Pitt Dominates YSU in 73-17 Victory
Pitt continued their undefeated streak in emphatic fashion, dismantling Youngstown State 73-17 at Acrisure Stadium. Freshman quarterback Eli Holstein showcased his dynamic skill set, contributing both through the air and on the ground to lead the Panthers to a 4-0 start for the first time since 2000.
The tone was set early as Pitt marched down the field on their opening drive, with Holstein breaking free for a 31-yard run into YSU territory. He then connected with Raphael Williams Jr. for a 22-yard touchdown, putting the Panthers on the board just over three minutes into the game.
YSU's first drive was disastrous, starting with a penalty and a mishandled snap that left them in a deep hole. After being forced to punt from their own end zone, Pitt capitalized on excellent field position. On the second play of the drive, running back Daniel Carter broke loose for a 24-yard touchdown, making the score 14-0 with 8:30 left in the first quarter.
Pitt's defense continued to stifle YSU, forcing another three-and-out. Holstein then delivered a 34-yard strike to Williams Jr., setting up a 4-yard touchdown run, as Holstein kept the ball himself to extend the lead to 21-0 with 3:33 still left in the first quarter.
YSU finally managed to get on the board early in the second quarter with a field goal, but Pitt responded immediately. Holstein found Kenny Johnson for a 28-yard touchdown, making the score 28-3.
The Panthers’ defense made their presence felt shortly after, with Kyle Louis intercepting YSU quarterback Beau Brungard, giving Pitt the ball at YSU's 43-yard line. On the very next play, Carter sprinted 43 yards to the end zone, extending the lead to 35-3.
Though YSU fought back, with Brungard connecting with Cyrus Traugh for a touchdown late in the second quarter, Pitt quickly responded. Holstein delivered a deep 82-yard bomb to Censere Lee with just over a minute left in the half, making the score 42-10.
YSU opened the second half with a 45-yard touchdown pass from Brungard to Traugh, but Pitt answered with another big play from Holstein, who dashed 49 yards down to the 2-yard line before punching it in for his second rushing score of the day. With Pitt up 52-17 by the end of the third quarter, the game was well out of reach.
The Panthers didn’t let up in the fourth quarter, piling on three more touchdowns. Backup quarterback Nate Yarnell connected with Carter for a 13-yard score, followed by a 22-yard pick-six by Tamarion Crumpley, and capped off with a 57-yard touchdown run by Che Nwabuko, sealing the 73-17 blowout.
Standout Performers:
Eli Holstein: Threw for 247 yards on 16 completions with three touchdowns, while also rushing for a career-high 93 yards and two scores, showing his versatility as both a passer and a runner.
Daniel Carter: Carter posted career highs in rushing with 109 yards and two touchdowns on just seven attempts, including a 43-yard burst to the end zone.
Censere Lee: Lee led Pitt’s receivers with 109 yards and two touchdowns, including an 82-yard strike that demonstrated his big-play potential.
For YSU, Beau Brungard put up a valiant effort, throwing for a career-high 233 yards and two touchdowns. His favorite target, Cyrus Traugh, had a breakout game with 87 receiving yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with Pitt’s explosive offense.