PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord threw three interceptions, including two pick-6s, in the first quarter of Thursday's game against Pitt at Acrisure Stadium.

Pitt's defense held off McCord on Syracuse's first three possessions of the game and took a 17-0 lead with just over six minutes left in the first quarter.

PTT linebacker Rasheem Biles caught a pass from McCord and returned it 35 yards to give Pitt a 7-0 lead with 12:47 left in the first frame. Five plays later, Pitt linebacker Brandon George's interception ended Syracuse's second drive of the game. Pitt kicked a field goal to take a 10-0 lead.

The Panthers' second pick-six and third interception of the quarter came after linebacker Kyle Louis fended off McCord and galloped down the sideline, evading several defenders before scoring on a 59-yard return.

Pitt recorded its fourth interception and third pick-6 with 1:12 left in the second quarter. Linebacker Braylan Lovelace grabbed McCord and ran 33 yards for the score.

The team's strong defense was one of the reasons Pitt finished 6-0 for the first time in 42 years.

No. 19 Pitt, which had 83 yards of offense in the first half, led Syracuse (5-1) 31-0 at halftime. The two long-time rivals have played each other every year since 1955 and Thursday marks the 80th meeting between the Panthers and the Orange. Pitt leads the overall series 43-33-3.