AP Photo/Chris Carlson
There is a new champion in the conference. The Pitt panthers defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 45-21 on Saturday to win the conference title.
The only time the Pitts had appeared in the title game was when they lost to the Tigers in the title game. The only time the two teams faced each other was in 2007, when Pittsburgh came out on top in a 34-13 win.
Notable player statistics.
Kenny Pickett, QB, PITT: 20/33 for 253 YDS, 2 touchdown and 6 CAR for 20 YDS.
Sam Hartman was the quarterback for Wake, he was 21/46 for 213 YDS, 2 touchdown, 4 intercepts and 11 car for 1 touchdown.
Jordan Addison had 8 REC for 126 YDS.
Taylor Morin had 4 catches for 83 YDS.
Israel Abanikanda had a 9 CAR for 55 YDS.
Kenny Pickett was impressive for the panthers.
The fifth-year quarterback, who is viewed as one of the top prospects in the next round of the draft, had an impressive performance in the win.
The highlight of the night might have been the fake slide on the 58-yard touchdown that he scored.
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Kenny Pickett ran 58 yards for the touchdown.
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He passed Dan Marino for the most touchdown passes in Pitt history.
Pitt Football is played by the Pitt Football team.
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Most of the passes were in Pitt history. Kenny Pickett was 802. Dan Marino is on the HeismanTrophy.
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Pitt Football is played by the Pitt Football team.
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Kenny Pickett has tied the Atlantic Coast Conference record for most touchdown passes in a season with 41.
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In the second quarter, he passed Deshaun Watson for the most touchdown passes in a single season in the conference, hitting a four-yard pass toJared Wayne.
Pitt Football is played by the Pitt Football team.
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The most prolific passing season in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference belongs to Kenny Pickett.
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Pitt Football is played by the Pitt Football team.
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Kenny Pickett set the Atlantic Coast Conference season record for touchdown passes with 42.
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In the second half, he led two more touchdown drives. His performance made many fans of the National Football League want to draft him.
Clark GrisWoodsy is a person.
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I like Kenny Pickett. If he ends up in Orange and Blue in April, I will be happy.
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Corycfleming
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I like Kenny Pickett's game. The first quarterback off the board.
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Phil Clark is the person.
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Kenny Pickett is going to be great for the team.
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Alec Rapp is with TheRealAlecRapp.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers need a player.
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The first round of the draft was projected by ESPN. He was projected to be the second quarterback off the board.
We'll have to wait and see where he falls in the latest mock drafts after the College Football Playoff, but his performance on Saturday night certainly improved his draft stock.
It should be noted that sophomore running back Israel Abanikanda and sophomore wide receiver Jordan Addison had great performances against the Demon Deacons.
Sam Hartman's turnovers cost Wake Forest.
Hartman has a bright future despite throwing four picks in the loss to Pittsburgh. He led the Demon Deacons on three consecutive touchdown drives to keep them in the game.
Wake Forest Football is playing against WakeFB.
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Go up and get it,aylormorin20.
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Hartman's issues began just before halftime. After leading his third touchdown drive of the game, the North Carolina native threw an interception and was forced to punt on two consecutive drives.
Wake Forest started the second half with the ball, but Hartman and the offense couldn't get anything going as they were forced to punt on three straight drives.
Hartman threw his second pick of the night on the fourth drive of the half. It was costly, as the turnover was converted into a touchdown by the panthers and they took a 31-21 lead with 47 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
Hartman made his second consecutive pick up with 13:26 remaining in the fourth quarter. The turnover was turned into a Pitt touchdown again.
Hartman's third pick-six of the game gave the Panthers a 45-21 lead with 11:41 left in the game. Things were out of reach for the Demon Deacons because of that score.
Pitt Football is played by the Pitt Football team.
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Wake Forest's last 11 drives...INTPuntPuntPuntPuntPuntINTINT Downs with 2 INT by Erick Hallett4.
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Hartman was replaced by a freshman.
Hartman could have Wake Forest back in the title game next season despite his struggles. He had completed 60.3 percent of his passes for 3,711 yards, 34 touchdown and 10 interceptions. He had 343 yards and 10 scores.
Hartman is a sophomore and has plenty of college football ahead of him, so there's no reason to think he won't keep improving as the years go on. He will have the chance to bounce back in the bowl game.
Hartman will be on your radar for the foreseeable future.
What's next?
Both teams won't make the College Football Playoff, but what a day it was for the two schools. Wake Forest will play in the bowl game.
