Orange Start Hot But Fall to Pitt in OT

PITTSBURGH - Quarterback Eric Dungey was intercepted in the end zone on Syracuse's first play in overtime to cap Pitt's come from behind 44-37 win over the Orange on Saturday.

Dungey's OT interception was his third turnover of the game and came after the Panthers rallied to tie in the game in the closing seconds with a 45-yard field goal, then a touchdown drive on their first possession in OT.

The Orange wasted an early 14-0 lead, allowing Pitt to score 20 unanswered points. The Panthers would eventually take a 27-17 lead on a 68-yard TD connection between quarterback Kenny Pickett and receiver Rafael Araujo-Lopes less than a minute into the third quarter. That play accounted for half of Pickett's passing yards for the game.

Syracuse answered as Jarveon Howard scored his second TD of the game midway through the third, and Dungey rushed for a 21-yard touchdown to put ahead 'Cuse 31-27 in the closing seconds of the quarter.

Andre Szmyt drilled fourth quarter field goals of 29 and 54-yards to get the Orange a late lead.

But Pitt kicker Alex Kessman would nail a 45-yarder with just 8 second remaining in regulation to tie the game 37-37. Kessman also converted first half field goals of 54 and 55-yards.

In the overtime, Darrin Hall ran the ball in for a 3-yard score, his second rushing TD of the game. Hall and Qadree Ollison accounted for 299 yards rushing yards and 3 TDs (Hall - 17 for 107, 2/Ollison - 24 for 192, 1)

Dungey finished 18-of-38 for 195-yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He led the Orange with 70 rushing yards and a TD. Jamal Custis has three catches for 70 yards.

After opening 4-0, Syracuse falls to 4-2 heading into their bye week. North Carolina will visit the Carrier Dome on October 20.

Pitt moves to 3-3 and will visit No.6 Notre Dame next Saturday.