Syracuse Football Falls To No. 19 Pitt

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Post on Oct 25, 2024

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Syracuse Football Falls to No. 19 Pitt in a Heartbreaking Loss

Syracuse's undefeated run came to an abrupt end on Saturday, as the Orange fell to the No. 19 ranked Pitt Panthers 24-14 in a hard-fought battle at Heinz Field. The loss marks Syracuse's first of the season and drops their record to 6-1, while Pitt improves to 5-2.

A Close Contest Throughout

The game was a back-and-forth affair throughout, with both teams trading blows. Syracuse's offense, which had been averaging over 35 points per game, struggled to find its rhythm against a tough Pitt defense. Quarterback Garrett Shrader completed just 14 of 30 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 76 yards and another score.

Despite the offensive struggles, Syracuse's defense held its own. The Orange defense forced two turnovers, including an interception by Ja'Had Carter, and limited the Panthers to just 325 total yards.

Pitt's Defense Makes the Difference

The key to the Panthers' victory was their suffocating defense. Pitt's defensive line, led by Calijah Kancey and Habakkuk Baldonado, put constant pressure on Shrader, forcing him to make rushed throws and disrupting Syracuse's running game.

The Panthers also held Syracuse's star running back, Sean Tucker, to just 65 yards on 15 carries.

A Critical Turning Point

The turning point of the game came in the third quarter. After Syracuse had cut Pitt's lead to 14-10, the Panthers responded with a 10-play, 80-yard drive capped off by a touchdown run by Israel Abanikanda. The drive effectively put Pitt in control of the game, and the Orange were unable to recover.

Moving Forward

The loss to Pitt is a setback for Syracuse, but it's important to remember that the Orange are still a very talented team. They have a tough schedule ahead of them, but they have the potential to bounce back and make a run in the ACC.

Looking ahead, Syracuse will have a chance to regroup this week as they prepare to face their rivals, the Boston College Eagles, at home. This game will be a critical test for the Orange, as they look to get back on track and maintain their position as a contender in the conference.

Key Takeaways

• Syracuse's offense struggled against a tough Pitt defense.
• The Panthers' defense was the difference-maker in the game.
• Syracuse has a chance to rebound against Boston College.

This loss serves as a reminder that the road to success is rarely smooth, but Syracuse has shown the resilience to overcome obstacles in the past. The Orange will need to learn from this loss and use it as motivation for the remainder of the season.