With their seasons trending in opposite directions, Pitt and Syracuse are set to renew what has been a lopsided rivalry in recent years.
The Panthers are seeking their third straight win Saturday, while the host Orange are aiming to avoid a third consecutive defeat.
Pitt (4-2, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) opened October with a resounding 48-7 victory over Boston College before earning a 34-31 road win over then-No. 25 Florida State last week.
Panthers quarterback Mason Heintschel, a true freshman, threw a pair of touchdown passes to Desmond Reid against the Seminoles and finished with 321 yards through the air.
“It’s everything you ever dream of, for sure,” Heintschel said. “It’s a blessing and a dream come true for me, but it’s more about the team and winning games. That’s all it’s about here.”
Pitt trailed by seven points at halftime and by three early in the fourth quarter before scoring on three straight possessions to take control. Coach Pat Narduzzi’s team is averaging 39.8 points per game, which ranks 15th nationally.
“We talk about ups and downs in a game,” Narduzzi said. “They’re going to happen. They’re going to happen this weekend up in Syracuse. There’s going to be good plays, bad plays. There’s going to be adversity. And it’s how you react to that adversity that really matters.”
On the opposite sideline this weekend will be the Orange (3-3, 1-2), who dropped contests to Duke, 38-3, and SMU, 31-18, prior to an open date last week. Syracuse remains committed to LSU transfer Rickie Collins, who has struggled as the starting quarterback since taking over for Steve Angeli (torn Achilles).
“We’re just gonna work one day at a time and stay focused on the mission,” Syracuse coach Fran Brown said. “All their dreams and goals, aspirations for the season are still ahead of them. They’ve just got to be able to grab them.”
Pitt has won 17 of the past 20 meetings between the teams, including a 41-13 home victory last season.
