PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi isn’t exactly thrilled the Panthers cracked the rankings following a 55-0 dismissal of Austin Peay in their season opener. Even in a year as strange as 2020, it carries significance. It also means, in some small way, that No. 25 Pitt goes from the hunter to the hunted when it hosts longtime rival Syracuse on Saturday.

“I’d rather be disrespected, play with a grudge, chip on our shoulder,” Narduzzi said. “We know what kind of football team we have in here. It doesn’t matter what people think on the outside. It’s what we do on the field.”

Strip away the emptiness inside Heinz Field and the fact the Panthers (1-0) were playing a physically overmatched rival on short notice, what the Panthers did on the field against the Governors was impressive. The first shutout in six years. A dominant first half in which Pitt reached the end zone on six straight possessions. A defense that limited Austin Peay to a single yard rushing.

The Orange (0-1, 0-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) represent a significant step up in class. Syracuse played No. 12 North Carolina tough for three quarters before slipping late in a 31-6 loss.