FINAL
19 
34 MVP
GAME LEADERS
1 TD, 1 INT
2 TD
2 TD
December 20, 2001
Pittsburgh, making its first bowl trip since 1989, defeated NC State, 34-19, in the first game held in Orlando.
Pitt closed out its season with its sixth straight victory. Receiver Antonio Bryant caught seven passes for 101 yards and a pair of touchdowns to lead the Panthers and earn Most Valuable Player honors for the game.
After trading field goals in the first quarter, Bryant caught 15- and two-yard scoring strikes
from quarterback David Priestley to take a 17-3 lead. Priestley completed 18-of-32 passes for 271 yards for the game. The Wolfpack’s Gregory Golden returned a kickoff 90 yards for a score, but the Panthers answered before the end of the half with a one-yard TD run by Rod Rutherford to enter the break leading 24-10.
Pitt added three in the third quarter on Nick Lotz’ second field goal of the game, while holding NC State scoreless in the period. The Wolfpack attempted a fourth-quarter comeback with a Philip Rivers TD pass and an NC State field goal to cut Pitt’s lead to 27-19, but the Panthers sealed their victory as Tyre Young returned a Rivers fumble for a 16-yard touchdown.
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
