Panther of the Game: Oluwaseun Idowu

Pitt suffered a disappointing loss to Virginia Tech on Saturday. It wasn’t disappointing because of the final result, but how the Panthers ended up there, failing to score from inside the 2-yard line on four consecutive downs.

A few Panthers had really good days, I thought. Quarterback Kenny Pickett, who played the bulk of the game was solid against a tough defense on the road when you consider he’s a true freshman. Avonte Maddox probably would have won the award if he kept Cam Phillips out of the end zone on Virginia Tech’s final touchdown. Jordan Whitehead also had ten tackles and seemed to be in on even more than that. And, of course, had Jester Weah gotten one more yard on his long reception late in the fourth quarter or done more earlier in the game, he probably wins it.

My pick for Saturday, though, was linebacker Oluwaseun Idowu. Idowu had a heck of a game, leading both teams in overall tackles (12) and leading the Panthers in solo stops (6). Idowu also had one of the team’s two sacks as well as a pass breakup.

Idowu didn’t only have a good game but he’s stood out this entire season. On the year, he leads the team in tackles (total, solo, and assisted) and sacks (5). He’s had some struggles in pass defense at times but Idowu has generally been really good.

Idowu has been solid for the team all season and he was a big reason the Pitt defense played well against Virginia Tech’s offense.

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