Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Michigan State Spartans: 2021 Week 1 Recap

Quick answer

Michigan State Spartans defeated Pittsburgh Panthers 31–21 in Week 1, 2021. Final score: Pittsburgh Panthers 21, Michigan State Spartans 31.

Game summary

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Pittsburgh Panthers	6	6	0	6	21
Michigan State Spartans	9	0	0	12	31

Stars of the game

Top passers, rushers, and receivers from cfbfastR play-by-play.

Passing

• Payton Thorne (127) — 0.0 yds · 3 TD · +0.34 EPA/play +16.49 EPA
• Nick Patti (221) — 0.0 yds · -0.22 EPA/play -1.12 EPA
• Davis Beville (221) — 0.0 yds · 1 TD · -0.65 EPA/play -14.91 EPA

Rushing

• Jordon Simmons (127) — 0.0 yds -0.49 EPA
• Vincent Davis (221) — 0.0 yds -0.19 EPA
• Payton Thorne (127) — 0.0 yds +0.60 EPA

Receiving

• Jalen Nailor (127) — 6 rec · 0.0 yds +0.70 EPA
• Jordan Addison (221) — 7 rec · 0.0 yds +0.55 EPA
• Jayden Reed (127) — 6 rec · 0.0 yds +1.01 EPA

Quarterback report card

Attempts, efficiency, and EPA.

Player	Team	Att	Cmp%	Yds	TD	EPA/play	Total EPA
Payton Thorne	127	48	60.4%	0	3	+0.34	+16.49
Nick Patti	221	5	40.0%	0	0	-0.22	-1.12
Davis Beville	221	23	60.9%	0	1	-0.65	-14.91

Team EPA comparison

Stat	PITT	MSU
Plays	0	0
EPA / play	—	—
Total EPA	—	—
Success rate	—	—
Pass EPA / play	—	—
Rush EPA / play	—	—
Yards	0	0

Drive chart

Key possessions and results.

Qtr	Offense	Plays	Yards	EPA	Result
Q1	221	6	0	-0.01	Ended
Q1	127	0	0	—	Field goal
Q1	127	10	0	+2.05	Ended
Q1	221	1	0	+2.79	Rush TD
Q1	221	11	0	+3.83	Ended
Q1	127	1	0	+3.71	Pass TD
Q1	127	2	0	-1.72	Ended
Q1	221	3	0	-3.01	Punt
Q2	127	3	0	-3.20	Ended
Q2	221	1	0	+1.91	Pass TD
Q2	221	5	0	+4.81	Ended
Q2	127	7	0	-1.76	Interception
Q2	221	3	0	-1.74	Punt
Q2	127	7	0	-1.70	Punt
Q2	221	3	0	-2.30	Punt
Q2	127	7	0	+1.23	Missed FG

Biggest EPA swings

1. Q4 · Pittsburgh Panthers · Davis Beville pass intercepted for a TD Cal Haladay return for 78 yds for a TD, (Matt Coghlin KICK) (-9.98 EPA)
2. Q4 · Michigan State Spartans · MICHIGAN ST Penalty, False Start (-5 Yards) to the Pitt 8 (-7.58 EPA)
3. Q4 · Michigan State Spartans · Payton Thorne pass complete to Jayden Reed for 22 yds for a TD, (Payton Thorne pass to Jalen Nailor for Two-Point Conversion) (+4.16 EPA)
4. Q1 · Michigan State Spartans · Payton Thorne pass complete to Jayden Reed for 28 yds for a TD, (Matt Coghlin KICK) (+3.71 EPA)
5. Q2 · Michigan State Spartans · Payton Thorne pass intercepted Brandon Hill return for no gain to the Pitt 13 (-3.64 EPA)
6. Q4 · Michigan State Spartans · TEAM run for a loss of 1 yard to the Pitt 23 (-3.62 EPA)
7. Q2 · Pittsburgh Panthers · Davis Beville pass complete to Jordan Addison for 52 yds to the MchSt 13 for a 1ST down (+3.41 EPA)
8. Q3 · Michigan State Spartans · Payton Thorne pass complete to Jalen Nailor for 9 yds to the 50 yard line for a 1ST down (+3.33 EPA)

Key takeaways

• Michigan State Spartans controlled the final (31–21) in Week 1.
• Passing edge: Payton Thorne (127) — yds, 3 TD.
• EPA edge: PITT at EPA/play.
• Full EPA, scoring map, and play-by-play live in CFB Analytics Box & Scores.

Frequently asked questions

What was the final score of Pittsburgh Panthers vs Michigan State Spartans?

Pittsburgh Panthers 21, Michigan State Spartans 31 in Week 1 of the 2021 college football season.

Who won Pittsburgh Panthers vs Michigan State Spartans?

Michigan State Spartans won with a final score of 21–31.

Where can I find the Pittsburgh Panthers vs Michigan State Spartans box score?

See EPA, scoring timeline, and full play-by-play on FantasyHQ CFB Analytics: /cfb-analytics?game=401331231.

Who led Pittsburgh Panthers vs Michigan State Spartans in passing?

Payton Thorne (127) led passers with 0.0 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Full analytics box score

Explore every snap, drive chart, and the interactive scoring map for Pittsburgh Panthers at Michigan State Spartans in FantasyHQ CFB Analytics Box & Scores.