Everything that could go badly for Syracuse in that half went so. They dominated the time of possession. They would have the lead but for their boneheaded penalties. They tried to establish the run game early and failed. They then did one smart thing and put the ball in the hands of their best player, QB Steve Angeli. Pitt, on the other hand, has to rely on its run game. It's been effective and it keeps the ball out of Angeli's hands.
So it's a one-score game and Syracuse has big Mo' and will get the ball to start 2H.