(19) Pitt (6-0, 2-0) hosts Syracuse (5-1, 2-1) as the Panthers try to stay undefeated.
This is the first of several challenging games, including trips to SMU and Louisville and a home date with Clemson.
Pittsburgh’s wins against North Carolina and California weren’t overly impressive. Panthers quarterback Eli Holstein has three interceptions in the last two games.
After struggling to run the ball against the Tar Heels, Desmond Reid had 120 yards rushing against Cal.
This is the end of a three-game road trip for Syracuse, which might explain why Pitt is almost a touchdown favorite. It’s the only explanation.
Kyle McCord has thrown for more than 300 yards in every game this season. After three straight games with at least one interception, McCord had a clean sheet against North Carolina State.
The Orange have a three-headed monster in the passing game. Wide receivers Trebor Pena and Jackson Meeks have combined for 80 receptions, while tight end Oronde Gadsen II has caught 32 passes.
Another game to watch is (22) SMU’s trip to Duke (6-1, 2-1). Like Syracuse, the Mustangs (6-1, 3-0) have one blip on the radar: a close loss to BYU. Like Syracuse, this is the final game of the three-game road trip.
Outside of the BYU game, SMU has scored at least 29 points per game. Quarterback Kevin Jennings has thrown for nine touchdowns since taking over for Preston Stone.
Duke’s strength has come on defense. The Blue Devils held North Carolina to 20 points and, last week, held Florida State to 16 points.
Duke will try to make this a low-possession game to keep it close going into the fourth quarter.
Other Games:
Louisville at Boston College
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech
North Carolina at Virginia
Wake Forest at Stanford
Oregon State at Cal
Florida State at Miami
