The 25th ranked Pitt Panthers (1-0) will take the field at home against the Syracuse Orange (0-1) at noon eastern standard time on the ACC Network to begin ACC play. The series started in 1916 with Pitt leading 40-32-3. The last meeting was last year in which the Panthers won 27-20.
Panther head coach Pat Narduzzi is in his sixth year with the team with a 37-29 record. The Panthers have won 15 of the last 18 games in the series.
The Panthers are coming off a 55-0 victory over Austin Peay last week. Pitt outgained Austin Peay 456-137. Pitt scored six times on the ground with five different running backs. Vincent Davis led the way with 11 carries for 47 yards and two scores. Israel Abanikanda, Kenny Pickett (QB), Daniel Carter, and Todd Sibley Jr. all added scores.
In addition to the score on the ground, Pickett went 14-20 for 277 yards with a touchdown pass to wide receiver DJ Turner (2 rec. for 76 yards). Jordan Addison had seven receptions for 35 yards. Pickett completed a pass to 10 different receivers.
On the defensive side, defensive lineman Dayon Hayes racked up two sacks and a forced fumble. Strong safety Paris Ford and free safety Erick Hallett both had interceptions for the Panthers.
The Syracuse Orange are looking to rebound after a 31-6 defeat last week to the 18th ranked North Carolina Tarheels. The game was close at halftime, with the Tar Heels up 7-3. The Orange kicked a field goal in the third quarter to make it 7-6, but things fell apart in the fourth. They surrendered 21 unanswered points.
Syracuse coach Dino Babers is in his fifth year as a the leadeer of the Orange, with a 60-43 record (23-27 at Syracuse). This is their second straight road game to start the season.
Quarterback Tommy Devito had a rough day going 13-31 for 112 yards and was sacked seven times. He did lead his team on the ground with 68 yards on 16 attempts.
Taj Harris led all receivers on the team with five receptions for 64 yards. Despite giving up 31 points, the defense had its moments. Linebacker Mikel Jones had an interception to go along with six tackles. Defensive back Andre Cisco also had an interception while Defensive linemen Josh Black and Kingsley Jonathan both had a sack.
(Image Credit: ACC Athletic Communications)
