Pitt Handles Crosstown Foe Duquesne in Opener, 61-9
PITTSBURGH — Eighty-six years stood in between Pitt and Duquesne football – schools just two miles apart in the City of Pittsburgh — from meeting on the gridiron.
The crosstown matchup was finally renewed on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium as Pitt opened its season with a 61-9 victory over Duquesne.
Despite a sluggish start and some early questionable decisions from redshirt sophomore quarterback Eli Holstein, he settled in to pass for a career-high four touchdowns on 15-of-23 for 215 yards. He threw one interception – a ball thrown into double coverage in the end zone.
For the second consecutive season, Desmond Reid ignited Pitt in the first quarter with an impressive punt return touchdown.
The all-purpose All-American opened up the scoring for the Panthers with an 88-yard return as he dodged defenders through the middle of the field and fought off ankle tackles. It’s the longest punt return for a touchdown in the stadium’s history – college or pro.
Reid added another lengthy score to open up the third quarter. After taking the handoff, the senior made a quick cut at the line of scrimmage and took off for a 53-yard rush. He finished the day with 147 all-purpose yards and two scores.
It took some time for Holstein to get into rhythm and his consistency on point. His first touchdown pass of the day came with 2:47 to go in the first quarter as he found Louisville transfer Cataurus Hicks over the middle in the end zone for a 4-yard reception.
That connection would link up yet again late in the second quarter. Hicks got a step on his defender and Holstein delivered a perfect ball in the corner of the end zone. Hicks then did the rest with a one-handed grab to finish off the 16-yard play. He ended the day as Pitt’s leading receiver with four receptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns.
Holstein added another first half touchdown on a 20-yard pass with Kenny Johnson.
Pitt’s front seven on defense was buzzing around the field early on in the contest. Great push from Jimmy Scott, Joey Zelinsky and others off the edge made it difficult for transfer quarterback Tyler Riddell and kept him off balance.
As expected, linebackers Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles found themselves in the backfield and around the ground game often. Louis made his presence felt with back-to-back sacks of Riddell, along with another tackle for loss.
Duquesne broke through at the 10:28 mark of the second quarter. Riddell hit star receiver Joey Isabella for the longest play of the day for the Dukes of 59 yards. A play later, Riddell connected with B.J. Alexander on a quick slant for a 7-yard touchdown.
That would be all for Duquesne in terms of reaching the end zone. Holstein threw his fourth passing touchdown of the game with 3:14 to go in the third quarter with a quick pass to tight end Malachi Thomas. He slipped past the defense down the sideline for the 34-yard score.
The Panthers would turn towards its reserves late in the game for one final score. Oklahoma transfer Cole Gonzales fired a pass over the middle to freshman wide receiver Bryce Yates, who sped to the end zone untouched for 60 yards.
Duquesne was held to 37 net rushing yards on the day. Pitt totaled 460 yards of offense.
Pitt moves onto another non-conference matchup next weekend against Central Michigan. That game is set for noon at Acrisure Stadium.
