Northwestern running back Justin Jackson had a record-setting performance against Pitt on Wednesday. Jackson's 224 rushing yards against the Panthers to set a Pinstripe Bowl record, and his three touchdowns helped lead the Wildcats past the Panthers in a 31-24 victory.
While Jackson had a few big runs, none were more impressive than the balance and skill he showed on a touchdown run in the second quarter to give Northwestern a 14-3 lead.
Northwestern's defense also deserves a lot of credit. Pitt's offense came into the game as the most efficient touchdown-scoring offense in the red zone this season. The Panthers had scored touchdowns in 82.7 percent of their 52 red zone possessions this season -- a better rate than any other team in the country.
That was not the case against Northwestern.
Pitt had seven red zone possessions in the game. They resulted in three turnovers, a turnover on downs, two touchdowns and a field goal.
That's not a recipe for success, and in a seven-point game, you can be sure those mistakes loomed large.
