PITTSBURGH — In an impressive display of defensive prowess, Rasheem Biles, Kyle Louis, and Braylan Lovelace all made significant contributions by returning first-half interceptions for touchdowns, as No. 19 Pittsburgh secured a decisive 41-13 victory over Syracuse on Thursday night.
Pittsburgh has now improved to an outstanding 7-0 for the first time since 1982. Their defense was relentless, putting tremendous pressure on Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord from the onset. McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, struggled considerably, throwing interceptions on the Orange’s first three possessions. Biles and Louis capitalized on two of these mistakes, while linebacker Brandon George intercepted another pass that was deflected just before touchdown.
The Panthers continued to dominate as Lovelace returned one of McCord’s ill-fated throws for a 33-yard touchdown just before halftime, bringing the score to 31-0. This performance made Pittsburgh the first team since Southern California in 2022 to achieve three pick-sixes in a single game.
Despite the stellar defense, the Panthers’ highly regarded offense saw limited time on the field. Quarterback Eli Holstein threw for 108 yards and two touchdowns but exited the game in the fourth quarter due to an injury sustained on a quarterback run.
Picked to finish 13th in the newly restructured ACC during the preseason, Pittsburgh stands at 3-0 in the conference, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the championship game as the month progresses.
On the other hand, Syracuse (5-2, 2-2) faced its first major setback under first-year head coach Fran Brown. Though the Orange maintained a dominant edge in time of possession (41:12 compared to just 18:48) and total yards gained (327-223), McCord’s errors ultimately proved detrimental. He completed 35 of 64 passes for 327 yards but was responsible for five costly interceptions.
The game showcased more than just interceptions as the Orange committed eight penalties for 70 yards. Notably, a roughing-the-passer call in the second quarter negated an interception that could have shifted momentum back to Syracuse.
Pittsburgh’s recent success can also be attributed to first-year offensive coordinator Kade Bell’s fast-paced offensive strategy, which played a pivotal role in their initial five-game winning streak. The Panthers’ defense, a hallmark of head coach Pat Narduzzi’s tenure, seems to be returning to form; however, significant challenges lie ahead if they wish to reclaim a spot in the ACC championship game for the second time in four years.
Poll implications suggest that Pittsburgh is likely to rise in the rankings when the new polls are released on Sunday, while Syracuse, which was receiving votes last week, may see a sharp decrease in support.
Looking ahead, Syracuse will host Virginia Tech on November 2, while Pittsburgh prepares to face No. 22 SMU on the same date.