers | 21 | 21 | 7 | 3 | 52 |
| Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA
* Date: October 2, 2021
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 75 °F (24 °C)
* Game attendance: 36,383
* Referee: Stuart Mullins
* TV announcers (ACCN): Wes Durham, Roddy Jones, Lericia Harris
| Statistics | PITT | GA Tech |
| First downs | 27 | 21 |
| Plays–yards | 78–580 | 64–432 |
| Rushes–yards | 41–181 | 31–73 |
| Passing yards | 399 | 359 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 24–37–0 | 24–33–2 |
| Time of possession | 34:40 | 25:20 |
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| PITT | Passing | Kenny Pickett | 23/36, 389 YDS, 4 TD |
| PITT | Rushing | Israel Abanikanda | 15 CAR, 60 YDS, 2 TD |
| PITT | Receiving | Taysir Mack | 5 REC, 121 YDS, 1 YD |
| GA Tech | Passing | Jeff Sims | 24/33, 359 YDS, 2 TD, 2 INT |
| GA Tech | Rushing | Dontae Smith | 9 CAR, 43 YDS, 1 TD |
| GA Tech | Receiving | Jahmyr Gibbs | 6 REC, 125 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | PIT | Georgia Tech |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 0 | 0 |

### At Virginia Tech

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Pittsburgh Panthers | 7 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 28 |
| Virginia Tech Hokies | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
at Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
* Date: October 16, 2021
* Game time: 3:30 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 56 °F (13 °C)
* Game attendance: 58,314
* Referee: Stuart Mullins
* TV: ESPN2
| Statistics | PITT | VA Tech |
| First downs | 22 | 13 |
| Plays–yards | 81–411 | 60–224 |
| Rushes–yards | 44–208 | 28–90 |
| Passing yards | 203 | 134 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 22–37–1 | 11–32–1 |
| Time of possession | 38:16 | 21:44 |
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| PITT | Passing | Kenny Pickett | 22/37, 203 YDS, 2 TD |
| PITT | Rushing | Israel Abanikanda | 21 CAR, 140 YDS |
| PITT | Receiving | Jared Wayne | 6 REC, 94 YDS, 1 TD |
| VA Tech | Passing | Braxton Burmeister | 11/32, 134 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| VA Tech | Rushing | Malachi Thomas | 6 CAR, 33 YDS |
| VA Tech | Receiving | Tré Turner | 3 REC, 73 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | PITT | VA TECH |
| 1 | 7:53 | 15 | 94 | 5:53 | PITT | Gavin Barthomolew 8-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 2 | 5:52 | 4 | 29 | 1:32 | PITT | Kenny Pickett 3-yard touchdown run, Sam Scarton kick good | 14 | 0 |
| 2 | 1:36 | 5 | 81 | 1:36 | PITT | Jared Wayne 36-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick good | 21 | 0 |
| 3 | 9:16 | 10 | 52 | 4:29 | PITT | Vincent Davis 5-yard touchdown run, Sam Scarton kick good | 28 | 0 |
| 3 | 6:33 | 7 | 75 | 2:43 | VA TECH | Tayvion Robinson 2-yard touchdown reception from Braxton Burmiester, John Parker Romo kick good | 28 | 7 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 28 | 7 |

