Backyard Brawl in Morgantown
We’re less than 10 days away from one of the classic college football rivalries and the 88th event listed in the 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live. The “Backyard Brawl” between West Virginia and Pittsburgh takes place in
Morgantown this season and will be played under the lights on November 27th, starting at 7:00 pm. This year’s chapter of the “Brawl” pairs the Big East’s second place, 8th ranked overall, Pitt team against the Big East’s third place Mountaineers.
Being played a day after Thanksgiving, on Black Friday, this matchup will be a treat. This will be the 102nd meeting between these two schools who are separated by just over 70 miles. Pitt has owned the rivalry with an all-time record of 61-37-3, but the Mountaineers have done well in recent hitsory winning 12 of the last 19 meetings, including five straight from 1992 to 1996. The last 10 games have been an even split between the two sides.
Two years ago, in the 100th version of the “Backyard Brawl”, the Mountaineers would have earned a trip to the BCS National Championship with a win over Pitt. The Mountaineers, ranked number two in the country at the time, were 28 point favorites over the 4-7 Panthers. Pittsburgh upset West Virginia by a score of 19-15 and ended the Mountaineers’ national title bid. The upset was voted “Game of the Year” by ESPNU. Games like this are what makes rivalries in College Football sp special.
Morgantown is a great place to be in the fall, especially around Thanksgiving. So bring your leftovers and tailgate all day Friday before the “Backyard Brawl”.
Guest post by Rich Santonocito
