Syracuse’s offensive struggles continued Saturday as Pittsburgh capitalized on key turnovers and special teams play to secure a 30-13 win at the JMA Wireless Dome. The loss marked the third straight defeat for the Orange, who fell to 3-4 on the season. The game featured 25 combined penalties for 221 yards.
The Orange defense was the highlight, recording 12 tackles for loss and limiting Pitt to 260 total yards. Kevin Jobity Jr. led the effort with two and a half tackles for loss, while Davien Kerr added an interception. Despite the defensive pressure, the Panthers (5-2, 3-1 ACC) capitalized on key Syracuse mistakes.
Quarterback Rickie Collins threw three interceptions but accounted for both Orange touchdowns, completing 16 passes for 126 yards and rushing for 37 more. He connected with Darrell Gill Jr. and Emanuel Ross for scores, but Syracuse couldn’t sustain drives against a physical Pitt front.
Pitt freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel rushed for a 36-yard touchdown on the Panthers’ opening drive after a Syracuse interception and added 143 passing yards with one interception. Kenny Johnson’s 66-yard punt return just before halftime gave Pitt a 17-7 advantage that Syracuse never recovered from.
Collins’ 12-yard strike to Ross in the fourth quarter cut the deficit to 23-13, but a failed two-point conversion and a late 1-yard touchdown run by Juelz Goff sealed the outcome.
GAME RECAP LINKS
- Syracuse football: Orange offense stumbles in 30-13 to Pittsburgh (NunesMagician.com)
- Syracuse substitutes QBs, falls 30-13 to Pitt for 3rd straight loss (DailyOrange.com)
- Syracuse Comeback Comes Up Short (Cuse.com)
- Observations from Syracuse’s loss to Pitt: RBs stuffed, final 1st-half possession (DailyOrange.com)
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
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Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].