Miami (OH) RedHawks at Pittsburgh Panthers

Heintschel throws 7 touchdown passes, ties school record in lopsided 59-14 Pitt win

Heintschel, a true sophomore, equaled the school record set by Pete Gonzalez against Rutgers on Oct. 25, 1997.

“We came out and executed,” Heintschel said. “I’m just proud of our guys and I think everybody did a really great job with their preparation.”

Heintschel, who won the job midway through the season last year, completed 31 of 41 passes for 453 yards. His seven touchdowns went to seven different receivers during his first season-opening start.

“It’s never by design, but I’m glad we were able to share the wealth,” Heintschel said. “At least eight different guys scored and you can’t complain about that.”

Pitt scored on its first three possessions and outgained Miami 219-15 in the first quarter, as the RedHawks failed to pick up a first down on three possessions. The Panthers converted all four third-down plays during their first three possessions en route to an early 21-0 lead.

Heintschel threw first-quarter touchdowns to Malik Knight and Ja’Kyrian Turner, while Justin Cook scored on a 50-yard run and Elijah Lagg had a second-quarter score. Heintschel threw touchdowns on Pitt’s first three second-half drives, connecting with Blue Hicks, Censere Lee and Bryce Yates, before the record-tying score to Damon Ferguson Jr. in the fourth.

“Overall, Mason played really well,” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said. “He didn’t commit any turnovers and he took care of the ball.”

Antonio Chadha’s 58-yard field goal tied the school record as Pitt closed the first half with a 31-14 lead. The kick equaled the mark set by Ben Sauls and Alex Kessman.

Redshirt freshman David McComb threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Damarion Witten and D’Shawntae Jones rushed for a score for Miami.

Heintschel’s evolution Last season, Heintschel threw for more than 300 yards in five of his first six starts before struggling in the final month during blowout losses against Notre Dame and Miami.

Heintschel appeared patient and confident while rotating through his reads during Pitt’s season opener. He eluded a sack on third-and-11 and completed a 31-yard pass to Lee, which set up Knight’s touchdown two plays later.

On Pitt’s second drive, Heintschel broke free from two sacks and completed a short pass to Knight for a first down. Two plays later, Cook broke free for a touchdown.

“He’s like a little magician back there,” Narduzzi said. “Not only can he throw, but he has a knack to make people miss and get out of trouble.”

Heintschel found a wide-open Turner on a swing pass from the backfield for a 45-yard score and connected with Hicks, Lee, Yates and Ferguson Jr. for long touchdowns in the second half.

Panther targets Pitt faced a shortage of wide receivers after losing Kenny Johnson and Poppi Williams, but Hicks, Lee and Knight helped fill the void.

Hicks, who caught five passes for 114 yards, returns after averaging 17.4 yards per catch last season. Knight and Lee, both transfers from Western Carolina, combined to catch 10 passes for 139 yards with two scores.

“We have a lot of guys who aren’t proven yet, and this was big for them,” Heintschel said. “It’s a big confidence boost for them and we’re excited to do that the rest of the year.”

The takeaway Miami: The RedHawks, who have appeared in the Mid-American Conference championship game the last three seasons, look to regroup during their home opener on Saturday against Holy Cross.

Pitt: The Panthers had an outside shot to reach the College Football Playoff and ACC title game last season before losses to Miami and Notre Dame. Pitt plays four of its next five games at Acrisure Stadium in a wide-open race for the ACC.

Up next Pitt hosts UCF on Saturday.

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