Desmond Reid will lead the Pittsburgh Panthers (6-0) into their matchup against the Syracuse Orange (5-1) at Acrisure Stadium on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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Go to ESPN to watch this game live.
Keep up with college football all season on FOX Sports.
CFB Week 9: Vanderbilt vs. Texas best bets, predictions & odds | Bear Bets
Join gambling expert Chris “The Bear” Fallica and former NFL Offensive Lineman Geoff Schwartz alongside friends and analysts Will Hill and Sam Panayotovich in the Gambling Group Chat to break down Texas vs. Vanderbilt in week nine of college football.
Learn more about the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Syracuse Orange.
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How to Watch Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse
When: Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Live Box Score: FOX Sports
Read More About This Game
Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse Predictions
Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse: Head to Head
Over the past two matchups against Syracuse, Pittsburgh has totaled one win and zero ties.
Each team has covered in one game in the past two matchups with those games outscoring the point total on one occasion.
Syracuse has scored 37 points in the last two matchups while only giving up 32 to Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh’s 2024 Schedule
Date
Opponent
Score
8/31/2024
vs. Kent State
W 55-24
9/7/2024
at Cincinnati
W 28-27
9/14/2024
vs. West Virginia
W 38-34
9/21/2024
vs. Youngstown State
W 73-17
10/5/2024
at North Carolina
W 34-24
10/12/2024
vs. California
W 17-15
10/24/2024
vs. Syracuse
–
11/2/2024
at SMU
–
11/9/2024
vs. Virginia
–
11/16/2024
vs. Clemson
–
11/23/2024
at Louisville
–
11/30/2024
at Boston College
–
Pittsburgh 2024 Stats & Insights
Pittsburgh ranks 61st in total defense this year (353.2 yards allowed per game), but has been shining on offense, ranking eighth-best in the FBS with 479.7 total yards per game.
Pittsburgh ranks 105th in pass defense this season (244.7 passing yards allowed per game), but has been thriving on offense, ranking 12th-best in the FBS with 305.8 passing yards per game.
The Panthers rank 65th in scoring defense this year (23.5 points allowed per game), but they’ve been playing really well on the other side of the ball, ranking 10th-best in the FBS with 40.8 points per game.
The Panthers rank 51st in rushing yards this season (173.8 rushing yards per game), but they’ve been playing really well on the defensive side of the ball, ranking 24th-best in the FBS with 108.5 rushing yards allowed per game.
On offense, Pittsburgh ranks 63rd in the FBS with a 40.3% third-down conversion rate. Meanwhile, the team’s defense ranks 30th in third-down conversion rate allowed (108.5).
The Panthers have forced eight total turnovers (82nd in the FBS) this season and have turned it over six times (22nd in the FBS) for a turnover margin of +2, 47th-ranked in college football.
Syracuse’s defense ranks 64th in the FBS with 355.5 total yards allowed per contest, but it has been lifted up by its offense, which ranks 13th-best by posting 469.5 total yards per contest.
Syracuse’s passing attack has been leading the charge for the team, as it ranks second-best in the FBS with 365.2 passing yards per game. In terms of defense, it is surrendering 229.2 passing yards per game, which ranks 89th.
The Orange rank 32nd in the FBS with 33.8 points per game on offense, and they rank 74th with 24.7 points ceded per game on the defensive side of the ball.
The Orange’s running game has been struggling, ranking 14th-worst in the FBS with 104.3 rushing yards per game. They have been more productive on defense, surrendering 126.3 rushing yards per contest (48th-ranked).
Syracuse has been a top-25 unit on third down on both sides of the ball this season, as it ranks second-best in third-down conversion percentage (54.7%) and 16th-best in third-down rate allowed (30.3%).
The Orange have a +2 turnover margin this season, which ranks 47th in the FBS.
