To say it was an up-and-down season for Eli Holstein would be an understatement, but Pat Narduzzi believes there’s a “good shot” his quarterback will have the chance to end the season on a high note.
Narduzzi spoke to the media on Zoom on Thursday afternoon, alongside Toledo head coach Jason Candle, and was asked about Holstein’s availability.
Narduzzi was optimistic would be able to play in the GameAbove Sports Bowl vs. Toledo on Dec. 26 at Ford Field.
“We’re hoping,” Narduzzi said. “I went to church at 7:30 on Sunday morning; I pray every morning when I’m driving to work. So, we’re hoping. I think there’s a good shot. I’m no doctor — our trainers make that call — but I would imagine on the 26th, we’re going to be a heckuva lot healthier than we were coming out of the BC game.”
He said that walk-on David Lynch would be the backup if Holstein is able to play against Toledo — a role he held when Nate Yarnell was forced into the Louisville game following Holstein’s injury.
Holstein left the Louisville game in the first quarter, following a sack by Cardinals defensive end Ashton Gillotte. Holstein’s leg was caught beneath Gillotte’s body during the fall, which Narduzzi identified as a leg-drop tackle.
Holstein had an air cast on his left ankle as he was carted off the field, but he returned to the sideline on crutches in the second quarter.
It was the third injury in about a month for Holstein. He left the Syracuse and Virginia games with apparent head injuries and didn’t play against Clemson. He returned against Louisville but didn’t last the whole game.
The injuries, defensive adjustments and a general offensive collapse tanked the second half of Holstein’s season, but it doesn’t take away from the season he put together.
Eli Holstein completed 180-of-291 pass attempts (61.9%) for 2,228 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions, adding 328 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and three touchdowns on the ground, in 10 games. 10 incomplete games.
He showed flashes of brilliance in leading double-digit fourth quarter comebacks against Cincinnati and West Virginia and racking 450 total yards and four touchdowns in the first win in Chapel Hill, N.C. in program history.
Pitt is off for finals as it currently stands, but as the Panthers gear up bowl prep (with a Dec. 22 exit date for Detroit), Holstein’s status will become clearer.
