(Photo by Mike Longo Jr.)
It wasn’t exactly a Hollywood movie, but Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said his unbeaten Panthers followed the script in rolling to a 73-17 homecoming dismantling of Youngstown State Saturday, Sept. 21, at Acrisure Stadium.
“Talked to our guys just about the attitude we take and making a statement in regards to who we played,” Narduzzi said after the win. “We wanted to put the foot to the pedal and show who we are.”
Quarterback Eli Holstein helped in the regard, and Pitt scored six touchdowns in its first six possessions on the way to its fourth straight win.
Holstein threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more as Pitt finished the nonconference portion of the schedule unbeaten for the first time ever. The Panthers are off to their best start in 24 years.
Despite the absence of its top running back, Desmond Reid, who was leading the Atlantic Coast Conference in all-purpose yards coming into the game, Pitt dominated in all phases, totaling 644 yards of offense and holding Youngstown state to 309.
Sixth-year senior running back Daniel Carter had his best game as a Panther, rushing for 109 yards in seven carries, scoring on runs of 24 and 43 yards and hauling in a 13-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Nate Yarnell.
Narduzzi said he was happy to see Carter have that kind of a day.
“He deserves that,” he said. “He’s a selfless man. He’s been on the punt team for three years. He does a heck of a job as our personal protector, makes all the calls on our punt team. For him to get the ball and go out and make plays, I was happy for him.”
Holstein found Raphael Williams Jr. on a 6-yard touchdown pass, teamed with Kenny Johnson on a 10-yard scoring pass, then hit Censere Lee on an 82-yard touchdown pass with 1 minute, 34 seconds left in the first half. That score left the Panthers with a 42-10 lead at halftime.
Holstein also scored on a pair of 2-yard runs.
Holstein continued his fine early season play, completing 16 of 24 passes for 247 yards. Yarnell was 8 for 11 for 102 yards.
Both quarterbacks spread the ball around, as three players each caught four passes. Lee totaled 108 yards, Williams 71 and Konata Mumpfield 60. Eleven players caught at least one pass for Pitt.
Narduzzi said he was excited that so many players had a chance to contribute and make plays.
“That’s the way it’s supposed to be,” he said. “If you want to win a championship, that’s how you take care of business.”
Pitt dominated on the ground, rushing for 295 yards in 26 carries, and the Panthers’ quarterbacks finished with 349 yards passing on 24 completions in 35 attempts.
Photo Gallery by Mike Longo Jr.
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