Syracuse (3-7) at Pittsburgh (4-6) Nov. 22, 3:30, ESPNU 

Here’s The Deal: Maybe life in the old Big East wasn’t so bad after all. A couple of former eastern rivals hook up at Heinz Field, looking to capture something positive to carry into a long offseason. Since Sept. 20, Syracuse and Pitt have combined to go 2-13, each copping one victory over that time. Since the Panthers can still win their way into a second-tier bowl game, the Orange are relegated to being no more than a spoiler this weekend in Western Pennsylvania. 
Why Syracuse Might Win: Give credit to coordinator Chuck Bullough and his defense. Despite getting only marginal support from the offense, the D has been solid throughout the year. The Orange is allowing just 23 points per game, and its run-stuffing ability will be especially helpful against this week’s opponent. Syracuse has yielded only six rushing touchdowns in 2014, third-lowest in the country, thanks to the play of linebackers Cameron Lynch and Dyshawn Davis and interior linemen Eric Crume and Ron Thompson. 
Why Pittsburgh Might Win: As bad as the Pitt defense has been over the last month, a visit from Syracuse ought to get the unit right back on track. The Orange never recovered from the broken fibula suffered by QB Terrel Hunt, scoring more than 20 points just once in the last eight games. The Panthers, meanwhile, harbor the two best offensive players in the building, RB James Conner and WR Tyler Boyd. Even if Syracuse slows down Conner, he’ll still be good for 150 yards and two touchdowns, which is enough to outscore this Orange squad. 
Who To Watch Out For: Pitt doesn’t care which young quarterback Syracuse coach Scott Shafer anoints as his starter this week. Whoever it is will be handing the ball off plenty of times to Prince-Tyson Gulley and Adonis Ameen-Moore. The Orange will want to be conservative, because of the blustery and the inexperience under center. The Panthers know the drill, and will stack the box with linebackers Todd Thomas and Anthony Gonzalez and safeties Reggie Mitchell and Ray Vinopal to force third-and-long situations. 
What’s Going To Happen: Pitt has Conner and mathematical hope of spending part of December in a warm state. Syracuse has visions of the start of the offseason. A motivated Panther team will sever its three-game losing streak behind the relentless, demoralizing running of Conner and a defense that’ll deliver its best game in a month. 
Prediction: Pittsburgh 34 … Syracuse 16 
Line: Pittsburgh -7.5 o/u: 49 
Must Watch Factor: 5: HBO’s State of Play – 1: Euros of Hollywood … 1.5