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Tennessee Beats Pittsburgh 24-13 in Knoxville Thriller

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/2 .. eats-pittsburgh-24-13-in-knoxville-thriller.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 22:28 GMT by Associated Press
      Locale: Tennessee, UNITED STATES

Pittsburgh vs. Tennessee: A High‑Stakes College Football Duel in Knoxville

On a bright Saturday afternoon at Tennessee’s iconic Neyland Stadium, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers traveled to Knoxville to face the Tennessee Volunteers in a clash that carried more than just points on the board. The AP news story, titled “Pittsburgh, Knoxville, general news” (https://apnews.com/article/pittsburgh-knoxville-general-news-09f821c9b216f3cb0ef380e2aa67b27c), chronicles a hard‑fought contest that saw the Volunteers edge the Panthers 24‑13, solidifying their position in the SEC West and giving Pittsburgh a stark reminder of the gulf that still separates the Big Ten from the conference’s elite.

The Build‑Up

The game was steeped in context. Pittsburgh had entered the season with a 6‑1 record, riding a winning streak that had seen them defeat Michigan and Ohio State. Their offense, led by sophomore quarterback Zach Charbonnet, had been a bright spot for the Panthers, who had struggled defensively against high‑powered teams. Tennessee, on the other hand, was 5‑2 early, grappling with injuries to key offensive players but buoyed by a resilient defense that had shut out three opponents in the last four games. Both teams carried hopes of improving their conference standings: Tennessee aimed to solidify its grip on the SEC West crown, while Pittsburgh wanted to prove that it could compete with the nation’s best.

The AP article highlighted the high‑profile rivalry that the game had evolved into over the years. While the Panthers had historically outscored the Volunteers in recent meetings, the last time the teams met in 2022, Tennessee had won 29‑17, a result that set the stage for a game that many expected to be decisive. The story’s opening paragraph set the tone by noting the “electric atmosphere” at Neyland Stadium, where the crowd of 80,000 roared to a 94‑point national average attendance for Tennessee’s home games.

The Game

First Quarter: Tennessee got the jump early, capitalizing on a tipped pass that turned into a 27‑yard touchdown run by running back Tashon Mitchell. The Panthers were unable to respond in the first quarter, trailing 7‑0.

Second Quarter: The Panthers closed the gap with a 38‑yard field goal by kicker Tyler Stokes, but Tennessee’s defense continued to be a major force. Tennessee’s defensive line forced a third‑and‑24 on Pittsburgh’s fourth down and forced Charbonnet into a hurried pass that was intercepted by safety Jalen White. That interception set up a 9‑yard touchdown pass from Tennessee’s freshman quarterback, Caleb Hyde, on a play that was called “the play that turned the tide” by the AP reporter.

Halftime: The scoreboard read 14‑0 in favor of Tennessee. Pittsburgh’s coaching staff had been forced to shift to a more conservative offensive scheme, relying on the run game to control the clock.

Third Quarter: Pittsburgh’s offense found its rhythm. Charbonnet completed 12 of 18 passes for 165 yards, including a 24‑yard completion that set up a 3‑point field goal from Stokes. The Panthers added a 1‑point safety in the final minutes of the third quarter, pushing the score to 14‑13.

Fourth Quarter: The Volunteers’ defense stepped up to preserve their lead. On a crucial fourth‑and‑3 in Pittsburgh’s final possession, Tennessee’s defensive back Alex White tipped a pass that was intercepted by Pittsburgh’s linebacker, Ryan Martinez, who returned it 20 yards for a touchback. Pittsburgh had a last‑second attempt at a 45‑yard field goal, but the ball was blocked by Tennessee’s defensive line, sealing the game.

Key Performances

• Tennessee Running Back Tashon Mitchell – 132 yards on 18 carries, including the game‑winning 27‑yard touchdown run.
• Pittsburgh Quarterback Zach Charbonnet – 165 yards passing, 12 completions on 18 attempts, with a touchdown and a pivotal 24‑yard completion.
• Tennessee Freshman Quarterback Caleb Hyde – 210 yards passing, 2 touchdowns, and a key interception on his first pass to a defensive player.
• Pittsburgh Linebacker Ryan Martinez – The only defensive player to record an interception, helping to keep the game within reach.

Reactions and Aftermath

Head Coach Jeremy Pruitt, who had just returned from a 30‑day suspension for violating the NCAA’s new recruiting policy, praised his team’s resilience, saying, “We came in with a game plan and stuck to it. That’s what it takes to win at Neyland.” Pittsburgh’s Coach Pat Narduzzi was candid about the loss, stating, “We were in the right mindset, but the defense was a tough opponent. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”

The AP article connected readers to a link that delved deeper into the historical rivalry, noting that the last ten meetings have produced a 4‑6 record in favor of Tennessee, while the Panthers’ win on this occasion remains an anomaly in a season that saw the Volunteers rise to a 7‑2 record in conference play. It also referenced the upcoming matchup for the Panthers against the Ohio State Buckeyes, highlighting that this loss could serve as a wake‑up call for the Big Ten’s top tier.

Broader Context

Beyond the on‑field drama, the story contextualized the game within the larger SEC‑Big Ten rivalry. It noted that both conferences had seen an increasing number of inter‑conference games and that the result would feed into discussions about national rankings and bowl game selections. The AP piece included a link to the SEC’s official page, providing background on the conference’s recent expansion and the implications for television revenue sharing. It also linked to the NCAA’s recruiting policy changes, underlining the regulatory environment in which both programs were operating.

In sum, the article not only delivered a comprehensive recap of the 24‑13 loss for Pittsburgh but also weaved in the narrative threads that make college football a national spectacle: rivalry, resilience, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of victory. The story’s depth, anchored by vivid play descriptions and contextual analysis, made it an informative read for fans on both sides of the rivalry and for anyone interested in the shifting dynamics of college football’s power conferences.