Syracuse N.Y. — Syracuse spent much of Thursday night trying to dig out of an early hole. Too many mistakes kept pushing the Orange back in.
Pittsburgh defeated Syracuse 27-13 at Acrisure Stadium on Thursday night, handing the Orange its second straight loss and dropping it to 1-2 overall and 0-2 in conference play.
Penalties contributed to Syracuse falling behind 17-0 in the first half, including one assessed to head coach Fran Brown during a pivotal Pittsburgh possession.
Early in the second quarter, Syracuse defensive back Demetres Samuel Jr. was called for pass interference on third-and-10, extending a Pittsburgh drive. Brown protested the call and was assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty, moving the Panthers from the Syracuse 49 to the 34.
The back-to-back penalties proved costly. Pittsburgh running back Damon Ferguson Jr. broke free for a 32-yard touchdown, extending the Panthers’ lead to 14-0.
The sequence highlighted an undisciplined first half for the Orange, who repeatedly gave Pittsburgh additional opportunities with penalties and mistakes.
Syracuse responded before halftime. Running back Ahmad Miller scored to get the Orange into the end zone, and kicker Shay Barker added a field goal just before the break to cut Pittsburgh’s lead to 17-10. This was Barker’s first collegiate field goal.
But Syracuse never completed the comeback.
Quarterback Steve Angeli finished 13 of 25 for 161 yards and threw two interceptions. The Orange struggled to protect him and failed to consistently finish drives despite moving the ball at times.
Pittsburgh also found consistent success on the ground. The Panthers rushed for 245 yards on 37 carries, with La’Vell Wright and Ferguson each scoring touchdowns.
Syracuse had opportunities to make it a one-score game after halftime, but its offense stalled. Angeli threw both of his interceptions in the second half, and Pittsburgh added another touchdown and a field goal to pull away. Angeli has now thrown 5 picks in the last 2 games; all of which were in the second half of games.
Backup quarterback Amari Odom replaced Angeli late and completed all seven of his passes. Syracuse added another Barker field goal but could get no closer.
The loss continued Syracuse’s struggles in Pittsburgh. The Orange have not won on the Panthers’ home field since 2001.
Syracuse heads into its bye week at 1-2 and 0-2 in conference play. They will resume action on the road on October 3rd as they will take on UConn