Pitt's excitement over its 45-3 victory against Toledo yesterday at Heinz Field was tempered by the loss of starting offensive right guard John Simonitis for the rest of the season because of a broken right ankle.

Simonitis was hobbled earlier in the season by a sprained ankle, but yesterday he went down in the Panthers' first series.

The loss is a huge one because Simonitis, a four-year starter, was considered one of the team's best offensive lineman and a well-liked team leader.

"It is tough," Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. "That hurts so much. It hurts because of the type of player that John is, but also because of the type of person he is and the fact that he's a senior. You just hate to see this happen. It hurts for John and it hurts for our football team."

Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko said, "John is going to be missed. He's been the anchor of our offensive line, he's going to be sorely missed."

With Simonitis out, freshman Joe Thomas will become the starter. There might be some position changes, too, because this is the second significant injury to an offensive lineman. Earlier, tackle John Bachman, the top reserve at tackle, was lost for the season because of a broken ankle.

Another beneficiary of those two injuries might be freshman tackle Jason Pinkston, a Baldwin High School graduate who was on his way to a redshirt before playing for the first time yesterday. Wannstedt said Pinkston likely will move into a more prominent role.

Defense scores points

When defensive tackle Gus Mustakas scored on a 9-yard interception return yesterday, it was the Panthers' fourth defensive touchdown this season. Cornerback Darrelle Revis has scored twice on interceptions, and linebacker Clint Session returned one for a touchdown against Virginia.

Those touchdowns have been a big boost to the Panthers. They also have set off a competition for more.

"Those scores are big," Mustakas said. "They really just come in the natural flow of the game, but now that I got one, I guess I have some bragging rights over some of the others. It is all in fun, as long as we keep winning and we keep focused, it is good to have a little fun with it, too."

The Panthers are closing in on a school-record for defensive scores in a season (5) set in 1986.

Quick hits

Pitt's 42-point victory was their largest margin of victory since a 42-0 win against Rutgers Nov. 10, 2001. ... Pitt receiver Derek Kinder had another touchdown catch yesterday, giving him six for the season. He has scored in all five games. ... Conor Lee kicked a career-long 47-yard field goal in the second quarter. ... Other than Simonitis, the Panthers reported no significant injuries. Tailback LaRod Stephens-Howling was hobbled briefly and middle linebacker H.B. Blades came out of the game with an apparent shoulder injury. Both returned, and Wannstedt said they are OK. ... Pitt improved to 24-2 against Mid-American Conference teams.