The Panthers unveiled a new, quick-hitting and (what they hope to be) high-powered offense when they kicked off their 2024 season against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The hope was that new offensive coordinator Kade Bell’s attack would help the program transition from its awful 2023 campaign that included a 3-9 record and one of the worst offenses in all of college football.

What is the verdict after one week? While the jury is still out, things appear to be headed in the right direction following a 55-24 victory.

Eli Holstein, a redshirt freshman transfer from Alabama, got the start over Nate Yarnell and had a college debut worth remembering. Holstein completed 30 of 40 passes for 333 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Holstein started his career on the right foot when he found receiver Kenny Johnson on a pretty 46-yard pass down to the one-yard line on Pitt’s first possession. Following a penalty that wiped out a score, Holstein tallied his first collegiate touchdown pass when he hooked up with receiver Konata Mumpfield for an 11-yard strike to make it 7-0.

Following a quick three-and-out by the defense, Desmond Reid, a transfer running back who followed Bell from Western Carolina, took the ensuing punt and dazzled his way for a 78-yard score to make it 14-0, the home team.

The Golden Flashes then marched 75 yards on eight plays and cut the deficit in half when quarterback Devin Kargman found receiver Luke Floriea for a 36-yard touchdown strike.

Pitt regained its 14-point lead two possessions later when running back Derrick Davis Jr. scored from two yards out to make it 21-7.

The Panthers made it 28-7 on their ensuing drive thanks to a seven-yard touchdown pass from Holstein to receiver Raphael Williams Jr. midway through the second quarter.

However, just when it looked like the Panthers were ready to pull away, Mumpfield fumbled a punt, and Kent State returned it 34 yards for a touchdown.

Late in the first half, with the Panthers deep in Kent State territory, Holstein made his only mistake of the day when he threw a bad pass off his back foot that was intercepted and returned 60 yards to the Pitt 36. Thankfully, the Panthers’ defense returned the favor by intercepting Kargman at the 10.

Would the Panthers pull away in the second half? Not right away. Instead, the Golden Flashes took their opening possession of the third quarter and proceeded to gash Pitt’s defense in an 11-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Kargman to Chrishon McCray to make it 28-21.

Pitt’s exciting, new attack answered right back when Reid raced 46 yards to make it 35-21. Next to Holstein, Reid may have been the most impressive player on the field on Saturday. And the Panthers will need him, too, as word came down on Friday that senior running back Rodney Hammond was ruled ineligible for the entire 2024 season (no official reason was given as of game-time on Saturday). All-in-all, Reid tallied 145 rushing yards on 14 carries. Throw in an additional 11 yards on three receptions plus the 78-yard punt return, and the new guy netted 234 all-purpose yards and two scores.

The Golden Flashes threatened Pitt’s defense throughout the second half but turnovers and penalties prevented them from drawing any closer than 11 points.

The Panthers pulled away with 20 unanswered points to close out the game and secure the blow-out win.

It wasn’t the greatest day for Pitt’s defense, but it only allowed 212 total yards while recording five sacks and two takeaways. The Panthers’ defense is in a bit of transition following last season, and it might give its fans some headaches throughout the 2024 campaign.

As for that new offense? It sure did look exciting as it netted 567 yards in just 27:34 of possession time. Will it give opposing coaches heartburn throughout the season? We shall see how it does against stiffer competition.

Speaking of which, next up for the Panthers is a road date against Cincinnati next Saturday at noon.