Pittsburgh will make a change at quarterback Saturday, turning to 18-year-old freshman Mason Heintschel for his first career start against Boston College, according to ESPN.
The move comes as Pitt looks to shake up an offense that has stalled in recent weeks. Eli Holstein began the year as the starter, but was pulled in last week’s loss to Louisville after throwing two interceptions. He had opened the season with promise with four touchdown passes apiece against Duquesne and Central Michigan. However, the struggles in consecutive losses have push him to the bench.
Heintschel, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound product of Oregon, Ohio, has seen limited action, attempting just four passes in a Sept. 6 win over Central Michigan. A decorated high school player at Clay High, who he accounted for 8,876 total yards and 102 touchdowns while leading the program to its first outright Northern Lakes League title since 1978. He chose Pitt over offers from Ohio, Coastal Carolina and Liberty.
The Panthers will also be without star all-purpose back Desmond Reid for the second straight week. Reid left the Sept. 13 game against West Virginia with a lower-body injury and is considered Pitt’s top offensive weapon.
Pitt hosts BC on Saturday (Noon ET, ACCN).
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