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The line on the Thursday night game between Syracuse and Pittsburgh has moved from Panthers -6 to -5 over the past few days.
Sagarin suggests this number is right on the money at 5.7.
Syracuse comes into this game with just one loss while Pittsburgh remains undefeated.
The 19th-ranked Panthers (6-0, 2-0 ACC) are one of the surprise teams in the country. Syracuse (5-1, 2-1) and first-year head coach Fran Brown might not be far behind.
What’s at Stake?
The Panthers and Orange are arguably two of the biggest surprises in the ACC. Syracuse was picked to finish 12th in the preseason media poll, with Pitt 13th. The winner enters November with a legitimate shot at reaching the conference title gam e and perhaps the College Football Playoff.
Key Matchup
Syracuse’s offensive line vs. Pitt’s defensive front. The Panthers’ pass rush is typically among the most aggressive in the country, and a young unit showed signs of maturing in a victory over California two weeks ago, when Pitt racked up six sacks. Given how heavily the Orange rely on QB Kyle McCord, if the Panthers can disrupt McCord’s timing, it could be an uphill fight for Syracuse.
Players to Watch
Syracuse: McCord. The Ohio State transfer has given the Orange a long overdue upgrade at the game’s most important position. McCord has topped 300 yards passing in each of his first six games and is second in the nation in passing (360 yards per contest).
Pittsburgh: RB Desmond Reid. The Western Carolina transfer has been a revelation in his first season at the FBS level. The 5-foot-8 Reid is second in the country and first in the ACC with an average of 182.6 all-purpose yards per game. Reid’s big play ability can turn games in a split second, as he did earlier this year in wins over Cincinnati and Cal.
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