Sports

Easy math: Reeling Pitt knows 2 wins can salvage erratic season

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Pittsburgh quarterback Chad Voytik (16) fumbles the ball after a hit by North Carolina's Malik Simmons (11) near the end of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, in Chapel Hill, N.C. UNC's Shakeel Rashad (42) recovered the ball. (AP Photo/The News & Observer, Robert Willett) MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

Pittsburgh's James Conner (24) rushes for a 16-yard touchdown ahead of North Carolina's Des Lawrence (2) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/The News & Observer, Robert Willett) MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

Pittsburgh coach Paul Chryst isn't panicking even as the Panthers find themselves in danger of missing a bowl game for the first time since 2007.

Pitt fell to 4-6 following a 40-35 setback at North Carolina on Saturday. The loss was the sixth in seven games for the Panthers, with four of the defeats coming by less than a touchdown.

Chryst says there's no mystery to turning things around. The coach said the key is finding ways to finish games. Pitt led for most of the game against the Tar Heels before allowing the winning score with 50 seconds remaining.

The Panthers need to beat Syracuse on Saturday in the home finale then win at Miami (Fla.) on Nov. 22 to become bowl eligible.