Syracuse (3-3, 1-1 Atlantic Coast) hosts No. 25 Pittsburgh (5-1, 3-0) on Saturday at noon in the Carrier Dome. The Orange is looking to avoid a four-game losing streak and a below-.500 record for the first time this season. Follow along with all of The Daily Orange’s SU-Pitt coverage here or follow @DOSports on Twitter.

Here are five keys to the game.

1. Forcing turnovers

In Syracuse’s first three games, the Orange forced nine turnovers. But as SU has suffered three straight losses, its defense has forced five. The drop off could have to do with increased competition, but also helps explain why Syracuse now sits at .500. Pittsburgh quarterback Nate Peterman threw two picks in the first quarter against Iowa in Week 3, but he’s gone 17 quarters since without one.

2. Covering Boyd

Panthers wide receiver Tyler Boyd leads the ACC in receptions with 41 and receiving yards per game with 79.2. In the past two weeks alone, he’s caught 15 passes for 122 yards and three touchdowns. Against a secondary that has struggled throughout the season, Boyd could have a field day.

3. Setting the tempo

At this week’s media opportunity, defensive end Donnie Simmons and defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough both said Pittsburgh shapes itself around a run-heavy offense. If Syracuse could match that with an effective run game of its own, that could help neutralize the Panthers. Pitt has attempted 240 runs compared to 136 passes this season.

4. Just for kicks

UP kicker Chris Blewitt hit a game-winning 56-yard field goal last week against Georgia Tech. After missing two field goals in the first two games this season, Blewitt went 4-of-5 in the next four. Meanwhile, Syracuse kicker Cole Murphy missed two 48-yard field goals last week against Virginia. He’s 8-for-12 on the season and if the game were to come down to field goals, neither player is an automatic make every time.

5. Third downs

Syracuse is averaging 63 plays per game, which ranks among the worst in college football. On Thursday, head coach Scott Shafer attributed it to poor third-down defense. If the Orange could get off the field, its offense could run more plays. Syracuse opponents are converting on 40 percent of third downs this year and Pitt has converted 39 percent of the time. If the trend continues, SU could have another hard time stopping long drives.

Published on October 23, 2015 at 2:25 pm

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