### McCord’s Rough Night Leads to Pitt Victory; Panthers Eyeing ACC Title

In a game marked by defensive prowess, Pitt showcased their dominance by capitalizing on an uncharacteristic performance from Syracuse’s quarterback. Entering the game as one of the top passers in the nation, McCord’s outing against the Panthers proved to be his toughest yet.

McCord, who was trailing only Miami's Cam Ward in passing yards per game and was tied for fifth with 19 passing touchdowns, struggled immensely. Completing 35 of 64 pass attempts, he amassed 321 yards but was plagued by five interceptions and failed to secure a single touchdown. Pitt’s relentless defense applied pressure early, leading McCord to make costly mistakes that put Syracuse in a deficit they couldn’t recover from.

Pitt’s defense played exceptionally well, intercepting three passes and returning two for touchdowns. The Panthers’ aggressive defensive strategy set the tone of the game and showcased their readiness for a promising season. The official Pitt Football Twitter account celebrated the performance with an enthusiastic post, highlighting the defensive feats that sealed their victory.

Under the guidance of Coach Pat Narduzzi, who led the Panthers to an ACC Coastal Division title in 2018 and an ACC Championship in 2021, Pitt is once again in contention for the conference title. This season has far exceeded expectations, positioning the Panthers as serious contenders. They will face SMU on Nov. 2, followed by a crucial matchup against Clemson on Nov. 16.

Syracuse, with a 5-1 record entering the game, was also in the running for the conference title. However, the loss to Pitt, underscored by McCord’s turnovers, has set them back. Syracuse will aim for redemption next Saturday in a home game against Virginia Tech, where they hope to achieve bowl eligibility and secure a win against an old Big East rival.