WVU Football: 30 best games in Mountaineers history

Dec 5, 2015; Manhattan, KS, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Skyler Howard (3) prepares to throw the ball against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. The Wildcats won 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Game 30: 2002 vs. Pitt

Heinz Field opened in 2001 as one of the premier football stadiums in the country. As home to the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL and NCAA’s Pittsburgh Panthers, Heinz Field promised to be the epicenter of football on the east coast. Millions have flocked to it to watch college and professional games, but at the time, no more fans packed the place than on Nov. 30, 2002.

On a blustery day, 66,731 fans saw No. 24 West Virginia beat No. 17 Pitt, 24-17. It was the largest crowd ever at Heinz Field.

Avon Couborne rushed for 104 of WVU’s 231 yards on the ground. Rasheed Marshall’s 79-yard touchdown pass to Phil Braxton proved to be the game-winning score, but Pitt threatened late in regulation. However, a Rod Rutherford pass was batted down by Ben Collins to seal the win.

Next: Game 29: 2007 vs. Georgia Tech