Syracuse vs Pittsburgh Prediction 9/17/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

The Syracuse Orange and Pittsburgh Panthers meet Thursday in week 3 college football action at Acrisure Stadium. Here’s a Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh Prediction. This article will include a Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh Pick.

Syracuse Orange Betting Preview

The Syracuse Orange beat New Hampshire, lost to Cal, and play UConn next. Syracuse has lost 9 of its last 10 games. Steve Angeli is completing 55.7 percent of his passes for 570 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Umari Hatcher and Justus Ross-Simmons have combined for 329 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Daunte Bacheyie has 6 receptions.

The Syracuse Orange ground game is averaging 178.5 yards per contest, and Tylik Hill leads the way with 147 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Syracuse is allowing 12 points and 204 yards per game. Braheem Long Jr. leads the Syracuse Orange with 13 tackles, Keyshawn Johnson has 2.5 sacks, and Rashard Perry has 1 interception.

Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Panthers beat Miami (OH) and UCF, and they play Bucknell next. Pittsburgh looks to start 3-0 for the second time in the last three years. Mason Heintschel is completing 70 percent of his passes for 665 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Cataurus Hicks and Censere Lee have combined for 282 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Bryce Yates has 6 receptions.

The Pittsburgh Panthers’ ground game is averaging 134.5 yards per contest, and Damon Ferguson Jr. leads the way with 81 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Pittsburgh is allowing 10.5 points and 247.5 yards per game. Cruce Brookins leads the Pittsburgh Panthers with 9 tackles, Braylan Lovelace has 1 sack, and Raion Strader has 1 pass deflection.

Why the Pittsburgh Panthers will win

• Syracuse has lost nine of its last 10 games.
• Pittsburgh has won eight of its last nine games against teams from New York.
• Pittsburgh has covered the spread in each of its last five Thursday games against conference opponents.
• Syracuse has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games as an underdog.
• Syracuse has lost the first half in each of its last four games as a road underdog.

Why the Syracuse Orange will win

• Syracuse has won each of its last four road games in September.
• Syracuse has covered the spread in each of its last five road games in September.
• Pittsburgh has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four home games.

Total Points Facts

• Ten of Pittsburgh’s last 11 September games as a home favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
• Each of Syracuse’s last four games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Pittsburgh Panthers Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 3, Bryce Yates ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.

Syracuse Orange Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 3, Keyshawn Johnson ranks T15th amongst FBS players for sacks (2.5) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Pittsburgh ranks 3rd among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (23.5).
• Pittsburgh ranks 7th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (341.0).
• Syracuse ranks T11th among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (59).
• Syracuse ranks 12th among FBS teams for yards allowed per game this season (204.0).

Syracuse vs Pittsburgh Prediction

Pitt is the more talented team and has the edge on defense, so the line isn’t surprising at home. However, Syracuse just hung around with a decent Cal team and has defended well in its own right. Syracuse also relies on RPO and taking deep shots, and that could be tough to defend on a quick turnaround. It also looks like the weather could be an issue in this one, with expected rain. Syracuse can move the ball and hang around; it just needs Angeli to not turn it over as he did against Cal.

Either way, this is a big conference game for both sides, and we’re getting a hook on top of a key number. I’ll grab the points with the Orange.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Syracuse +10.5