Pittsburgh Panthers' Dominant Defense Crushes Syracuse 41-13

Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi calls out to his team during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Pittsburgh linebacker coach Ryan Manalac dubbed his group 'The Sharks' during training camp, a moniker that proved fitting as the Panthers' defense devoured Syracuse in a 41-13 victory on Thursday night.

The Panthers, ranked 19th, showcased their defensive prowess with three pick-six interceptions by linebackers Rasheem Biles, Kyle Louis, and Braylan Lovelace. The 'Sharks' defense set the tone early, with Biles returning an interception for a 35-yard touchdown just over two minutes into the game.

The defensive dominance continued as Pitt's defense harassed Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord, forcing turnovers on the Orange's first three possessions. The Panthers' defense was so relentless that it overshadowed their high-powered offense, which was led by quarterback Eli Holstein.

Three pick-six interceptions by Biles, Louis, and Lovelace highlighted the defense.

Pitt's linebacker group dubbed 'The Sharks' excelled in the game.

Pitt's defense dominated Syracuse, forcing turnovers and limiting their offense.

The Panthers' defense overshadowed their high-powered offense led by Holstein.

Pitt's unexpected success this season defies preseason expectations, starting 7-0.

The victory over Syracuse avenged a previous humiliating loss for Pitt.

Head coach Pat Narduzzi's guidance led to a historic defensive performance.

Pitt's defense returned to form this season, providing a strong foundation for success.

Pitt's impressive performance likely to boost their ranking in upcoming polls.

Syracuse faces Virginia Tech next, while Pitt gears up for a matchup against No. 22 SMU.

Pittsburgh's unexpected success this season, starting 7-0 for the first time since 1982, has defied preseason expectations. The Panthers, initially projected to finish 13th in the ACC, now sit at 3-0 in the conference and are in contention for a spot in the conference championship game.

The victory over Syracuse was particularly sweet for Pitt, as it avenged a humiliating loss to the Orange last season. The Panthers' defense, under the guidance of head coach Pat Narduzzi, delivered a historic performance with three pick-sixes in a single game.

Despite Syracuse's efforts to control the game in terms of time of possession and total yards, Pitt's defensive prowess and opportunistic scoring proved to be the difference-maker. The Panthers' defense, a hallmark of Narduzzi's tenure, has returned to form this season, providing a strong foundation for the team's success.

Looking ahead, Pitt's impressive performance is likely to boost their ranking in the upcoming polls. Meanwhile, Syracuse will need to regroup as they face Virginia Tech next, while Pitt gears up for a challenging matchup against No. 22 SMU.

In conclusion, Pitt's resounding victory over Syracuse not only solidified their standing in the ACC but also served as a statement to the college football world that the Panthers are a force to be reckoned with this season.