{ "body": "

Pittsburgh capped an undefeated 5‑0 start with a 35‑33 victory over Virginia Tech on Friday night, an upset that also saw the Panthers lose their starting quarterback. The win marked the first time the team had beaten a ranked opponent in the season, giving the program a rare moment of national attention.

The game was a back‑and‑forth affair, with both teams trading leads and the score tied late in the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh's offense managed to edge out the Hokies by a field‑goal margin, while the loss of the quarterback added drama to an already tense contest. Despite the setback, the defense held firm in critical moments, securing the narrow win.

After the final whistle, head coach Pat Narduzzi addressed the Associated Press Top 25 voters, urging them to give his unranked squad the respect it deserves. He told voters that the Panthers have \"a helluva football team,\" a statement that underscored his desire for national recognition and a higher placement in the rankings. Narduzzi’s appeal came at a time when the team’s performance was beginning to attract broader media coverage.

The victory positions Pittsburgh as a potential contender for the next poll, and the coaching staff will now focus on preparing for the next opponent while hoping the AP poll reflects the team's performance. As the season progresses, the Panthers will look to maintain their winning streak and secure a spot in the rankings, demonstrating that a single upset can shift perceptions and open doors for future success.

", "key_points": [ "Pittsburgh won 35‑33 over Virginia Tech, improving its record to 5‑0.", "The Panthers lost their starting quarterback during the game.", "Coach Pat Narduzzi lobbied AP Top 25 voters, claiming the team has \"a helluva football team.\"", "The upset gives Pittsburgh a chance to earn national ranking respect." ], "faq": [ { "question": "What happened in the game?", "answer": "Pittsburgh defeated Virginia Tech 35‑33, but lost their starting quarterback