Panthers reach bowl eligibility with one-point win at Syracuse

The Syracuse Orange struck first on a 36-yard touchdown run by Jerome Smith. But the game’s margin was decided on the next snap when Aaron Donald pushed through Syracuse’s line and got his fingertips on Ryan Norton’s extra-point attempt. 

Pitt ultimately won against the Orange, 17-16. The Panthers (6-5, 3-4 ACC) reached bowl eligibility for the fifth consecutive season. 

After Smith’s touchdown, the Panthers’ first two drives of the game ended in punt and Syracuse led 6-0 at the end of the first quarter. 

Chris Blewitt connected on a 43-yard field goal shortly after the second quarter began, and Pitt took its first lead of the game two drives later. Tom Savage capped a 10-play, 70-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Manasseh Garner. 

Syracuse responded with a field goal before the half to draw within 10-9. 

The two teams each scored in the third quarter, as Syracuse quarterback Terrel Hunt found Alvin Cornelius for a 42-yard touchdown. Pitt answered with a 9-play, 88-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run by Isaac Bennett as the third ended. 

Pitt and Syracuse engaged in a battle of attrition in the fourth, as neither team scored and Pitt gained revenge for the 14-13 loss taken at the Carrier Dome last season. 

Bennett;s touchdown was one of few positives in the run game, as the Panthers rushed 27 times for only 67 yards. Sacks sustained by Savage left Pitt with just 21 net yards on the ground. 

Opposite Pitt, the Orange exacted their will on Pitt’s run defense. Syracuse ran the ball 39 times for 148 yards, led by Smith’s 88 yards on 17 attempts. 

Savage was sacked three times Saturday, but completed 28-of-41 passes for 218 yards with a touchdown and interception.