The Pitt Panthers defeated the N.C. State Wolfpack 53-34 behind a dazzling offensive performance that pushed the program into bowl eligibility. Freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel threw for over 400 yards and set a school record for passing yards in a game by a freshman, routinely ripping apart the Wolfpack secondary and keeping drives alive with quick decisions and accurate downfield throws. The offense produced explosive plays all afternoon and the Panthers turned those into sustained scoring drives that the Wolfpack could not match.
A focal point of Pittsburgh’s attack was wide receiver Kenny Johnson, who delivered a breakout showing before exiting with an injury at halftime. Johnson finished the first half with 7 receptions for 112 yards and 1 touchdown, hauling in multiple contested catches and converting critical third downs that forced N.C. State’s defensive backs to respect the deep ball, opening lanes for the running game and intermediate passing routes.
Defensively, Pitt bent at times but made the plays needed to preserve the margin when it mattered. Head coach Pat Narduzzi credited the coaching staff and the next-man-up mentality on the depth chart, saying, “We obviously gave up some big plays on defense. But I couldn't be prouder of the effort of our coaching staff, of what we put on that field today.” Narducci praised the linebackers and role players who stepped into unfamiliar spots, noting, “We had a starting middle linebacker today, Abe Ibrahim, who got it done inside, the snaps he was in.”
Narducci also highlighted schematic adjustments and in-game creativity, explaining the staff’s willingness to adapt: “We put a whole new package in. We put in the Night Stalkers.” He emphasized the team’s resilience and belief, saying, “Our guys believe, and I think that's the most important thing.” The Panthers were without star linebackers Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles, who did not play because of injury, yet Pitt still managed to limit N.C. State’s opportunities on critical downs and protect its advantage late in the contest.
The win clinches bowl eligibility for Pitt and gives the program momentum heading into the stretch of the season. Narducci praised Heintschel’s competitive temperament: “Mason played great. And, again, he's upset,he's in the locker room upset that he missed some throws and missed that and could have done this better.” That humility from a freshman quarterback combined with veteran leadership on the offensive line and playmakers like Kenny Johnson creates a balanced formula Pitt can lean on as it prepares for its next opponent.
Pitt travels next to Stanford Stadium to face Stanford next Saturday.
(photo courtesy of Pitt Athletics)