The Pittsburgh Panthers will visit the Syracuse Orange for a Week 8 game in the 2025 regular season. This game will be held at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, NY, kicking off at 7:30 PM on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Fans can catch the action on the ACCN network.
Pittsburgh enters the game with a 4-2 record, showcasing their strength in conference play with a 2-1 mark. Coming off a tight 34-31 victory over Florida State, the Panthers have been solid on the road this season with a 1-1 record away from Acrisure Stadium.
Syracuse, holding a 3-3 record, seeks to improve its standing, particularly in Atlantic Coast Conference play where they are 1-2. The Orange have had mixed results at home with a 2-2 record, and will be aiming to rebound from their recent 31-18 defeat to SMU on the road.
Syracuse vs Pittsburgh At a Glance
- Game Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 7:30 PM
- Venue: JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, NY
- TV Channel: ACCN
- Pittsburgh Record: 4-2 overall, 2-1 in conference
- Syracuse Record: 3-3 overall, 1-2 in conference
- Game Odds: Pittsburgh -426, Syracuse +326, Spread: Pittsburgh -11.5
Syracuse Orange’s Upcoming Challenge: The Pittsburgh Panthers
Offensive Performance
The Syracuse Orange’s offense has shown some impressive performances this season, especially in the passing game. Ranked 7th in passing yards with a total of 1924 yards, the Orange have displayed their aerial capabilities. However, their rushing game lags significantly, ranking 112th with only 674 rushing yards.
Despite being in the top 20 for first downs with 141, their overall points scored stand at 174, placing them 48th. This suggests that while they can advance the ball, turning those opportunities into points has been a challenge.
Defensive Struggles
On the defensive side, Syracuse has struggled, allowing 179 points, which ranks them at 107th. Despite these struggles, their ability to create turnovers has been a bright spot, with 4 interceptions placing them 5th in the nation.
Their pass rush has also been effective, recording 8 sacks to rank 18th. However, the defense has only recovered 2 fumbles, ranking 7th, indicating room for improvement in forcing and recovering fumbles.
Recent Game Recap
The Orange are coming off a loss against the SMU Mustangs, where they were defeated 31-18. In this game, Syracuse managed to secure 18 first downs and accumulated 279 passing yards, reflecting their strong passing capabilities.
However, turnovers plagued their efforts, with 3 interceptions thrown. This highlights a key area for improvement as they prepare for their next challenge.
Key Players
Quarterback Steve Angeli has been a standout player for Syracuse, leading the team with 1352 passing yards and 10 touchdowns before his season-ending Achilles injury. With Angeli out, Syracuse will need to rely on their other quarterbacks to step up.
In the rushing department, Yasin Willis has been the most productive back, accumulating 337 rushing yards. His contributions will be essential in balancing the offensive attack moving forward.
Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: Last 20 Games → 19-1 (95.0%)
- ATS – Away Games: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 25 Games → 18-7 (72.0%)
- O/U – After Win: Last 7 Games → 6-1 (85.7%)
- SU – After Loss: Last 7 Games → 6-1 (85.7%)
- SU – All Games: Last 19 Games → 13-6 (68.4%)
Pittsburgh Panthers Ready for Battle: An In-depth Look at Their Next Opponent
Team Offense Overview
The Pittsburgh Panthers have displayed a solid offensive performance this season. They currently rank 14th in passing yards with a total of 1,856. However, their rushing game is lagging, placing them at 100th with only 739 rushing yards.
The team’s ability to score points stands strong, as they have accumulated 239 points, placing them 15th in this category. Their efficiency in moving the chains is also commendable, ranking 33rd with 126 first downs.
Defensive Strengths
Pittsburgh’s defense is a force to be reckoned with, particularly in terms of sacks and turnovers. They rank 9th with 17 sacks this season, showcasing their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Interceptions and fumble recoveries have been a strong suit for the Panthers, with both categories ranking 5th in the league. Their defense has allowed 129 points, positioning them 75th in points against.
Recent Game Performances
The Panthers are coming off a hard-fought 34-31 victory against Florida State, showcasing their resilience. Their passing game was exceptional, contributing 321 yards to the win.
In their previous games, Pittsburgh demonstrated dominance against Boston College with a 48-7 win, highlighting their offensive capabilities. The team has faced challenges too, such as their loss to Louisville, which ended 34-27.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Eli Holstein has been a standout performer, leading the team with 1,058 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. His presence on the field is crucial for the Panthers’ success.
Running back Desmond Reid, though ranked 270th in rushing yards, has made significant contributions with 187 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Raphael Williams Jr. leads the receiving corps with 438 yards and four touchdowns.
Upcoming Challenges
The Panthers are set to play the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Pittsburgh is currently the favorite, with a betting line of -11.5 points.
Following the Syracuse game, Pittsburgh will face North Carolina State Wolfpack at home. These games will test the Panthers’ ability to maintain their strong performance as they push further into the season.
Pittsburgh Betting Trends
- As Favorite: 23-7 in the last 30 games (76.7%)
- O/U in all games: 5-0-2 in the last 7 games (71.4%)
- O/U with totals ≥ 50: 4-0-2 in the last 6 games (66.7%)
- ATS in home games: 11-3 in the last 14 games (78.6%)
- O/U as underdog: 3-0 in the last 3 games (100.0%)
Syracuse vs Pittsburgh Prediction: Syracuse +11.5
The Syracuse Orange are looking to bounce back after their recent loss against SMU. Playing at home gives them an edge, especially considering their strong performance in the past at the JMA Wireless Dome. Despite being underdogs by 11.5 points, Syracuse has proven resilient after losses, as they have gone 6-1 straight up in such situations since 2023.
The Pittsburgh Panthers have had a decent season with a 4-2 record, but their road performance stands at 1-1. While they have a strong passing offense, their rushing game ranks 100th, which might struggle against Syracuse’s home field advantage. Additionally, Syracuse’s past trends show they perform well against the spread after a loss, making them a solid choice here.
In terms of defense, both teams have strengths, but Syracuse’s ability to recover from setbacks and play tough at home could keep them within striking distance. Their recent history as underdogs also suggests they have the capability to cover the spread. Pittsburgh’s advantage may not be enough to overcome Syracuse’s determination to stay competitive.
Given these factors, Syracuse is likely to keep the game close, potentially even pulling off an upset. This makes taking Syracuse +11.5 an appealing pick for those looking at the spread. We project the final score to reflect a narrow margin, suggesting a close contest.
- Syracuse vs Pittsburgh Prediction: Syracuse +11.5
- Syracuse vs Pittsburgh Score: Pittsburgh 31 – Syracuse 24
