Pitt’s defense talks about slowing down WVU’s offense and preparing for Backyard Brawl

Ahead of the Backyard Brawl, Pitt’s defense is preparing for West Virginia’s running game as well as the environment Saturday will bring.

Earlier this week, Pitt defensive back Donovan McMillon gave his thoughts on what this game will be like and how Pitt is preparing for the brawl. 

“Just be physical. It’s going to be a brawl. Obviously, it’s why the name’s like that. It’s going to be all four quarters and it’s going to be physical,” McMillon said. “We’re playing all the West Virginia music everyday at all times. We’re making sure that it’s so annoying.  

McMillon was not at Pitt for the return of this game last season. However, McMillon is helping to lead the Panthers on defense with eight tackles through two games played. 

Pitt enters this game with a 1-1 record, having just lost to Cincinnati 27-21. 

A focal point of WVU’s offense has been the dual-threat ability of Garrett Greene as well as the strong rushing attack they bring with multiple running backs. 

Pitt defensive coordinator Randy Bates will be tasked with slowing down Greene as well as the rest of WVU’s rushing attack who have rushed for 450 yards through two games, which ranks as top-20 in the country in total rushing yards. 

Bates’ message about this game is simple. Both teams will stick to what they do best. 

“I think they do what they do, like we do. I’m sure they’ll have some adjustments and some tricks,” Bates said.

Bates added that he likes what he sees from Green both as a rusher and as a passer. 

“He’s a tremendous athlete,” Bates said. “He’s rushed for 110 yards in a game and a half, thrown for a lot and they run him, they don’t just scramble with him. He’s a challenge.” 

Bates’ defense will be tasked with stopping Greene and company when both teams line up at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.