Pitt Football: 3 takeaways from Quick Lane Bowl win vs. Eastern Michigan

2. Kenny Pickett has major momentum going into 2020

It’s been an interesting junior season for Kenny Pickett. He had his fair share of struggles, throwing 10 touchdown passes to nine interceptions — not exactly a ratio you want from your quarterback — but assuming he’s back, he has all the momentum in the world heading into his senior campaign as the starter.

The New Jersey native had one of his best games of the year and you know that’s exactly what the coaching staff wanted to see in the bowl game.

In fact, he finished with 361 yards and three touchdowns on 27-of-39 completions, including the game-winning touchdown pass with under a minute left. He was one of the most impressive players on the field on Thursday and looked like a quarterback that could lead the Panthers to an even more intriguing bowl game next season.

Will Pickett use this game as a launching pad or will he struggle once again in 2020 to protect the football? We will find out, but this is a good start.