Syracuse called for controversial roughing the passer penalty against Pitt, Eli Holstein

In the second quarter of Pittsburgh and Syracuse‘s showdown on Thursday, a controversial call caused fans around the nation to raise their eyebrows. With a 24-0 lead, Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein threw a pass intended for Daejon Reynolds but was intercepted by Marcellus Barnes Jr., who returned the ball to Pittsburgh’s 37-yard line.

For a moment, it appeared that momentum had swung in the Orange’s favor. Then, all eyes on the field turned toward the flag lying next to Holstein on the ground. The referees had called roughing the passer on Syracuse linebacker Marlowe Wax, voiding the pivotal interception.

Syracuse ultimately stopped the Panthers on the drive and forced them to punt. However, because of the call, Syracuse started its next drive on its own 29-yard line instead of in enemy territory.

Syracuse’s offense needed all the advantages it could find in the first half. Orange quarterback Kyle McCord threw four interceptions in the half, three of which were pick-sixes. For reference, Pittsburgh led 31-0 at the half despite its offense only recording 83 yards.

It was an uncharacteristic showing for McCord, who entered the game with 2,160 passing yards and 19 touchdowns compared to only six interceptions. In the first half against the Panthers, McCord almost doubled his interception total for the year.

This was a personal foul, roughing the passer, which negated an INT.

Let’s just stop the dance and put the quarterbacks in green jerseys. pic.twitter.com/6tmIiWZ9r8

— Matt Schick (@ESPN_Schick) October 25, 2024

Tim Tebow explains how Shedeur Sanders can win the Heisman

While McCord might not be in the Heisman conversation after his performance on Thursday night, Shedeur Sanders is still in the race. On Thursday, 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow revealed how the Colorado QB could make a run for the coveted award in the back half of the 2024 campaign.

“Shedeur Sanders has to be mentioned,” Tebow said on ESPN. “The elite level he’s playing at with — honestly — not that much help. He’s had a lot of receivers get injured or haven’t been in throughout the full season. His offensive line isn’t the best in the country, and that’s putting it very nicely.

“He’s also stepping up to play his best when his best is needed, that’s with his arms, it’s with his legs, it’s with his mind, it’s with his poise in so many different areas. And I know they have a couple losses, but I think there is a chance in front of him if they’re able to run the table and get some big wins in the future.”

Through seven games, Sanders boasts 2,268 passing yards for 19 touchdowns compared to only six interceptions. Sanders’ passing yards and touchdowns are the fifth-most in the country in each respective category.