Syracuse University and the University of Pittsburgh traded field goals in the second quarter, as the Panthers have taken a 20-10 lead into halftime of a Big East Conference game at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh (5-6) and Syracuse (5-6) are each looking for its sixth victory of the regular season, which would help it become bowl eligible.
A 22-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Ross Krautman helped the Orange cut Pitt's lead to 17-10 with 9:38 remaining in the half, but Panthers' kicker Kevin Harper nailed a 36-yard field goal with 2:46 remaining to help give his team a 10-point lead heading into the locker room.
Pittsburgh lead 17-7 at the end of the first quarter, thanks to two touchdowns -- one rushing, another passing -- and a 37-yard field goal by Harper. Syracuse's lone touchdown was scored by senior running back Antwon Bailey, who caught a screen pass and ran it into the end zone from 22 yards out. Bailey capped a six-play, 63-yard drive that ended with 7:27 to go in the first quarter and made the score 17-7.
The most glaring first half stats is that Syracuse has committed nine penalties for a total of 90 yards. Syracuse also has thrown an interception and lost the ball on the opening kickoff when a Pittsburgh pooch kick was recovered by the Panthers at SU's 36-yard line.
For more on the Syracuse Orange, be sure to check out SB Nation's blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician. If you'd like to learn more about Pittsburgh, SB Nation's Cardiac Hill is where you will find it.