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It took three weeks, but the Pittsburgh Panthers gave head coach Paul Chryst his first head coaching victory in decisive fashion with a 35-17 triumph over 13th-ranked Virginia Tech at Heinz Field.
Pitt started the day 0-2 (with lopsided losses to Cincinnati and FCS Youngstown State, but led from wire to wire and played at a level of competition that many expected of the teams to start the season.
Running back Ray Graham ran for 94 yards and two touchdowns and added a 17 yards and a touchdown through the air. Freshman Rushel Shell racked up 157 yards on 23 carries and quarterback Tino Sunseri tossed for 283 yards and three touchdowns. Mike Shanahan and Devin Street hauled in a touchdown pass each.
Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas threw for 265 yards and a touchdown but also had three interceptions. He also led the Hokies with 28 yards rushing.
The win , combined with victories for UConn over Maryland and Louisville over North Carolina, gave the Big East a sweep in Week 3 games over ACC teams.
Pitt hosts the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs next week.