Syracuse Football: Week 8 Pitt Panthers crystal ball predictions

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 05: Taysir Mack #11 of the Pittsburgh Panthers makes a catch against Josh Blackwell #31 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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Paul A. Esden Jr, Site Expert (3-3)

I claim to be the eternal optimist of the group, but sadly all my hope and love have been annihilated by putrid offensive performances and lackluster results.

Can the Orange beat the Pitt Panthers? Sure they CAN, but will they? I’m not so sure.

The No. 1 thing I’ve learned through the first half of the 2019 season: Syracuse can’t protect Tommy DeVito consistently.

The No. 1 thing I’ve learned about the Pitt Panthers thus far? They can get after the quarterback early and often.

That sounds like a horrible matchup on paper and it really is.

On top of the terrible matchup, Syracuse is still dealing with a variety of injuries to key parts of their team at center, cornerback, and the defensive line. If you’re to believe coach Babers, “none” of those guys will be coming back for this one. I’m not so sure how much is the truth and how much is gamesmanship.

Nonetheless, even if guys come back how will the Orange be able to protect better than they have all season vs the best defense remaining on the schedule.

I find it hard to believe so I have to sadly go with the Pitt Panthers. Give me Pitt 28-10. I hope I’m wrong, but it’s just hard to believe in this team right now after a putrid performance vs NC State in what many believed was a ‘pivotal swing game’.

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