### Clemson

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Clemson Tigers | 7 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 17 |
| No. 23 Pittsburgh Panthers | 0 | 14 | 10 | 3 | 27 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
* Date: October 23rd, 2021
* Game time: 3:30 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 52 °F (11 °C)
* Game attendance: 60,594
* Referee: Jeff Flanagan
* TV announcers (ESPN): Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst), Molly McGrath (sideline)
| Statistics | CLEM | PITT |
| First downs | 19 | 26 |
| Plays–yards | 62–315 | 82–464 |
| Rushes–yards | 30–164 | 43–162 |
| Passing yards | 151 | 302 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 15–32–2 | 25–39–0 |
| Time of possession | 23:53 | 36:07 |
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| CLEM | Passing | DJ Uiagalelei | 12/25, 128 YDS, 2 INT |
| CLEM | Rushing | Will Shipley | 10 CAR, 52 YDS |
| CLEM | Receiving | Justyn Ross | 5 REC, 59 YDS |
| PITT | Passing | Kenny Pickett | 25/39, 302 YDS, 2 TD |
| PITT | Rushing | Rodney Hammond Jr. | 11 CAR, 66 YDS |
| PITT | Receiving | Jordan Addison | 5 REC, 84 YDS, 1 TD |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | CLEM | PIT |
| 1 | 1:29 | 8 | 80 | 3:29 | CLEM | Phil Mafah 1-yard touchdown run, B. T. Potter kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 2 | 3:18 | 13 | 90 | 4:19 | PITT | Jordan Addison 23-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | 0:40 | 9 | 76 | 2:12 | PITT | Taysir Mack 39-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick good | 7 | 14 |
| 3 | 11:30 | | | | PITT | Interception returned 50 yards for touchdown by SirVocea Dennis, Sam Scarton kick good | 7 | 21 |
| 3 | 6:56 | 11 | 45 | 4:27 | CLEM | 42-yard field goal by B. T. Potter | 10 | 21 |
| 3 | 1:10 | 11 | 49 | 5:46 | PITT | 44-yard field goal by Sam Scarton | 10 | 24 |
| 4 | 9:30 | 11 | 64 | 5:48 | PITT | 34-yard field goal by Sam Scarton | 10 | 27 |
| 4 | 7:56 | 5 | 72 | 1:28 | CLEM | DJ Uiagalelei 6-yard touchdown run, B. T. Potter kick good | 17 | 27 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 17 | 27 |

### Miami (FL)

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Miami (FL) Hurricanes | 21 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 38 |
| No. 17 Pittsburgh Panthers | 10 | 7 | 14 | 3 | 34 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
* Date: October 30, 2021
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 53 °F (12 °C)
* Game attendance: 46,977
* Referee: Jeff Heaser
* TV announcers (ACCN): Chris Cotter (play-by-play), Mark Herzlich (analyst), Jalyn Johnson (sideline)
| Statistics | Miami (FL) | PITT |
| First downs | 27 | 30 |
| Plays–yards | 71–490 | 79–587 |
| Rushes–yards | 29–64 | 23–68 |
| Passing yards | 426 | 519 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 32–42–1 | 39–56–2 |
| Time of possession | 30:39 | 29:21 |
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| Miami (FL) | Passing | Tyler Van Dyke | 32/42, 426 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT |
| Miami (FL) | Rushing | Jaylan Knighton | 17 CAR, 80 YDS, 2 TD |
| Miami (FL) | Receiving | Charleston Rambo | 7 REC, 101 YDS |
| PITT | Passing | Kenny Pickett | 39/55, 519 YDS, 3 TD, 2 INT |
| PITT | Rushing | Vincent Davis | 6 CAR, 45 YDS |
| PITT | Receiving | Jordan Addison | 8 REC, 145 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Miami (FL) | PIT |
| 1 | 12:09 | 8 | 75 | 2:51 | PITT | Israel Abanikanda 1-yard touchdown run, Sam Scarton kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | 10:31 | 5 | 75 | 1:38 | MIAMI | Elijah Arroyo 20-yard touchdown reception from Tyler Van Dyke, Andres Borregales kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 1 | 8:44 | 3 | 70 | 0:44 | MIAMI | Will Mallory 57-yard touchdown reception from Tyler Van Dyke, Andres Borregales kick good | 14 | 7 |
| 1 | 6:20 | 2 | 60 | 0:34 | MIAMI | Jaylan Knighton 40-yard touchdown run, Andres Borregales kick good | 21 | 7 |
| 1 | 3:25 | 9 | 55 | 2:55 | PITT | 38-yard field goal by Sam Scarton | 21 | 10 |
| 2 | 12:50 | 7 | 84 | 2:17 | PITT | Israel Abanikanda 20-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick good | 21 | 17 |
| 2 | 10:16 | 9 | 72 | 2:28 | MIAMI | 26-yard field goal by Andres Borregales | 24 | 17 |
| 2 | 4:02 | 4 | 37 | 1:35 | MIAMI | Jaylan Knighton 1-yard touchdown run, Andres Borregales kick good | 31 | 17 |
| 3 | 11:18 | 5 | 27 | 1:35 | PITT | Jared Wayne 12-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick good | 31 | 24 |
| 3 | 5:50 | 6 | 91 | 2:53 | PITT | Jaylon Barden 19-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick good | 31 | 31 |
| 3 | 2:15 | 11 | 50 | 3:12 | MIAMI | Key'Shawn Smith 13-yard touchdown reception from Tyler Van Dyke, Andres Borregales kick good | 38 | 31 |
| 4 | 13:55 | 11 | 50 | 3:12 | PITT | 23-yard field goal by Sam Scarton | 38 | 34 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 38 | 35 |

