Pitt football beats Syracuse 33-20 to become bowl eligible

The Pitt football team reached bowl eligibility on Saturday afternoon with a win over Syracuse… The Pitt football team reached bowl eligibility on Saturday afternoon with a win over Syracuse in the regular season finale.

The Panthers never trailed in the 33-20 win over the Orange at Heinz Field and the victory moves Pitt to a bowl eligible 6-6 record. Syracuse also needed a win to qualify for a bowl bid.

In the fourth quarter, it looked like the Panthers’ would lose another double-digit lead this season—Pitt jumped out to a 10-point advantage in the first quarter—but outside linebacker Brandon Lindsey had other plans.

Syracuse had the ball with less than three minutes remaining with Pitt holding a 26-20 advantage.

Lindsey sacked Orange quarterback Ryan Nassib, forcing a fumble, and cornerback Antwuan Reed scooped up the ball and ran into the end zone. The touchdown boosted Pitt’s lead to 33-20.

Andrew Taglianetti sealed the victory on Syracuse’s next possession with an interception.

Pitt forced six turnovers against the Orange, the first time the Panthers had six forced turnovers since a 2002 game against Ohio.

The Panthers jumped out to a quick lead after Syracuse fumbled the kickoff and Tristan Roberts recovered. Pitt quarterback Tino Sunseri completed a pass to tailback Isaac Bennett for a 22-yard touchdown, giving the Panthers a 7-0 advantage.

Brandon Lindsey intercepted Orange quarterback Ryan Nassib on the Syracuse’s first drive. The turnover led to a 37-yard Kevin Harper field goal and a 10-0 lead for Pitt.

The Panthers led 20-10 at the half.