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Pat Narduzzi said Mason Heintschel's seven-touchdown passing opener matched the consistency Pitt had seen throughout spring and preseason practice rather than representing an unexpected breakthrough.

Narduzzi praised Pitt's offensive line after allowing one sack and helping produce 160 rushing yards against Miami (Ohio), exceeding the team's stated 150-yard rushing target.

Narduzzi highlighted tight ends Elijah Lagg and Carson Kent after they combined for five catches and 52 yards in Pitt's opener, including a touchdown reception by Lagg.

Narduzzi expects freshman defensive tackle Lincoln Hoke to continue contributing after first-team reps and two tackles against Miami (Ohio), citing trustworthy positioning and his ability to hold up and disengage from blocks.

Narduzzi said UCF's tempo resembles Pitt's own offense and is familiar to his defense from practice, while highlighting quarterback Alonza Barnett III's quick release, mobility and scrambling as matchup challenges.