The opening to a season is always exciting. Add in the excitement that is tabbed with the return of the Backyard Brawl, and both West Virginia and No. 17 Pitt are ready to go. Read how our staff thinks the game will go.
Ashley O’Brien: It’s back. What feels like a staple in almost all West Virginia fans fandom; the Backyard Brawl is back. In a game that’s going to be emotional for many, the Mountaineers will be looking for their first Top 25 upset of the season. Going with the emotional side on this one, West Virginia hands pitt the upset in a close low-scoring game
WVU 24, Pitt 21
Wesley Shoemaker: How great is this — the return of the Backyard Brawl. This game being standalone on a Thursday night and having the drama that comes with it is amazing. I expect Pitt’s defensive-line to get after WVU early, but for the Mountaineers to settle in. I think Pitt quarterback Kedon Slovis will also struggle early in this contest. Expect both teams to pick up the pace as the game goes along, and it to be a back-and-forth affair. Ultimately though, I think Pitt’s experience and depth up front on both offense and defense will be the difference.
Pitt 27, WVU 20
Aaron Parker: In the renewal of this historic rivalry, both sides come in with a strong presence on the line of scrimmage. Pitt returns many of its starters on the offensive and defensive line, and the Panthers pride themselves on stopping the run. I think, for the most part, Pitt will slow down WVU’s run game, but I have trust in the Mountaineer offensive line to protect quarterback J.T. Daniels in the passing game. I think Daniels will connect with Bryce Ford-Wheaton for two touchdowns, and I think a late interception by WVU will seal the upset victory.
WVU 24, Pitt 21
Rachel Libert:
Jenks O’Donovan: Much of the attention surrounding the 105th rendition of the Backyard Brawl has to do with crucial additions for both teams. While everyone is waiting to see how JT Daniels and Kedon Slovis adapt to their new programs, the game will be decided in the trenches. Especially if Pittsburgh’s defensive line plays up to their ability, the Mountaineers might not be able to get a run game going. While both quarterbacks will make some mistakes early, both offenses will put up points late. The Panther’s defensive experience is too much for West Virginia, and Pittsburgh wins by a field goal.
Pitt 34, WVU 31
Matt Natriello: The Backyard Brawl is finally back. On Thursday night the West Virginia Mountaineers will head to Pittsburgh to open their season. The biggest question heading into the game will be how much the Mountaineer offense has improved with the additions of transfer QB JT Daniels and former USC offensive coordinator Graham Harrell. The answer to that, it will be a massive improvement. Daniels will throw for 400 yards, and the Mountaineers will finish with two 100 yard receivers in the game, while the Panthers own new transfer QB Kedon Slovis will struggle with WVU’s defensive pressure.
WVU 42, Pitt 14
Tyler Prusina: I’m excited to see the passion and hype behind this rivalry for the first time. I believe this game will be full of scoring and highlights from both sides. Since it’s both teams first game of the year I would expect some hiccups especially when it comes to penalties and that could have some of an impact with the high levels of emotion. In the end, the Mountaineer defense will hold their ground and emerge victorious in the 105th edition of the Backyard Brawl.
WVU 35, Pitt 29
