PITTSBURGH – Three Pitt football players – quarterback Mason Heintschel, running back Desmond Reid and linebacker Kyle Louis – were honored by the ACC this week for their performances in the Panthers’ 34–31 upset win at then-No. 25 Florida State.
For the second straight week, true freshman Heintschel earned an ACC weekly accolade, this time as quarterback of the week. Heintschel was named ACC rookie of the week for his first career start versus Boston College Oct. 4.
Reid collected ACC receiver of the week after tying career highs in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, while Kyle Louis earned ACC linebacker of the week for the second time this season.
In just his second career start, Heintschel completed 21 of 29 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for a career-high 64 yards on 16 attempts, including a career-long 30-yard run in the fourth quarter. He led the ACC in passing yards (321), yards per attempt (11.07) and total offense (385), which ranked sixth nationally. He has surpassed 320 passing yards in each of his first two starts, completing 73% of his throws with six touchdown passes.
In his return to the lineup, Reid led all players with 200 all-purpose yards (155 receiving, 45 rushing) and scored two receiving touchdowns. His 155 receiving yards and two receiving scores matched career highs. Reid’s 200 scrimmage yards led the ACC and ranked third nationally. Among Football Bowl Subdivision running backs, he led the position in receptions (eight), receiving touchdowns (2) and receiving yards (155).
Louis paced the Panthers defense with 11 tackles and 1.5 stops for loss at Florida State. He also earned ACC recognition following Pitt’s season-opening win over Duquesne.
The Panthers travel to Syracuse for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Saturday against the Orange on the ACC Network.