UConn tightened up the Big East race with a 30-28 upset of first-place Pittsburgh, Thursday in Storrs, Conn.

The Huskies (5-4, 2-2 Big East) made two huge special teams plays in the second half to rally from behind against the Panthers, who suffered their first conference loss.

After Pittsburgh grabbed a 21-13 lead late in the third quarter, Kevin Harper returned a kickoff 65 yards for a touchdown to keep the Huskies in the game.

UConn grabbed a 23-21 lead on Dave Teggart's short field goal with seven minutes to play. The Huskies then capitalized on a fumble recovery on the ensuing kickoff and went up two scores on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Zach Frasier to Ian Moore.

The Huskies also converted a 4th-and-1 from their own 20-yard line with two minutes to play that allowed them to run out the clock.

Jordan Todman rushed for 222 yards against Pitt's 8th-ranked rush defense.

With the win, UConn now creeps back into the Big East title race and needs just one more victory to become bowl eligible.

Pittsburgh got two touchdowns from Dion Lewis, but couldn't overcome three turnovers. The Panthers still own a full-game lead in the conference over several teams, but face a daunting remaining schedule, starting with next week's game at South Florida.