WVU is looking to bounce back after a tough road loss at Ohio last week. They have the perfect opportunity to show the Mountaineer faithful how much heart this team has in a home contest against Pittsburgh in the Backyard Brawl. Two of their best players were injured against Ohio, and head coach Rich Rodriguez announced that they would be out for the remainder of the season. The Mountaineers can respond to adversity against a good Pittsburgh team. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. Eastern from Milan Puskar Stadium on Saturday. Read more: Backyard Brawl Preview: Can WVU Protect Home Turf?
Backyard Brawl Preview: Can WVU Protect Home Turf?
Running back Jahiem White (knee) and wide receiver Jaden Bray (foot) are out for the season, and WVU needs several players to step up. Their production is not easily replaced, and it will take a collective effort. The offensive line is the key to this matchup. They must make holes and protect the quarterback against this smothering Panthers’ defense.
Related: Player Spotlight: Nicco Marchiol – QB1?
Pittsburgh enters the rivalry matchup with a 2-0 record, with two blowout victories over Duquesne and Central Michigan. WVU is 1-1, coming off a tough loss to Ohio last week. This game is bound to get chippy, and the crowd will be roaring in Morgantown. WVU has a chance to recapture the fans and make the rivalry 2-2 since 2022.
Matchups To Watch
WVU’s defense has played extraordinarily well this season, allowing 20 points through two games. On the other hand, the offense struggled last week, mustering just 10 points against Ohio with under 20 minutes of possession. The defense should have its hands full against Pittsburgh this week.
Pittsburgh is averaging 53 points per game this season, albeit against two easier opponents. Nonetheless, they took care of business and their defense looked sound, allowing 26 total points thus far. The offense runs as well as quarterback Eli Holstein distributes the ball. They have a lot of playmakers and get them all touches. Wide receiver Raphael Williams Jr. is their leading receiver, with seven receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns. He is their deep threat, whom they look to stretch the field.
Running back Desmond Reid is a solid option as a runner and contributes just as much in the passing attack. He has six receptions for 71 yards this season, and is their third-leading receiver. WVU must key on him throughout the game and limit explosive plays, especially as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
Pittsburgh’s offensive line is the weak area of its offense. The Panthers are averaging 5.3 yards per carry as a team, but they have several explosive plays that have increased their average. They are susceptible to blitzes, and defensive coordinator Zac Alley should dial some up to hurry Holstein, who is vulnerable to turnovers.
WVU’s offensive line must play better in this matchup. Pittsburgh is tied for second in the nation with 22 tackles for loss this season, which is worrisome against WVU’s offensive line. It could lead to problems for the Mountaineer offense if they get behind the chains early. They converted only two of 13 third downs last week, and this was a significant factor in their offensive inefficiency.
Limit Penalties
Pittsburgh has played two games at home this season, but penalties have been a source of concern for them. It did not affect the outcome of either game, but it could play an important role this week. They average 63 penalty yards per game, and the crowd could increase that number this week. The problem is that WVU averages 77 penalty yards through two games. WVU must use the crowd and noise from the stadium to disrupt Pittsburgh’s drives, but they must stay disciplined themselves.
Final Analysis
WVU must play efficiently on offense and stay ahead of the chains to succeed. They cannot have drives end quickly this week, or this Pittsburgh offense will find its groove. WVU’s offense is already at a disadvantage after losing two of its best weapons, so more of the pressure is on the quarterback, Nicco Marchiol. He has experience in the Backyard Brawl and knows the atmosphere to expect, but must step up after a disappointing outing last week. The defense should swarm Holstein and force a couple of turnovers, but the offense must capitalize on them.
