NFL
By: Rick
They first played 110 years ago. They’ve played every year since 1955. It’s a rivalry for the ages as the Syracuse Orange take on the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Orange have played only two more teams than they have played Pitt, and Pitt is their top opponent. Syracuse is 33-45-3 and is going into this game with a much-needed win. So how do they get there?
Strike Early …
… and often. The Orange need to prove that those big plays against Cal weren’t just a fluke. Quarterback Steve Angeli could use a rebound, as could many players on offense. The passing game struggled with consistency, and the run game was nowhere near as effective as the week before. The Panthers haven’t allowed more than two scores in their two games this season. SU can’t afford to be sloppy this game as Pitt will make them pay.
Repeat Defense
If there’s been a bright side this season, it has been the Orange defense. Despite allowing 21 points in the loss against Cal, they were stingy with extra yards. That’s what’s been missing, and it finally looked like they were working at all levels of the field. That sideline-to-sideline play kept the Bears grinding. Pitt put up 59 in their first game, with QB Mason Heintschel throwing for almost 500 yards and 7 TDs. It was a celebration on offense. In the last game, they were brought back to earth, barely getting by 12-7. In both games, the Panthers ran the ball for less than 60 yards. The defense needs to sit back on the pass and force Pitt to run, as they’ve done all season.
Keep Away
Syracuse needs a balanced attack to keep Pitt from getting going. A home game for Pitt will be a challenge, and the Orange can’t afford to let the crowd get in. If they can get the run game going and keep the passing game clean, the defense has been playing well enough to challenge opponents. Angeli and the receivers need to be on the same page and build momentum. If it shifts in Pitts favor and the defense can’t get off the field, it could get ugly.
The Syracuse Orange need a bounce-back game. Fans will have short patience if the Orange fall into their slump after a good first season. So far, it’s been wash, rinse, repeat for any new coach that has taken on the Orange. Fran Brown has the leadership to fix it; it all comes down to how quickly they can shake off a bad game.
