PITTSBURGH -- Sophomore Mason Heintschel threw seven touchdown passes, tying the school record, and Pittsburgh rolled to a 59-14 win against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday.
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 touchdown throws 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. 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."
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 would-be 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 touchdown throws in the second half.
