Pitt stays unbeaten after Virginia Tech’s final-kick miss
Pittsburgh moved to 5-0 with a 35-33 road win, while quarterback Mason Heintschel’s apparent knee injury adds uncertainty ahead of the Panthers’ next games.
Pittsburgh beat Virginia Tech 35-33 after Hokies kicker John Love missed a 36-yard field goal on the final play. The result lifted Pitt to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference play; Virginia Tech fell to 4-1 and 1-1.
Pitt trailed 24-14 before turnovers helped it take control. Virginia Tech gained 499 yards to Pitt’s 295, according to CBS Sports, but the Hokies could not turn that advantage into a late lead.
Pitt’s starting quarterback, Mason Heintschel, left with an apparent knee injury early in the third quarter and later returned to the sideline on crutches. The report gave no diagnosis or update on his availability.
After the game, coach Pat Narduzzi criticised Associated Press poll voters, saying they might recognise the team’s quality if they “wake their ass up”. Pitt was seventh among teams receiving votes in this week’s poll.
Pitt is scheduled to play North Carolina next week and visit No. 4 Miami on 24 October. The Miami game will offer a test of the unbeaten Panthers, whose 5-0 start in 2024 was followed by six straight losses.
