Syracuse Football: Top 5 Plays of Week 6 Versus Pitt (video highlights)
By Josh Peelman
1. Ryan Guthrie Sack With Under a Minute To Play
This may not have been the biggest highlight of the day compared to these other crazy catches and runs, but it was the most important one for Syracuse football. The Orange had just failed to convert on 4th and one on a short shovel pass to Pierce in the red zone. Down three, Pitt just needed a field goal with under a minute to tie the game.
Ben Dinucci, Pitts backup quarterback who had come in for injured starter Max Browne had to make a long pass play. The Orange knew that, so they dropped a bunch of guys back and left only a few of the front seven at the line. Luckily, the Orange had the crowd got behind them, cheering them on for a stop.
After the ball was snapped, number 41, Ryan Guthrie, made the play of his life, pushing his lineman back. He would not be denied. He would spin by the guy in front of him taking Dinucci down shortly after for the sack. It would be one of only two for the Orange on the day. The play would also knock Dinucci’s helmet off forcing the Pitt offense to burn a timeout so he would not have to miss a play. That sack by Guthrie would wind up being the big play the Orange needed to hold the Panthers off.
It was the highlight of what was an excellent defensive day for the Orange. If the Orange and Guthrie can do more big plays like this down the stretch in big games then they’ll be fine.
Next: Syracuse Football: Orange Beat Panthers- Game Notes