End of first: Pitt 10, No. 16 USF 7

Posted Sep 29, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Sep 29, 2011 at 08:51 PM

PITTSBURGH For the first time this season, USF is trailing in a game.

Pittsburgh has built a 10-7 lead after one quarter of action in Thursday’s nationally televised Big East opener at Heinz Field.

USF struck first when quarterback B.J. Daniels capped a nine-play, 52-yard scoring drive with a 12-yard run at the 8:46 mark. The Bulls had a short field thanks to a turnover provided from the defense. Sophomre Ryne Giddins caused a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Mike Jeune to snuff out Pitt’s opening drive.

But the Panthers came right back, putting together a 10-play, 77-yard drive to answer USF’s score. Quarterback Tino Sunseri capped it with a 9-yard scoring run.

Pittsburgh then went ahead on a 47-yard Kyle Harper field goal at the 2:11 mark.

USF is driving, however, and will face a 3rd-and-5 at the Panthers 32 to open the second quarter.