Pitt QB Mason Heintschel out for season with ACL tear sustained against Virginia Tech
Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Heintschel, the nation's leading touchdown passer with 14 TDs, suffered a season-ending ACL tear during the Panthers' 35-33 victory over Virginia Tech on October 3. Backup Holden Greiner took over and completed 8 of 12 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. Pittsburgh remains undefeated at 5-0.
Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Heintschel suffered a season-ending ACL tear during the Panthers' 35-33 victory over Virginia Tech on Friday night in Lane Stadium, the team announced October 3. An MRI confirmed the injury, according to CBS Sports. Heintschel had been leading the nation in touchdown passes with 14 prior to the injury. Heintschel completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 1,304 yards and one interception before suffering the injury, per CBS Sports. Backup Holden Greiner took over and went 8-for-12 for 78 yards and a touchdown to lead Pittsburgh to victory, according to CBS Sports. The 5-0 Panthers have a strong defensive foundation, ranking 18th in the country in points allowed at 13.4 per game, per CBS Sports. Pittsburgh hosts North Carolina next Saturday, then travels to Boston College and Miami to face the ACC favorite Hurricanes in the coming weeks. Greiner, a sophomore, replaces Heintschel as the starter.
Pitt QB Mason Heintschel, who leads the nation in touchdown passes with 14, suffered a season-ending ACL tear during Friday night's win over Virginia Tech.
Greiner's performance over the next three games against North Carolina, Boston College, and Miami will determine whether Pittsburgh can maintain its undefeated record and playoff positioning without Heintschel. How the backup quarterback manages the ACC's elite offenses in that stretch will define the season's trajectory.
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