The first half was depressing and frustrating. Pitt made mistakes all over the field and just let Rutgers stay close. Then in the second half, Pitt completely dominated and Rutgers never truly threatened. Honestly, it was the complete opposite of what I expected.

I believed the game would be one where Pitt led early, while both teams would struggle on offense. Then in the second half Pitt would do just enough to hold off the Scarlet Knights as they tried to come back.

Instead, Pitt was very careless with the ball, but aggressively moving most of the game (except inside the redzone). There were at least two other fumbles by recollection that Pitt got back.

By the end of the first half, the frustration in the stands was palpable. Booing at the end of the half as Wannstedt essentially wanted to run out the clock and get into the locker room. Rutgers and Greg Schiano, instead called timeouts and got the ball back late in the half. Luckily Pitt’s defense held.

Still Pitt could have had a chance to at least add a field goal late when Lewis nearly busted a run. The fact that Pitt was moving the ball despite conservative plays seemed to catch Coach Wannstedt off-guard and the final 1:17 was a waste.

It actually took awhile for it to be a laugher. Two more trips inside the redzone and only FGs to show for it. It remains a huge problem that Pitt cannot finish many drives. That simply cannot be ignored. I don’t know exactly what it is, but it already cost Pitt two wins this season.

Other than that, though, the second half was completely dominated by Pitt. Rutgers was overwhelmed and Pitt’s D-line treated Rutgers O-line like the rice paper it was. Dodd ended up with happy feet and by the end Tom Savage returned to lead the Knights to a garbage touchdown that didn’t even cover the spread.

Sunseri finally connected with Baldwin as the play calls essentially demanded him to put it up and let Baldwin get it. Dion Lewis had the big game everyone was waiting for. Hynoski was the safety valve all game to keep Pitt drives from stalling out.

Next up, homecoming with a surprisingly tenacious and aggressive Louisville team.