### At Duke

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| No. 25 Pittsburgh Panthers | 7 | 23 | 14 | 10 | 54 |
| Duke Blue Devils | 12 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 29 |
at Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC
* Date: November 6, 2021
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Sunny, 57 °F (14 °C)
* Game attendance: 20,693
* Referee: Marcus Woods
* TV: ACCN
| Statistics | PITT | Duke |
| First downs | 30 | 26 |
| Plays–yards | 86–636 | 88–376 |
| Rushes–yards | 42–220 | 50–135 |
| Passing yards | 416 | 241 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 28–44–0 | 23–38–1 |
| Time of possession | 27:43 | 32:17 |
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| PITT | Passing | Kenny Pickett | 28/43, 416 YDS, 3 TD |
| PITT | Rushing | Rodney Hammond Jr. | 16 CAR, 81 YDS, 1 TD |
| PITT | Receiving | Jordan Addison | 7 REC, 171 YDS, 1 TD |
| Duke | Passing | Gunnar Holmberg | 16/23, 174 YDS, 1 TD |
| Duke | Rushing | Mataeo Durant | 24 CAR, 89 YDS |
| Duke | Receiving | Jalon Calhoun | 3 REC, 78 YDS, 1 TD |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | PIT | Duke |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 54 | 29 |

### North Carolina

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| North Carolina Tar Heels | 0 | 7 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 23 |
| No. 21 Pittsburgh Panthers | 17 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 30 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
* Date: November 11
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 66 °F (19 °C)
* Game attendance: 41,687
* Referee: Jerry Maggallanes
* TV announcers (ESPN): Matt Barrie (play-by-play), Roddy Jones (analyst), Katie George (sideline)
| Statistics | UNC | PITT |
| First downs | 16 | 24 |
| Plays–yards | 71–384 | 76–441 |
| Rushes–yards | 38–88 | 31–95 |
| Passing yards | 296 | 346 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 22–33–1 | 25–45–1 |
| Time of possession | 34:11 | 25:49 |
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| UNC | Passing | Sam Howell | 22/33, 296 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT |
| UNC | Rushing | Ty Chandler | 14 CAR, 42 YDS |
| UNC | Receiving | Antoine Green | 3 REC, 108 YDS, 2 TD |
| PITT | Passing | Kenny Pickett | 25/43, 346 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT |
| PITT | Rushing | Israel Abanikanda | 12 CAR, 63 YDS |
| PITT | Receiving | Jordan Addison | 6 REC, 84 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | UNC | PITT |
| 1 | 8:00 | 4 | 20 | 1:30 | PITT | Vincent Davis 2-yard touchdown run, good kick Sam Scarton | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | 4:09 | 4 | 48 | 1:32 | PITT | Gavin Bartholomew 1-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick good | 0 | 14 |
| 1 | 0:10 | 7 | 62 | 2:13 | PITT | 34-yard field goal by Sam Scarton | 0 | 17 |
| 2 | 6:24 | 3 | 80 | 1:55 | UNC | Antoine Green 76-yard touchdown reception from Sam Howell, Grayson Atkins kick good | 7 | 17 |
| 2 | 4:40 | 4 | 77 | 1:37 | PITT | Jared Wayne 32-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick no good | 7 | 23 |
| 3 | 5:39 | 8 | 53 | 2:20 | UNC | Antoine Green 23-yard touchdown reception from Sam Howell, 2-point run by Sam Howell failed | 13 | 23 |
| 4 | 5:34 | 11 | 92 | 6:14 | UNC | Sam Howell 1-yard touchdown run, Grayson Atkins kick good | 20 | 23 |
| 4 | 0:57 | 10 | 32 | 4:29 | UNC | 20-yard field goal by Grayson Atkins | 23 | 23 |
| OT | | 4 | 25 | | PITT | Lucas Krull 11-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick good | 23 | 30 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 23 | 30 |

