Pitt Secures First Win at UNC, 34-24; Holstein Throws for 381 Yards as Panthers Reach 5-0

Oct 5, 2024, 07:38 PM

The Pittsburgh Panthers defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 34-24 in Chapel Hill, marking their first-ever win there and advancing to a 5-0 start for the first time since 1991. Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein was instrumental, throwing for 381 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for another score. Wide receivers Desmond Reid and Konata Mumpfield each surpassed 100 receiving yards, with Reid accumulating 210 total yards of offense and scoring his sixth touchdown of the year. Despite an early 84-yard interception return for a touchdown by UNC in the first quarter, the Panthers outgained the Tar Heels and pulled ahead in the fourth quarter with decisive drives, including a 17-play, seven-minute series culminating in a field goal. UNC's coach Mack Brown cited missed opportunities and noted that Eli Holstein was the difference in the game, stating, "You have to make a 4th & 1 at the end of the game to win. You have to. That's the ball game." The loss marks UNC's third consecutive defeat.