Pitt hosts WVU in 107th Backyard Brawl after 2-0 start
- Pitt enters the game with a 2-0 record, having recently defeated Cincinnati.
- West Virginia, with a 1-1 record, bounced back from a loss to Penn State by beating Albany.
- The outcome of this matchup is crucial for both teams as they seek to establish momentum in the season.
Pitt is set to host West Virginia in a highly anticipated matchup known as the 'Backyard Brawl' on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Panthers enter the game with a promising 2-0 record, having recently showcased a revitalized offense against Cincinnati, where they scored the final 22 points to secure a victory. In contrast, West Virginia, with a record of 1-1, rebounded from an initial loss to Penn State by decisively defeating Albany. The rivalry between these two teams has been intense, with Pitt leading the all-time series 62-41-3. However, the Mountaineers triumphed in their last encounter, winning 17-6, which contributed to a disappointing season for Pitt, finishing with a 3-9 record. This year, both teams are looking to establish momentum, with Pitt aiming to build on its strong start and West Virginia seeking to improve its standing after a shaky beginning. A key matchup to watch will be between West Virginia's linebackers and Pitt's running back Desmond Reid, who has emerged as a standout player, leading the nation in all-purpose yards. Reid's performance will be crucial for Pitt's offensive strategy. Additionally, Pitt's quarterback Eli Holstein has shown resilience, becoming the first freshman quarterback for the Panthers to throw for over 300 yards in consecutive games since 1989. As the teams prepare to clash, the stakes are high for both sides. A victory for Pitt could solidify their resurgence, while West Virginia aims to assert dominance in the rivalry and build on their recent success.