### Virginia

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Virginia Cavaliers | 7 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 38 |
| No. 18 Pittsburgh Panthers | 0 | 24 | 10 | 14 | 48 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
* Date: November 20, 2021
* Game time: 3:30 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Sunny, 49 °F (9 °C)
* Game attendance: 45,183
* Referee: Mike Roche
* TV: ESPN2
| Statistics | UVA | PITT |
| First downs | 27 | 28 |
| Plays–yards | 78–514 | 80–509 |
| Rushes–yards | 24–27 | 38–169 |
| Passing yards | 487 | 340 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 36–51–1 | 26–42–2 |
| Time of possession | 30:05 | 29:55 |
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| UVA | Passing | Brennan Armstrong | 36/49, 487 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT |
| UVA | Rushing | Mike Hollins | 7 CAR, 30 YDS, 1 TD |
| UVA | Receiving | Dontayvion Wicks | 10 REC, 144 YDS |
| PITT | Passing | Kenny Pickett | 26/41, 340 YDS, 4 TD, 2 INT |
| PITT | Rushing | Vincent Davis | 12 CAR, 100 YDS |
| PITT | Receiving | Jordan Addison | 14 REC, 202 YDS, 4 TD |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Virginia | PIT |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 38 | 48 |

### At Syracuse

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| No. 17 Pittsburgh Panthers | 0 | 14 | 14 | 3 | 31 |
| Syrancuse Orange | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
at Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY
* Date: November 27, 2021
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 27,939
* Referee: Riley Johnson
* TV: ACCN
| Statistics | PITT | CUSE |
| First downs | 20 | 14 |
| Plays–yards | 72–333 | 54–242 |
| Rushes–yards | 34–124 | 30–25 |
| Passing yards | 209 | 217 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 28–38–1 | 17–24–0 |
| Time of possession | 33:04 | 26:56 |
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| PITT | Passing | Kenny Pickett | 28/38, 209 YDS, 4 TD, 1 INT |
| PITT | Rushing | Vincent Davis | 13 CAR, 79 YDS |
| PITT | Receiving | Jordan Addison | 11 REC, 81 YDS, 2 TD |
| CUSE | Passing | Garrett Shrader | 17/24, 217 YDS, 2 TD |
| CUSE | Rushing | Sean Tucker | 13 CAR, 29 YDS |
| CUSE | Receiving | Courtney Jackson | 7 REC, 73 YDS, 2 TD |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | PIT | Syracuse |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 0 | 0 |

### Vs. No. 16 Wake Forest

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| No. 15 Pittsburgh Panthers | 14 | 10 | 7 | 14 | 45 |
| No. 16 Wake Forest Demon Deacons | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
* Date: December 4, 2021
* Game time: 8:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Sunny, 61 °F (16 °C)
* Game attendance: 57,856
* Referee: Gary Patterson
* TV: ABC
| Statistics | PITT | WAKE |
| First downs | 22 | 24 |
| Plays–yards | 72–385 | 85–295 |
| Rushes–yards | 38–112 | 39–82 |
| Passing yards | 273 | 213 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 21–34–0 | 21–46–4 |
| Time of possession | 31:13 | 28:47 |
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| PITT | Passing | Kenny Pickett | 20/33, 253 YDS, 2 TD |
| PITT | Rushing | Israel Abanikanda | 9 CAR, 55 YDS, 2 TD |
| PITT | Receiving | Jordan Addison | 8 REC, 126 YDS |
| WAKE | Passing | Sam Hartman | 21/46, 213 YDS, 2 TD, 4 INT |
| WAKE | Rushing | Christian Turner | 6 CAR, 34 YDS |
| WAKE | Receiving | Taylor Morin | 4 REC, 83 YDS, 1 TD |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | PITT | WAKE |
| 1 | 13:42 | 5 | 75 | 1:18 | PITT | Kenny Pickett 58-yard touchdown run, Sam Scarton kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 1 | 10:48 | 11 | 75 | 2:54 | WAKE | A. T. Perry 5-yard touchdown reception from Sam Hartman, Nick Sciba kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 1 | 9:37 | 4 | 75 | 1:11 | PITT | Rodney Hammond 22-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick good | 14 | 7 |
| 1 | 6:31 | 12 | 75 | 3:06 | WAKE | Sam Hartman 11-yard touchdown run, Nick Sciba kick good | 14 | 14 |
| 1 | 3:07 | 4 | 69 | 1:09 | WAKE | Taylor Morin 26-yard touchdown reception from Sam Hartman, Nick Sciba kick good | 14 | 21 |
| 2 | 8:21 | 5 | 32 | 1:21 | PITT | Jared Wayne 4-yard touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett, Sam Scarton kick good | 21 | 21 |
| 2 | 0:00 | 5 | 57 | 0:55 | PITT | 41-yard field goal by Sam Scarton | 24 | 21 |
| 3 | 0:47 | 4 | 45 | 1:20 | PITT | Israel Abanikanda 12-yard touchdown run, Sam Scarton kick good | 31 | 21 |
| 4 | 11:57 | 3 | 3 | 1:29 | PITT | Israel Abanikanda 1-yard touchdown run, Sam Scarton kick good | 38 | 21 |
| 4 | 11:42 | 1 | 0 | 0:15 | PITT | Interception returned 19 yards for touchdown by Erick Hallett, Sam Scarton kick good | 45 | 21 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 45 | 21 |

