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Pitt, West Virginia educating ever-changing rosters on meaning of Backyard Brawl
Pitt, West Virginia educating ever-changing rosters on meaning of Backyard Brawl
Ahead of the 106th meeting in the Backyard Brawl, both Pitt and West Virginia have a first-year head coach and a plenty of new players who have never experienced the Backyard Brawl in person.
When Pat Narduzzi took over at Pitt, he didn't need anyone to explain what the Backyard Brawl meant. He had seen it as an assistant at Michigan State, and he knew the passion that the fans on both sides had for the rivalry.
Neal Brown, on the other hand, is in his first year at West Virginia, and he's had to educate his players on what the Backyard Brawl is all about.
“I think it's important for our players to understand the history of this rivalry,” Brown said. “It's one of the most passionate rivalries in all of college football, and we need to make sure our players are ready for the atmosphere.”
Pitt might have a slight edge in that department. The Panthers have 15 players on their roster who were on the team the last time the two schools played in 2011, while West Virginia has just 10.
But Brown said he's confident that his team will be ready for the challenge.
“We've had a lot of good practices,” Brown said. “Our players are excited about this game, and we're going to be ready to play.”
The Backyard Brawl is one of the most intense rivalries in college football. The two schools are located just 70 miles apart, and the fans on both sides are passionate about their teams.
The game has been played every year since 1895, and the two teams have met 105 times. Pitt holds a 61-40-3 record in the series.
The Backyard Brawl is more than just a football game. It's a cultural event that brings the two states together. The game is a chance for the fans to show their pride in their schools and to celebrate the rivalry.
The Backyard Brawl is a special game for both Pitt and West Virginia. It's a game that means a lot to the fans, and it's a game that the players will never forget.
The 106th Backyard Brawl will be played on September 1, 2023 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.