Pitt wasn't as fast out of the gate as they were last week in a win over Virginia Tech, but they do hold a commanding 27-10 lead over Gardner-Webb at the half.
Tino Sunseri has completed 13-of-18 passes for 206 yards and a touchdown, Ray Graham has 4 carries for 82 yards, Devin Street has 4 catches for 79 yards and a touchdown and Cameron Saddler has 4 catches for 63 yards.
Ray Graham put the Panthers on the board with a 78-yard touchdown run--the second-longest run of his career. Gardner-Webb answered with a 41-yard field goal from Trever Austin.
The pace quickly picked up in the second quarter, as Pitt would start possession inside the Gardner-Webb 35 on four different occasions (32, 35, 34, 30). Of those four drives, they capitalized with 17 points. The first came on a 41-yard field goal from Kevin Harper. Rushel Shell would add the first touchdown run of his career, a one-yarder and Devin Street caught a 34-yard pass from Tino Sunseri. Graham's touchdown and Street's touchdown were both one-play drives.
Gardner-Webb wouldn't end the half without some kind of spark. Dylan Taylor forced a fumble on Ray Graham, which was recovered by Kamar Morrison and returned 65 yards for a touchdown.
After that fumble return, Pitt answered with a 22-yard field goal from Harper, giving Pitt a 27-10 lead with 5 seconds remaining in the half.
Getting their first career starts today for Pitt are freshman Darryl Render at defensive tackle for Aaron Donald, out with a knee injury. Adam Lazenga--put on scholarship earlier this week--got the call at fullback, filling in for an injured Mark Giubilato.