PennDOT has announced several major construction projects on the Parkway East this year, including a significant 25-day closure for the Commercial Street Bridge project.”I think the biggest thing is for all folks, plan ahead. Know where you’re starting from and where you’re going to, and to best determine the route that you should take during the closure period,” PennDOT senior construction manager John Myler said.Crews are working to finalize preparations to move a new bridge into place. “It’s not like launching a cruise ship where you just cut some cords and it falls into the water. It will be a very slow process,” Myler said. “We’ll continue to monitor the bridge as we’re moving it, and it will take many hours to move the bridge.”Transportation officials also provided updates on current projects and a look ahead at future plans. Part of those plans addresses issues with the notorious “bathtub” portion of I-376 in downtown Pittsburgh.In 2027, drivers can expect an 11-day closure to the section, which is often prone to flooding. “Right now the bathtub floods at 25 feet,” PennDOT executive Jason Zang said. “This would get us five more feet, and we think it will drastically reduce how much the ‘bathtub’ floods.” PennDOT officials assure that, much like the Commercial Street Bridge project, the inconvenience will be worth it in the end.
PITTSBURGH —
PennDOT has announced several major construction projects on the Parkway East this year, including a significant 25-day closure for the Commercial Street Bridge project.
“I think the biggest thing is for all folks, plan ahead. Know where you’re starting from and where you’re going to, and to best determine the route that you should take during the closure period,” PennDOT senior construction manager John Myler said.
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Crews are working to finalize preparations to move a new bridge into place.
“It’s not like launching a cruise ship where you just cut some cords and it falls into the water. It will be a very slow process,” Myler said. “We’ll continue to monitor the bridge as we’re moving it, and it will take many hours to move the bridge.”
Transportation officials also provided updates on current projects and a look ahead at future plans.
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Part of those plans addresses issues with the notorious “bathtub” portion of I-376 in downtown Pittsburgh.
In 2027, drivers can expect an 11-day closure to the section, which is often prone to flooding.
“Right now the bathtub floods at 25 feet,” PennDOT executive Jason Zang said. “This would get us five more feet, and we think it will drastically reduce how much the ‘bathtub’ floods.”
PennDOT officials assure that, much like the Commercial Street Bridge project, the inconvenience will be worth it in the end.
Multi-Platinum recording artist Bret Michaels joins “Good Morning Football” to chat all things Pittsburgh, from his roots there to the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, and what that all means for his beloved Steelers.
Video Transcript
We are 21 days away from wow, I mean, come on, I’m supposed to read something and I get to look at Wiz, Brett and Kane.
We are 21 days away from wow, I mean, come on, I’m supposed to read something and I get to look at Wiz, Brett and Kane.
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Let’s go.
Let’s go.
The NFL draft kicks off in Pittsburgh and Steel City is bringing it.
The NFL draft kicks off in Pittsburgh and Steel City is bringing it.
They’ve just announced the entertainment series lineup presented by Bud Light.
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They’ve just announced the entertainment series lineup presented by Bud Light.
Kane Brown performing on Saturday, April 25th.
Kane Brown performing on Saturday, April 25th.
Pittsburgh natives Brett, Michael, and Wiz Khalifa taking the stage Friday, the 24th, dare I say.
Pittsburgh natives Brett, Michael, and Wiz Khalifa taking the stage Friday, the 24th, dare I say.
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Nothing but a good time.
Nothing but a good time.
Oh my, look who we got Bret Michaels, friend of our show, we know him we love him.
Oh my, look who we got Bret Michaels, friend of our show, we know him we love him.
He is a longtime GMFB legend.
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He is a longtime GMFB legend.
Mr. Brett, good morning.
Mr. Brett, good morning.
Good morning.
Good morning.
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Good morning.
Good morning.
Good morning, man.
Good morning, man.
I am fired up and thank you for having me back on.
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I am fired up and thank you for having me back on.
This is awesome.
This is awesome.
I mean, what a promotion to be a part of, to be invited with this.
I mean, what a promotion to be a part of, to be invited with this.
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What is, why is it so special for you though, Brett?
What is, why is it so special for you though, Brett?
