By Garin Turner
Pittsburgh (2-0) aims to extend its unbeaten start on Saturday, facing West Virginia (1-1) in the storied Backyard Brawl. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown. Pitt currently leads the overall series 63-41-3, a rivalry that stretches back to 1895. The Panthers won their most recent meeting 38-34.
Pitt’s Strengths & Momentum
- Pitt comes in fresh off a big win over Duquesne, 61-9, behind Eli Holstein, who threw four touchdown passes. Overall this season Holstein has thrown for 519 yards and eight touchdowns vs. two interceptions.
- On the ground, Desmond Reid has carried 18 times for 112 yards and one score. Juelz Goff has also chipped in with rushing touchdowns.
- At receiver, Raphael Williams Jr., Cataurus Hicks, and Kenny Johnson are among Pitt’s leading catchers and Red zone targets. Pitt’s offense is averaging 53 points per game, tied for 8th among all FBS teams.
Defensive Picture & West Virginia’s Challenge
- Defensively, Pitt has created pressure with nine sacks in two games. Notables: Kyle Louis (11 tackles, two sacks), Joey Zelinsky, and Zach Crothers (each with 1.5 sacks).
- West Virginia will need to shore up its offense. They haven’t yet scored enough against tougher competition and enter this game under pressure—especially with Pitt favored. Oddsmakers currently have Pitt as about a 7- to 7.5-point favorite.
What’s at Stake & Rivalry Context
- This edition of the Backyard Brawl is significant: it closes out the four-game renewal of the rivalry (2022-2025), which will pause and resume only in 2029.
- West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez returns to this rivalry with history on both sides. He was part of previous Brawls and knows the stakes.
Keys to the Game
- Can WVU stop the pass and pressure Holstein? Disruption up front and forcing turnovers could swing momentum.
- Pitt’s depth and consistency — sustaining drives will help keep the pressure off their defense.
- Special teams & field position — in rivalry games, hidden yardage and field position often tilt close matchups.
- Handling adversity — WVU must avoid early mistakes; Pitt has shown it can punish flaws.
Prediction
Pitt seems to have the edge in momentum, offense, and recent performance. WVU will fight hard, especially at home, but unless their offense finds rhythm early, it may be tough to keep up.
Projected Final: Pittsburgh 31, West Virginia 17.
