Pitt Football Faces Syracuse for First Time Since 2021

The Pitt Panthers are preparing to face the Syracuse Orange on the road at the Carrier Dome, marking their first matchup away from home since 2021. This matchup is significant as it continues a rivalry that dates back to 1955. The Panthers enter this game with momentum following a thrilling 34-31 upset victory over ranked Florida State.

Pitt has been dominant in recent years against Syracuse, winning 19 of the last 23 encounters. Last season, the Panthers secured a decisive 41-13 victory in Pittsburgh, further establishing their edge in the series.

A standout for Pitt has been true freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel, who has quickly made a name for himself. In his second start, he completed 21 of 29 passes for a remarkable 321 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, Heintschel showcased his dual-threat capabilities by adding 64 rushing yards, proving to be a versatile asset for the team.

Another key player, Desmond Reid, made a significant impact upon his return, accumulating 200 scrimmage yards. His performance included 155 receiving yards and 45 rushing yards, along with two touchdown receptions, which placed him among the leaders in various categories for running backs in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Freshman Ja’Kyrian Turner also played a crucial role in the victory over Florida State, contributing two rushing touchdowns in what marked his first multi-touchdown game. He added 78 all-purpose yards, highlighting his versatility and importance to the team’s offensive strategy.

On the defensive side, linebacker Kyle Louis was instrumental in the Panthers’ efforts, leading all ACC linebackers with 11 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in that game. His performance solidified his status as a key defensive player for Pitt.

The kickoff for the highly anticipated clash between Pitt and Syracuse is scheduled for 19:30. As both teams prepare for this rivalry match, fans are eager to see how the Panthers will perform on the road against a spirited Syracuse squad.