We love the origin story for you in this participation.
We love the origin story for you in this participation.
Here it is, uh, first of all, uh, where I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Butler, uh, you know, my whole family lives there, works there, my dad not only oncoste, uh, also a veteran, and the reason I’m so excited, I grew up with loving football, sports, music, and to be able to come back to Pittsburgh with my good friend Wiz Khalifa.
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Here it is, uh, first of all, uh, where I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Butler, uh, you know, my whole family lives there, works there, my dad not only oncoste, uh, also a veteran, and the reason I’m so excited, I grew up with loving football, sports, music, and to be able to come back to Pittsburgh with my good friend Wiz Khalifa.
And we have, we have rocked before together.
And we have, we have rocked before together.
We’re going to mash this up and on Friday night at 5:30 make this the most incredible.
We’re going to mash this up and on Friday night at 5:30 make this the most incredible.
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We’re going to hit that stage and just explode.
We’re going to hit that stage and just explode.
I called it all killer hits, no filler.
I called it all killer hits, no filler.
It’s going to be awesome.
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It’s going to be awesome.
OK, OK, OK, Brett, you said you’re going to mash up.
OK, OK, OK, Brett, you said you’re going to mash up.
You mentioned Wiz Khalifa.
You mentioned Wiz Khalifa.
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Could there be a mashup ?
Could there be a mashup ?
Of like a rock, hip hop, black and yellow remix there going on like come on, fill me in some details, man.
Of like a rock, hip hop, black and yellow remix there going on like come on, fill me in some details, man.
I’m giving you full detail right now.
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I’m giving you full detail right now.
Here’s the scoop.
Here’s the scoop.
We, so we, we started, we started talking about this.
We, so we, we started, we started talking about this.
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We’re calling it black and yellow, nothing but a good time, nothing but a good draft right in Pittsburgh 2026.
We’re calling it black and yellow, nothing but a good time, nothing but a good draft right in Pittsburgh 2026.
We are mashing it up.
We are mashing it up.
We’re building the stage out together.
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We’re building the stage out together.
It it’s gonna be unbelievable, and then we, we’re making a song that we’re kind of putting together ourselves, and this, it’s just gonna be, like I said, I’m ready to be there now.
It it’s gonna be unbelievable, and then we, we’re making a song that we’re kind of putting together ourselves, and this, it’s just gonna be, like I said, I’m ready to be there now.
Like I’m ready to go.
Like I’m ready to go.
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I’m ready to go.
I’m ready to go.
Let’s go, Brett.
Let’s go, Brett.
I absolutely love it, man.
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I absolutely love it, man.
You are the definition of Steeler Nation, and you’re constantly rocking the gear.
You are the definition of Steeler Nation, and you’re constantly rocking the gear.
So I gotta ask, how many terrible towels do you have and do you have any good luck charms, any superstitions before the game?
So I gotta ask, how many terrible towels do you have and do you have any good luck charms, any superstitions before the game?
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Great question.
Great question.
I, I’m not gonna lie to you, I have hundreds of terrible towels because it’s all I asked for.
I, I’m not gonna lie to you, I have hundreds of terrible towels because it’s all I asked for.
When I was a kid, um, I got, so football and music, quick story, saved my life, right?
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When I was a kid, um, I got, so football and music, quick story, saved my life, right?
I’m a diabetic since the age of 6. when you’re growing up, uh, in, in a town when you didn’t have a lot of, uh, answers for diabetes yet.
I’m a diabetic since the age of 6. when you’re growing up, uh, in, in a town when you didn’t have a lot of, uh, answers for diabetes yet.
It gave me a lot of hope right to this day and inspiration, and with that came a lot of superstition for wins, right?
It gave me a lot of hope right to this day and inspiration, and with that came a lot of superstition for wins, right?
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We would, we had all kinds of things in my family, but one of them, I’m going back, I’m harking back to this , right?
