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3 Keys to a West Virginia Victory in the Backyard Brawl

By Troy Van Camp

West Virginia Mountaineers Jaylen Anderson (0) exchange's words with Pittsburgh Panthers Donovan McMillon (3) during the first half at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, WV on September 16, 2023.
West Virginia Mountaineers Jaylen Anderson (0) exchange's words with Pittsburgh Panthers Donovan McMillon (3) during the first half at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, WV on September 16, 2023. / Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK
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CJ Donaldson
Brandon Hill (9) of the Pittsburgh Panthers drags down CJ Donaldson (12) of the West Virginia Mountaineers during the second half of the Backyard Brawl at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on September 1, 2022 / Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK

3. Someone needs to have a BIG day 

In rivalry games, there’s often one player who shines brighter than the rest. This rivalry has seen big-time players, make big-time plays. In West Virginia’s case think back to the Big East days. 

Remember Noel Devine’s 88-yard TD run in 2009? Late in the third quarter, Devine broke a 6-6 tie with an electric run that propelled the Mountaineers to a 19-16 victory over the Pitt Panthers. 
Devine ended with 17 carries for 134 yards and one touchdown on the day. Tyler Bitancurt also went 4/4 on field goals that day to score 12 of the team's 19 points, making a case for himself as the MVP.

Maybe you'll remember Stedman Bailey delivering a stiff arm to a Pitt defender en route to a touchdown in 2011? WVU would go on to beat Pitt by a score of 21-20 in the last edition of the rivalry until 2022. Bailey and Tavon Austin combined for 182 yards receiving in the win.

In the last two seasons, however, “the guy” for the Mountaineers in the Brawl has been CJ Donaldson Jr. -- take a look at his stats from each game below:

@ Pitt (2022) - 7 carries, 144 yards, 1 touchdown 

vs. Pitt (2023) - 18 carries, 102 yards, 1 touchdown

Who will it be in 2024? When you think about the offensive side of the ball there are 3 payers that instantly come to mind. 

Donaldson Jr. is obviously a prime candidate based on his production in the previous 2 clashes between the two teams, but will also likely be a target for Pitt.  Greene will also look to have a big day after being knocked out on his team’s second offensive possession in the 2023 Backyard Brawl.
Running back Jahiem White did not get any carries in the 2023 Backyard Brawl, but went on to be the team’s leading rusher for the season and could factor in Saturday.

On the defensive side of the ball, it is hard to say who could have a big impact. Some names who have played well so far this season include Trey Lathan, Josiah Trotter, and TJ Jackson. But fans should also keep an eye out for Aubrey Burks and Anthony Wilson as well. 

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