Special teams, defense critical for Pitt Victory // James Carter, Staff Writer
West Virginia comes into the game a little wobbly after losing last weekend against the Ohio Bobcats 10-17. They also lost star running back Jaheim White to injury. White is one of the best running backs in the country and was instrumental to their success this season. Even still, the Mountaineers come in hungrier than ever, and the Panthers need to match their energy to win.
Pitt’s defense and special teams must play well if the Panthers want to walk out of Morgantown with a win. In their last two victories, the Panthers were aided by touchdowns from the defense and punt units, respectively. Those scores were critical in close games, so if Pitt can get additional help from these units this time, they will win the game.
It’s hard to pick an individual MVP for this game, but the front seven will play a big part in a 31-19 Pitt victory. I’m giving the honors to defensive linemen Francis Brewu and Nick James.
New and old wounds bring Pitt the win // Lily Goldstein, Staff Writer
This year’s Backyard Brawl finds the Mountaineers limping in, weighed down by the injuries and the pressure of the game. The most notable Backyard Brawl within the past 20 years is none other than the 2007 game, also known as “13-9,” where Pitt derailed West Virginia’s hopes of a national title.
West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez faces the Panthers for the first time since the 2007 loss. The pressure and history of this game could prove to be the Mountaineers’ Achilles heel in this historic matchup.
With West Virginia’s offensive injury, Pitt’s defense will shine on Saturday. Redshirt junior linebacker Kyle Louis has had an outstanding performance over his first two games this season and will carry his momentum through this game. Louis will earn the MVP title for the Panthers this weekend.
Between monumental injuries and internal pressures, fans should be confident in a win this weekend and expect a game full of physicality and competitiveness from the Panthers.
To my WVU-rooted family — pride this weekend is Panther blue // Sean McQuillan, Staff Writer
The Brawl and I go way back. My family has bled Mountaineer blue and gold for as long as I can remember. My first college football jersey I ever owned? A Will Grier jersey, of course! Tavon Austin and Geno Smith were the household names on Saturday.
Yet, somehow, someway, I ended up leaving my first love for a new one, the Pitt Panthers.
With all this being said, this West Virginia team is one of the worst in the nation in terms of the Power IV slate. The offense lost its two biggest playmakers, and there is no definitive starting quarterback set for Saturday.
Dad, I am sorry, but this may get ugly in Milan Puskar Stadium. Eli Holstein is the first Pitt quarterback since 2003 to throw four-plus TD passes in each of the first two games of a season. Get ready for that streak to continue, my friend. Pitt not only covers, but doubles the cover, winning by two scores. Pitt puts up 34, whilst the Mountaineers manage to score 20.
WVU’s lack of depth shows in shootout // Ari Meyer, Senior Staff Writer
The Panthers have put themselves in line for the ultimate trap game. The Mountaineers are coming off two games in which they certainly underperformed against Ohio and Robert Morris.
With White and sophomore wide receiver Jaden Bray’s injuries, Pitt has moved into a more significant advantage than they held previously, and that could cause significant issues. Notably, Pitt took down the Mountaineers as significant underdogs in 2007, and this game looks much closer talent-wise than it did 18 years prior.
Pitt’s defense should take care of West Virginia’s offense with relative ease, but the real test will come on the other side of the ball. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Eli Holstein has struggled with turnovers early on this season and the West Virginia defense has improved since years past.
I still believe Pitt can take care of business and will win by a couple of scores. This year’s edition of the Backyard Brawl will be won by Pitt.
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