Two Winners, Three Losers From Pitt's Loss to West Virginia

There was a lot more bad than good in the Pitt Panthers' loss to West Virginia.

MORGANTOWN -- The Pitt Panthers suffered an embarrassing loss in the Backyard Brawl, falling to West Virginia 17-6 in a deeply dissatisfying loss. 

As a result, Pitt walked away with more to be disappointed in than encouraged by. A new star might have emerged on defense but the offense has deep issues that need to be addressed. 

Winners

Donovan McMillon
McMillon earned his first start as a Panther in the biggest game of the season and did not disappoint, delivering an 18-tackle performance that his team needed every bit of. 

After a strong second half against Cincinnati, McMillon got even better against West Virginia. This was a game that fit his skill set perfectly and with each passing series he is on the field, the  Florida transfer looks more and more comfortable. 

He figures to pair with Javon McIntyre in the starting safety duo at least for next week and likely much longer. 

Shayne Simon
Pitt's captain played like one down in Morgantown. The vocal leader in the middle of the defense helped keep a West Virginia running game with diverse threats in check for the vast majority of the evening and, if the unit hadn't been put in such poor positions by the offense, would have an even more sparkling record. 

Simon recorded just three tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass breakup, but each of his contributions was crucial and his ability to keep the defense rallied late into the game was notable as well. 

Losers

Phil Jurkovec
Jurkovec turned in one of the worst performances by a Pitt quarterback in recent memory on a massive stage, completing just eight of 20 passes for 81 yards and three brutal interceptions. 

He looked nothing like the calm, cool and collected veteran dropback passer, instead appearing overwhelmed by the moment. At no point was the West Virginia secondary, which has not been particularly strong this season or any season of Neal Brown's tenure, intimidated by his arm and for good reason. 

#WVU cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. on #Pitt quarterback Phil Jurkovic:

"We knew he wasn't too good at his job" pic.twitter.com/F86fJWz4yM

— Austin Bechtold (@AustinRBechtold) September 17, 2023

Jurkovec wasn't asked to do much and still found a way to give the game away. His turnovers led directly to 10 game-deciding points and the continued poor play calls his coach's decision to leave him in the game into question. 

Rodney Hammond
Hammond isn't a loser because he played poorly. In fact, he was one of the few things that worked well for the Pitt offense in Morgantown, as he rushed seven times for 41 yards on the opening drive of the game. 

But Hammond was an afterthought for the remainder of the game, touching the ball just seven times over the remaining 52 minutes of game time. 

The running back listed at the top of the depth chart has just three more touches than Daniel Carter and four more than C'Bo Flemister through three games this season. Hammond is listed as the starter, but hasn't been used like one. 

Jason Collier Jr. 
Collier was back in the starting lineup this week after starting right guard B.J. Williams suffered an undisclosed injury in practice and was a clear downgrade. He was blown up far too often when run blocking and his pass protection left a lot to be desired. 

The Panthers expect Williams back next week and that's good news for the offense. Not only will some continuity do them good, but an upgrade in talent will as well. 

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Pitt's Passing Game Woes Continue in Loss to West Virginia

Pitt's Starting LT Leaves Backyard Brawl With Injury

Pitt Loses Starting LB in Backyard Brawl

Donovan McMillon Starts for Pitt Against WVU

Pitt Gets Reserve DT Back for West Virginia Game

Pitt Without Starting RG For Backyard Brawl

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