Pittsburgh, West Virginia to renew Backyard Brawl in 2022

Pittsburgh and West Virginia will renew their infamous "Backyard Brawl" football rivalry for at least four games starting in 2022.

Pittsburgh and West Virginia will renew their infamous "Backyard Brawl" football rivalry for at least four games starting in 2022, West Virginia athletic director Shane Lyons announced on Thursday. 

In a university press release, Lyons acknowledged Pittsburgh athletic director Scott Barnes for his help in revitalizing the series, which will run through 2025. The first matchup in the series will take place at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.  

“Scheduling this game was a priority, and I want to thank Pitt Athletic Director Scott Barnes for his commitment to this series, which I believe is great for both schools,” Lyons said. 

Pittsburgh holds a 61-40-3 advantage over West Virginia in the series, however, the Mountaineers have had the upper hand in recent years, winning seven of the last 10 games.

The teams last met in 2011 when both were members of the Big East conference as the Mountaineers came out on top, 21–20. West Virginia is now a member of the Big 12, while Pittsburgh in the ACC. 

The Backyard Brawl is one of the oldest rivalries in all of college football, with the inaugural game being played in 1895. 

The Backyard Brawl is returning | http://t.co/9PGnghRbKD | #HailWV #WVU pic.twitter.com/aiDUqQJX9Y

— Shane Lyons (@LyonsShane_ATH) September 10, 2015

- Alex Nieves