We would, we had all kinds of things in my family, but one of them, I’m going back, I’m harking back to this , right?
I, I, I rub it for good luck and I got this.
I, I, I rub it for good luck and I got this.
I don’t know, you, you’re all young.
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I don’t know, you, you’re all young.
I’m gonna say this, my my.
I’m gonna say this, my my.
Christmas gift came in an octagon cardboard box with a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform.
Christmas gift came in an octagon cardboard box with a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform.
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They forgot to inform us the helmet wasn’t protective.
They forgot to inform us the helmet wasn’t protective.
That may have been part of my, uh, my issues.
That may have been part of my, uh, my issues.
I’m not making light of it.
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I’m not making light of it.
I’m saying that, but they, it is the best thing, we rub it for good luck, um, and in Pittsburgh, we have Pittsburghhes.
I’m saying that, but they, it is the best thing, we rub it for good luck, um, and in Pittsburgh, we have Pittsburghhes.
So we’ll always be like, hey, Jin wanna come on down here.
So we’ll always be like, hey, Jin wanna come on down here.
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Yin’s gonna go down there to the game to see the Steelers, and, and I’m telling you, it’s, it’s real, but we are passionate about football.
Yin’s gonna go down there to the game to see the Steelers, and, and I’m telling you, it’s, it’s real, but we are passionate about football.
It is a football city.
It is a football city.
Obviously got terrible towels, stuff hanging.
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Obviously got terrible towels, stuff hanging.
All over the guitars and I love it.
All over the guitars and I love it.
I love it.
I love it.
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Brett, that’s awesome.
Brett, that’s awesome.
Hey, I first of all, before I ask the question, I gotta give some love to the T1D nation out there.
Hey, I first of all, before I ask the question, I gotta give some love to the T1D nation out there.
I have a daughter who’s 14 now who’s been T1D since she was she was 3 years old, so shout out to you.
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I have a daughter who’s 14 now who’s been T1D since she was she was 3 years old, so shout out to you.
I know, I know the journey all too well.
I know, I know the journey all too well.
Uh, but yes sir, and to her, we are, we are the diabetic duo, and that’s what with my like Rocks Foundation, we’re doing a big thing there with the draft in the NFL, uh, and a big part of it with diabetes, and you just tell her to keep on rocking the world.
Uh, but yes sir, and to her, we are, we are the diabetic duo, and that’s what with my like Rocks Foundation, we’re doing a big thing there with the draft in the NFL, uh, and a big part of it with diabetes, and you just tell her to keep on rocking the world.
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I definitely will let her know, man.
I definitely will let her know, man.
Well, Brett, OK, I need to know.
Well, Brett, OK, I need to know.
I need you to set the stage for us.
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I need you to set the stage for us.
We’re about to come to your house and watch a Steelers game.
We’re about to come to your house and watch a Steelers game.
What is the environment?
What is the environment?
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What’s required?
What’s required?
How’s it going down?
How’s it going down?
Alright, so first of all, it’s a party.
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Alright, so first of all, it’s a party.
I, I, I’m one of these guys.
I, I, I’m one of these guys.
I’m not making this up.
I’m not making this up.
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It, it’s anyone who’s been there knows my whole family.
It, it’s anyone who’s been there knows my whole family.
There’s a lot of food.
There’s a lot of food.
There’s a lot of pierogi.
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There’s a lot of pierogi.
Uh, I’m just throwing it out there.
Uh, I’m just throwing it out there.
There’s a lot of, there’s a lot of adult beverages everywhere, right?
There’s a lot of, there’s a lot of adult beverages everywhere, right?
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Good times are happening.
Good times are happening.
Uh, the game is on and there’s two rooms.
Uh, the game is on and there’s two rooms.
There’s the party happy, we’re winning room.
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There’s the party happy, we’re winning room.
And then there’s the room they put me in if I’m not winning.
And then there’s the room they put me in if I’m not winning.
That’s all I’m gonna say.
That’s all I’m gonna say.
