PITTSBURGH — Pitt Panthers freshman quarterback Eli Holstein was a star player in his first season, but he sees the volleyball program as an inspiration for the future.

Holstein spoke to the media on Wednesday and discussed a number of topics, including his own success and that of the team. He also revealed that he and almost the entire football team will be attending Pitt’s volleyball game against Penn State.

In this matchup, the #1 ranked Panthers will take on the #3 ranked Nittany Lions. These two undefeated teams are not only looking to win the Keystone Classic, but also to prove they are the best in the country.

“We’re going to the volleyball game tonight,” Holstein said. “Almost the whole team is going. You have to cheer on the volleyball team. It’s a big game tonight against Penn State. I know we’re doing great, but our volleyball team is dominating right now. I don’t think they’ve lost a set. They’re the best team on campus. You know, we’re trying to get to that point…”

Holstein excelled in his first three games with the Panthers, starting with a 30-of-40 pass completion for 330 yards and three touchdowns against one interception in the season opener’s 55-24 victory over the Kent State Golden Flashes at Acrisure Stadium on August 31.

Pitt trailed 27-6 heading into Cincinnati midway through the third quarter of the River City Rivalry. Holstein led three touchdown drives and then got in range of redshirt senior placekicker Ben Sauls to kick the winning 35-yard field goal with 30 seconds left to win 28-27 on Sept. 7. Holstein was 10-of-11 for 189 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Holstein got off to a strong start in the Backyard Brawl against rival West Virginia at home last weekend, throwing two touchdown passes to junior running back Desmond Reid to an early 17-14 lead.

Poor offensive drives saw the Panthers run three drives for four yards to start the second half and trail 34-24 with five minutes left. Holstein led two touchdown drives at the end, helping the Panthers beat the Mountaineers in a classic and keep the team undefeated at 3-0.

Pitt Volleyball also has an excellent record of 6-0, having not dropped a single set and beating then number 10 ranked Oregon on August 30th and then number 23 ranked USC on September 11th.

They return four All-Americans in their sophomore year, the reigning AVCA National Freshman of the Year in right winger Olvia Babcock and outside hitter Torrey Stafford and the seniors in libero/defensive specialist Emmy Klika and setter Rachel Fairbanks.

Tip-off for the game is at 7:00 PM and the ACC Network will broadcast the game.

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