Third quarter: Pitt 34, USF 17

PITTSBURGH -- The Panthers built on their lead against USF, taking a 34-17 lead into the final quarter. They continued to pound Ray Graham, but Tino Sunseri also has made some plays and is having his best game for the Panthers so far this season.

Through three quarters, Graham has 150 yards rushing and a touchdown. Sunseri is 21-of-31 for 199 yards and a touchdown but perhaps most importantly -- no interceptions and no egregious mistakes.

But remember, the fourth quarter has been a familiar bugaboo for Pitt this season, so this is the perfect opportunity for the Panthers to learn how to finish. The Panthers have allowed 49 fourth-quarter points this season -- more than double what they have allowed in the second and third quarters this season.

They blew a 24-3 lead to Iowa, and they gave up a fourth-quarter touchdown last week to Notre Dame to lose despite a valiant effort. But the Panthers seem to be playing inspired football tonight on both sides of the ball. The offensive line is just having its best game of the year, especially in pass protection. Pitt has punted just once all game.

The defense has gotten pressure on B.J. Daniels, who is having his worst game of the young season. Daniels has been harassed, and missed open receivers as a result. Because of the large deficit, the Bulls have had to all but abandon the run, which was a strength in the first half. USF only had 13 rushing yards in the third quarter.

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