Storylines to Keep an Eye On for Backyard Brawl Against Pitt

The game everyone has been waiting for since Rich Rodriguez’s return to WVU became official is finally here. Welcome to the 108th Backyard Brawl!

Can Rodriguez get his revenge? Can West Virginia tie the current series of the Backyard Brawl?

Below are the key storylines to keep an eye on when WVU and Pitt battle in the 2025 Backyard Brawl.

Rich Rodriguez Knows Backyard Brawl Is About More Than Just Him

The Backyard Brawl is far more than a rivalry, but it may mean more to WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez than anyone else involved with either program.

For obvious reasons stemming from what happened on Dec. 1, 2007 and his subsequent controversial departure, Rodriguez is THE story surrounding the 108th Backyard Brawl. But knowing his team is in desperate need of a win, Rodriguez attempted to downplay what happened the last time he faced the Panthers.

While fans, and even his former players, are looking for revenge of some sort, Rodriguez just wants a win for his 2025 team. He even joked that most of his players weren’t even born in 2007.

Rich Rodriguez Knows Backyard Brawl Is About More Than Just Him

With that said, he’s also not ignorant to the significance of this matchup, especially considering the rivalry will go on a break for a few years following this season’s game. The Backyard Brawl is set to go on a hiatus until returning to the schedule in 2029 for another series.

“Is it a sore spot when it’s brought up? Yeah…. It was the worst moment of my professional career, from a game standpoint. It would be good to get a win. It won’t ease the pain from that. It will always be there,” Rodriguez offered candidly.

WVU DC Zac Alley Ready for First Backyard Brawl: ‘It’s Going to Be Great’

While Rodriguez is busy getting reacquainted with a very familiar foe, his defensive coordinator is preparing for his first Backyard Brawl. Even though Zac Alley has experienced other rivalries, he knows a West Virginia vs. Pitt matchup will be a beast of a different kind.

And saying Alley is excited is an understatement.

“I’m excited. I’m sure it’s going to be loud and it’s going to be rocking in there. They hate us and we hate them. It’s going to be great.” Alley explained to reporters earlier in the week.

WVU DC Zac Alley Ready for First Backyard Brawl: ‘It’s Going to Be Great’

“I’ve been fortunate, I’ve been a part of a lot of great rivalries. South Carolina, Clemson. Texas, Oklahoma, last year. It’s been fun… and this one is just as big as any of those.”

Oddsmakers Now View West Virginia as Massive Underdog in Backyard Brawl

West Virginia is a massive underdog for Saturday’s Backyard Brawl against Pitt. Despite being the home team, few believe the Mountaineers have a chance to beat their arch rival.

The news of Jahiem White and Jaden Bray suffering season-ending injuries triggered oddsmakers to move the betting line more in Pitt’s direction. The Panthers, who opened the week as a -4.5 favorite, are now at -7.5 on FanDueland -7 on DraftKings, which are pretty significant advantages in favor of a road team in a matchup between two similar Power Four programs.

Kickoff against Pitt is set for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Milan Puskar Stadium.

Find more coverage of the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.