Mason Heintschel

PITTSBURGH– Following a strong starting debut in Pitt’s 48-7 victory over Boston College, quarterback Mason Heintschel was named the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week on Tuesday.

Heintschel became the first true freshman quarterback at Pitt to win his first career start since Kenny Pickett in 2017. The Oregon, Ohio native completed 30-of-41 passes for 323 yards and four touchdowns, helping the Panthers to a 48-7 win.

He is the first ACC true freshman with 300 passing yards and four touchdowns in his first career start since Deshaun Watson in 2014. He’s also the first Pitt freshman to reach those numbers without an interception since at least 1995. Among ACC freshmen, the last to accomplish that feat was Drake Maye in 2022.

Health issues for Sanders

BOULDER, Colo. — Colorado coach Deion Sanders is undergoing a procedure related to his blood clots.

He hopes to be back at practice the next day and on the sideline this weekend against Iowa State. Sanders provided a medical update Tuesday, saying the issue is hereditary and not related to his work level.

He experienced pain during a recent game at TCU, where he was seen limping and not wearing a shoe on his left foot. Sanders has faced blood clot issues before, leading to the amputation of two toes in 2021. He remains optimistic about his recovery.