Panther of the Game: James Conner

This is starting to become a weekly theme with having to choose either Quadree Henderson or James Conner for Panther of the Week. This week we go with Conner in Pitt’s 45-38 shootout loss to Oklahoma State. It was not an easy call, but I’ll go with Conner due to a good chunk of Henderson’s yardage faking out the ESPN cameraman while Conner had to slug it out in between the tackles.

Henderson ended the game with two catches for 31 yards and 95 yards on the ground while hitting pay dirt twice. Conner hit the end zone once, but also chalked up 111 yards on the ground and hit for 60 extra in the air. The receiving yards included a 55-yard, over the shoulder catch early, with a Cowboy defender draped all over him that was seemingly on a play not even designed for him.

Conner continues to amaze all of us with his determination and getting back to where he was when he last hit the field. It is great to see he and Henderson contributing so much and winning this award. However, if Pitt wants to be successful this season, another player is going to have to step up and make it more than a two-person race every week.

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