What happens when grit meets dominance on a college football field? On September 21, 2024, the Youngstown State Penguins faced off against the mighty Pittsburgh Panthers in a game that ended with a striking scoreline: Pitt 73, YSU 17.
But here’s the thing—this game was more than just a blowout. The real story lies in the individual player stats, the moments of brilliance, and the deeper insights that numbers can reveal.
Let’s break it all down.
Biography-Style Information Table
Keyword: Youngstown State Football vs Pittsburgh Panthers Football Match Player Stats
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Keyword | Youngstown State Football vs Pittsburgh Panthers Football Match Player Stats |
| Origin | Derived from the official 2024 college football game held on September 21, 2024, between Youngstown State Penguins and Pitt Panthers. |
| Meaning | Refers to individual and team performance metrics (passing, rushing, receiving, defense) from the Pitt vs. YSU football game. |
| History | The teams have met multiple times in NCAA history; this particular match gained attention due to Pitt’s dominant 73–17 win and explosive stats. |
| Purpose | To analyze individual player performance, understand game dynamics, and provide data for fans, analysts, and sports platforms. |
| Usage | Commonly used in sports blogs, post-game analyses, player scouting, fantasy football research, and team performance evaluations. |
| Relevance | Highly relevant to college football fans, statisticians, sports journalists, and fantasy football players. |
| Popularity | Peaked during and after the 2024 game; continues to attract attention during seasonal reviews, scouting, and NCAA recap articles. |
| Industries Involved | Sports media, collegiate athletics, data analytics, sports journalism, fantasy gaming, and digital content creation. |
| Applications | – Box score reviews |
- Player scouting
- Game recaps
- Fantasy football analysis
- EA Sports simulations |
| Benefits | – Provides in-depth player evaluation - Enhances fan engagement
- Assists in predictive analytics for future games
- Offers insights for coaching and player development |
| Drawbacks | – May lack context without game footage - Stats can be misinterpreted without understanding play styles or opponent strength |
| Latest Game Details | Date: September 21, 2024
Result: Pittsburgh 73 – Youngstown State 17
Top Performers: Eli Holstein (Pitt), Daniel Carter (Pitt), Beau Brungard (YSU), Cyrus Traugh (YSU) |
| Player Highlights | – Eli Holstein: 247 passing yards, 3 TDs, 93 rushing yards, 2 TDs - Daniel Carter: 109 rushing yards, 2 TDs
- Cyrus Traugh: 87 receiving yards, 2 TDs |
| Where to Find It | – PittsburghPanthers.com - YSUSports.com
- USA Today Sports |
| Future Relevance | Likely to re-emerge in future matchups, EA Sports game releases, or when evaluating returning players for the 2025 season. |
The Big Picture: How Did the Game Unfold?
- Final Score: Pittsburgh 73, Youngstown State 17
- Total Yards: Pitt – 644, YSU – 309
- Time of Possession: YSU – 37:29, Pitt – 22:31
Wait, how did Youngstown State control the clock but still lose by 56 points?
That’s the beauty of stats—they show that while YSU held the ball longer, Pitt used explosive plays and quick scores to dominate the scoreboard. In other words, Pitt didn’t need to wait long to do damage.
Eli Holstein: The Face of Pitt’s Offensive Machine
Who was the quarterback running the show for the Panthers?
It was Eli Holstein, and he delivered a clinic in efficient, high-impact football.
- Completions: 16-of-24
- Passing Yards: 247
- Passing Touchdowns: 3
- Rushing Yards: 93
- Rushing Touchdowns: 2
Why was Holstein’s performance so impactful?
He didn’t just throw touchdowns—he also used his legs to extend plays and score, making it nearly impossible for YSU’s defense to contain him. His balanced attack made Pitt’s offense unpredictable and unstoppable.
Daniel Carter: A Rusher with Purpose
What made Pitt’s ground game so dangerous?
Enter Daniel Carter. He wasn’t just running through holes—he was creating chaos every time he touched the ball.
- Carries: 7
- Rushing Yards: 109
- Touchdowns: 2
How efficient was Carter?
Averaging over 15 yards per carry, Carter’s performance was all about making every run count. His explosive speed turned small gaps into big plays.
Dynamic Receiving Duo: Lee & Williams Jr.
Who did Holstein rely on in the passing game?
Two names stood out:
- Censere Lee
- Receptions: 4
- Yards: 108
- Touchdowns: 1
- Raphael Williams Jr.
- Receptions: 4
- Yards: 71
- Touchdowns: 1
What made them effective?
Lee provided the deep threat, stretching the field and pulling defenders, while Williams Jr. was crisp and dependable underneath. Together, they helped Holstein distribute the ball with precision.
Defensive Highlights: Crumpley & Louis Lock It Down
Was it just Pitt’s offense that shined?
Not at all. Pitt’s defense was opportunistic and sharp, capitalizing on every mistake YSU made.
- Tamarion Crumpley: 1 Interception, returned for a touchdown
- Kyle Louis: 1 Interception
How did these plays impact the game?
Momentum. These defensive scores and stops crushed YSU’s rhythm and gave Pitt’s offense shorter fields and more chances to pile on points.
Youngstown State’s Fighters: Brungard & Traugh Step Up
Were there any bright spots for Youngstown State?
Absolutely. Beau Brungard, despite the loss, showed serious potential under pressure.
- Passing: 18-of-28
- Yards: 233
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interception: 1
Cyrus Traugh, his favorite target, also impressed.
- Receptions: 4
- Yards: 87
- Touchdowns: 2
Why do these performances matter?
Even in a blowout, these two showed resilience and chemistry. Their connection will be crucial for YSU’s future success, especially in conference play.
Full Team Stats: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Stat | Pittsburgh Panthers | Youngstown State |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 644 | 309 |
| Rushing Yards | 295 | 71 |
| Passing Yards | 349 | 238 |
| First Downs | 28 | 18 |
| Time of Possession | 22:31 | 37:29 |
What does this tell us?
Even though YSU had more time with the ball, they lacked the explosiveness to capitalize. Pitt, on the other hand, was lethal with every possession.
Where Can You Find the Full Player Stats and Game Recap?
For those who want every stat and snap:
What’s Next for These Teams?
Are Pitt and YSU preparing for a strong 2025 season?
- Pittsburgh Panthers are heading into the 2025 ACC Football Kickoff with rising stars like Desmond Reid and Kyle Louis. Their goal? Compete at the top of the ACC and make a national statement.
- Youngstown State is focused on building chemistry and refining their roster. They’ve reloaded with new talent and are gearing up for a more competitive season in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
Is there more buzz surrounding these programs?
Yes—both are expected to appear in EA Sports College Football 25, which is adding fuel to fan excitement and spotlighting standout players with in-game ratings and real-world impact.
Final Thoughts: A Game of Stats, Stories, and Signals for the Future
The Youngstown State football vs Pittsburgh Panthers football match player stats offer more than just numbers—they offer a lens into leadership, momentum, and potential.
If you looked only at the score, you’d miss the grit, talent, and growth on both sides. But dive into the player stats, and you start to see the game for what it truly was: a collection of defining moments, rising stars, and lessons that will carry into next season.
Because sometimes, the real story lives in the stat sheet.
