Pitt grabs 5 interceptions, including 3 pick-6s, off Syracuse's Kyle McCord in blowout win
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord threw five interceptions, including three pick-6s, in a loss to Pitt on Thursday at Acrisure Stadium.
Pitt's defense picked off McCord on Syracuse's first three possessions of the game to take a 17-0 lead with just over 6 minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Pitt linebacker Rasheem Biles snagged a pass from McCord and returned it 35 yards to put Pitt ahead 7-0 with 12:47 remaining in the first frame. Five plays later, Pitt linebacker Brandon George's interception ended Syracuse's second drive of the game. Pitt went on to kick a field goal to take a 10-0 lead.
The Panthers' second pick-six and third interception of the first quarter came after linebacker Kyle Louis picked off McCord and galloped down the sideline, evading multiple defenders before scoring on a 59-yard return to increase their lead to 17-0.
Pitt recorded its fourth interception and third pick-6 with 1:12 left in the second quarter. Linebacker Braylan Lovelace picked off McCord and ran 33 yards for the score to jump ahead 31-0.
The Panthers' fifth interception came late in the third quarter when defensive back Phillip O'Brien Jr. picked off McCord on third down.
According to a post on X from the ACC Network, Pitt is the first NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision team to tally three pick-6s in a single half since 2005. The team's stout defense is one reason Pitt has started the season undefeated.
No. 19 Pitt beat Syracuse 41-13. The two longtime rivals have played each other every year since 1955, and Thursday was the 80th matchup between the Panthers and the Orange. Pitt leads the overall series 44-33-3.
Pitt (7-0) plays No. 22 SMU on Nov. 2.
