PITTSBURGH — Coach Pat Narduzzi of the Pittsburgh Panthers is exercising caution regarding the status of quarterback Eli Holstein.
Holstein, a redshirt freshman transfer from Alabama, left the game during the fourth quarter in a 41-13 victory over Syracuse last week due to an unspecified injury. The incident occurred as Holstein was wrapping up a quarterback option run while the Panthers maintained a significant lead. The team is set to face No. 20 SMU this Saturday.
Following the triumph against Syracuse, Narduzzi remarked that Holstein was okay, likening his condition to having dirt in his eye. Known for his reluctance to disclose injury details, Narduzzi remained vague when queried about Holstein’s status during a Monday press briefing.
“It’s a wait-and-see, we’ll see,” he stated, adding, “that’s his deal.”
In the matchup against Syracuse, Holstein showcased his skills by completing 11 of 15 passes for a total of 108 yards and threw two touchdown passes, contributing to the team’s first 7-0 start since 1982, enhanced by a defensive display that included three pick-sixes.
Narduzzi also mentioned that backup quarterback Nate Yarnell would see some practice time with the first team, though such occurrences are not out of the ordinary.
The offensive performance for Pitt has slowed somewhat in ACC competition; the Panthers are currently averaging 338 yards over their three conference games. This is a significant drop compared to their nonconference average of 522 yards, achieved through wins against Kent State, Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Youngstown State.