Pitt earn massive ACC win over Virginia Tech, but it comes with a huge cost

Pitt football coach Pat Narduzzi had a message for the AP top-25 voters following his team's 35-33 win over Virginia Tech on Friday night: put his team in the rankings.

They are more than deserving after going on the road and securing a thrilling come-from-behind win against the Hokies, improving their record to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the ACC. 

It is already their third win against a power-four conference team. 

Pitt's concerns, however, might be more significant than where they rank on Monday morning.

It is going to be the status of starting quarterback Mason Heintschel.

Pitt loses starting quarterback Mason Heintschel in costly ACC win

Heintschel was injured on the first series of the second half when he was trying to scramble for a first down and took a big hit on the sidelines. He immediately grabbed his knee and remained on the field for several minutes before being helped off. He was unable to put any weight on it as he walked off and was seen watching the remainder of the second half from the sidelines on crutches. 

He was replaced by backup Holden Geriner.

While Geriner was able to manage the offense and make some plays, including a 29-yard touchdown to Blue Hicks in the fourth quarter, there was a noticeable drop in the offense and a limit to the play-calling.

That is going to be a concern if Heintschel has to miss extended time, as it appears he might have to. 

Heintschel was putting up massive numbers this season, having thrown for 1,304 yards, 14 touchdowns and only one interception in four-and-a-half games this season. That includes a pair of games with at least six touchdowns in each of them. The true sophomore is one of the reasons that Pitt should have had optimism about its chances to compete in a very wide-open ACC this season. 

Now there is going to be some question as to when he will be available again. It certainly did not look good when he exited. 

It was nearly a frustrating loss for Pitt given that it had an 11-point lead, with the football, in the fourth quarter and was a plus-four in turnovers. But a late safety, a Virginia Tech touchdown on the ensuing drive, and the Hokies getting down well into kicker John Love's range made it seem as if they were going to find a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Love's kick, however, barely missed over the right upright as time expired.