By: Jonathan K. Martin | WV Sports Chat
The Backyard Brawl returns to Milan Puskar Stadium, as the West Virginia Mountaineers (1-1) face off against the Pittsburgh Panthers (2-0) in the 108th chapter of this fierce rivalry.
With Pitt continuing to be favored according to oddsmakers, and boasting a high-powered offense averaging 53 points per game, WVU faces a tough challenge.
However, under head coach Rich Rodriguez, the Mountaineers are hoping to leverage their home-field advantage and the electric “Stripe the Stadium” atmosphere to pull off a win.
Here are three bold predictions for the West Virginia offense vs Pitt.
WVU’s Offensive Line Bounces Back with a Dominant Performance
After a lackluster showing against Ohio, where WVU’s offensive line struggled to protect quarterback Nicco Marchiol (sacked three times) and open consistent running lanes, the unit will rebound emphatically against Pitt.
Expect the offensive line to pave the way for over 200 rushing yards, a stark improvement from their 152 yards against Ohio. They’ll also keep Marchiol clean, allowing fewer than two sacks and giving him time to exploit Pitt’s pass defense. This dominant performance will set the tone for a balanced offensive attack, keeping Pitt’s defense off balance and proving the line’s struggles were an early-season blip.
Cyncir Bowers Steps Up as the Lead Back, Rushing for 100 Yards and a Touchdown
With star running back Jahiem White out for the season due to injury, sophomore Cyncir Bowers is poised to fill the void in a big way. Bowers, who has shown promise in limited action, will seize his opportunity in the Backyard Brawl.
Bowers will break out for over 100 rushing yards, including a highlight-reel run of 30-plus yards, and punch in a crucial touchdown in the red zone. Bowers’ performance will signal his arrival as a key piece of WVU’s backfield, carrying the momentum of this rivalry win into the rest of the season.
Grayson Barnes Has a Monster Game: 7+ Catches, 100+ Yards, and a Touchdown
As one of WVU’s most intriguing offensive addition this offseason, Barnes enters the Brawl with sky-high expectations after a stellar 2024 at Northern Illinois, where he hauled in 31 receptions for 422 yards and five scores as a hybrid tight end-receiver.
In a Mountaineers offense craving reliable targets beyond star wideout Cam Vaughn—especially with Jaden Bray sidelined by injury—Barnes will erupt for at least seven catches, 100 receiving yards, and a touchdown, becoming the unsung hero of WVU’s resurgence.
