Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh Prediction: No. 20 Orange to Reignite Ancient Rivalry with Panthers in ACC Opener

Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh Prediction

When: Saturday, September 1, 2023, 8:00 PM ET

Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA

TV: ACC Network

Spread: Syracuse -3.5

Total: 52.5

Moneyline: Syracuse -170, Pittsburgh +150

Preview:

The No. 20 Syracuse Orange will travel to Pittsburgh to face the Panthers in their ACC opener on Saturday night. The Orange are coming off a 10-3 season in which they finished second in the ACC Atlantic Division. The Panthers went 6-7 last season, but they return a lot of talent on both sides of the ball.

This is a big game for both teams. Syracuse is looking to make a statement in the ACC, while Pittsburgh is looking to prove that they are a contender in the Coastal Division. The game is also a renewal of an old rivalry. The two teams have not played since 2012, when Syracuse won 27-20.

Syracuse Offense vs. Pittsburgh Defense:

The Syracuse offense is led by quarterback Garrett Shrader. Shrader passed for 2,643 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 444 yards and four touchdowns. The Orange also have a talented running back duo in Sean Tucker and Mikel Jones. Tucker rushed for 1,496 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, while Jones rushed for 803 yards and six touchdowns. The Orange offensive line is also very experienced, with four starters returning from last season.

The Pittsburgh defense is led by linebacker SirVocea Dennis. Dennis led the Panthers with 100 tackles last season. The Panthers also have a talented defensive line, led by defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado. Baldonado had 9.5 sacks last season. The Panthers secondary is also very experienced, with three starters returning from last season.

Pittsburgh Offense vs. Syracuse Defense:

The Pittsburgh offense is led by quarterback Kedon Slovis. Slovis transferred to Pittsburgh from USC this offseason. He is a talented passer, but he will need to adjust to a new system and new teammates. The Panthers also have a talented running back in Israel Abanikanda. Abanikanda rushed for 1,002 yards and nine touchdowns last season. The Panthers offensive line is also very experienced, with four starters returning from last season.

The Syracuse defense is led by linebacker Mikel Jones. Jones led the Orange with 96 tackles last season. The Orange also have a talented defensive line, led by defensive end Caleb Okechukwu. Okechukwu had 6.5 sacks last season. The Orange secondary is also very experienced, with three starters returning from last season.

Prediction:

This is a tough game to call. Both teams have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. I think Syracuse will be able to win this game because of their experience. The Orange have more returning starters than the Panthers, and they have a lot of players who have played in big games. I think Syracuse will win this game by a score of 27-20.

Pick: Syracuse -3.5