Backyard Brawl Takeaways: Pitt Crowd Fuels a Classic

The Pitt Panthers escaped with a win in the Backyard Brawl but have a lot to clean up before next weekend.

PITTSBURGH -- In front of a record-setting crowd, the Pitt Panthers engineered a fourth-quarter comeback for the ages in a 38-31 victory over the West Virginia Mountaineers. 

The No. 17 Panthers failed to cover the 7.5-point spread thanks to porous run defense, boneheaded penalties and some missed opportunities in the passing game. They won and, at the end of the day that's all that matters, but Pitt has a lot of work to do if they want to knock off a talented Tennessee team at home next weekend. 

Crowd Fuels a Classic

The tension had been building for years. Even when they don't meet on the field, the Backyard Brawl is fought on social media and in real life between the fans who create its energy. The swings of emotion - of which there were plenty - could be felt in Acrisure Stadium's shaking press box. 

It was never a doubt that every fan in attendance would be loud and proud all evening but take it from Pitt players who have visited stadiums with capacities 30,000 seats larger - this was different. At times, it was clear that the Panthers let that emotion get to them and it caused some costly penalties that the Mountaineers did well to capitalize on. 

But from a neutral perspective, the first meeting between these storied rivals delivered and the record-setting crowd provided a perfect backdrop to a wild game that will live on in Backyard Brawl lore forever. 

Slovis' Big Game Experience Delivers

Kedon Slovis is no stranger to rivalry games. As a USC Trojan, he's faced plenty of bitter enemies and that experience paid off against West Virginia. 

In the second half, consecutive drives stalled because Slovis was indecisive with the football in his hands. Despite having time, he couldn't find any receivers and the Mountaineer pass rush eventually got home. But the savvy veteran was undeterred and returned to lead a seven-play, 92-yard touchdown drive that tied the game at 31 and set up M.J. Devonshire's game-winning interception. 

It was not the prettiest game of his career, but Slovis delivered when it mattered most. His team had their backs against the wall with time winding down and Slovis helped spark a comeback for the ages. 

Dominant Defensive Line Disappears

The Panthers entered this season with everyone singing the praises of their outstanding defensive line and for good reason. 216 yards is the most Pitt has given up on the ground since the 2019 regular season finale vs. Boston College. The secondary held an explosive passing offense in check for the most part but the front seven was gashed all evening long and at inopportune times.  

Head coach Pat Narduzzi said after the game that he was angry with his defensive line. Stopping the run is not a cliche for him - it's a program pillar. You can be certain that the defense - particularly its front seven - has some rough film sessions coming for them this week. 

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