The Backyard Brawl is this weekend, and the Pittsburgh Panthers are traveling to Morgantown to face WVU. Pittsburgh is 2-1 against WVU since the rivalry was renewed in 2022, with the home team winning each meeting. WVU suffered a tough loss at Ohio last week, and this is the perfect game for the team and head coach Rich Rodriguez to bounce back and gain momentum. The game kicks off at Milan Puskar Stadium on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. Read more: Five Keys to the Backyard Brawl for WVU.
Five Keys to the Backyard Brawl for WVU
WVU got some devastating news early this week after the loss to Ohio. Running back Jahiem White (knee) and wide receiver Jaden Bray (foot) are out for the season, which is a massive loss for the offense. Rodriguez commented on the injuries and the loss to Ohio at his show on Monday.
“We’re going to be all right,” he said. “But it ain’t going to be easy.” Rodriguez was clearly frustrated with the performance against Ohio and took the blame for the loss.
Related: New Reports Suggest WVU Might Lose Star RB Jahiem White for the Season
“I’m not giving up on anything on right now,” he added.
Regarding the injury news about White, he took it in stride. “I told him he’ll be back next year better and stronger.”
“If we’re going to come back, why not come back in this game this week?” he said about the chance to bounce back strong in a meaningful game against the Panthers.
Win the Battle in the Trenches
The offensive line is the most crucial position group to watch on Saturday. WVU must win the battle in the trenches to have a chance against Pittsburgh. They mustered 72 rushing yards last week, and White had 40 before he left the game in the second quarter. The offensive line failed to create any holes, and the running backs were unable to make anyone miss.
Pittsburgh allows 51 rushing yards per game through two games in 2025. It could be another challenging game if WVU cannot get anything going on the ground. Whichever quarterback lines up under center needs a somewhat efficient ground game. The Panthers are the 11th-best run defense in the nation, and rank 43rd in passing yards allowed (177 yards per game). The key to success in this game is winning the battle up front and getting ahead of the chains.
Third-Down Efficiency
WVU was abysmal on third downs against Ohio. They converted two of 13 third downs, and it showed in the box score. They only had control of the ball for just under 17 minutes, while Ohio had it for over 40 minutes. The defense has played superbly this season, allowing 27 points through two games. They are the reason WVU even had a chance to win last week, but the offense must score points this week. Pittsburgh is averaging 45 points per game, albeit against Duquesne and Central Michigan. The offense must convert on third downs and play efficiently to succeed.
Limit Penalties at Home
It may sound like a broken record, but penalties are a problem for WVU. They had eight penalties last week for 85 yards. They had nine for 69 yards in their opener against Robert Morris. The Mountaineers must limit penalties at home, especially in this matchup. The crowd is going to play a significant role in this game, and the stadium is expected to be loud. They must play disciplined and have fewer penalties than Pittsburgh, which is playing in a hostile environment.
Stay Efficient in the Red Zone
The bright spot in the season for WVU is the red zone efficiency. They are five for five this season, with three touchdowns and two field goals. Pittsburgh has allowed opponents to score on five of six trips to the red zone this season, three touchdowns and two field goals. WVU must take advantage of opportunities in Pittsburgh’s territory this week.
Lean on the Home Crowd and Rally Around Adversity
WVU is facing as much adversity as ever. They lost two of their best players for the season and are coming off a disappointing loss against a good Ohio team. White is the leading rusher on the season and the anchor of their offense. Bray is second on the team in receiving yards, but led the team last week with 69 yards on four receptions. It will take a collective effort to replace their talent on the field, but they can rally around the adversity and come together as a team.
The home crowd is going to get up for this game and make it hard for the Panthers all game. WVU can lean on the crowd this week, and they must if they want a chance to beat a Pittsburgh team that is cruising. Home field is as important as ever in a rivalry game, even more so in the Backyard Brawl. The players and coaches must get the crowd involved as much as possible.
