Pitt (2-1) will venture into Big East Conference play today when it meets Syracuse (1-3) at the Carrier Dome. That development is welcomed by Panthers coach Dave Wannstedt, because it means his team gets a clean slate.

Theoretically, at least.

"It is sort of like starting over now," Wannstedt said. "The first three weeks, you put them behind you and you make the focus what our main goal is, win the Big East title. I am sure Syracuse feels the same way, and so this will be a very tough game because I'm sure the Orange will be more than ready to play.

"The key for our guys is to understand that we haven't always played very well in the Carrier Dome, so we have to play well from the start."

This also will be the Panthers' first road trip, and, as Wannstedt said, the Carrier Dome has not been an easy place for the Panthers to get a win, although they did beat the Orange, 21-11, on their last trip to Syracuse in 2006.

Overall, however, Pitt is 4-9-1 in games played at the Carrier Dome, which opened in 1980, and 12-17-3 in Syracuse overall.

The series, though, is tied 30-30-3, which shows how close the games have been, especially in Syracuse, where in fact two of the past four games have gone into overtime. Three of the past four games in the Dome have been decided by 10 points or less.

For that reason, Wannstedt is not interested in hearing about how bad the Orange are, how easy the game should be or how much the Panthers are favored by.

"We just need to find a way to win a football game," Wannstedt said. "It is a conference game against a team that is feeling confident because they are coming off a win. We are not anticipating it will be an easy game. We know better than that."

Matchup: Pitt (2-1) at Syracuse (1-3), today, noon, Syracuse, NY. The Panthers are favored by 15.

TV/Radio: WTAE-TV; WWSW-FM (94.5) and WBGG-AM (Fox Sports Radio 970)

Pitt: Has won three games in a row against Syracuse, but has not won four in a row in the series since 1980-83. ... Have played the Orange every year since 1955. ... TB LeSean McCoy (pictured) is still in search of his first 100-yard game of the season, rushing for 242 yards and five touchdowns in three games.

Syracuse: Is 9-4-1 against Pitt in games played in the Carrier Dome, but the Panthers have won two of the past three meetings there. Overall, Syracuse is 17-12-3 in games played at home against Pitt. ... Orange has given up 37 points per game. ... Are 2-19 in past 21 Big East games.

Hidden stat: The Orange (11 for 11) and Panthers (9 for 9) are two of eight teams in NCAA Division I-A that have scored every time they have reached the red zone.Game