Steelers DB Beanie Bishop Enters Chat Ahead of 2024 Backyard Brawl

PITTSBURGH – In only one season as a Mountaineer, Beanie Bishop cemented his place in WVU history thanks to his performance in the Backyard Brawl. And now one year later, and as Bishop is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, he’s as excited as anyone for another edition in the historic rivalry.

Just two days before kickoff of the 107th Backyard Brawl from a stadium Bishop now calls his home field, the former West Virginia All-American shared what he expects from this year’s matchup between WVU and Pitt.

“They have kinda a similar quarterback that they had last year. Obvious, you know, you want to take the game over, get interceptions and force fumbles and things like that. Hopefully he’ll throw a couple,” said Bishop when asked about the Brawl on Thursday.

Former WVU All-American and current Steelers DB Beanie Bishop on the Backyard Brawl:

"They have kinda a similar quarterback that they had last year. Obvious, you know, you want to take the game over, get interceptions and force fumbles and things like that. Hopefully he'll throw…

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) September 12, 2024

Bishop was a big reason why West Virginia claimed revenge for their 2022 loss to Pitt last season. He recorded seven tackles (five solo) in the 17-6 win over the Panthers, but it’s his interception that helped secure the win.

Phil Jurkovec dropped back late in the third quarter for his first pass attempt of the second half, with Pitt trailing 14-6, and made a horrible decision. Former Pitt wide receiver Bub Means was open deep down the sideline, and his teammate Konata Mumpfield was in double coverage nearer. But the pass ended up in the waiting arms of Bishop.

Bishop then blasted former Pitt quarterback Phil Jurkovec during his postgame press conference.

“We knew he wasn’t too good at his job,” said Bishop after game.

WV CB Beanie Bishop runs back an interception versus the Panthers Saturday, Sept. 16. 2023. WVSN photo/Kelsie LeRose

Bishop’s pick was one of three interceptions for the West Virginia defense, a unit that limited Pitt to just 211 yards — 81 passing yards.

Much to the chagrin of WVU and Bishop, the Steelers defensive back won’t be able to play for the Mountaineers this year and help get to Pitt’s current starting quarterback Eli Holstein.

In an interview with Steel City Insider, shared by WVSports.com, Bishop spoke about what still lingers in his mind about his memorable interception and how he feels about Pitt now that he’s in the NFL.

“It should’ve been a house call,” Bishop said of his interception against Pitt. “I got a little winded, but we ended up scoring anyway. I’m glad I was able to do it in the Backyard Brawl because I don’t really like Pitt, for real.”

Bishop declined to give a score prediction, but did add that he hopes it’s “West Virginia a lot, Pitt a little” while laughing.

On Saturday, West Virginia travels to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers in the 2024 Backyard Brawl. Kickoff is set for 3:30 pm ET and the game will air nationally on ESPN2.

For a related story, WV Sports Now’s Mike Asti explains what WVU needs to do to beat Pitt in the 2024 Backyard Brawl.