Texas Style Shootout ends with a 76-75 Power Victory

It's finally safe to breathe Power fans.

For the third straight game, the Pittsburgh Power came from behind against a solid opponent to win. This time it was an epic shootout against the Dallas Vigilantes.

Trailing by 14 points at one point, Pittsburgh (6-4) managed to stop Dallas (6-5) short of the goal line to end the first half, and then recovered a fumble early in the second half. It would be JUST enough defense in this one.

The game was in doubt all the way to the end, as Dallas scored and went for two points. They had three chances at it but were unable to convert. Dallas recovered the onsides kick and moved the ball quickly downfield in the last 14 seconds to set up a 32 yard field goal attempt. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, Remy Hamilton's kick was wide right and Power fans were finally able to breathe.

Bernard Morris shook off some first half rust to finish with 280 yards and 7 scores, plus he added 41 yards and a score on the ground. "Joystick" Washington led all Power receivers with 184 yards and 5 total TD's (4 receiving, 1 rushing). Josh Rue scored for the first time since the Georgia loss, crossing the line twice for Pittsburgh.

Morris' counterpart, Dan Raudabaugh, tore the Pittsburgh secondary a new one. He threw for 433 yards and 10 TD's. Tiger Jones was the main target, with 221 yards and 4 scores. DeAndrew Rubin added 109 yards and 3 scores, and Matt Fields had 101 total yards and 2 scores.

Gary Butler's presence was clearly missed in the second half after he was ejected on the final play of the first half. Josh Lay showed some aggression in going for a pick early, but missing. He then also whiffed on a tackle which would have stopped Dallas on 4th down.

Pittsburgh came into this game with one of the least productive passing offenses, and in fact had not even crossed the 60 point plateau yet this season. They also had the 6th best scoring defense, but that rank is sure to fall a bit after this game.

All in all, this is the kind of game you are thrilled about when your team wins it, and Pittsburgh did just enough to secure victory in this one.  In the process they improved their road record to 3-1, and handed Dallas their first loss of the year at home.   Dallas still has not beaten a team with a winning record.

Cleveland fell 63-42 in Arizona, so this week's showdown between Pittsburgh and Cleveland will be for first place.  Get your tickets now and let's jam the Consol Energy Center!