Pittsburgh Beats NC State 53-34

Pittsburgh routed NC State 53-34, dropping the Wolfpack to .500. Freshman QB Mason Heintschel completed 28 of 48 passes for 423 yards and three touchdowns, setting Pitt freshman single-game passing marks and becoming the first FBS freshman this season to top 400 yards; his 84-yard TD also broke an Acrisure Stadium record. The Panthers leaned on the pass — Caturus “Blue” Hicks had 120 yards including the 84-yard score, Kenny Johnson had seven catches for 112 yards before exiting with an injury, and Raphael “Poppi” Williams had five catches for 62 yards — and Pitt’s receiving corps averaged 15.1 yards per catch with 189 yards after the catch. Pittsburgh’s ground game was limited to 106 rushing yards (3.2 yards per carry), with Ja’Kyrian Turner leading the backs and scoring two short rushing TDs. Pro Football Focus’ initial grades underscored NC State’s defensive struggles, but receivers coach Joker Phillips said the young wideout group, led by sophomore Terrell Anderson, has shown steady improvement through offseason work and positional flexibility.