By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Pittsburgh edges Louisville 23-20.

1. Pittsburgh’s defense continues to be elite. After ranking in the top 15 and tying for the national lead in sacks in 2019, the Panthers have only allowed 30 points through three games and already have 17 sacks. Impressively, Pittsburgh held a very talented Louisville offense to only ten first downs and 223 total yards. The Panthers also forced three key turnovers in the win. Clearly, this is one of the best defenses in all of college football.

2. Patrick Jones II had another disruptive game up front. He recorded three more sacks, while also tying for the team lead with six tackles. Jones had 8.5 tackles for loss last season and is one of Pittsburgh’s big-time NFL prospects on defense.

3. Taysir Mack’s go-ahead touchdown catch from Kenny Pickett late in the third quarter was a unique and impressive one. After most assumed he was tackled following being spun near to the ground, Mack, in fact, remained on top of a Louisville defender and continued to sprint all of the way to the endzone. His unique score was one of the plays of the game and gave Pittsburgh a lead it would not give back.

4. Special teams often plays a role in big wins and kicker Alex Kessman was great for the Panthers and was one of the players of the game. He converted 3-of-3 tries, all over 40 yards. Punter Kirk Christodoulou downed two kicks inside the 20-yard line. Jordan Addison had a 21-yard punt return.

5. The injury to Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham was very scary to see. He left the field on a stretcher, but was thankfully able to give a thumbs up from the cart. Hopefully Cunningham is fully healthy and okay.