Pitt vs. Syracuse — Thursday Night Preview

Pitt opens ACC play Thursday night at Acrisure Stadium, hosting longtime rival Syracuse at 7:30 PM on ESPN. The Panthers enter 2-0, while Syracuse comes in 1-1 after a 21-18 loss to Cal.

The big story for Pitt has been its defense. The Panthers have surrendered only 47 rushing yards in two games—just 23.5 per game—and held UCF to only 206 total yards in last week’s 12-7 victory. That could be a major problem for Syracuse after quarterback Steve Angeli threw three interceptions and the Orange committed 15 penalties against Cal.

Offensively, Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel has been excellent through two games, completing 70% of his passes for 665 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions. Pitt hasn’t committed a turnover this season.

History also favors Pitt in the matchup: the Panthers have won 20 of the last 24 meetings, including 11 straight against Syracuse in Pittsburgh.

What to watch: If Pitt’s defensive front can pressure Angeli and force Syracuse into the same mistakes it made last week, the Panthers should have opportunities to control the game. The biggest question is whether Pitt’s offense can turn drives into touchdowns after scoring only 12 points against UCF.

Kickoff: Thursday, September 17 — 7:30 PM at Acrisure Stadium.