Cincinnati came into Heinz Field yesterday sporting high-energy, nationally ranked units on offense and defense. The Bearcats likely figured they would roll right over the downtrodden Pitt Panthers, then start thinking about making a run at the Big East Conference championship.

Instead, the Bearcats returned home with their tails between their legs, defeated and fully aware that they had just been run over by a two-headed freight train known simply as "Shady and the Johnstown Jet."

The Panthers rode their talented tailback duo of LeSean McCoy and LaRod Stephens-Howling to a 24-17 upset victory against No. 23 Cincinnati before a homecoming crowd of 33,423. McCoy and Stephens-Howling combined to rush for 237 yards on 38 carries, and it was Stephens-Howling's 7-yard run with 5:02 left that gave the Panthers their first lead.

Third-year Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said the way the Panthers' running game, led by an improving offensive line, took over in the second half was exciting because it is something they have been trying to achieve since he arrived. He also said he was happy for Stephens-Howling, a junior who has had to take a back seat to McCoy, a freshman, after starting the past two seasons.

Stephens-Howling finished with 13 carries for 100 yards while McCoy, the starter, ran 25 times for 137 yards. As a team, Pitt rushed for a season-high 260 yards. That's quite an accomplishment, considering the Bearcats' run defense had allowed an average of only 86 yards per game.

"We are going to win right now with the running game," Wannstedt said. "We all know about Shady [McCoy] and we have to give credit to our offensive line, but the player that really needs to be recognized is LaRod Stephens-Howling. Put yourself in his place. You're the starter for two years and you have a freshman take your job. But you still show up when the chips are down and you play your heart out like that kid did today.

"He's a special guy."

It was the first time the Panthers (3-4, 1-1 Big East) have had two running backs rush for more than 100 yards in a game since 1988, but there were a number of more significant milestones. Most notably, it is the first time Wannstedt's Panthers have beaten a ranked opponent or a team they were not favored to beat. Pitt also snapped a four-game losing streak and, for the first time under Wannstedt, erased a halftime deficit and came back to win.

Cincinnati (6-2, 1-2), which entered the game averaging 40.6 points per game, took an early, 10-0 lead on a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Ben Mauk and a 36-yard field goal by Jake Rogers.

Pitt answered with a 41-yard field goal from Conor Lee late in the first quarter, then tied the score midway through the second on a 4-yard pass from Pat Bostick to tight end Darrell Strong.

The Bearcats quickly regained the lead when fullback Doug Jones scored from 3 yards out, but that marked the end of their scoring. The Panthers' defense stiffened in the second half, and, in a marked contrast from the previous four games, forced a few turnovers.

In fact, when Pitt safety Eric Thatcher recovered a fumble from wide receiver Dominick Goodman in the fourth quarter, it marked the first time the Panthers' defense had forced a turnover since they played Grambling in the second game.

The Panthers converted that fumble into Lee's 37-yard field goal that pulled them within 17-16. On the ensuing drive, they forced another fumble, and cornerback Kennard Cox recovered at the Pitt 39. Ten plays later, Stephens-Howling scored , and the Panthers added the 2-point conversion on Bostick's pass to Oderick Turner.

Aaron Berry finished off the Bearcats intercepting Mauk's final pass, and the Panthers were able to run out the clock.

Pitt's defense allowed the Bearcats 358 total yards -- well below their average of 447 -- and held them to 102 yards after the half. The Bearcats ran for 121 yards as Pitt used a variety of blitzes.

"I said all week that last week (a 48-45 loss to Navy) was not an indication of our defense," Wannstedt said. "I thought in the second half, the coaches and players did a great job of finding a way to force some turnovers. How? I have no idea, except the guys were playing hard."

THE BIG EAST

..... Overall.....Conf

Team.....W.....L.....Pct......W.....L.....Pct.

UConn.....6.....1......857.....2.....0.....1.00

Rutgers.....5.....2......714.....2.....1......667

W. Virginia.....6.....1......857.....1.....1......500

S. Florida.....6.....1......857.....1.....1......500

Pitt.....3.....4......429.....1.....1......500

Cincinnati.....6.....2......750.....1.....2......333

Louisville.....4.....4......500.....1.....2......333

Syracuse.....2.....6......250.....1.....2......333