Pitt Football: 3 takeaways from crushing loss to Boston College

In the most Pitt football way to end the game, the Panthers fell in overtime to Boston College, losing on a missed extra point. What’d we learn?

Pitt’s Alex Kessman kicked a 58-yard field goal to force overtime but missed an extra point after a go-ahead score in the first overtime, falling to the Eagles 31-30 at Memorial Stadium in Chestnut Hill.

Notre Dame transfer quarterback Phil Jurkovec put on quite a show in the back-and-forth affair, throwing for 358 yards, three touchdowns, and adding a rushing touchdown.

Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett had 302 total yards and three total touchdowns in a losing effort not to be outdone. This game was close throughout with six lead changes — five before overtime. Despite Jurkovec’s big passing day, the Panthers’ defensive line came away with five sacks.

It was feast or famine for the Pitt defense most of the day. They were able to stifle the Eagles’ running game but gave up some big passing plays.

It seemed as if the Panthers either sacked Jurkovec or watched the ball fly downfield. The Pitt offense dinked, dunked and “yacked” (yards after catch) their way down the field to keep the game close.

In the fourth quarter, the Eagles seemingly had the game in hand when Max Richardson sacked Kenny Pickett. Instead of attempting a Hail Mary, Pat Narduzzi sent in Alex Kessman to attempt a 58-yard field goal. He knocked it down with room to spare. The Eagles scored on their first possession of overtime, and the Panthers responded.

Of all the ways this quirky games could have ended, Kessman missed a chip-shot extra point after nailing a personal best field goal.

What’d we learn from this whacky game?