Last week, the Syracuse Orange struggled against the California Golden Bears, losing a 21-18 contest. However, they didn’t struggle in the way you may think. In reality, the Orange were the more productive team throughout the night. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get out of their own way in regards to turnovers, and bone-headed penalties. And entering Week 3, they don’t have the luxury of hanging their heads.
Syracuse vs. Pitt 2026 College Football Preview
The Orange travel to Pittsburgh for a Thursday night showdown against the Panthers, a team that’s had their number as of late – and especially in Acrisure Stadium. Can Syracuse pull off a short week upset? We’ll find out.
Matchup History
On the gridiron, Cuse and Pitt have played each other 81 times. The Panthers currently hold a 45-33 edge, with three ties in the mix. However, the real story is the homefield advantage for each team.
At Syracuse, the Orange hold a 19-19-3 record against Pitt. However, Pittsburgh has been dominant at home with a 26-11 record over the Orange. Fran Brown and company are up against history on Thursday. The last time Syracuse has won at Pitt was back in 2001. It’ll be interesting to see if history repeats itself or if they are able to upset Pitt.
Key Players, Stats, and Predictions
Key Players for Syracuse
It may feel like a copout, but quarterback Steve Angeli is once again a key player for Syracuse. After a great game against New Hampshire, Angeli had a three-interception performance against Cal last week. He also had an incident where he came off the field a little hobbled. Against a tough opponent in Pitt, Angeli needs to be able to take care of the football, and he show he is legitimately healthy to continue the year as the starting quarterback.
On defense, the key player for Cuse is Antoine Deslauriers. The linebacker is one of the quickest players on the unit for Cuse, and his football IQ is incredible. Against a tough team like Pitt, Deslauriers will need to put those traits on display if the defense wants to stop a surging Panthers offense. If Deslauriers and the linebacking group struggles, so will Syracuse.
Key Players for Pitt
While not one key player, the key for the offense will fall on their running back room. I’m expecting Mason Heintschel to perform to his typical standard on Thursday. However, he will need help from the backfield. Syracuse has shown a good ability to stop the run to start the season with their revamped front seven. And so far, Pitt running backs haven’t been too impressive this season. With how good Cuse’s secondary can be, the Panthers need their rushing attack on full display. Otherwise, there may be too much down and distance for Heintschel to overcome.
On defense, Bryan Lovelace is my key player for Pitt. The last of the “Sharks” linebacking group, Lovelace has to be able to control the defense. And, he has to be able to get pressure on Angeli. Syracuse’s offensive line has some serious concerns. If the linebacker is able to provide pressure to the quarterback, this game could get out of hand quickly in favor of Pitt.
2026 Game Preview: How Syracuse Can Win This Game
To be honest, if Syracuse wants to win this game they need to play perfect football. Pitt has been extremely good to start the year under Pat Narduzzi. And, the homefield advantage will truly play a major role in the outcome of this game.
However, there are opportunity for Syracuse to find a victory. The first revolves around the offensive line. They have to perform better, zero exception. They struggled to create rushing lanes against Cal, and they struggled to keep Angeli clean in the pocket. Against a defense like Pitt, those mistakes will cause the game to be over early.
On defense, Syracuse just needs to keep doing what they’ve been doing. The unit has been good to start the year, and they have the ability to keep Cuse in any contest if the offense can get it together. Yet, against Pitt, I’d like to see some disguised pressure to force Heintschel into making mistakes with the football. He hasn’t thrown an interception yet – Cuse needs to change that on Thursday night.
Prediction: Syracuse 24, Pitt 35
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