Syracuse vs Pitt Prediction: Do or Die Time in the ACC Race
· Yahoo Sports
If you’re Syracuse (1-1) and Pitt (2-0), you have to win your 50/50 games – the ones you’re supposed to have a good shot at taking down.
Syracuse already lost a tough one to Cal last week, Pitt has a slew of big ACC games down the road, and for both, this is a moment to show something better after rough offensive performances last week.
Syracuse vs Pitt: Quick Hits
- The Syracuse offense put up yards in the first two weeks, but three interceptions in the 21-18 loss to Cal were devastating. This is the start of a whopping three road games in a row and four in the next five.
- Pitt got by UCF 12-7, but the offense only managed 315 total yards. It’ll likely be 4-0 if it wins this – Bucknell is up next – and then it’s three ACC road games in four dates, including Miami and Virginia Tech.
- Pitt won this matchup 30-13 last year and seven of the last eight going back to 2017.
How To Watch Syracuse vs Pitt
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Game Time: 11:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
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Why Syracuse Will Win
Syracuse, this is when that passing game thing needs to rock.
Steve Angeli is back from the leg injury that knocked him out last season, and he looked great in the opener against New Hampshire. Against Cal, not so much – he missed more than half his throws with three picks. However, he threw for over 300 yards, and he needs to do that in this.
Pitt’s pass defense hasn’t been awful so far, but it’s Pitt. It’ll have its moments when the pass rush doesn’t get the job done, and the big plays will come.
Why Pitt Will Win
Syracuse is having a few problems screwing up. The three picks in the loss to Cal were bad, but the penalties in the first two games have been brutal.
The Orange hung 66 on the board against New Hampshire, so the 12 penalties didn’t matter, but the 14 against Cal stalled the momentum on both sides of the ball time and again.
Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel has yet to throw an interception, was fine against UCF, and hit Miami University for seven touchdown passes, and now …
Syracuse vs Pitt Prediction, Betting Lines
Heintschel is looking to get past his game against Syracuse last year. The Panthers won, but he struggled in one of the worst games in his breakout freshman season. As long as he’s okay, the defense should take care of the rest.
Angeli will connect on his share of shots, but the running game won’t go anywhere on a Panther defense allowing just over a yard per carry.
Pitt 31, Syracuse 20
Latest Consensus Line: Pitt -10.5, o/u: 51.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.