Rutgers holds off Pitt; Hart No. 1 on school passing yardage list

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Ryan Hart threw for three touchdowns and became Rutgers’ all-time leading passer as the Scarlet Knights (3-1) built a big halftime lead in the Big East opener, then held off Pittsburgh 37-29 on Friday night.

Tyler Palko threw four second-half touchdown passes for the Panthers, who fell to 1-4 under first-year coach Dave Wannstedt.

Rutgers took a 27-0 halftime lead before Pitt scored two touchdowns in the third quarter. But Rutgers linebacker William Beckford forced a fumble by Palko at the Panthers 27, and Hart found Tres Moses on a crossing pattern three plays later to push Rutgers’ lead to 34-14.

Hart also threw two touchdown passes to running back Brian Leonard in the first half when he moved past Scott Erney (7,188 yards, 1986-89) and into first on Rutgers’ career passing yards list.