Not only are Pitt's linebackers harassing quarterbacks with their athleticism, boldly stepping into the fast lane and attacking like sharks (that's what they want to be called), but now they're starting to take what they perceive as nationwide disrespect personally.

It all ended in chaos for Syracuse on Thursday night at Acrisure Stadium as Pitt linebackers Rasheem Biles, Kyle Louis and Braylan Lovelace (Leechburg) returned three of quarterback Kyle McCord's five interceptions for touchdowns in the Panthers' 41-13 win.

“We're hungry for respect,” said Louis, who returned a pick 59 yards for a score in the first quarter. “Anyone who thinks they can disrespect us and get away with it, we are proud to be called sharks. You’ll learn to swim better if you come in here.”

No. 19 Pitt is undefeated in the ACC (3-0) and is 7-0 overall for the first time in 41 years and just the fifth time since 1929 ('29, '76, '81 and '82). Louis sounded almost hurt — perhaps disrespectful — when asked if he thought a 7-0 record was possible before the season.

“Of course I thought it could definitely be 7-0,” he said. “Our goal is always to remain undefeated. I don't see anyone really messing with us. We will never fall for all this talk in the media. We watch real movies. We invested real time here. We have a chance against everyone.”

And Pitt's ceiling?

“We’re definitely seeing more than just 7-0,” he said.

Lovelace, whose pick 6 went for 33 yards, called the win a statement.

“To the ACC, to everyone really, that we will continue to shine every week,” he said.

Biles, whose 35-yard interception return set the tone in the first three minutes of the game, said it wasn't enough to be a good defense.

“We want to be great,” he said. “We all have something to prove. We want to be the best in the nation. We really want it bad.”

The difference is the proximity of the players to each other, he said.

“I don’t think we were as close years ago as we were this year,” he said. “That’s really an important key.”

To one man, the three linebackers said the film study revealed McCord's tendencies and his favorite receivers. After that, it was just about playing ball, they said.

“We changed some passport concepts,” Louis said. “We knew who Kyle McCord wanted to throw to. If you throw it there, you’ll get linebackers.”

“Precision execution was our goal,” coach Pat Narduzzi said. “We definitely did that.”

These linebackers also wanted to show that the duel between quarterbacks Eli Holstein and McCord belonged to the Pitt guy.

“Our defense took it personally,” Louis said.

McCord, who was second nationally in air yards per game (360), completed 35 of 64 passes for 321 yards, the attempts one shy of an Acrisure record for a Pitt opponent. He was one of the reasons scouts from 14 NFL teams showed up in the press box.

“I mean, this is a good quarterback who has had a lot of success,” Narduzzi said. “He just played against the wrong team tonight.”

Meanwhile, Holstein threw just 15 times and completed 11 times for 108 yards and touchdowns to wide receivers CJ Lee and Pappi Williams. With the win, he tied Rick Trocano for second all-time with the most wins by a Pitt quarterback to start his career (seven). He left the game in the fourth quarter, went to the medical tent and did not return.

“Eli will be fine,” Narduzzi said. “He’s in (the locker room) smiling, happy and jumping around. Just added as a precaution. At first we just thought he had dirt in his eye. It was a little more than just dirt, but he’s fine and happy.”

Narduzzi had some unfortunate injury news: offensive tackle Branson Taylor, who injured his knee in the game against California, underwent surgery and is out for the season.

Narduzzi said the offense was never able to find a rhythm as the defense continually returned to the field after pick 6s. After entering the game with the third-most defensive plays in the country, Pitt's defense was on the field for 41 minutes, 12 seconds and 93 snaps.

I can't emphasize this enough: a fast-paced offense is often a huge blow to the defense. Tons of examples of this. The fact that Narduzzi still managed to do it speaks volumes about how much he wants to win, and that his D is still playing so well – even though he played the third most times…

— ?????????️♈️???? (@ADavidHaleJoint) October 25, 2024

As a result, Pitt was outscored by the Orange in yardage (327-217).

“It would be nice to get the offense back on track,” Narduzzi said. “They won’t allow us to do that. Should be a new rule.”

But the coach will get the 21 quick points at any time. The three pick 6s marked only the sixth time since 2000 that an FBS team has achieved this feat. Pitt is the third ACC team in 20 years to record three defensive touchdowns in a half (Boston College, 2006, and Miami, 2018).

Pitt's five total interceptions are the Panthers' most since 2008. Safety PJ O'Brien had one and middle linebacker Brandon George grabbed another almost over the turf while on the ground.

“This is crazy,” Louis said. “Five picks, three pick 6s, four sacks, six rushing yards (allowed),” he said, apparently memorizing the defensive stats. “Come on. Someone needs to go into the history books.”

Narduzzi added: “Our defense was our offense today. Score 21 points on defense, that's the national defense material of the week in my opinion. I've never had three interceptions for touchdowns. A total of five interceptions…that’s dominant. We had a few Pick 6s everywhere I went. But having three of them in one game. I hope we haven't used them all up. We need to save a few.”

Next up is a showdown against No. 22 SMU. The Mustangs (6-1, 3-0) are tied for second place in the ACC with Pitt and Miami. SMU travels to Duke and Miami hosts Florida State on Saturday.

“On to the next one, SMU,” Narduzzi said. “Big game in Dallas. I look forward to it.”