Syracuse football stumbles into bye week with brutal loss in primetime at Pittsburgh (Axe’s quick takes)

Key Points:

• Syracuse University football suffered a 27-13 loss to Pittsburgh, dropping their season record to 1-2 and highlighting significant offensive struggles that may require a quarterback change and a revamped offensive strategy.
• The team continues to be plagued by penalties, accumulating nine flags for 90 yards against Pittsburgh, maintaining their status as the most penalized team in college football, with head coach Fran Brown also receiving an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
• Defensive issues emerged with missed tackles leading to big plays for Pittsburgh, including 245 rushing yards allowed and a total of 368 yards, marking a decline from their previously solid defensive performances.
• On offense, Umari Hatcher remained a bright spot with 86 yards and key plays, while Ahmad Miller showed improvement in the running game, though the team continues to search for a reliable lead running back.
• Special teams woes persist, including a crucial delay of game penalty negating a 54-yard field goal attempt and a kicker change from junior Tripp Woody, who missed multiple field goals, to freshman Shay Barker, who made a 42-yard kick at halftime.