Syracuse Orange (1-1) vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (2-0)
September 17, 2026 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Pittsburgh Panthers -10.5 / Syracuse Orange 10.5; Over/Under: 51.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a Pittsburgh vs Syracuse prediction for this College Football game on Thursday, September 17th at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 3 matchup.
Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Panthers are 2-0 this season after they defeated UCF by a score of 12-7 in week two. Pittsburgh led 12-0 at halftime and they were able to get the win, but they failed to score in the second half. The Panthers out gained UCF by a total of 315-206, went 5-18 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at zero in the game. Mason Heintschel threw for 212 yards, while Cataurus Hicks caught three passes for 64 yards. Damon Ferguson Jr rushed 20 times for 59 yards and one score in the win.
Prior to that game, Pittsburgh defeated Miami (OH) by a score of 59-14 in week one. The Panthers have scored 35.5 points per game with 346.0 passing yards and 134.5 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 10.5 points against per game this season. Mason Heintschel has thrown for 665 yards, seven touchdowns, and zero interceptions, while Cataurus Hicks has eight receptions for 178 yards and one score this season.
Syracuse Orange Betting Preview
The Syracuse Orange are 1-1 (0-1) this year after they lost to California by a score of 21-18 last week. Syracuse led 12-7 at halftime and 18-14 in the third quarter, but they allowed a touchdown with about five minutes left for the loss. The Orange out gained Cal by a total of 437-249, went 7-17 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 3-0 in the game. Steve Angeli threw for 307 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, while Justus Ross-Simmons caught six passes for 105 yards. Tylik Hill rushed two times for 56 yards in the game.
Prior to that loss, Syracuse defeated New Hampshire by a score of 66-3 in week one. The Orange have scored 42.0 points per game with 297.0 passing yards and 178.5 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 12.0 points against per game this season. Steve Angeli has thrown for 570 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions, while Umari Hatcher has caught 14 passes for 224 yards and two scores. Tylik Hill has rushed 18 times for 147 yards and one touchdown this year.
Why the Pittsburgh Panthers will win
- Syracuse has lost each of its last eight games against conference opponents.
- The favorite has won each of Pittsburgh’s last 10 games at Acrisure Stadium.
- The favorite has covered the spread in eight of Pittsburgh’s last nine games at Acrisure Stadium.
- Syracuse has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games against conference opponents.
- Pittsburgh has won the first quarter in each of its last seven home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Pittsburgh has won the first half in each of its last 12 games as a home favorite.
Why the Syracuse Orange will win
- Syracuse has won six of its last nine September games as an underdog.
- Syracuse has covered the spread in seven of its last eight September road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Pittsburgh has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games.
- Syracuse has won the first half in each of its last four road games in September.
- Syracuse has won the first quarter in each of its last four road games in September.
Total Points Facts
- Twelve of Pittsburgh’s last 13 September home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Seven of Syracuse’s last eight September games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
Pittsburgh Panthers Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, Ja’Kyrian Turner ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.
Syracuse Orange Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, Shavane Anderson Jr. ranks T11th amongst FBS players for rushing touchdowns (3) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Pittsburgh ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Pittsburgh ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Syracuse ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- One of Syracuse’s two games this season have been decided by a margin of three points or less – equal-most amongst FBS teams.
Pittsburgh vs Syracuse Prediction
Pittsburgh rolls into this matchup with a 2-0 record, but they barely escaped against UCF in a very sloppy win. The Panthers have a very solid quarterback, but I am curious to see how the defense plays here. Syracuse had a ton of yards against Cal last week, but they struggled with turnovers in the loss. The Orange have played very strong defense through two games, but Angeli has to take care of the ball. I think Pitt is the better team, but this is a lot of points to cover against a decent team on a short week. Take Syracuse and the points.
