Syracuse Football tries to bounce back against Pittsburgh after back-to-back losses

Syracuse football (3-3, 1-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) has stumbled out of the gate in conference play, dropping two straight after a statement win over Clemson. Following back-to-back losses to Duke and SMU, the Orange now search for a win to get back on track this weekend against Pittsburgh (4-2, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference).

The Panthers are fresh off a statement win over then No. 25 Florida State. Prior to this win, Pitt was struggling with back-to-back losses until freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel stepped in. Heintschel earned the starting spot for the Panthers after they benched quarterback Eli Holstein following a 2-2 start to the season. Now, Heintschel has won his first two starts and has tallied over 300 yards in both outings.

On the other hand, Syracuse’s situation couldn’t be more different. After losing starting quarterback Steve Angeli to an Achilles injury in the fourth game of the season, Rickie Collins has stepped in under center and the results have not been promising. Syracuse is 0-2 with Collins at the helm and the quarterback has only thrown one touchdown pass in his two starts. On top of that, the redshirt sophomore has already thrown five interceptions, including three in the Cuse’s last game against SMU. Despite a lack of production from Collins, Syracuse head coach Fran Brown is remaining loyal to his leader.

“Rickie’s our quarterback. We’re sticking with Rickie. I want to make sure you understand that,” Brown said. “And everyone else is going to back Rickie up until that time comes for them.”

Cuse.com

Last time the Panthers and the Orange faced off, Pitt’s defense rattled former SU quarterback and NFL Draft pick Kyle McCord, forcing five interceptions. Clearly, turnovers have been a weakness for Rickie Collins, and Pitt’s defense could continue to exploit that this weekend. Not only has the Panthers’ secondary proven its dominance this season, but their rush defense has also been top-notch, holding opponents to under 85 yards on the ground a game, which leads the ACC.

All of that spells trouble for Syracuse, a team built around a pass-heavy offense, now relying on a quarterback still finding his rhythm. Turning to the run game may not offer much relief either, with Pitt’s defense consistently shutting down opposing backfields.

Syracuse can try to bounce back against a Pitt team that has momentum on its side this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. inside the JMA Wireless Dome. WAER’s coverage on 88.3 FM or waer.org begins at 7 p.m. with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Kickoff.