Michigan Edges Pitt 31-27

Pittsburgh, PA – The men in blue finished the playoff weekend 1-1 after tipping the University of Pittsburgh 31-27.

Conditions remained poor and limited attacking opportunities.  However, both teams manage to play field position well and took their chances when close to the goal line.  Michigan did so early, jumping out to a 12-0 lead only 16 minutes into the game through tries by Chris Padmos and Steve Offringa.  Evan Noon hit one of his three conversions on the day.  At the 30 minute mark, Noon added a try of his own which he converted to put Michigan up 19-0.

Pitt closed the half well adding two tries in the last 5 minutes to enter halftime only down 10-19.  At half, Sebastian Harrison came on for Drew Vecchio and Chris Hopfner replaced the brave Nic Bishar who was battling a shoulder injury in the front row.

U of M started the second half with a well executed try out wide to Kenny Andutan.  This try was one of the few displays of open field attack on the day and included excellent handling by the outside backs.  Noon missed the conversion leaving the score at 24-10 as Danny DiGregorio came on for senior Chris Vasileff.

Pitt was next with two more tries, one converted, bringing the score to 24-22 at the 62nd minute mark.  By this time, Grady Bridges and Matt Crabtree had come on for the half-frozen Steve Offringa and CJ Stock.

Crabtree, who has been battling an ankle injury through most of the season, only lasted 7 minutes.  But before leaving, his attack off of a Pitt kick helped set up Michigan’s final score.  Ellis Kolber, through one of his many strong runs, dotted down the much needed try.  Noon hit the conversion and put Michigan up 31-22.

The final 15 minutes found Michigan mostly defending a strong Pittsburgh assault.  Pitt found the tryzone with 7 minutes to go to bring the game within one score but the men in blue made the rest of their tackles to finish the game ahead 31-27.