True freshman Mason Heintschel leads Pitt to 48-7 rout of Boston College

PITTSBURGH -- , Surprise starter Mason Heintschel threw for four touchdowns and led Pittsburgh to five first-half scores during a 48-7 win against Boston College on Saturday. The 18-year-old Heintschel, a true freshman, made his first career start for Pitt (1-1, 3-2) in place of redshirt sophomore Eli Holstein . Heintschel is the first true freshman quarterback to win his first career start at Pittsburgh since Kenny Pickett in 2017. Holstein was pulled after throwing two interceptions during last week’s home loss against Louisville. Holstein saw fourth-quarter action on Saturday with the result already decided. “It was not my intention to mislead you,” said Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi, who told reporters during the week that Holstein was still the starter. “I wanted to eliminate distractions during the week.