Pitt's Eli Holstein leaves game against Syracuse after taking hit
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein left Thursday's game against Syracuse at Acrisure Stadium after being tackled during a run in the fourth quarter.
Pitt's freshman quarterback left the game with 12 minutes, 54 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter following a 13-yard run. Holstein was shaken up after being tackled on the sideline. He appeared to hit his head on the ground as he was tackled. Before the next play, Holstein appeared to try to remove himself from the game.
Holstein went to the medical tent before walking to the locker room. The Panthers were leading 41-6 when Holstein left the game. Nate Yarnell replaced Holstein under center.
Holstein completed 11-of-15 passes for 108 yards and two scores before leaving. The star freshman added six rushes for 20 yards. Pitt beat Syracuse 41-13 on Thursday.
After the game, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said Holstein is going to be "fine."
"He's in there smiling, happy, jumping around. So we'll be fine. Just added precaution. Kept him out. At first we just thought he had dirt in his eye. It was a little bit more than dirt, but he's fine and happy."
Coming into the game, Holstein had 1,697 yards passing and 15 passing touchdowns through six games for No. 19 Pitt.
Pitt's defense shines against Syracuse
Pitt grabbed five interceptions, including three pick-6s, off Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord on Thursday. The Panthers had four interceptions and three pick-6s in the first half. McCord came into the game with six interceptions.
Pitt (7-0) plays at No. 22 SMU on Nov. 2. The Panthers are 7-0 for the first time since 1982, when Dan Marino was the squad's quarterback.