Pitt QB Eli Holstein was deemed the best freshman QB in the country by 93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi. The Pittsburgh-area radio host was high on the Alabama transfer after his third 300-yard game in as many games and upon leading another comeback victory down double-digits for the Panthers against West Virginia.
“Pitt has the best freshman quarterback in the country. And his name is Eli Holstein,” Fillipponi wrote on Twitter during the 38-34 Pitt win on September 14.
The “Backyard Brawl” delivered its typical smashmouth style in Week 3. This one resembled the last time these two teams played at Acrisure Stadium in 2022, a 38-31 Panthers win.
The win propels Pitt to 3-0, while West Virginia falls to 1-2 on the year. With a win over Cincinnati in Week 2, it’s possible the Panthers are on the precipice of being ranked. The Panthers host Youngstown State in Week 4 before the schedule gives them UNC, an overperforming Cal, and a Syracuse team that looks as good as advertised in the offseason.
Alabama getting elite QB play from Jalen Milroe
Alabama is so rich in talent every year that Holstein was a fourth-string QB behind Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and Dylan Lonergan on the depth chart. Now he’s a hero for the Panthers in a critical campaign for Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi’s job security.
Certainly, the Crimson Tide aren’t regretting letting him go. Milroe has 590 yards, eight touchdowns, and no interceptions through Alabama’s three double-digit wins.
There’s no doubt Milroe is a potential Heisman candidate. And if Holstein continues his dominance in the ACC, maybe he can be too.
