University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Pittsburgh
Panthers Overcome Huskies in 24-21 Comeback Win
10/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 10, 2009
Box Score | Notes | Photo Gallery 
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - In the final seconds of the game, University of Pittsburgh kicker Dan Hutchins knocked in an 18-yard field goal to give the Panthers the 24-21 comeback lead and the victory in front of 44,893 at Heinz Field.
The University of Connecticut football team falls to 3-2 on the season and is 0-1 in BIG EAST play while the Panthers improve to 5-1 on the year and 2-0 in the BIG EAST.
Senior wide receiver Marcus Easley (Stratford, Conn.) had a career day as he made two receptions for 100 yards, including a 79-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Cody Endres (Washington, Pa.).
Endres making his third start of the season and fifth of his career was 17 of 23 in the air for 197 yards. UConn was led in rushing by senior Andre Dixon (New Brunswick, N.J.), who had 16 carries for 95 yards.
Pittsburgh quarterback Bill Stull was 21 of 31 in the air for 268 yards while Jonathan Baldwin had an impressive eight reception for 104 yards.
After punting after the opening possession of the second half, Vaughn returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown to give UConn a 14-3 lead 3:38 into the second half.
Pittsburgh kicker Dan Hutchins kicked a 19-yard field goal with 7:49 to go in the third quarter to make it 14-6 UConn. The Husky defense did an outstanding job on the end of that drive after Pitt had moved the ball to first and goal on the Husky eight.
UConn took a 21-6 lead with 3:56 to go in the third after Dixon scored on a two-yard run that capped an eight play-61 yard drive.
The Panthers then came right back to make it 21-13 as the had an eight-play 74-yard TD drive in the final moments of third quarter. Stull completed a 26-yard TD pass to Jonathan Baldwin for the score.
Pittsburgh tied the game at 21-21 with 7:35 to go on a 27-yard TD pass by Stull to Dorin Dickerson.
Connecticut led 7-3 at halftime after it scored the only points of the second quarter on a 79-yard pass play from Endres to senior wide receiver Easley. The play was the only of the 10-second scoring drive and was the longest passing play for the Huskies since the 2004 season.
The only points of the first quarter came on a 42-yard field goal by Pittsburgh's Dan Hutchins that capped a nine play, 55-yard drive.
Both teams squandered opportunities in the second quarter as Vaughn intercepted a Pitt pass in the end zone after the Panthers had moved the ball 77 yards.
UConn then moved the ball 48 yards before Endres was hit by a pair of Pitt defenders and fumbled the ball.
UConn returns to action next Saturday when it takes on Louisville at Noon at Rentschler Field for Homecoming. The game will be televised throughout the East Coast on the BIG EAST Television Network and will be seen in Connecticut on MyTV9-WCTX. It will also be on SNY.
