Alabama transfer delivers big in debut with 55-24 route of Kent State

by Bo Marchionte
Published August 31, 2024, 04:57 PM

Pittsburgh, PA – The Panthers opened their season with a win over visiting Kent State, 55-24. More importantly, it marked the debut of Eli Holstein who transferred from Alabama earlier this year.

Facing a lesser opponent in the Golden Flashes he still managed to provide a bright glimpse of the Panthers passing attack that has lacked a punch since their 2021 ACC Offensive Player of the Year, Kenny Pickett, got drafted in 2022.

Holstein, who was a highly-touted quarterback recruit, known for his strong arm and ability made plays downfield early and often. Helping the Panthers score 55-points the first time they’ve tallied a number in the 50s since November of 2021 with a win over Duke 54-29.

A nearly identical score this afternoon and head coach Pat Narduzzi will hope it signals, Pittsburgh has found themselves the quarterback of the future what was told he was starting just two days before his debut.

“They told me Thursday, right before practice,” Holstein said of learning the news. “It was a surreal moment, just a childhood dream to play college football. You know, be a starter in college football. I did shed a tear, you know, just thinking about all the people that helped me out there along the way, you know, parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, just people that have helped me always believed in me since day one. You know, just finally

feel like I made them proud and everything.”

Holstein left midway through the fourth quarter after the Panthers built a comfortable enough lead to the pesky Golden Flashes. Kent State managed to keep it competitive until the final quarter where the Panthers began to separate from the MAC school that went 1-11, in 2023.

“I didn’t get a real good chance to watch him,” team captain Brandon George said after the victory. “Judging by scoreboard, I’m guessing he did pretty well.”

Against the Kent State defense, Holstein went 29-of-39 for 330 yards along with three touchdowns and one interception off his back foot he probably wishing he could get back. His demeanor and execution exceeded expectations.

“That’s a day you dream about, since you are a little kid, you know, that first start, having that performance I did for my first start,” Holstein said. “I was able to go out there and do what I need to do to make sure the team won. I was that was the goal. The first goal was to get that first first down. You know, I just wanted to go out there, score some touchdowns and just make sure my team won.

He provided a consistent touch, that shined in two of his three touchdown passes on the afternoon. Twice, Holstein put the football in the perfect position along with the elegant touch of a seasoned passer.

“Pretty much every day, we have a period of red zone,” Holstein said of the Panthers offensive approach in the red zone. “Coach (Kade) Bell, you know, he takes the red zone pretty personal, you know, he’s in there, you know, some teams want to go in there and just throw the ball, you know, but we’re out there to just score touchdowns, because we know that’s what we can do. We are going to go out there, run the ball here and there. We know we’re also going to throw it. We’re not afraid to do that.”

Kent State is far from being an apex predator in college football, but nonetheless, Holstein did what was asked and made the plays necessary to allow him to watch from the sidelines in his inaugural game at Acrisure Stadium.

A star at Zachary High School in Louisiana, he became a standout quarterback which him heavily recruited by several major college programs. Committing to Alabama, Holstein appears to have found a new home in Pittsburgh.

“Great game and keep doing what I’m doing,” Holstein said are the words Coach Narduzzi told him after the win.

Keep doing what he did today, and he’ll likely accelerate his rise in college football and eventually draw the attention of NFL Scouts. Holstein mentioned several times today that some of his dreams came to fruition.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com