With Heintschel struggling, Pitt runs all over Syracuse in 27-13 win

Sports admin September 18, 2026 0 Comments

With Heintschel struggling, Pitt runs all over Syracuse in 27-13 win

PITTSBURGH – Pitt doesn’t always need to lean on Mason Heintschel’s arm to win games.

Pat Narduzzi got to show off his team’s physicality, the Panthers dominated the line of scrimmage and Pitt notched its first ACC win of the season, 27-13 over Syracuse on Thursday night at Acrisure Stadium.

Panthers running backs rushed for a combined 206 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries, leading the charge for the offense.

Some of Pitt’s best stuff came off of halftime adjustments. Coming out of the break with a 17-10 lead, the defense stoned Syracuse and forced a three-and-out. Right after, the offense marched down the field with four runs for 76 yards, capped by a Heintschel juke on his 9-yard touchdown run.

Freshman Damon Ferguson Jr. made his second consecutive start for Pitt and led the team with 10 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown. His biggest play came on a 32-yard touchdown when he made two defenders miss on his way to the end zone to give Pitt a 14-0 lead in the second quarter.

A strong push from the Panthers’ offensive line, especially from right tackle Ryan Baer, right guard B.J. Williams and left guard Kendall Stanley, plowed the way on a dominant night on the ground.

Meanwhile, Syracuse’s only damage came from running back Ahmad Miller, who finished with 14 carries for 78 yards and touchdown. Syracuse coach Fran Brown listed four starters at running back, but only Miller was effective.

Outside of Miller, Pitt’s defense had another strong showing. The Orange benched starting quarterback Steve Angeli after he threw two fourth-quarter interceptions.

The first came when cornerback Raion Strader jumped a slant pass to Cole Weaver. After the Panthers failed to capitalize with points, linebacker Braylan Lovelace intercepted an Angeli pass on the next drive when he blanketed tight end Daunte Bacheyie and skied up to bring in the pass.

Amari Odom came in for Angeli after the second interception.

The Panthers defense showed tenacity in the Orange’s backfield, with eight tackles for loss on the night. Alex Sanford Jr. led the team with 11 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss, along with three quarterback hits.

Meanwhile, Pitt’s pass rush was charged by defensive tackles Nick James and Sean FitzSimmons, who each had a sack on the night. James’ came on a crucial third-and-5 when Syracuse was in the red zone, helping Pitt hold the Orange to a field goal just before halftime.

Both teams played sloppy. Syracuse finished with nine penalties for 90 yards, while Pitt wasn’t far behind with eight for 72.

The win extended Pitt’s home winning streak against Syracuse to 12 games, with the Orange last winning in Pittsburgh at Heinz Field in 2001.

Heintschel’s ascension stalls

After an eye-popping opener in which he threw seven touchdown passes, Heintschel hasn’t thrown a touchdown in back-to-back games. Saturday’s heavy rain made conditions difficult against UCF. But outside of mild rain in the second quarter Thursday night, the sophomore had favorable conditions against Syracuse and didn’t capitalize.

Heintschel completed 10 of 23 passes for 123 yards and an interception on the night. While he rushed 11 times for 41 yards and a touchdown, his lack of production through the air might have been a major problem against a better opponent.

Several of Heintschel’s passes missed open receivers downfield and spoiled explosive play opportunities. One of his passes that was on target was dropped in the end zone by Censere Lee. Heintschel’s worst moment came on a second half interception by cornerback Davien Kerr, who read Heintschel’s eyes and jumped a pass over the middle.

Injuries piling up

Receiver Malik Knight was declared out for the game before kickoff after he was injured against UCF. Running back Ja’Kyrian Turner was a game-time decision and was held out of a second consecutive game.

The Panthers lost another key contributor during the game, as safety and captain Cruce Brookins left during the third quarter and didn’t return. He was seen in pads holding his helmet on the sideline. He left the game with nine tackles – five of them solo – and had multiple big hits that ended Syracuse drives.

That’s three key contributors who the Panthers will need when they resume play against ACC opponents.

Up next

Pitt plays Bucknell at home a week from Saturday. The Bison are 1-2 to start the season and face Penn on Saturday.

This story was originally published September 18, 2026 at 12:11 AM.