As the Mountaineers shift their focus to Week 3 after a nightmare loss last Saturday at Ohio, they now prepare for the 108th edition of the Backyard Brawl. The 2-0 Pitt Panthers will travel to Morgantown for a Saturday afternoon matchup set for 3:30PM ET on ESPN.
Let’s set the scene for Week 3 with some over/unders to watch for in Week 3 as WVU hosts Pitt.
1. 3.5 running backs to get a carry for WVU
With the heartbreaking news of Jahiem White suffering a season-ending injury against Ohio, it is now up to the remaining members of the running back room to try to be productive in his absence. Though it is a very tall task to fill the void that is left by White, Head Coach Rich Rodriguez has several backs he can put on the field.
Both Clay Ash and Cyncir Bowers have gotten a handful of carries through the first two weeks. Interestingly enough, those two were likely behind Diore Hubbard and Tye Edwards in the minds of many fans and analysts regarding the depth chart behind White. Neither Hubbard or Edwards have gotten a carry through two weeks, but expect that to change against Pitt – Rodriguez said as much in his press conference on Tuesday. As bad as this offense was in Week 2, expect Rodriguez to let a lot of new players see the field. Take the over here.
2. 1.5 Touchdown Passes for West Virginia Quarterbacks
The 2023 Backyard Brawl in Morgantown saw a freshman quarterback, Nicco Marchiol, help lead the Mountaineers to victory after starter Garrett Greene got injured early in the first Quarter. The quarterback situation in 2025 is ever-evolving, and as things stand right now, we’re not fully certain who will start against Pitt and how many quarterbacks will play. What we can be fairly confident in is that due to Jahiem White’s absence, more pressure is on the quarterback to produce with his arms and his legs.
Through 2 games, the Mountaineers have just one passing touchdown. That will likely have to change if West Virginia wants to pull off the upset as home underdogs in the Backyard Brawl. Take the over, and look for Cam Vaughn to be targeted early and often, especially with Jaden Bray now being sidelined for the remainder of the season.
3. 3.5 Touchdown Passes for Eli Holstein
In each of Pitt’s first two games, Eli Holstein has thrown for four touchdowns and one interception. The matchup between Holstein and the WVU secondary will be one to keep an eye on and is featured as one of our five things to watch in the Backyard Brawl. Mountaineer fans would certainly hope for the under here, and 3.5 is a pretty steep line, so that would be a wise choice. Additionally, talented running back Desmond Reid, who is coming off a near 1,000-yard season, is likely poised for more carries, coming in with just 18 rushes. Look for Pitt to get Reid and the ground game going.
4. 11.5 ESPN Broadcast Mentions of the 2007 Backyard Brawl
Just a fun one to end on here – or maybe not so fun for WVU fans, I suppose. Take the over. No further explanation is required.