Pitt Panthers Suffer Overtime Heartbreak in Backyard Brawl Against West Virginia
Morgantown, WV – A late rally forced overtime, but the Pittsburgh Panthers ultimately fell to the West Virginia Mountaineers in a 31-24 defeat Saturday, marking a painful loss in the historic Backyard Brawl. The game, fiercely contested throughout, concluded a chapter in the rivalry that won’t be revisited for nearly a decade.
This outcome halts Pitt’s early season momentum and delivers a significant blow to their aspirations. The loss drops the Panthers to 2-1 on the season and represents a setback in their pursuit of ACC contention. More broadly, the defeat extends West Virginia’s dominance in the series, and concludes regular season matchups between the two programs until 2029.
The Mountaineers forced the extra period after a dramatic sequence in the final moments of regulation. Trailing, West Virginia quarterback Marchiol connected with Barnes for a two-yard touchdown, knotting the score and sending the game into overtime. It was the first overtime clash in the Backyard Brawl since 1997, a game Pitt won 41-38 in three overtimes.
In overtime, West virginia swiftly moved downfield, culminating in a one-yard rushing touchdown by Edwards, giving them a 31-24 advantage. Pitt’s ensuing drive faltered under pressure.Quarterback Holstein faced a one-yard loss, narrowly avoided an interception thanks to a dropped pass by Mountaineers safety Kekoura Tanue, and then endured a costly 13-yard sack. An incomplete pass sealed the Panthers’ fate.
Prior to the dramatic finish, Pitt had secured wins at home against Duquesne (61-9 in Week 1) and central michigan (45-17 in Week 2). However, they were unable to translate that success on the road against their long-standing rivals.
With the win, West Virginia improves its all-time record against Pitt to 63-42-3. The Backyard Brawl, a rivalry steeped in tradition and regional pride, will now enter a hiatus, leaving fans to await the next chapter in 2029.
