Adam (4-2): Syracuse 42, Pittsburgh 31
This is the biggest game yet for Fran Brown without a doubt. Third on the road in a row, third of the season against a ranked opponent. There’s one reason that I think SU can get it done tonight. Kyle McCord has the experience to shine on the biggest stage. Pitt is led by a freshman quarterback Eli Holstein who has looked good at times this season but has also struggled in some moments. Last time out he went 14/28 with 2 interceptions against a Cal defense that gave up almost 40 points the week before. This ‘Cuse defense has been strong for most of the season and should be able to confuse and stop Pittsburgh.
Yes, Syracuse has struggled mightily coming out of bye weeks this season and in the past. But, I’m deciding to give Fran Brown the benefit of the doubt this week and hope he learned from what happened against Stanford.
Tyler (2-0): EXEMPT FROM PREDICTION
Who would have expected this? A combined record of 11-1 in a game between Syracuse and Pittsburgh? With the Panthers being ranked? The ACC has been weird this year, but this is where we are.
SU and Pitt are two of the best offenses in the conference, so this should be a high-scoring affair. I have a feeling whoever has the ball last will come out on top.
Nico (5-1): Syracuse 27, Pittsburgh 26
The last time Syracuse came off a bye week…well, SU fans can tell you what happened. Alright, fine. Syracuse lost to Stanford at home. Even though the Orange were in that game, they couldn’t get over the hump. Now coming off Syracuse’s second bye of the season, head coach Fran Brown faces a more difficult task than Stanford. A ranked Pitt squad awaits SU at home. We’ll see if SU learned what it could from the first time around in the extended time off. I expect the Orange to perform well at the start of the game, but the Panthers should find their momentum throughout. I still expect Syracuse to find a way to win at the end in what could be a neck-and-neck game.
Dan S (3-3): Syracuse 31, Pittsburgh 27
The Orange are in prime position to get it done tonight down in the steel city, but the win solely depends on Kyle McCord’s play. The Ohio State transfer has thrown for over 300+ yards in every contest so far this season. That mark ties the program record for 300+ yard games in a single campaign. If McCord keeps his 300+ streak going, the Orange should have no problem taking care of business at Acisure stadium. It’s also worthy to note that Pitt is ranked 14th in the ACC in passing defense. While the Panthers may have Alabama transfer Eli Holstein, Pitt does not have the options Syracuse does on offense. This squad only out up 17 points versus Cal last week. That gives me confidence in the Orange. It’s without a doubt going to be a shootout in Pittsburgh, but SU has the depth and weapons on offense to outlast the Panthers.
Alex (5-1): Syracuse 36, Pittsburgh 28
Expect offensive fireworks at Acrisure Stadium. The Panthers aren’t top 100 in the nation for passing defense, and Syracuse QB Kyle McCord has continued to light up any defense. Pitt on the other hand is averaging over 40 points a game! The question for SU is who will step up at wide receiver if Trebor Pena doesn’t play? If Jackson Meeks or Oronde Gadsden have huge a huge game, it shouldn’t matter. Or maybe it will be a newer name for the Orange. Whoever it is, if Syracuse can adjust offensively, they can beat anyone in a shootout.
Dan P (3-3): Syracuse 24, Pittsburgh 28
This is the biggest game in the Fran Brown era so far by a landslide. If SU can take down the #19 Panthers, there’s no question there’ll be a number next to its name next week. But here’s the thing, it’s going to have to be much of the same. Pitt has a strong run defense, meaning McCord will air it out like he always does. Syracuse also hasn’t won in the Steel City since 2001. At the end of the day, this game to me comes down to late game coaching, and I’m going to take Narduzzi’s experience over Brown this time around.
Henry (3-1): Syracuse 35, Pitt 24
If you like offense, this is the game to watch, as both teams rank inside the top 10 in total yards per game. Pitt also has one of the better run defenses in the country, setting up Syracuse to rely on Kyle McCord’s arm instead of the run game to score points. Against a weaker Panthers secondary, the Orange offense shouldn’t have any problem overwhelming them. Many view Syracuse as the underdog in this game, but I think Pitt is overrated. Yes, the Panthers are undefeated, but its wins have come against teams with a combined record of 13-27, and only one has a winning record. If Syracuse can pile up points on offense, the Orange should have its third ranked win of the season.
