COLLEGE FOOTBALL Area stars have big role in Pitt-Syracuse contest

The Panthers and Orangemen square off Saturday at the Carrier Dome.
By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
When Pittsburgh and Syracuse meet Saturday in the Carrier Dome in a Big East Conference game, four area players will be in the thick of the action.
Mike McGlynn (Austintown Fitch) and Mike Phillips (Warren Harding) will try to help Pitt (5-2, 3-1 Big East) win its fourth straight game, while Walter Reyes (Struthers) and Anthony Smith (Hubbard) will be leading the charge for Syracuse (4-4, 2-1) in the game, which kicks off at noon.
McGlynn (6-foot-5, 315 pounds), a redshirt freshman offensive right tackle, will be starting his fourth straight game for the Panthers, who opened the season at 2-2 before reeling off wins over Big East rivals Temple (27-22), Boston College (20-17) and Rutgers (41-17).
Phillips (5-11, 190), a redshirt freshman cornerback, has started six of seven games.
Reyes, a senior running back, leads Syracuse in rushing, while Smith, a junior cornerback, was named Big East Performer of the Week by CollegeSportsReport.com. for his performance in the Orange's 42-30 win over Connecticut last week.
McGlynn factor in streak
"We've won all three games with McGlynn in there," said E.J. Borghetti, Pitt's assistant athletic director for media relations who is a graduate of Neshannock High, noting that Pitt is in second place in the Big East standings behind West Virginia (3-0).
McGlynn was outstanding in spring practice to earn a starter's job and win the Ed Conway Award, which is presented to the most improved player following spring drills. Then McGlynn overcame an early-season injury to win a starting job.
"I went into preseason camp as the starter, but I had a little injury to my knee the third day of camp on Aug. 12," said McGlynn. "I have been starting since the Temple game.
"Each game I get more confident and each game I get better. The starting assignment gave me a lot of confidence in myself," said McGlynn, who became a starter at right tackle when Dale Williams moved to left tackle to fill a void left by Rob Petitti's injury.
McGlynn also has developed into a leader.
"I just feel like I can motivate the offensive line and to get them going. I just try to do my job each play and that is how I contribute," he said.
McGlynn has the size, quickness and hard-hitting ability, but now is trying to improve his blocking technique.
"In high school, I was bigger than everyone else, but technique is a big part of what I have to improve on."
Phillips has 2 interceptions
Phillips entered the season with momentum after being a scout squad standout last year, and winning the coaching staff's Special Teams Prep Player of the Year honor at the end of the season.
"My main objective is not to give up the big play," said Phillips, who ranks No. 3 in the Big East in passes defended against per game (1.43). He also has two interceptions to tie for the team lead, along with 19 tackles and one forced fumble that set up Pitt's winning TD against Boston College.
"When the receiver makes his break, I am looking for an interception," he said.
But he also has multiple responsibilities.
"All [cornerbacks] have to be able to cover and tackle. I try to be a complete cornerback, not just good in one thing but in all areas," said Phillips.
Also with the Pitt team are Kevin Harris, a senior and backup offensive tackle from Sharon, and David Dado (5-11, 225), freshman and redshirt fullback from New Castle.
Reyes and Smith
Meanwhile at Syracuse, Reyes leads the Orange in rushing with 677 yards in 126 carries and six TDs. He also has caught 12 passes for 91 yards.
Smith has two interceptions this year and is No. 3 on tackles on the team with 56 (31 solo hits).
Against Connecticut, Smith started the game at cornerback because of an injury to DeAndre LaCaille, and returned a pass interception 33 yards for a touchdown. He also had four solo tackles and one quarterback hurry.
The TD was his first on an interception return and the third TD of his college career. His others came on blocked punt returns.
kovach@vindy.com