That seems to be the theme of this game. That Pitt is improving steadily from it’s abysmal start (really it was a plummet from expectations that just kept sinking through September) while Syracuse has appeared to get steadily worse.
Syracuse’s pass defense leads the Big East with 10 interceptions. It is an excellent secondary, especially when you realize they have a defensive line that might be weaker than Pitt’s — less sacks and allow more rushing yardage — despite playing to expect the run.
Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt, Walker and Cavanaugh all mentioned Orange safety Anthony Smith as the catalyst for his team’s defense. So, it’s no surprise that Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko wants to be aware of his position on the field at all times.
“He’s as good a safety as I’ve seen in a long time,” Palko said. “He’s their leader, the heart and soul of their defense, and he’s going to wreak havoc. They have a senior-oriented front seven, but the defense feeds off him. And they’re very fast in the secondary.
Smith, the free safety, is one of six seniors on a Syracuse defense that also has four juniors. The only underclassman is sophomore strong safety Dowayne Davis. Both jam the line to give the Orange an eight-man front nearly all the time to stop an opponent’s running game.
This is possible due to speedy, talented and experienced cornerbacks Tanard Jackson and Steve Gregory. Smith has four interceptions and seven pass breakups. Davis and Gregory have two picks each, and Jackson has one.
“They believe in their secondary, and they’re confident in their cover ability,” Palko said. “So, they challenge you on defense and will make it very tough for our offense.”
They have reason to believe in their secondary, the problem for their defense, is that it is always on the field. Usually about 32 and-a-half minutes per game so far. In their last 2 games the defense was on the field for 35:27 and 34:07 minutes.
Not that Pitt is any great power at ball control offense. The Pitt offense is at 28:44 minutes per game. Even in the 2 wins of the last week, Pitt’s offense was out for 29:09 and 29:31 minutes per game. Well, one team is going to have to win time of possession this week.
