‘There are very few weaknesses’ Zac Alley breaks down Pitts offense
West Virginia football defensive coordinator Zac Alley discussed what makes the Pittsburgh offense effective and his plans to stop the Panthers in a press conference on Tuesday.
Reid leads the attack
The centerpiece of Pitt’s offense is running back Desmond Reid. In 2024, he was named to the Associated Press All-American Second Team All Purpose after contributing 966 rushing yards, 579 receiving yards, and nine offensive touchdowns, as well as returning a touchdown on special teams.
Alley called him one of the best tailbacks in the country.
“The tailback is unbelievable. Maybe the best tailback in the country,” Alley said. “He is explosive. He’s fast. You can’t tackle him. They get him in space. They use him a bunch of her ways. He’s going to challenge you every single snap so you get to know where he’s at and to try and corral him.”
This season, Reid already returned a touchdown on special teams and totaled 183 total yards of offense, 112 rushing and 71 receiving, finding the endzone once. Alley spoke about what he adds to the offense.
“They find a bunch of ways to get the ball to him, whether it’s handing it off, throwing it to him, those types of things. So obviously, he’s a great player,” he said
Holstein directs the offense
After two weeks, Pitt has totaled the 22nd most yards per game in the NCAA. Sophomore quarterback Eli Holstein controls the Panthers’ offense. This season, he has averaged 259.5 passing yards and 38.5 rushing yards per game, while throwing eight touchdowns and two interceptions.
Alley spoke about what makes Holstein effective.
“They’re really good. They’re a really good team. Great quarterback and throws the ball all over the place. big, hard to tackle when he gets out and scrambles,” Alley said.
Reid and Holstein would not be as effective without the other nine players on the field. Alley applauded Pitt’s depth.
“The receiving core, O[ffensive] line, both very good groups. There are very few weaknesses as far as their offense,” he said.
So far, wide receiver Raphael Willams Jr. is the leading wideout. He’s caught seven passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Cataurus Hicks followed with five catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns.
Wide receivers Kenny Johnson, Deuce Spann, Zion Fowler-El, and tight end Josh Altsman should receive targets Saturday.
The offensive line is experienced, returning three starters from last season: center Lyndon Cooper, guard BJ Williams, and tackle Ryan Baer. The Panthers added two transfers: guard Keith Gouveia (Toledo) and tackle Jeff Persi (Michigan) to fill in the holes.
Pitt averages 13.7 yards per catch. Alley explained they are not afraid to throw the ball downfield.
“They want to take vertical shots and try to push the ball down the field,” he said.
Plans to halt the Panthers
The way to stop the vertical attack is by applying pressure on the quarterback. Alley wants to put Holstein on the ground.
“Obviously, if you can get to pass rush there, it’s hard to throw up when you’re on the ground,” Alley said. “Hopefully we can get the guys in a position to win and have some success that way.”
Alley will apply pressure with different blitz packages, ensuring his unit gives different looks.
“Changing the look on them, moving the pocket, doing a bunch of different ways to blitz different guys and attack them,” he said.
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