Watch: Pitt nabs 5 INTs, 3 pick-6s in rout of Syracuse

Pittsburgh opened Thursday's 41-13 win over Syracuse on fire, as the Panthers' defense grabbed four interceptions in the first half.

Linebacker Rasheem Biles returned the first pick for a touchdown just over two minutes into the contest.

The Panthers then submitted a candidate for interception of the year when a pass was tipped several times and ultimately caught by linebacker Brandon George while he was lying on the ground.

Pitt kept rolling as linebacker Kyle Louis hauled in the team's second pick-6 of the game moments later.

The Panthers' defense continued to fluster the Orange's offense as the first half wound down. Linebacker Braylan Lovelace caught a tipped pass and raced for Pitt's third pick-6 of the first half with just over one minute remaining in the second quarter. The Panthers led 31-0 at halftime.

Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord finished the contest with 321 yards, no touchdowns, and five interceptions on 35-of-64 passing. He also recorded a rushing touchdown.

Pitt improved to 7-0 (3-0) with the win while the Orange dropped to 5-2 (2-2). The Panthers visit SMU next week while Syracuse hosts Virginia Tech.