SU Kicks off Family Weekend with Pitt

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When Syracuse football (1-3) takes the field on Friday night against Pittsburgh (2-2, 0-1 BIG EAST) at the Carrier Dome (7p.m., ESPN), the team is going need some help from the Loud House. Head coach Doug Marrone and the Orange are looking forward to having a supportive crowd for its BIG EAST opener during Syracuse's family weekend.

"We're excited because it's a big game," Marrone said. "It's a Friday night. Coming off of the last game that we played, we realized what a crowd can do and the support. That's what we're looking for. This team is playing hard."

SU will take to the gridiron after having a bye week. Under Marrone, the Orange has recorded a 4-1 record in games following a bye week or time off, including the 2010 New Era Pinstripe Bowl against Kansas State, 36-34, and the 49-23 win against No. 11 West Virginia in 2011.

"We have to take the things that we have learned in the bye week and make them come across in this Pitt game," Marrone said. "We need to transfer that over to the field. It's important when you come off of a bye to get off to a good start."

The Pittsburgh game is just one of many in the storied rivalry. The two teams have played 67 times, with the Panthers holding a 34-30-3 advantage. SU has only faced Penn State more than the Panthers.

"I think Pitt presents a lot of challenges," said Marrone. "Now that they have not turned over the ball, they have gotten into a great grove. We know what we expect coming in. We know what the expectation of our team is as far as doing a better job and getting better in those areas to give us the ability to win a game."

Senior left tackle Justin Pugh will make his 2012 debut after missing the opening part of the season due to an upper body injury. The offensive tackle started every contest his sophomore and junior season and tallied back-to-back seasons rushing for a 1,000-yard rusher. Pugh was named to the 2012 Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List and the 2012 Outland Trophy Watch List which recognizes the best interior lineman in college football.

"I think that Justin has been chopping at the bit to come back," said Marrone. "He's done a very good job. I don't see any rustiness or transition into the position. He's been working extremely hard. He's worked extremely hard. It does help you with an experienced football player."

Tickets are available online, in person at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B), or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX for the Orange's game this Friday night against Pittsburgh.

Syracuse University Athletics

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