WVU's Three Keys to Beating Pitt

This week's formula for a Mountaineer victory.

The Backyard Brawl returns to Morgantown for the first time since 2011. Pitt took last year's game at Acrisure Stadium, 38-31.

What will it take for the Mountaineers to get revenge? Here are my three keys to the game.

Hit the ground running

The Pitt Panthers allowed 216 yards on the ground to Cincinnati last week. West Virginia's bread and butter is the run game. There's no need to get cute here. Beating Pitt in the trenches will go a long way in winning the game. I expect a run-heavy approach featuring CJ Donaldson, Jaylen Anderson, Justin Johnson Jr., and QB Garrett Greene. I wouldn't be surprised if Neal Brown runs it 40+ times in this game. Lean on the veteran offensive line and let your backs do what they do in space.

Pressure Phil early and often

The last thing a quarterback who went 10-of-32 the week before wants to see is gold jerseys in his face play after play moments after the ball is snapped. Jordan Lesley knows his secondary is trying to find itself right now, but you can help that unit early in the game by getting after Jurkovec, forcing him to check down or perhaps throw the ball away. If WVU can destroy his confidence in the first few drives of the game, he's going to have a heck of a time trying to find his footing. 

Limit explosive pass plays

It's no secret that Pitt offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr. likes to take shots down the field. To be honest, that's pretty much the backbone of their passing game. There are a lot of deep concepts creating one-on-one opportunities for his guys on the perimeter to make plays. The corners have to be on top of their game, but safety Aubrey Burks has to put a lid on the top.

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