Pitt rallies late to deliver WVU a heartbreaking loss in the Backyard Brawl

In a thrilling back-and-forth rivalry clash that was decided in the final moments of the game, Pitt regained bragging rights against bitter rival West Virginia.

For the third consecutive season and 107th time overall, the Backyard Brawl graced the college football season with one of the most bitter rivalries in sport. And despite holding a 34-24 lead in the fourth quarter, WVU couldn’t hold off Pitt’s late game rally as the Panthers secured their second consecutive come-from-behind victory in a 38-34 win.

“The comeback kids, man, I’ll tell you,” said Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi following the game.

"The comeback kids, man, I’ll tell you"

- Pat Narduzzi

Pitt was led to victory by the gutsy and dynamic play of quarterback Eli Holstein, who finished the afternoon 20-for-31 passing for 301 yards and 3 touchdowns, while adding 59 yards rushing on 14 carries. The performance further exposed a WVU secondary facing questions after their first two games in a matchup where the front seven performed exceptionally well against both the run game and in their pass rush.

Pitt moves to 3-0 with the win, while WVU falls to 1-2 on the season.