EAST HARTFORD, Conn.Lyle McCombs ran for 120 yards and a touchdown and Connecticut beat Pittsburgh 24-17 on Friday night for the Huskies' first conference win after four losses.
Chandler Whitmer threw for 213 yards and a score for the Huskies (4-6, 1-4 Big East), and Nick Williams returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown.
Tino Sunseri threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns for Pitt (4-6, 1-4), which fell short in its attempt to overcome a 24-0 halftime deficit. The Panthers, like UConn, must now win out to become bowl eligible.
McCombs, who ran for more than 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman, had only 547 yards and four scores coming into the game.
The Huskies held Pitt running back Ray Graham to 41 yards on 15 carries.