Pitt Dominates Bucknell to Keep Undefeated Season Alive

The Pitt Panthers move to 4-0 after defeating the Bucknell Bison 59-0. This is Pitt's first 4-0 start since the 2024 season and their first shutout since their 2020 victory over Austin Peay.

Pitt got a new school record with 766 offensive yards and eight touchdown passes, compared to just 138 yards from Bucknell.

Sophomore quarterback Mason Heintschel finished the game throwing for 403 passing yards and six touchdowns through just 2.5 quarters. It's a return to form after a great Week 1 and a rough next two games. He's the first Pitt quarterback to ever have multiple six-touchdown games.

Wide receiver Censere Lee had Pitt's first hat-trick performance since Daniel Carter in 2024, catching three touchdown passes and receiving for 47 yards on five receptions from Heintschel.

It was a mostly smooth game, but the Panthers racked up penalties, mistakes that could cost them against a tougher opponent.

First Half

Pitt hadn't scored a passing touchdown since Week 1, but against Bucknell, Heintschel had five passing touchdowns and 288 passing yards in just the first half.

True freshman wide receiver Demetrice McCray had a breakout second quarter, receiving for 56 yards and two touchdowns

Wide receiver Censere Lee also caught two touchdowns from Heintschel, with tight end Carson Kent getting his first touchdown of the season along with 56 yards.

The defense was dominant, holding Bucknell to zero points and 80 total yards of offense. Some discipline issues gave the Bison some first downs via penalties, but they were held to just seven first downs total in the half.