Syracuse football versus Pittsburgh how to watch, odds and prediction in week 8

Syracuse football, coming off a bye last weekend and currently on a two-game losing streak, will host long-time foe Pittsburgh on Saturday night in an Atlantic Coast Conference showdown.

While the Orange is struggling a bit of late, Pittsburgh is on a roll, as my Inside The Loud House colleague Bryan Zarpentine noted in a piece on Tuesday. The Panthers have won two straight, including a 34-31 road triumph over then-No. 25 Florida State this past Saturday.

The week-eight clash between the 'Cuse and Pittsburgh is critical to both teams. For Syracuse football to have a realistic shot at a bowl game in 2025, the team will likely need to hold serve with its three remaining home encounters.

On the flip side, the Panthers want to continue their climb up the ACC standings. Plus, a triumph over the Orange would get Pittsburgh even closer to reaching bowl eligibility.

Syracuse football vs. Pittsburgh odds, spread and total

When I wrote this article, FanDuel had the 'Cuse as a sizable 10.5-point betting underdog at home against the Panthers, with the over/under set at 54.5 points.

Syracuse football vs. Pittsburgh how to watch

Date: Saturday, Oct. 18
Game Time: 7:30 pm EST
Venue: JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. (Homecoming)
TV/Streaming: ACC Network and fuboTV
Pittsburgh's record: 4-2 overall, 2-1 in the ACC
Syracuse's record: 3-3 overall, 1-2 in the ACC
Syracuse’s full 2025 schedule: Click here

Syracuse football vs. Pittsburgh prediction and pick

In their all-time series together, the Orange is 33-44-3 against the Panthers in a rivalry that dates back to 1916, according to SU Athletics. During the 2024 campaign, Pittsburgh crushed the 'Cuse at home, 41-13, as Syracuse football's record-setting quarterback, Kyle McCord, had a rough outing.

On Saturday evening, quarterback play will come into focus. The Panthers have started freshman Mason Heintschel in the past two games, and that move has paid off. Meanwhile, the Orange staff is sticking with redshirt sophomore Rickie Collins, despite his sub-par performances in two straight setbacks.

I'd also keep an eye on each team's offensive line. The 'Cuse OL needs to give Collins ample time to make wise decisions when he's in the pocket. Syracuse football, by extension, also needs to get its run game going and be more consistent on defense.

The Orange is expected to have numerous highly ranked recruiting targets and verbal pledges on the Hill to watch this ACC affair, so hopefully, the 'Cuse will play well. Still, I don't have a ton of confidence in our boys these days, and it's not just because of the quarterback position.

However, the team has had a chance to rest and group with the recent bye. Head coach Fran Brown says Collins is picking things up better. While the Orange is a large betting underdog, I'm going to project Syracuse football to knock off Pittsburgh at the Dome, 28-24.