The second edition of the Continental Tire Bowl took place on Saturday, December 27, 2003, at 11:00 AM EST, in Charlotte, North Carolina, featuring a compelling matchup between the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Virginia Cavaliers. Played at Bank of America Stadium, the game showcased two strong programs representing the Big East and ACC, respectively. In a tightly contested affair, Virginia emerged victorious, securing a 23–16 win and improving to 2–0 all-time in the bowl’s short history.

First Quarter: Schaub to Miller Opens the Scoring

The Cavaliers wasted no time getting on the board. Quarterback Matt Schaub, the 2002 ACC Player of the Year, connected with standout tight end Heath Miller on a 52-yard touchdown pass, giving Virginia an early 7–0 lead. The explosive play not only energized the Virginia faithful but set the tone for what would become a day of big moments and narrow margins.

Second Quarter: Trading Punches

Pittsburgh responded early in the second quarter, as quarterback Rod Rutherford led a steady drive and capped it with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Princell Brockenbrough, tying the game at 7–7. But Virginia quickly regained control. Running back Wali Lundy powered his way into the end zone from 1 yard out, putting the Cavaliers back in front, 14–7.

Pittsburgh answered again, this time through the air, as Rutherford delivered a 17-yard touchdown pass to running back Brandon Miree. However, a missed extra point proved costly, leaving the Panthers trailing 14–13. Virginia capitalized on that small opening just before halftime when kicker Connor Hughes drilled a 44-yard field goal, sending the Cavaliers into the locker room with a 17–13 lead.

Third Quarter: Edging Ahead

The second half opened with a more measured pace. Virginia extended its lead when Connor Hughes connected again, this time from 30 yards out, increasing the Cavaliers' advantage to 20–13. Pittsburgh managed to cut into the lead with a 28-yard field goal by J.B. Gibbony, trimming the deficit to 20–16 and setting the stage for a tense final quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Holding the Line

In a defensive-heavy fourth quarter, Virginia managed to tack on one more score—a 39-yard field goal from Connor Hughes, his third of the day—to make it 23–16, a lead they would not relinquish. The Cavaliers’ defense stood strong, preventing Pittsburgh from reaching the end zone again.

A Rare Quiet Day for Fitzgerald

One of the more surprising notes of the game came from the absence of Larry Fitzgerald on the scoreboard. The All-American wide receiver, who had caught a touchdown pass in every other game of the 2003 season, was held without one in this bowl—the only such game all year. Virginia’s defensive strategy effectively limited his opportunities, a key component in their overall success.

Final Score: Virginia 23, Pittsburgh 16

The win capped off a successful bowl season for Virginia and affirmed their growing presence under head coach Al Groh. For Pittsburgh, it was a disappointing but hard-fought end to a season that had seen standout performances from stars like Rutherford and Fitzgerald. In only its second year, the Continental Tire Bowl had already carved out a reputation for entertaining, hard-nosed football—and the 2003 edition did not disappoint.