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I, I get isolated quickly, uh, a lot of remotes have been broken, right?
I, I get isolated quickly, uh, a lot of remotes have been broken, right?
And a lot of great times have been had, so it’s, but honest to God, it’s a, it’s a party with music jamming, everyone having a great time, and I said.
And a lot of great times have been had, so it’s, but honest to God, it’s a, it’s a party with music jamming, everyone having a great time, and I said.
If I’ve learned one thing about uh being able to go out and play music, be able to be at the draft in the amazing city of Pittsburgh, uh, is that just treat people amazing and and be passionate about what you do.
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If I’ve learned one thing about uh being able to go out and play music, be able to be at the draft in the amazing city of Pittsburgh, uh, is that just treat people amazing and and be passionate about what you do.
It’s the reason I love your show, the passion you all have for a game that I love as a fan.
It’s the reason I love your show, the passion you all have for a game that I love as a fan.
And you all being incredible, that that’s what matters to me, Brett.
And you all being incredible, that that’s what matters to me, Brett.
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We love having you on GMFB.
We love having you on GMFB.
So many ideas already.
So many ideas already.
Like your next tour name should be called Pererogis and Red Solo Cups.
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Like your next tour name should be called Pererogis and Red Solo Cups.
I think the fact that you just said that, you better TM that you can have it.
I think the fact that you just said that, you better TM that you can have it.
It’s my gift to you.
It’s my gift to you.
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And also what did you say it was uh killer hits and no filler.
And also what did you say it was uh killer hits and no filler.
Like that’s all the linebackers here at the table today.
Like that’s all the linebackers here at the table today.
I know all line.
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I know all line.
Let me say this all killer, no filler.
Let me say this all killer, no filler.
It’s all killer hits.
It’s all killer hits.
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That’s linebacker lingo, Brett.
That’s linebacker lingo, Brett.
I’m giving it to you.
I’m giving it to you.
Go ahead.
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Go ahead.
Sorry.
Sorry.
It’s just an exchange of ideas.
It’s just an exchange of ideas.
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All right, Bret Michaels, everybody, uh, everyone go out and see Brett on the road and a live and amplified tour.
All right, Bret Michaels, everybody, uh, everyone go out and see Brett on the road and a live and amplified tour.
Check out the dates and tickets at retmichaels.com.
Check out the dates and tickets at retmichaels.com.
Bret Michaels, everybody, OK, I didn’t go to your, go to your house and watch games.
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Bret Michaels, everybody, OK, I didn’t go to your, go to your house and watch games.
That’s what I did, right?
That’s what I did, right?
I love you guys.
I love you guys.
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We are gonna do that.
We are gonna do that.
It’s gonna happen.
It’s gonna happen.
I love you too, buddy.
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I love you too, buddy.
Heck yes.
Heck yes.
Someday we’re gonna do GMFB live from Brett’s house.
Someday we’re gonna do GMFB live from Brett’s house.
The Mount Pleasant Township couple that is accused of killing their 15-month-old baby was in court for the first time on Wednesday.
Michael Blasser and Ashley Makarsky face multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child, and third-degree murder of their 15-month-old baby, who the county coroner said likely died from ingesting methamphetamine, which he got through his mother’s breast milk back in February.
The couple did not speak with the media, but they did waive their right to a preliminary hearing, expediting this case to move to the Court of Common Pleas.
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KDKA-TV spoke with Makarsky’s attorney, Jonathan Nace, who said that murder charges like this can be complex and that he needs to collect all the facts to aid in his client’s defense.
“She’s gutted by this whole situation, and this is tough for anyone,” Nace said. “As far as I am aware, this is the first time she’s in trouble. So, serious cases need to be taken seriously, and that means you are careful, you’re deliberate, you’re doing what you need to do. It is not going to be a fast process; it never is. But I’m not worried about doing things fast, I am worried about doing things right.”
While this couple remains incarcerated in the Westmoreland County Prison, they are due back in court on May 13.