CFB: Pittsburgh cashes in on Kentucky mistakes for bowl win

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Pittsburgh players dumped the cooler full of sports drink on Phil Bennett.

They hoped Dave Wannstedt, watching on TV in Naples, Fla., also felt an affectionate chill.

Pittsburgh scored touchdowns off two mistakes by Kentucky's punting team and the Panthers, playing for their former coach, beat the Wildcats 27-10 in the BBVA Compass Bowl on Saturday.

Pittsburgh players dedicated the win to Wannstedt, who was forced to resign following a disappointing regular season.

"We knew coach Wannstedt was watching," safety Dom DeCicco said. "It was special to come out here and play the way we did and get this win after all the adversity we've been through."

Bennett, the defensive coordinator, was the acting head coach in his final game with Pittsburgh. Bennett was hired Friday as Baylor's defensive coordinator.

Pitt hired Miami of Ohio coach Mike Haywood to replace Wannstedt, but Haywood was fired less than three weeks later after he was jailed in Indiana on a domestic violence charge. The school has yet to hire another head coach.

Pittsburgh's players were not overwhelmed by the turmoil.

"We've got good kids," said Bennett, who was soaked with about 1:30 remaining. "They've been through a lot. I'm just proud of them and I know Dave Wannstedt is."

Bennett said the players felt responsible for Wannstedt's forced exit.

"Whether we want to admit it or not, don't kid yourself. They thought that maybe they were the problem of why our coach was released, and they went out and wanted to play well," Bennett said. "It was obvious that there was a focus, and they went out and executed and played well."

Andrew Taglianetti blocked a punt to set up Pittsburgh's first touchdown late in the first half. An incomplete pass on Kentucky's fake punt early in the second half set up Tino Sunseri's 13-yard touchdown pass to Brock DeCicco. Sunseri also ran for a touchdown.

The Panthers (8-5) protected the lead with their running game. Dion Lewis ran for 105 yards and a touchdown, and Ray Graham added 90 yards rushing as the Panthers outgained Kentucky 261-104 on the ground.

Sunseri completed 9 of 19 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown.

Kentucky (6-7), playing without suspended quarterback Mike Hartline, fell far below its average of 33 points per game. Morgan Newton making his first start since 2009, was 21 of 36 passing for 211 yards.

"I thought Morgan made much improvement," said UK coach Joker Phillips.