Pitt Panthers Utilizing Two-Quarterback System Against No. 1 Miami Hurricanes?

MIAMI, Fla. – The Pitt Panthers will look to upset the No. 1 Miami Hurricanes this weekend without sophomore quarterback Mason Heintschel, who suffered a season-ending torn right knee ACL against the Virginia Tech Hokies on Oct. 3.

It’s a heavy loss as the 19-year-old was on pace to produce new career highs across the stat sheet. Heintschel completed 98 of 148 passes (66.2 percent), threw for 1,304 yards and 14 touchdowns with one interception in five games.

The Panthers started the season 5-0 for the third time in program history since 1990. In Heintschel’s absence, Pitt’s head coach Patt Narduzzi has to decide who takes the snaps behind/under center. He is reportedly going the untraditional route by starting fifth-year Holden Geriner while opening the opportunity for freshman Corey Dailey to play as well, according to CBS Sports.

Both quarterbacks have each started in the last two games, leading to the same losing results:

UNC (21-17) – Geriner

Boston College (27-21) – Dailey

Hurricanes defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman will be tasked with preparing the unit to face either option. They’re primarily healthy in both the front seven and the secondary, minus cornerbacks Romanas “OJ” Frederique Jr. (Left Shoulder) and Ja’Boree Antoine (Undisclosed).

Although Geriner has been in college football longer, he doesn’t have a ton of in-game experience. In a three-year stint at Auburn, then last season at Texas State, he played in a combined 11 games, completing nine of 21 passes (42.9 percent), and threw for 116 yards with one interception. If Geriner starts, the Hurricanes won’t worry about much rushing threat.

When facing the Tar Heels, the former Tigers quarterback completed 27 of 44 passes (61.4 percent), threw for 219 yards and two interceptions with no passing touchdowns. However, Dailey didn’t showcase much optimism either against the Eagles. The former four-star recruit completed 11 of 25 passes (44 percent), threw for 193 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions.

The Panthers’ offensive line has allowed the fourth-fewest sacks in the Atlantic Coast Conference with eight total. Although the Hurricanes’ defense is capable of generating multiple pressures, there will likely be a serious battle in the trenches before opportunities open to disrupt either quarterback.

Narduzzi doesn’t have many options available, rather than to get creative. The Panthers look to snap a two-game losing streak and remain competitive with hopes of booking a trip to Charlotte for the ACC Championship game.

Kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium this Saturday is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ESPN.

More Miami Hurricanes News:

- "Could No. 1 UM Push No. 4 Notre Dame Out of the College Football Playoffs?"

- "UM Ranked New No. 1 in AP Poll"

- "Javian Mallory Boosted UM's Run Game as Mark Fletcher Jr. Went Down"