Next man up: How Pitt’s offensive line has held strong amid key injuries

A year ago, the unraveling of Pitt’s season could be traced back to the offensive line. Injuries piled up, continuity crumbled and so did the Panthers’ offensive rhythm.

This fall, the script could have repeated itself.

Two starters have already gone down — left guard Keith Gouveia and left tackle Jeff Persi — but instead of falling apart, Pitt’s offensive line has found its footing. Pitt’s offensive line has held steady — and maybe even improved in some areas.

Part of that is the group itself is experienced, interchangeable and confident. But part of it stems from the growth of freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel, who has unlocked a more balanced attack that’s allowed Pitt’s offense to settle into a rhythm even as personnel has shifted.

“It’s that next-man-up mentality,” lineman Ken