Pitt Football: 3 takeaways from shocking upset loss to NC State

1. Kenny Pickett kept Pitt in the game

Will Kenny Pickett be a good pro? For anyone who watched the game on Saturday afternoon from Heinz Field, the answer would be an overwhelming ‘yes’.

When Pitt needed a play, Pickett was there.

Obviously you’re always going to rely heavily on your quarterback but he showed up time and time again in the clutch to keep the Panthers in the game. When Pitt was down 17-7 early on, he didn’t panic and led the Panthers back in front 23-17. And when Pitt was trailing 24-23 in the fourth quarter, he led a go-ahead drive with under two minutes left.

Pickett had himself quite the day and proved to be the real deal against the Wolfpack, passing for 411 yards and a touchdown on 22-of-39 passing. He also added 40 yards rushing and two scores.

This kid is tough and took his licks but he kept coming back with clutch plays and accurate throws, keeping Pitt in an ugly game.