Three Panthers Earn ACC Football Player of the Week Awards for Backyard Brawl Win
9/16/2024 2:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Three Pitt players were honored by the Atlantic Coast Conference for their performances in the Panthers' stirring 38-34 victory over rival West Virginia this past Saturday.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Eli Holstein was named the ACC's Quarterback of the Week and Rookie of the Week for his heroics against the Mountaineers. It was the third consecutive week Holstein earned the conference's Rookie honor.
Additionally, sophomore Star linebacker Kyle Louis was named Linebacker of the Week, while senior safety Donovan McMillon was honored as Defensive Back of the Week.
One of college football's top newcomers, Holstein (Zachary, La./Zachary) stood tall in his first Backyard Brawl, completing 70% of his passes (21 of 30) for 301 yards and three touchdowns. He also led Pitt with 59 rushing yards, including a crucial 17-yard scramble on the Panthers' game-winning touchdown drive.
Through three games, Holstein ranks fourth nationally in TD passes (nine), fifth in total offense (345.0 yards per game) and ninth in passing yards (313.0 yards per game; 939 total). In addition to his ACC honors, he was also named to this week's Davey O'Brien Award "Great 8" list.
He is the first Pitt freshman (true or redshirt) to pass for 300 yards in three consecutive games. Holstein is the first Pitt quarterback regardless of class to compile three consecutive 300-yard passing games since senior Kenny Pickett had five in a row in 2021.
Louis (East Orange, N.J./East Orange Campus) tied for game-high honors with 13 tackles and iced the victory with a clinching interception with 11 seconds left. He added a tackle for loss, pass breakup and quarterback hurry.
Louis is quickly establishing himself as one of the ACC's most productive defenders. On the season he has compiled 27 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, an interception and five QB hurries.
Owning heavy run responsibilities, McMillon (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) also logged a game-high 13 stops, while adding a forced fumble and pass breakup.
In two career games against West Virginia, McMillon has totaled an astounding 31 tackles.
The Panthers' top tackler in 2023, McMillon is again setting the pace, leading the team with 32 stops through three contests this season.
The Panthers, off to their first 3-0 start since 2020, host Youngstown State this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. For tickets, go to PittsburghPanthers.com or call (800) 643-7488.
