GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Pittsburgh’s secondary is again tasked with a tall order on Saturday as they face Orange quarterback Eric Dungey. Dungey has racked up 1,013 passing yards on 84-of-132 passing with nine touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Pittsburgh’s defense ranks No. 76 in the FBS in passing defense, giving up 229.8 yards per game through the air. Perhaps more notably, Syracuse has limited its turnovers — the Orange only have four this year and are plus-eight in the turnover margin, while Pittsburgh is minus-one.
While Syracuse only ranks No. 54 in passing offense (246.2 yards per game), their efficiency and discipline makes it a tough matchup.
DRAFT SLANT
–LB Quintin Wirginis: Against UCF, Wirginis was limited to just five tackles, including a half-tackle for a loss. He was also flagged for a roughing the passer penalty against UCF. The presumptive leader of Pittsburgh’s defense will look for a more disciplined effort against an upstart, efficient Syracuse squad.
ROSTER REPORT:
–DB Phil Campbell III (illness) is questionable for Saturday.
–A total of 15 redshirt freshmen have debuted this season for Pittsburgh, including seven on offense and six on defense.
===
