PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Pitt's football team took center stage Thursday with its primetime game against Syracuse at Acrisure Stadium.

The Panthers shined with their 41-13 victory over the Orange, remaining undefeated and continuing their great season.

It was a historic season for the Panthers (7-0) and they were off to their best start since 1982. Fans were excited for Thursday's game as Pitt renewed its annual rivalry with Syracuse, especially with the presence of legend Larry Fitzgerald .

The crisp fall air provided the perfect setting for a classic affair between Panther and Orange. Pitt fans couldn't be happier.

“I didn’t think we would be this good. We're undefeated, so I'm living life in the moment. It’s great,” said Pitt fan Jack Galbraith.

“I can’t wait for this game. It’s going to be great,” Pitt senior Richie Donato said before kickoff.

For Panthers fans, 2023 was a year to remember. They only managed three wins all season. The Pitt faithful praise the quarterback play of Eli Holstein for turning the team around.

“Eli plays the ball out. He brings it all out, so I would say quarterback is the biggest turnaround,” Donato said before the game.

Despite all the excitement, there is still cautious optimism for the team. Fans have experienced heartbreak and frustration in the past. They know there won't be an easy game until the end of the year.

“There's no one on our schedule we can't beat. There’s nobody on our schedule that can’t beat us,” said Pitt fan Tom Bailey.

There are new expectations for this team. The fans hope that everything works out for the Panthers in the second half of the year.

“Win 10 games and win a bowl game. That’s the expectation I have right now,” Galbraith said.