Quarterback Kyle McCord threw five interceptions in @CuseFootball's 41-13 loss to No. 19 @Pitt_FB.@swilkes04 and @IanNicholasTV had the call from Acrisure Stadium. pic.twitter.com/5HrqYGuyBF
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) October 25, 2024
Syracuse football (5-2, 2-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) suffered a 41-13 defeat in a primetime bout with No. 19 Pittsburgh (7-0, 3-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) Heading into the halftime break, SU quarterback Kyle McCord had thrown three passes that were caught and ran into the end zone. However, it was a trio of Pitt defensive backs that hauled in those attempts and returned three interceptions for a touchdown, before heading into the locker room. The Panthers defense delivered a historic performance, becoming the first FBS program to total three pick-sixes in a half since 2005.
Heading into the matchup, McCord was the first gunslinger in SU history to surpass 300 passing yards in each of his first six games.
“I don’t think Syracuse saw a defense like us coming into that that game, to be honest with you,” Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said.
It was the first game this season that the ‘Cuse offense totaled more than two interceptions.
“I think they saw a lot of soft coverage and free access for the quarterback to throw it to. We felt pretty good about what we were going to give him that maybe they wouldn’t be able to handle it like they have in previous games,” said Narduzzi.
The Panthers’ scheme proved successful, largely due to insights gained from watching film.
“We had changed up some passing concepts because we know where Kyle McCord wants to throw it to,” said Pitt linebacker Kyle Louis.
A second pick-six by @CuseFootball QB Kyle McCord made it a 17-0 Pitt lead.@swilkes04 described yet another blunder by the Syracuse offense.@waer883, 📻https://t.co/BG0Q3sGq3P pic.twitter.com/rFguk6e3AT
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) October 25, 2024
After the third pick-six, Orange head coach Fran Brown attempted to raise the Syracuse starting QB’s spirits.
“(I told him to) Stay focused. Keep pushing. I’m with you. We’re doing this all the way to the end.
Would play for Fran Brown 8 days a week man. THIS is leadership and great coaching pic.twitter.com/QoL6h0RXvv
— Chris Marler (@VernDumbquist) October 25, 2024
On the other side of the ball, the Syracuse defense surrendered just 217 yards, the fewest to an ACC opponent since 2014 against Wake Forest.
“I knew we could stop them but they just dominated on defense. (Pat) Narduzzi is known for defense. He busted our butt,” said Brown.
Now, Syracuse still looks to attain bowl eligibility. The Orange need just one win to collect their sixth win, and satisfy the criteria to play in a postseason game. SU had its sights set on the future after the defeat.
“We can’t do what Syracuse football has done in the past in the second half of the season and start trending in the wrong direction. I said to the guys, we have way too much talent and have put in way too much work to let that happen,” said Kyle McCord.
Syracuse is 5-13 in the month of November, dating back to 2019. The Orange turn the page to the eleventh month of the year, next time out against Virginia Tech. SU returns home to play in front of the home crowd for the first time since Sept. 28.
We’ll have full coverage for the potential bounce-back game for the ‘Cuse. Game time is still to be determined. Follow @WAERSports on Twitter for updates.