Backyard Brawl Brews Excitement: Pitt Hosts West Virginia in Pivotal Early-Season Matchup
The historic rivalry between Pitt and West Virginia is set to reignite this Saturday, September 14th, as the Mountaineers travel to Acrisure Stadium for the latest installment of the Backyard Brawl. Scheduled for a 3:30 pm EST kickoff, this early-season clash holds significant weight for both teams, with West Virginia entering as a slight 2.5-point road favorite and the total set at 60.5. (WagerWeb)
Pitt’s Resurgence:
The Panthers have enjoyed a promising start to the 2024 season, boasting a 2-0 record that marks a stark contrast to their 3-9 finish in 2023. Though last year’s campaign was challenging, Pitt displayed flashes of competitiveness, and the improvements made in the offseason are evident. A win against West Virginia would not only secure bragging rights but also match their entire win total from the previous year, further solidifying their upward trajectory.
Pitt opened the season with a dominant 55-24 win over Kent State, showcasing their offensive firepower. They followed that up with a thrilling 28-27 comeback victory on the road against Cincinnati, erasing a 27-6 deficit late in the third quarter. This display of resilience and determination has injected the Panthers with confidence heading into the Backyard Brawl.
West Virginia’s Mixed Start:
The Mountaineers currently stand at 1-1 after a challenging opening loss to Penn State (34-12) followed by a resounding 49-14 win over Albany. West Virginia is coming off a successful 9-4 season in 2023, their best since 2016, and they’ll be eager to build on that momentum despite the early stumble.
Recent History:
The Backyard Brawl has been closely contested in recent years. West Virginia emerged victorious in last season’s matchup, securing a 17-6 win. However, the year prior saw Pitt claim a thrilling 38-31 win. These results highlight the unpredictable nature of this rivalry, where home-field advantage has often played a crucial role.
Prediction:
This year’s Backyard Brawl promises another tightly contested battle. While West Virginia holds a slight edge as the favorite, Pitt’s impressive start and the momentum gained from their comeback win against Cincinnati cannot be overlooked. We’re anticipating another close game, and we’re backing the Panthers to carry their positive energy into this matchup and secure an upset victory as slight underdogs.
Our Pick: Pitt +2.5