Syracuse runs all over Pittsburgh in snapping losing streak
Just as they did last week in their loss to Boston College, the Syracuse offense operated a run-heavy game plan against Pittsburgh, but the presence of quarterback Garrett Shrader made for a more diverse attack.
Shrader moved all around the offensive formation as the Orange (5-5, 1-5 ACC) ran direct snaps to multiple players and relied on deception to offset a simplified number of play calls while the defense forced four turnovers in a 28-13 victory over the Panthers (2-8, 1-5). The victory snapped a five-game losing streak.
Tight end Dan Villari, who formerly played quarterback before changing positions, and running back LeQuint Allen took snaps at times as SU ran the ball 66 times as opposed to throwing eight passes, the longest of which picked up six yards.
Villari had an unexpected career day, rushing 17 times for 154 yards and a touchdown. Allen added 102 yards on 28 carries while Shrader had 96 on 14 rushes to go with a score.
It was a strong start for Syracuse, as they marched 75 yards for a touchdown on the opening drive, capping things with a five-yard touchdown pass from Shrader to Max Mang. The offense bogged down over the rest of the half, as the Orange only picked up 66 more yards before half while Pitt took a 13-7 lead.
SU took the lead back on their first possession of the third quarter, capping a 52-yard drive with Shrader’s 21-yard scoring run.
The next Syracuse drive ended at the Pitt 1, but two plays later, Jayden Bellamy returned an interception 23 yards for a touchdown and the Orange held a 21-13 lead late in the third quarter. That was Bellamy’s second turnover of the game, as he notched a fumble recovery earlier in the contest.
On the first play of the final period, Terry Lockett pounced on a loose ball at the Pitt 34. Two plays later, Villari was in the end zone after a 27-yard run. The extra point made it 28-13 and the SU defense made that lead stand up from there, capping their effort with a fumble recovery by Kevon Darton.
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