For West Virginia and Pitt, the Backyard Brawl will bring a new opportunity to write another chapter in this historic rivalry.
For the Mountaineers, it’s also a chance for head coach Neal Brown to get his biggest win since taking over the program in 2019, in front of what will probably be his best crowd and home atmosphere he’s experienced.
Keep The Crowd In the Game
The first key is to keep said crowd in the game. It’s the first true home night game on Saturday at Milan Puskar Stadium since 2016, and the place will be very much alive.
With that thought, the Mountaineers have to keep the crowd in the game. West Virginia has to not let Pitt go up early and create tension with a quarterback who already plays with a lot of energy. If WVU can keep the big plays to a minimum for Pitt’s offense, while scoring early when they hold the ball, that will go a long way for the Mountaineers.
Run The Ball
Cincinnati rushed for 216 yards in their win over Pitt last week, however that goes against what Pat Narduzzi defenses have been good at in the past. Either way though, WVU has an experienced offensive line and they have to use that to their advantage. WVU not only wants to run the ball, but should run the ball.
Force Pitt to show they have taken a step forward from last week. Also, force them to stop CJ Donaldson who ran wild against the Panthers last season for 125 yards on just seven carries, will look to be a force again for WVU.
Take a Breath
Garrett Greene is WVU’s unquestioned leader. He brings passion and energy to every snap. He will have to try and control that though if the Mountaineers are going to want to beat Pitt.
Greene will be best for the Mountaineers when he is composed and not trying to move too quickly out the pocket, or force a throw somewhere. He has not turned the ball over for six quarters this season and if that continues for him then that’s about all you can ask for if you’re West Virginia.
Secondary Step Up
West Virginia’s secondary has not been good through two games. They know that, Pitt knows that. Last week Pitt attempted 19 passes for 15 yards or more. If they do the same this week, the Mountaineer secondary is going to have to play better. If they don’t it could be a long night. Quarterback Phil Jurkovec went 10 for 32 passing last week. He seems due to bounce back, and against what WVU’s secondary has looked like through two games it might be not be hard for him to bounce back.
