The Pitt Panthers (4-2, 2-1) travel to Syracuse to take on the Orange Saturday at 7:30 pm ET.
True freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel has won both of his starts as Pitt’s new quarterback, which includes a road win last Saturday at Florida State. Heintschel was nearly flawless in his first start at home against Boston College. However, Florida State was able to give the freshman some looks that created mistakes. Against BC Heintschel was 30-41 for 323 yards with 4 TDs and zero INTs. Against Florida State Heintschel went 21-29 for 321 yards and 2 TDs. But Heintschel also threw 2 INTs. Heintschel’s main target was RB Desmond Reid, who finished with 8 catches for 155 yards and 2 TD. Heintschel did a good job of distributing the ball as 6 different Panthers recorded a catch against Florida State.
This week’s opponent, Syracuse, has had a roller coaster season so far. The Orange dropped their first two games, against Tennessee and SMU, then they beat UConn, Colgate and Clemson before losing two weeks ago against Duke. The offense suffered a major blow when transfer QB Steven Angeli was lost for the season with an injury in the win against Clemson.
Sophomore QB Rickie Collins started in the loss to Duke and has had a rough introduction to his college football career. Collins has thrown only 3 TDs this season, but he also has 5 INTs. Collins is a dual-threat QB who has 60 yards rushing. Pitt’s defense is not the kind of defense for a QB to get right against.
The Pitt defense gets after the quarterback as they are tied for No. 17 in the FBS with 17 sacks. The Sharks, LBs Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles, have combined for 93 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries.
If the Panthers can get pressure on the young QB early it should force some mistakes that Pitt can capitalize on. And capitalizing on those mistakes will be Heintschel’s job.
Against Florida State, Reid returned from injury and reminded the college football world who he is. He is an All-American for his all-purpose abilities. Along with his 155 receiving yards Reid also rushed for 45 yards, for an even 200 all-purpose yards. True freshman RB Ja’Kyrian Turner has seen an increase in his carries over the last two weeks and has made the most of his opportunity. In the wins over BC and Florida State Turner has 22 carries for 111 yards and 3 TDs. Adding another weapon to Pitt’s offensive arsenal will only make Heintschel even more deadly.
Beating the Orange is critical for Pitt to maintain positioning in the ACC. The Panthers are currently sixth in the conference standings, so getting wins against teams who Pitt is favored against will go a long way. A win will also get Pitt one win away from being bowl eligible.
QUICK HITTERS
-Pitt leads the series 44-33-3.
-The Panthers and Orange have played every year since 1955.
-This will be the first home game in October for Syracuse since October 29, 2022.
-Syracuse will play 3 of its top 5 familiar foes this season. Pitt (1st at 80 games) Colgate (3rd at 60 games) and Boston College (5th at 58 games).
(photo courtesy of Pitt Athletics)