Syracuse football returns to action this Saturday for its Homecoming game against Pittsburgh. After a bye week, the team aims to break its losing streak while the Panthers look to continue their momentum.
Syracuse’s Recent Struggles
The Orange has struggled recently, coming off two consecutive losses. Their current record stands at 3-3, with a 1-2 mark in the ACC. Syracuse must avoid a three-game losing streak, which would significantly hurt their chances of competing in the conference.
Last Year’s Matchup
Last season’s encounter with Pittsburgh did not go well for Syracuse. A win this Saturday would help restore confidence and improve their position in the ACC standings. The Orange faces a crucial stretch ahead, including games against three ranked teams.
Key Player Issues
- Quarterback Concerns: Rickie Collins has struggled this season, throwing three touchdowns against five interceptions with a completion rate of only 55.2%.
- Defensive Deficiencies: Syracuse ranks low in rushing defense, currently tied for 95th in the FBS. This is concerning as the Panthers feature talented running backs.
Collins’ Development
Collins has acknowledged his mistakes, particularly his tendency to lock onto receivers. He stated during practice that he is working to improve his decision-making. If these issues are not addressed, Pittsburgh’s defense could exploit them.
Pittsburgh’s Offensive Threat
The Panthers are averaging 41 points in their last two games, in contrast to Syracuse’s 10.5-point average. Pittsburgh also features Desmond Reid, a versatile running back with impressive stats from last season, including 1,545 all-purpose yards.
Coaching Decisions and Strategies
Head Coach Fran Brown has expressed frustration with his coaching staff’s play-calling, especially in recent losses. The approach moving forward will remain with coordinators Elijah Robinson and Jeff Nixon, ensuring they align with Brown’s vision for the team.
Potential Changes
Fans are eager to see if true freshman Luke Carney will make an impact. Although Collins remains the starter, Carney’s capability as a dual-threat quarterback could be valuable if needed.
Game Statistics
| Statistics | Syracuse | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Points Average (Last Two Games) | 10.5 | 41.0 |
| Quarterback Touchdowns | 3 | 6 (Mason Heintschel) |
Injury Report and Availability
Syracuse faces multiple injury concerns leading up to the game. Key player status is as follows:
- Umari Hatcher: Not listed
- Justus Ross-Simmons: Questionable
- Darius Johnson: Questionable
- Defensive backs: Probable
How to Watch
The matchup will be broadcast on the ACC Network at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Fans can also stream the game through various platforms including DirecTV and Hulu + Live TV.
Betting Odds
The latest betting lines favor Pittsburgh, which is a 10.5-point favorite. The total points for the game is set at 54.5.
With Syracuse looking to break two losing streaks, this game against Pittsburgh holds significant implications for both teams. A win could reignite Syracuse’s season and push them towards competing in the ACC.
