With new coach watching, Pittsburgh falls to SMU in Compass Bowl

Associated Press

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.

Despite a bowl loss, Pittsburgh’s effort in difficult conditions earned compliments from the Panthers’ outgoing interim coach and new coach.

Pittsburgh couldn’t overcome SMU’s three first-quarter touchdowns as the Mustangs beat the Panthers 28-6 on Saturday in the BBVA Compass Bowl.

Keith Patterson took over as interim coach after Todd Graham left after only one season with Pittsburgh to coach at Arizona State. Pitt also lost three assistant coaches after the regular season.

“There’s no doubt it’s been the most challenging four weeks of my life,” said Patterson, who has accepted a new job as the defensive coordinator at Arkansas State.

“But the respect I have for these young men staying together and finishing was worth it.”

Pittsburgh’s newly hired coach, former Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst, flew into Birmingham on Saturday and watched the game from the press box level.

“I have a lot of appreciation for how they’re finishing things out,” Chryst said was he watched his new team.

The loss left Pittsburgh (6-7) with a losing season.

SMU held Pitt to 10 yards rushing.

Pittsburgh was held without a first down and fell behind 21-0 in the first quarter. Kevin Harper kicked field goals of 32 and 34 yards.

Pitt’s Tino Sunseri was 19 of 28 passing for 183 yards with an interception.