### Vs. No. 10 Michigan State

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| No. 12 Pittsburgh Panthers | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
| No. 10 Michigan State Spartans | 10 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 31 |
at Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
* Date: December 30
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 41,230
* Referee: Steve Marlowe
* TV announcers (ESPN): Mark Jones (play-by-play), Robert Griffin III (analyst), Quint Kessenich (sideline)
| Statistics | PITT | MSU |
| First downs | 14 | 25 |
| Plays–yards | 55–274 | 86–410 |
| Rushes–yards | 32–104 | 36–56 |
| Passing yards | 170 | 354 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 16–23–1 | 29–50–1 |
| Time of possession | 24:51 | 35:09 |
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| PITT | Passing | Davis Beville | 14/18, 149 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| PITT | Rushing | Vincent Davis | 12 CAR, 43 YDS |
| PITT | Receiving | Jordan Addison | 7 REC, 114 YDS |
| MSU | Passing | Payton Thorne | 29/50, 354 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT |
| MSU | Rushing | Jordon Simmons | 16 CAR, 23 YDS |
| MSU | Receiving | Jalen Nailor | 6 REC, 108 YDS, |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | PITT | MSU |
| 1 | 13:11 | 3 | 29 | 0:45 | MSU | Jayden Reed 28-yard touchdown reception from Payton Thorne, Matt Coghlin kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | 7:57 | 12 | 75 | 5:14 | PITT | Nick Patti 16-yard touchdown run, Sam Scarton kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 1 | 2:39 | 11 | 57 | 5:18 | MSU | 36-yard field goal by Matt Coghlin | 7 | 10 |
| 2 | 1:02 | 6 | 87 | 1:01 | PITT | Jared Wayne 4-yard touchdown reception from Davis Beville, Sam Scarton kick good | 14 | 10 |
| 3 | 14:40 | 3 | 1 | 0:20 | PITT | Fumble recovery returned 26 yards for touchdown by Cam Bright, Sam Scarton kick no good | 21 | 10 |
| 4 | 8:06 | 13 | 70 | 6:47 | MSU | Connor Heyward 15-yard touchdown reception from Payton Thorne, 2-point Pass no good | 21 | 16 |
| 4 | 2:51 | 11 | 71 | 2:46 | MSU | Jayden Reed 22-yard touchdown reception from Payton Thorne, 2-point Pass good | 21 | 24 |
| 4 | 0:22 | 8 | 49 | 2:29 | MSU | Interception returned 78 yards for touchdown by Cal Halladay, Matt Coghlin kick good | 21 | 31 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 21 | 31 |

## Players drafted into the NFL

| Round | Pick | Player | Position | NFL Club |
| 1 | 20 | Kenny Pickett | QB | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 4 | 115 | Damarri Mathis | CB | Denver Broncos |