The Pittsburgh Panthers dominated against Youngstown State with a 73-17 victory on Saturday, led by quarterback Eli Holstein who threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more. This win marked Pitt’s first 4-0 start since 2000 and their first time scoring 70 or more points in a game since 2021 when they scored 77 against New Hampshire. The team’s 644 total yards of offense is tied for the fifth-highest in school history. Following a 3-9 record last year, the Panthers have emerged as one of the early surprises in the season.

Holstein, a redshirt freshman transfer from Alabama, played a significant role in Pitt’s success, completing 16 of 24 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 93 yards and two scores. Additionally, Nate Yarnell threw a touchdown pass to Daniel Carter, Censere Lee caught an 82-yard touchdown pass, and Raphael Williams Jr. contributed four receptions for 71 yards and a score. Youngstown State’s Beau Brungard completed 18 of 28 passes for two touchdowns and an interception.

Pittsburgh overcame double-digit deficits in their previous two games but did not require a comeback against Youngstown State. The Panthers scored on their first six possessions, amassing 42 points in just 9 minutes and 38 seconds of play. Holstein and the Panthers set the tone early in the game, quickly putting their opponent away with a series of impressive plays.

With the win secured, Pitt now looks ahead to their upcoming ACC opener against North Carolina after a week off, aiming to continue their undefeated streak and build on their early-season momentum. Meanwhile, Youngstown State will face Missouri State in their next matchup, seeking to bounce back from their recent losses.