Pickett, No. 25 Pitt escape Howell, UNC 30-23 in OT

PITTSBURGH -- , A rare mistake by Kenny Pickett nearly cost No. 25 Pittsburgh. The senior quarterback turned darkhorse Heisman Trophy candidate made up for it by doing what he's done so often during his record-breaking season: make something incredibly difficult look incredibly easy. Pickett atoned for a late interception that allowed North Carolina to force overtime by firing a strike through a downpour at soggy Heinz Field to tight end Lucas Krull during the first possession of overtime for an 11-yard score that put the Panthers back in front. Pitt's defense did the rest, harassing Tar Heels star Sam Howell into a desperation fourth-down heave that landed in the outstretched arms of Panthers defensive back M.J. Devonshire to finish off a 30-23 victory. “Listen, everyone’s talking about offense,” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said. "You win championships with defense.