The Pitt Panthers are coming off their best year in decades and many wondered if the 2022 college football season would be a letdown for the program. So far, they seem to be hurdling their way towards another strong campaign.
Following last week’s big win over West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl, Pitt hosted the SEC’s Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday. Finding themselves in a back-and-forth battle, they were trailing 10-7 early in the second quarter when quarterback Kedon Slovis found tight end Gavin Bartholomew near the sidelines for a big gain. Bartholomew then turned on the jets and made his way downfield where he hurdled a Tennessee defender en route to the endzone for a touchdown.
"They got it to Bartholomew! The tight end! Up and over and IN to the endzone. Touchdown Pitt!" – Sean McDonough pic.twitter.com/GqDjPzO13x
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 10, 2022
We’ve seen quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers hurdle defenders but it’s a pretty rare thing to see a tight end get that kind of height on a play. Naturally, the college football world lost its mind over the awesome touchdown pass and the big guy’s big moves.
ARREST GAVIN BARTHOLOMEW FOR COMMITTING A FELONY
— ¡BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL! (@edsbs) September 10, 2022
Gavin Bartholomew showing off his hops!
Photo for @PghSportsNow #h2p pic.twitter.com/bC5OWq5XHx
— David Hague (@DHPhoto11) September 10, 2022
If Tennessee fans are upset that Gavin Bartholomew just hurdled their safety, here is yet another body blow: He went to "Blue Mountain High School," something that is somehow not in Tennessee or anywhere in Appalachia. Stole Tennesseean valor and then Tennesseean souls
— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) September 10, 2022
Touchdown, Pitt.
Welcome to SportsCenter, Gavin Bartholomew. Hurdle on the TD catch.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) September 10, 2022
Gavin Bartholomew….. that’s how you feel?! I see you big fella @Pitt_FB
— EJ Manuel (@EJManuel3) September 10, 2022
I cannot believe I just watched a tight end hurdle a fool
— spilly (@IAmSpilly) September 10, 2022
WHEN THE MCRIB IS BACK FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY pic.twitter.com/RiXpJd3W2a
— PITT BASKETBALL SHOUTING (@N_THEYSTAYTHERE) September 10, 2022
Tennessee was able to recover and is taking a 21-17 lead into halftime, but we’ll have to wait and see what other tricks Gavin and the rest of the Pitt offense have up their sleeves in the second half.
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