The 2021 showdown between the and the North Carolina Tar Heels was more than just another ACC matchup; it was a primetime duel between two future NFL quarterbacks that lived up to every ounce of its hype. On a rain-slicked Thursday night at Heinz Field, Kenny Pickett and Sam Howell traded blows in a contest that ultimately needed overtime to decide a winner. The Pickett vs. Howell Duel
This victory moved Pitt to 8-2 on the season, keeping their hopes for a historic alive and cementing Pickett's status as a top-tier Heisman contender. Pitt vs. North Carolina 21
Threw for 296 yards and two touchdowns, leading a massive second-half comeback despite being sacked five times by a relentless Pitt defense. A Tale of Two Halves The 2021 showdown between the and the North
In the extra period, Pickett wasted no time, finding Lucas Krull for an to put the Panthers ahead. The defense then sealed the victory when MJ Devonshire intercepted Howell on fourth down, sparking a celebration in the Steel City. Key Game Stats North Carolina Pittsburgh Final Score 30 Total Passing Yards Rushing Leader Ty Chandler (42 yds) Israel Abanikanda (63 yds) Receiving Leader Antoine Green (108 yds) Jordan Addison (84 yds) Howell Duel This victory moved Pitt to 8-2
Are you interested in seeing how this compared to the most recent 2024 rematch between these two ACC rivals? Pittsburgh 30-23 North Carolina (Nov 11, 2021) Final Score
The Panthers seemed to have the game in hand early, storming out to a in the first quarter. Aided by big plays, including a 44-yard strike from Pickett to Melquise Stovall, Pitt’s offense looked unstoppable under the lights.
Completed 25 of 43 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns. His poise in the extra period was the difference maker for the No. 25 Panthers.