The Turning Point: Peterman’s Miss

Under nine minutes separated Pitt from a huge road win against North Carolina yesterday. They were up 13 points with about 8:45 remaining in the game. To that point, the defense had turned things around and were frustrating the Tar Heels. Now, we can debate whether North Carolina’s own play calling got in their own way or not, but some big sacks gave Pitt a chance to cement the game.

For the third straight possession, North Carolina came away with zero points and Pitt’s offense was tough to stop. Add to that the fact that the Heel’s defense had to be exhausted and it seemed like Pitt needed to just keep doing what they were doing, which was methodically drive down the field.

Matt Canada did what he had done all game to start the drive. He called Moss’ number for a gain of two and then used a jet sweep to Henderson for two more yards. Not ideal results, but those were the same calls they used before. Now, it was time for fifth-year senior, Nate Peterman to step up and make a play from his own 24-yard line. Peterman dropped back and had Tre Tipton open for the first and overshot him. Tipton was open, he had the first down, and Peterman just missed the throw.

We can debate Pitt’s play-calling on the next drive and then the fourth down plays on UNC’s last drive, but this one could have prevented a lot of that, considering the Heels won with two ticks left on the clock. Believe me, I vented a lot about the 4th and nine play that North Carolina converted, where a blitzing Avonte Maddox was yanked down by his facemask without any call, but if Peterman connects there, Pitt stands a great chance at being 3-1.

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