Eli Holstein knocked out of game, Pitt falls to Louisville 37-9

Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against SMU in Dallas, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein was carted off the field with a left leg injury sustained while being sacked in the first quarter at Louisville but returned to the sideline by halftime of the Panthers’ 37-9 loss on Saturday. Coach Pat Narduzzi said Holstein was ‘banged up’ without elaborating. The redshirt freshman’s left ankle was caught at an awkward angle beneath Louisville defensive end Ashton Gillotte’s hip on the twisting tackle for a 4-yard loss at midfield. Panthers medical personnel rushed to Holstein’s aid with a cart arriving quickly on the field within minutes. Holstein’s leg was placed in a boot before he was helped up and onto the cart. He gave a thumbs-up to nearby teammates as he left the field to applause.