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The Pittsburgh Panthers (5-1) head north to face the Syracuse Orange (3-3). Check out the Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse prediction and game preview.

Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 24
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Network: ESPNU

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Why You Need To Care

It’ll be a renewal of an old Big East rivalry when Pitt heads to the Carrier Dome to play Syracuse this weekend. Both teams have been streaky of late. The Panthers have won three in a row to take over sole possession of first place in the Coastal Division, while the Orange has dropped three straight to fall back to .500. Pitt has been a pleasant surprise in Pat Narduzzi’s first year, defeating Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech on the road and losing only to unbeaten Iowa.

Why Pittsburgh Will Win

Narduzzi’s D has come a long way since allowing Youngstown State to score 37 points in the opener. The Panthers have been one of the ACC’s stingiest units since Week 1, limiting big plays and touchdowns with no-namers, like DE Ejuan Price, LB Mike Caprara and SS Jordan Whitehead. This is a tough spot for a Syracuse offense asking so much of one player, rookie QB Eric Dungey.

Why Syracuse Will Win

Yeah, there’s a lot of pressure on Dungey, but he’s going to be a special player, and he’ll keep the Panthers on their toes. Last weekend in Charlottesville, he almost singlehandedly carries the Orange to a win, throwing for two scores and rushing for 111 pre-sack yards. Pitt, which has been so-so in pass protection, must also worry about the edge pressure of Syracuse ends Ron Thompson, Luke Arciniega and Donnie Simmons.

Player Who Matters

After playing well early, the Syracuse defense has been soft the last three games, playing especially poorly versus South Florida. And while Pitt won’t light off fireworks on offense, RB Qadree Ollison can soften the Orange between the tackles, allowing QB Nate Peterman to connect with WR Tyler Boyd or a sure-handed tight end, J.P. Holtz or Scott Orndoff.

What’s Going To Happen?

Dungey is going to be a good one in Upstate New York. But he’ll need more help to beat Pitt, which has found an identity this season. The Panthers aren’t blowing people out. Instead, they’re wearing them down with a balanced offense and a fundamentally sound D. Pitt, which has played in four straight games decided by a touchdown or less, will grab an early lead and then protect it in the second half.

Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse Prediction

Final Score: Pittsburgh 27, Syracuse 21, Line: Pittsburgh -6.5, o/u: 51.5
Must See Rating: 5: Bridge of Spies – 1: Rock The Kasbah … 2

MORE: Midseason ACC Championship Prediction