By: Jonathan K. Martin | WV Sports Chat
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In a Backyard Brawl for the ages, the West Virginia Mountaineers outlasted the Pittsburgh Panthers 31-24 in overtime win at Milan Puskar Stadium. The 108th edition of this storied rivalry – the first to go to overtime since 1997 – saw WVU rally from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit, thanks to a gritty offensive performance under head coach Rich Rodriguez.
Despite early struggles, the Mountaineers’ attack found its rhythm when it mattered most, leaning on key contributions from quarterback Nicco Marchiol, running back Tye Edwards, and tight end Grayson Barnes.
Here are three key offensive takeaways from the win.
Tye Edwards Emerges as the Bell Cow Back, Powering WVU’s Ground Gam
With star running back Jahiem White sidelined for the season due to a knee injury suffered against Ohio the previous week, Tye Edwards stepped into the spotlight and delivered a breakout performance that anchored WVU’s offense.
The senior tailback carried the ball 25 times for 141 yards and punched in three touchdowns, including a decisive 1-yard score in overtime that gave the Mountaineers the lead for good.
Nicco Marchiol’s Clutch Comeback Leadership Ignites the Rally
Quarterback Nicco Marchiol’s journey in this game was a tale of redemption, as the junior was replaced, only to be re-entered and orchestrate the drives that forced overtime and ultimately won the game. After a shaky first half, Marchiol’s poise under pressure highlighted his growth as the starter.
Marchiol completed key passes down the stretch, including a 20-yard strike to Rodney Gallagher that set up a field goal to cut Pitt’s lead to 24-17. But his defining moment came on the game-tying 87-yard touchdown drive, where he displayed perfect clock management to consume the final minutes. Culminating in a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Grayson Barnes with just 11 seconds remaining, Marchiol’s accuracy and decision-making turned a potential loss into a tie.
Tight End Grayson Barnes Proves a Reliable Red-Zone Weapon in the Passing Game
While the run game stole headlines, tight end Grayson Barnes emerged as a crucial safety valve for WVU’s passing attack, particularly in the red zone where his physicality and sure hands made the difference. Barnes caught a short pass from Marchiol for a 2-yard touchdown on the final play of regulation, tying the score at 24-24 and sending the game to overtime.
Barnes recorded five catches for 58 yards and a touchdown.
