Pitt QB Eli Holstein throws costly interception against UNC

North Carolina (3-2, 0-1 in ACC) entered Saturday’s game the loser of two in a row after starting the season 3-0.

It gave up 70 points to James Madison in Week 4. Last Saturday, the Tar Heels blew a 20-point lead in a 21-20 loss to Duke.

Holstein began Saturday’s game 4-of-6 for 70 yards, including a 42-yard completion on Pitt’s first drive to set the offense up with a 1st-and-goal. 

North Carolina’s defense held firm in the red zone, holding Pitt to a field goal.

The defense has been much sharper than it was the past two weeks. It can’t let up against a Pitt squad that has already notched two comeback wins this season.

In Week 2, the Panthers (4-0) erased a 21-point deficit at Cincinnati in a 28-27 win. The following week, Pitt trailed West Virginia, 34-24, with under four minutes remaining but scored 14 points in the final 3:06 to win, 38-34.

Pitt is off to its best start under head coach Pat Narduzzi in his 10th season leading the program. The Panthers are seeking to improve to 5-0 for the first time since 1991.