University of Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi celebrated a strong start to the 2026 football season as the Panthers defeated longtime rival Syracuse 27-13 on Thursday night at Acrisure Stadium. The win moved Pitt to a perfect 3-0 record and continued a dominant run in the ACC rivalry.
Key moments and statistics
Pittsburgh’s offense clicked early, scoring a touchdown on its opening drive and never looking back. The defense limited the Orange to just 13 points, forcing several three-and-out series and securing a crucial interception in the second quarter. The Panthers’ balanced attack—mixing a solid ground game with efficient passing—helped them control the tempo throughout the contest.
Coach Narduzzi reaches a milestone
The victory also marked Coach Narduzzi’s 144th game leading the Panthers, surpassing Hall of Famer Jock Sutherland as the coach with the most games in program history. It was his 20th win against Syracuse in the last 24 meetings, underscoring his sustained success in one of the ACC’s oldest rivalries.
Continuing the home streak
With the win, Pitt extended its home winning streak against Syracuse to 12 straight games, a testament to the team’s preparation and the supportive atmosphere at Acrisure Stadium. Fans praised the coaching staff’s game plan and the players’ execution, noting the importance of maintaining momentum as the season progresses.
Looking ahead
The Panthers will travel to Virginia Tech next Friday for their first ACC road game of the year. The matchup will test the team’s ability to perform in hostile environments and could provide early insight into how the squad will fare in conference play.
Overall, the 27-13 triumph reinforces the Panthers’ early-season trajectory and offers optimism for fans eager to see Pittsburgh contend for ACC honors. Coach Narduzzi’s record-breaking tenure and the team’s disciplined performance suggest that the Panthers are well positioned to build on this success throughout the remainder of the season.
Original reporting: WESB (Bradford) — read the source article.
