University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Behind Enemy Lines: Virginia Tech
9/30/2026 9:10:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Each week, as Pitt prepares for its next opponent, we'll look at what the other side is saying about the Panthers. Here's a snapshot of how Virginia Tech is sizing up Pitt ahead of Friday night's matchup at Lane Stadium.
Creating a Hostile Environment
With both teams entering the game undefeated, Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin wants the Lane Stadium crowd to make Pitt's first road test of the season as difficult as possible.
"We need it to be a home-field advantage," Franklin said. "We need it to be a four-quarter game—four quarters of support from our fans and from our students."
Pitt opened the season with four consecutive home games, making Friday its first opportunity to play in a hostile road environment.
"They've played four home games to start the season, so we're going to need to have a challenging, tough environment for an offense that's doing a bunch of really good things," Franklin said. "It's a tremendous challenge."
Pitt's Aggressive Defense
Franklin has considerable familiarity with Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi and the defensive system the Panthers have operated throughout his tenure.
"When you think of Pitt and when you think of Narduzzi, you think about their defense," Franklin said. "They're playing really good defense, and they've got a system. They've been running it for a long time."
Franklin highlighted Pitt's ability to stop the run, pressure the quarterback and close opportunities with its pursuit.
"They're an attacking-style front," he said. "Their defensive line is getting off the ball and trying to penetrate. Their linebackers are downhill. Those guys play super aggressively. It's impressive to watch."
"They get all 11 guys running to the ball. There are some things that you feel good about pre-snap, and the ball is snapped, and then the way they pursue and run to the ball, those windows and opportunities close—and close quickly."
"Everything Goes Through Him"
On the other side of the ball, Virginia Tech is preparing for quarterback Mason Heintschel and an explosive Pitt passing attack.
"The quarterback is obviously playing at a really, really high level for them," Franklin said. "When you've got 13 touchdown passes and one interception, he's obviously a good decision-maker and does a really good job distributing the ball."
Franklin described Pitt as a pass-first offense but warned that the Panthers' three-man running back rotation cannot be overlooked.
"I would view these guys as a pass-to-set-up-the-run type of offense," Franklin said. "But they have shown the ability to run the ball, and you'd better respect it or they're going to have a chance to be productive."
Virginia Tech pass game coordinator/safeties coach Anthony Midget said Pitt's speed and versatility will challenge the Hokies at every level.
"Everything goes through him," Midget said of Heintschel. "He runs the show. The system they run is efficient. They do a good job of putting pressure on the defense."
"They've got a lot of speed," Midget added. "At all three levels, they have guys who can stretch the field. They're explosive on offense, and they do a good job of putting pressure on the defense."
An Old Big East Rivalry
Midget also understands the history surrounding the matchup after playing for Virginia Tech during the program's time in the Big East.
"That's a pretty good rivalry," Midget said. "It was back and forth. We always knew it was going to be a tough matchup when we played Pitt, and they understand when they come to Lane Stadium what it's going to be."
"It'll be fun. Lane Stadium, Friday night, a night game—I'm excited about it."
