The line on this game started at Pit -23.5. It has since risen to -24.5. I wonder how much of it is confidence in Pitt versus a lack of confidence in Syracuse.

Normally the Syracuse-Pitt “rivalry” game is a time for us to make fun of the ACC for declaring this the rivalry game. Point out how neither side really views the other with deep hate in football. That the series tends to shift one-sidedly for quite a while — and right now it is on Pitt’s side.

That’s still all true. But, at least the ACC went and moved it to the end of the season when there is a chance the game could means something in terms of wins and losses.

With that in mind, it isn’t a game that should produce the usual apathy and “meh” commentary. This is a game that could get Pitt to 8 regular season wins. Another nice step in year two under Pat Narduzzi, considering the strength of schedule took a noticeable jump compared to last year (and, yes, the frustrating closeness of some losses (and wins)).

Narduzzi, who usually doesn’t comment on his team’s status or accomplishments, said winning eight games in the regular season (if Pitt beats Syracuse) would indicate marked improvement over last year’s eight-victory effort. Pitt has been ahead or tied for the lead in the fourth quarter of all but one game this season (at Miami).

“When you look at our losses, they were like this,” he said, making a small gap between his thumb and forefinger. “Those inches we didn’t get, I look back and look at how close we were to winning them all. If we had done this as coaches, then maybe we would have won every one of those games.

“I would without a doubt say it’s a much better year.”

It’s senior day, so it will be the chance to send off some guys that have been helping Pitt work back to relevance.

“Everybody wants to do it for these seniors,” said O’Neill, a two-year starter. “These seniors have been though a lot in four or five years here.”

Senior quarterback Nathan Peterman has been on the team only two years, but he said the large number of seniors has helped build team chemistry.

“Great leaders, great presences in the huddle,” he said.

And while Coach Pat Narduzzi is not saying it, very likely it could be the last game at Heinz Field for James Conner in a Pitt uniform. Conner is also 55 yards shy of a 1000 yard season. He was also named the recipient of the Disney Sports Spirit Award.

With all the success that Pitt’s offense has had, speculation (along with rumor and innuendo on some message boards) abounds on what options are out there for Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada. Narduzzi isn’t biting.

“I know the business we’re in,” Narduzzi said Monday at his weekly press conference. “People look and see where you are and what you’re doing. If they like you, they can come get you. We have a great staff. People are going to go get them. But we’re going to do what we can do to make sure Matt stays here for a while.”

After being let go at North Carolina State, Pitt hired Canada in January after previous coordinator Jim Chaney left for the same position at Georgia.

His first season with the Panthers has exceeded virtually all expectations, as an offense that had to replace its top playmaker from last year, wide receiver Tyler Boyd, is 15th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in scoring offense (39.3 points per game), up more than 10 points from what it averaged last season. Pitt’s 432 points this season are the most in program history.

When Narduzzi made the hire, he did so with the expectation Canada would be with the program for an extended period time, as is the case with most any coaching addition.

“As a young head coach, you certainly hope so,” Narduzzi said. “I had the same expectation when we hired Chaney. Sometimes you get snowed or whatever. But I’ve known Matt for a long time. We’ve got a great relationship. I think he’s having fun.”

Shhhhaaaaddddde. Serious shade.

But the financial aspect of a coaching move, in Narduzzi’s mind, shouldn’t be an all-important factor.

“If you’re miserable working your job, then I don’t think all the money or contract incentives can keep you,” he said. “But when you’re happy, then that’s part of it. It’s not all about the money. If it were all about the money, I would have been gone from Michigan State [where he was a defensive coordinator before coming to Pitt] a long time ago. If it’s about the money, maybe you’ve got the wrong guy.”

On the other hand, Canada was scapegoated last year for the issues at NC State. So, he probably has a clear-eyed look at how quickly things can turn. That can be a powerful incentive to consider the money as well. But Narduzzi also expressed confidence that Pitt will step up with the money to keep him if/when other offers come.

Meanwhile the cries for NC State’s Dave Doeren’s head only get louder.