PITTSBURGH – Eli Holstein, redshirt freshman quarterback for the Pitt Panthers, was a star in his first season, but he looks to the volleyball program as a source of inspiration for the future.
Holstein spoke to the media on Wednesday and discussed a number of topics, including his own and the team’s success. He also mentioned that he and almost the entire football team will attend Pitt’s volleyball game against Penn State.
This matchup pits the No. 1 Panthers against the No. 3 Nittany Lions, two undefeated teams seeking not only Keystone Classic dominance, but also a chance to prove they are the best in the country.
“Tonight we’re going to the volleyball game,” Holstein said. “Pretty much the whole team is there. You have to cheer for the volleyball team. Tonight is a big game against Penn State. I know we’re playing great, but right now our volleyball team is dominating. I don’t think they’ve lost a set. They’re the best team on campus. You know, we’re trying to get to that point…”
Holstein has shined in his first three games with the Panthers, starting by completing 30 of 40 passes for 330 yards and three touchdowns with one interception in the 55-24 season-opening loss to the Kent State Golden Flashes at Acrisure Stadium on August 31.
Pitt trailed 27-6 midway through the third quarter on the road to Cincinnati in the River City Rivalry. Holstein led three touchdown drives and then got within striking distance of redshirt senior placekicker Ben Sauls, who kicked the game-winning 35-yard field goal with 30 seconds left to win 28-27 on Sept. 7. Holstein was 10 of 11 passing for 189 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Holstein got off to a good start in last weekend’s Backyard Brawl against rival West Virginia at home, throwing two touchdown passes to junior running back Desmond Reid to take an early 17-14 lead.
Poor offensive efforts led the Panthers to manage three four-yard rushing attempts early in the second half and trailing 34-24 with five minutes left. Holstein led two touchdown drives late to help the Panthers defeat the Mountaineers in a classic and keep the team undefeated at 3-0.
Pitt volleyball is also perfect at 6-0, has not dropped a set and has away wins against then-10th ranked Oregon on August 30 and then against USC (ranked 23rd) on September 11.
They return four sophomore All-Americans, reigning AVCA National Freshman of the Year right wing Olvia Babcock and outside hitter Torrey Stafford, and seniors libero/defensive specialist Emmy Klika and setter Rachel Fairbanks.
The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. and the ACC Network will broadcast the game.
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