Actions show Holstein moves forward as Pitt starter

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said heading into the first game that he wanted to have it be obvious after the game who the starting quarterback was. Narduzzi didn’t fully say it was Eli Holstein’s job, but after going 30 of 40 for 336 yards and three touchdowns, he didn’t have to see it.

Narduzzi said he wanted to look more at the game tape, with the exception of a couple of throws, most notably the back-foot interception, he will probably like him even more.

“Eli was sharp,” Narduzzi said Saturday. “If things didn't look sharp early, we'd probably have pulled him earlier to see what Nate had. I told you earlier, I didn't have a plan for when and what to do. But the way he played with composure, obviously it's going to be -- we're going to see a little bit more next Saturday in Cincinnati.”

Narduzzi told the redshirt freshman Thursday he would be the starter even after Nate Yarnell had the lead at least going into and out of spring ball and heading into fall camp.

“It was a surreal moment,” Holstein said. “A childhood dream to be a starter in college football. When I got that news, I did shed a tear thinking about all the people that helped me out along the way-parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches-just people that helped me and always believed in me. I feel I made them proud.”

Fair to say he probably made a lot of people proud, and excited a number of Pitt fans. There was much to like about his start:
·     He anticipated throws, throwing to spots, trusting his receivers
·     Always seemed in control of the offense
·     No issues with ball-handling or getting the team set up
·     While he took off a couple of times, he looked comfortable in the pocket when pressure came
·     Got rid of the ball quickly
·     Went through progressions

He nearly set the Pitt redshirt freshman record for passing yards in an opener saying he really settled in after the first completion, said his decision-making was good. He also noted a few things to clean up, including an interception and one or two more that could have been picked off.

“I thought early, shoot, I think his first series there wasn't an incomplete pass,” said Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi. “Eli played really good, I think (noting he wanted time to look at game tape). I was really happy with where he was. He had the one interception, kind of threw it off his heels, I think.”

“But overall, he got the ball out of his hands when he needed to. He's a good football player. I told you. And so is Nate. But I think schematically, I think Coach Bell and the offensive staff does a great job of scheming it up and putting our kids in position to make those plays.”

Holstein agreed saying he thought the coaches made it easier on him, also crediting his teammates.

“It was a moment that I’m in college football and I can play,” Holstein said. “It was a moment telling me I can do this, which is a lot of fun. Being able to just get the ball to those guys and let them make some plays was a lot of fun. Seeing those guys out there running great routes, being in the right spot, knowing exactly what to do. I feel like we trusted each other a lot.”

“Eli looked really good this week coming in,” said tailback Desmond Reid. “Eli looked really good today.”

“It was awesome,” Holstein said. “It’s a day you dream since you were a little kid, that first start. Having the performance I did for the first start was even a bigger dream. I was able to go out there and make sure the team won. That was the goal.”

He was told after the win by offensive coordinator Kade Bell to keep that momentum going. It’s not that it may not change in the future, but that Pitt offensive momentum continues with Holstein as its starting quarterback.