-Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back M.J. Devonshire started the defensive onslaught with a 29-yard return on the game's first play. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Pitt opens with back-to-back pick-sixes on first two plays of game

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 11/12/22

The Pitt Panthers defense came to play on Saturday, and it made quite an early statement.

Pitt intercepted Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong on the game's first two plays from scrimmage, returning both of them for touchdowns to give the Panthers a 14-0 lead just 16 seconds into the game.

M.J. Devonshire started the defensive onslaught with a 29-yard return on the game's first play.

On the very next play it was Marquis Williams going 39 yards.

You can see them both here.

PITT PICK SIX! PITT PICK SIX!

FIRST TWO PLAYS OF THE GAME!

Pitt deferred and kicked off.

Then led 14-0 after 16 seconds.@Mjdevonshirejr x @Williamsisland4

@ACCNetwork #H2P » #WeNotMe pic.twitter.com/g0DXbwdQXt
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) November 12, 2022

That is a brutal start.

Virginia's offense did a little better on its third series, gaining a first down and not throwing a pick-six, but it still had to punt it back to Pitt after just five plays.

Pitt responded with a quick eight-play touchdown drive to take a three-touchdown lead in the game's first seven minutes.

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