Pitt Runs Past Syracuse 27-13 as Panthers Stay Perfect to Open ACC Play

Pittsburgh Controls the Ground Game in Conference Opener

Pittsburgh remained unbeaten Thursday night, using a dominant rushing attack and a strong defensive effort to pull away from Syracuse for a 27-13 victory in the Panthers’ ACC opener.

Pitt improved to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play while giving head coach Pat Narduzzi a memorable victory in his school-record 144th game leading the program. The Panthers piled up 245 rushing yards despite playing without injured starting running back Boosier Turner.

Pitt entered the game averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, but nearly doubled that production against the Orange. Freshman Damon Ferguson Jr. provided a major spark, rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown, while La’Vell Wright added 81 yards and a score.

Ferguson broke the game open early in the second quarter when he bounced outside and raced 32 yards down the sideline for a touchdown, giving the Panthers a 14-point advantage. Justin Cook also showed flashes in the first quarter, breaking loose for a 23-yard run before appearing to pull up with an injury.

Ferguson, Wright Lead Pitt’s Ground Attack

The Panthers consistently found running room against a Syracuse defense that struggled to slow Pitt’s rushing attack. Ferguson’s 32-yard touchdown run was one of the biggest plays of the night, while Wright provided steady production throughout the game.

With Turner sidelined, the Panthers received enough contributions from their backfield to keep the offense moving. Pitt’s ability to control the clock on the ground also helped protect its lead late in the game.

Heintschel Makes Plays With His Legs

Syracuse managed to limit Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel as a passer, but the sophomore made several important plays with his legs. Heintschel completed just 10 of 23 passes for 123 yards and an interception. He rushed for 41 yards, however, including a 9-yard touchdown scramble in the third quarter. The touchdown run featured an impressive juke around Syracuse linebacker Gary Bryant III before Heintschel reached the end zone.

Heintschel delivered another key play late in the fourth quarter. Facing third-and-9, he used a spin move to gain 10 yards and pick up a first down, allowing Pitt to drain the remaining clock. Asked afterward if the performance meant he was now a running quarterback, Heintschel joked that his spin move felt like it was “in.”

Syracuse Struggles With Penalties and Turnovers

Syracuse entered Thursday night as the most penalized team in the country and continued to struggle with discipline. The Orange were flagged nine times for 90 yards. One particularly costly sequence came in the second quarter when Syracuse was called for pass interference on third down. Head coach Fran Brown protested the call and was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Two plays later, Ferguson broke free for his 32-yard touchdown, giving Pitt control of the game.

Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli threw for 167 yards before being replaced by Amari Odom in the fourth quarter. Angeli threw interceptions on back-to-back drives, ending Syracuse’s chances of mounting a comeback. Odom completed all seven of his passes after entering the game, but Syracuse was already facing a three-score deficit.

Narduzzi Celebrates School-Record Milestone

The victory also marked an important milestone for Narduzzi, who coached his 144th game at Pitt to move past Jock Sutherland for the most games coached in school history. The 60-year-old Narduzzi arrived at Pitt in late 2014 with the goal of providing stability to a program that had experienced significant coaching turnover.

After the milestone was recognized, Narduzzi briefly turned sentimental. He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket containing a passage from Elbert Hubbard’s “Loyalty Pledge,” a message his father, longtime Youngstown State coach Bill Narduzzi, frequently turned to. The moment added personal significance to an important night for Narduzzi and the Panthers.

What’s Next for Pitt and Syracuse

Pitt will return home to host Bucknell on Sept. 28 as the Panthers look to remain unbeaten. Syracuse, meanwhile, will have time to regroup before traveling to UConn on Oct. 3. The Orange fall to 1-2 overall and 0-2 in ACC play after Thursday night’s loss.

For Pitt, the 27-13 victory provided an impressive start to conference play, with the Panthers showing they can rely on their running game while continuing to develop Heintschel at quarterback.