Week 8 features an epic showdown between two ACC rivals as the Syracuse Orange host the Pitt Panthers at JMA Wireless. The Panthers have started rolling after replacing a struggling Eli Holstein with true freshman Mason Heintschel. Meanwhile, Syracuse has struggled after losing Steve Angeli to an Achilles injury. Can Rickie Collins get the Orangemen back on track, or will Pitt’s true freshman continue to thrive? Let’s dive into this 2025 Syracuse vs. Pitt preview and find out!
Syracuse Orange vs. Pitt Panthers: Matchup History and Excerpts
Syracuse and Pitt have played each other 80 ties entering their 2025 matchup. Currently, Pitt holds a 44-33-3 lead over the Orange in this rivalry that started back in 1916. Pitt also currently holds an 8-2 record over Syracuse in the last 10 matchups.
As many Syracuse fans know, the last time these two teams met was Kyle McCord’s worst game as a college quarterback (and hurt his draft stock in the process). In that contest, the Orange lost 41-13 in a one-sided affair to a then-undefeated Panthers team. However, Pitt would go on to lose every single game after that contest.
Interestingly, the home team seems to have an advantage in these games, so it will be interesting to see how that unfolds going forward.
Speaking to the media this week, Syracuse head coach Fran Brown knows the importance of this matchup.
“Rival game. It’s important that we go out and have fun when we play this game … I’m hoping this game is honestly a four quarter throwdown, hopefully we can play five. Whatever it takes, but it’s going to be a good football game. [I’m] excited to go against Coach Narduzzi. He’s a really good football coach … Excited to be able to compete against him … They got a new freshman quarterback in right now [and] he’s killing it.”
For Pitt, Coach Narduzzi understands the importance of continuing momentum and leaving JMA Wireless with a win. And, he’s not taking Syracuse lightly.
“Everybody’s going to say [they’ve] struggled because they lost,” began Narduzzi. “I think they’re really good. They can run the ball … I think they’re going to try and establish a run game … take some pressure off the quarterback.”
Syracuse vs. Pitt 2025 Preview: Keys, Players, and Predictions
Key Players for Syracuse
It’s impossible to ignore the elephant in the room that is quarterback Rickie Collins. While his struggles have been evident since taking over as the starter for an injured Steven Angeli, the offense has not yet catered to Collins’ strengths. With two games and a bye week since then, though, there are no more excuses to see the offense struggling. That starts with the quarterback, and utilizing both his arms and legs to make plays for Syracuse. It also means more touches for the running backs, which would help lessen the burden to perform on the quarterback’s shoulders. Syracuse has the playmakers on offense to make Collins’ job easy. We will see if it all comes together in Week 8.
On defense, the front seven will play a major role in this contest. David Omopariola and David Reese will need to start turning pressures into sacks. Rattling Mason Heintschel could lead to big turnovers for the defense, and making things easier for the offense.
Freshman linebacker Antoine Deslauriers will also be key both against the pass, and stopping the run. Deslauriers has been consistent throughout every situation for Syracuse, and needs to do the same on Saturday. Whether it’s getting to the passer, maintaining gap responsibility, and showcasing good coverage skills, he will be a major factor for the Orange in Week 8.
Key Players for Pitt
While Mason Heintschel’s performance will be key in this matchup, perhaps more-so is the performance of running back Desmond Reid. After struggling last week against Florida State, Reid has a chance to gash a struggling rush defense of the Orangemen. Syracuse’s defense has struggled against good running backs all season long. Not only would a strong performance help Reid and the offense, it would help his quarterback, too.
On defense, the linebackers of Pitt are key in this game. Braylan Lovelace and Rasheem Biles have been excellent against the run this season. Stopping Yasin Willis and Will Nixon will force Syracuse to take shots downfield. Kyle Louis and the rest of the group also get to the passer. The trio has five sacks and 38 pressures on the season. If they can pressure and sack Rickie Collins, the Syracuse offense may not be able to get anything going. And, it may end up being a blowout victory for Pitt.
2025 Game Preview: Syracuse vs. Pitt – Who Wins in Week 8?
How Syracuse Wins
Syracuse can win this game by taking shots on offense. Rickie Collins and the offense have been very conservative in his short starting tenure. That needs to change – whether by running or taking shots down the field. If mistakes can be minimized and big plays are connected, they can keep this game very competitive.
On defense, they have to pressure Pitt’s freshman quarterback and negate the rushing attack of the Panthers. If they can limit the scoring of Pitt, they could pull off the upset at home.
How Pitt Wins
Pitt can win this game by taking care of the football, and forcing Syracuse’s defense out of position. Despite being a freshman, Mason Heintschel has performed well as a passer. If he limits mistakes, it will give the Panthers plenty of opportunity to chip away at the Syracuse defense.
On defense, stopping the run and pressuring Rickie Collins is the recipe for success for Pitt. Forcing Syracuse to be one-dimensional will cause things to spiral for the Orange offense. Collins may flounder under consistent pressure, especially if there aren’t any running lanes for Yasin Willis to run through. If they can do that, it may be a one-sided victory for Pitt this weekend.
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