Syracuse QB Kyle McCord throws three pick-sixes in disastrous first half

As for quarterbacks' nightmares: Syracuse's Kyle McCord had a first-half screw-up in Pittsburgh on Thursday.

The Ohio State transfer, who entered the weekend ranked No. 2 among FBS quarterbacks in passing yards per game, threw four interceptions in the first two quarters, including three that were returned for touchdowns by the undefeated Panthers.

According to TruMedia, it was the first time since 2005 that an FBS team returned three interceptions for points in a half and the first time since 2015 that a quarterback threw three pick sixes in a game. Kyle Allen last did it for Texas A&M in a loss to Alabama.

Kyle McCord is the first player to throw three pick-6s in a game since Kyle Allen did it for Texas A&M against Alabama in 2015. Minkah Fitzpatrick had 2 of them and Eddie Jackson had the other

— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) October 25, 2024

Rasheem Biles returned the game's first interception 35 yards for a touchdown. The second interception was initiated by Javon McIntyre after a deflection but was not returned for scoring. The third pick was returned 59 yards for a TD by Kyle Louis. The next interception was returned 33 yards and scored by Braylan Lovelace on the last pass McCord attempted in the first half.

McCord threw a fifth interception off a deflection late in the third quarter with the Orange trailing 31-6.

Central Michigan's Joe Labas is the only other FBS quarterback to throw at least five interceptions in a game this season. He did it in Week 2 against FIU.

McCord entered Thursday ranked 34th nationally in pass efficiency, completing 65.6 percent of his attempts with 19 touchdowns and just six interceptions.

(Photo: Barry Reeger / Imagn Images)