SYRACUSE -Curtis Brinkley's pain is Doug Hogue's gain.

Hogue, a freshman tailback, will make his first start of the season on Saturday when Syracuse (2-6, 1-2 Big East) travels to Pittsburgh (3-5, 1-2).

“I always envisioned it,” Hogue said Tuesday. “It's unfortunate the way it happened, but it feels good. I'm at a loss for words.”

Brinkley wasn't as he made his first appearance since suffering a broken right tibia Oct. 20 in the Orange's win over Buffalo. Leaning on a pair of crutches, the junior made his way into the cafeteria where the players conduct their weekly media interviews and spoke candidly about the latest setback in his star-crossed college career.

“Physically and mentally, I'm in a lot of pain right now,” said Brinkley, who had started every game this season and was Syracuse's second-leading rusher a year ago. “It's another setback. I'm not used to this. Before I got to college, I carried the ball 30 times a game and I didn't get hurt. I'm used to setbacks off the field with family and things like that. Then I come to college and it's on and off the field.

“I'm in a lot of pain, but I ain't stopping,” said Brinkley, who also had surgery on both knees after the 2006 season. “I ain't giving up. I've got too much to live for. I'm just going to keep working, and whatever happens, happens.”

Brinkley said his latest injury came when a defensive lineman fell on his leg after a short run up the middle.

“My ankle went one way and my leg went the other,” Brinkley said. “I knew it was broke because I heard it and I felt it. I knew it was the season. Emotionally, I was a wreck.”

Brinkley, who had eight screws and a plate inserted in his leg, will be on crutches for one month and then go to a boot before beginning the long rehabilitation process.

Though he wasn't able to mask the pain, Brinkley, a star in high school at West Catholic in Philadelphia, remained steadfast in believing he'll return next season.

“I've been through a lot more than just two injuries,” said Brinkley, who led the Orange with 371 yards rushing on 111 carries before the injury. “I've been going through things since I was young, and I know I'm not the first person who had a lot of problems and I'm not going to be the last. I just look back at things I've been through. I'm mentally strong. I've got a whole 'nother year. Who knows what will happen? Who knows? I'm going to train and prepare myself and try to have a good season.”

Before he was hurt, Brinkley was on pace for his best game of the season with 40 yards rushing on six carries against the Bulls. He was coming off a season-high, 98-yard performance against Rutgers.

Hogue, who starred at Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, N.Y., replaced Brinkley against Buffalo and finished with 83 yards on 24 carries, both season highs. He also scored his second touchdown of the season.

“You've got to pick up where you left off and do better,” said Hogue, who at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds represents a much different challenge for defenses than the darting style of the 5-foot-9, 200-pound Brinkley. “I've prepared like I was always going to play since day one. It feels good to know that I'm actually going to get a chance.”

Notes:Syracuse leads the all-time series with Pitt 30-29-3 and has won six of the last eight games played in Pittsburgh, though the Panthers have won the last two in the Steel City. ... Syracuse defensive tackle Arthur Jones is tied for 14th nationally with 1.5 tackles for loss per game.